How to Localize What's New Release Notes for App Store

Why Localized Release Notes Matter

Every app update is a chance to re-engage users. When you localize what's new release notes app store listings, you communicate value to international users and encourage them to stay current.

Yet many developers skip this step, leaving non-English users with confusing or empty release notes. This guide covers how to do it right.

The Impact of Release Notes

User Trust

Localized release notes show you care about international users. They see active development in their language, building confidence in your app.

Update Adoption

Users who understand what's new are more likely to update. Higher adoption means:

• Better App Store ratings (bugs get fixed)
• Reduced support burden (users on latest version)
• Improved engagement metrics

App Store Perception

Active, localized release notes signal a maintained app—both to users and potentially to Apple's algorithms.

Structure for Effective Release Notes

Keep It Scannable

Users don't read release notes carefully. Use:

• Short bullet points
• Clear categories (NEW, IMPROVED, FIXED)
• Front-loaded important information

English Example

"What's New in Version 3.5:

NEW

• Smart reminders that learn your schedule

• Dark mode support across all screens

IMPROVED

• Faster app launch (50% quicker!)

• Smoother scrolling in long lists

FIXED

• Fixed crash when editing recurring tasks

• Resolved sync issues with iCloud"

Localization Approach by Market

German (de-DE)

German users appreciate thoroughness and precision.

"Neu in Version 3.5:

NEU

• Intelligente Erinnerungen, die Ihren Zeitplan lernen

• Dunkelmodus auf allen Bildschirmen

VERBESSERT

• Schnellerer App-Start (50% schneller!)

• Flüssigeres Scrollen in langen Listen

BEHOBEN

• Absturz beim Bearbeiten wiederkehrender Aufgaben behoben

• Synchronisierungsprobleme mit iCloud gelöst"

Tips:

• Be specific about improvements
• Include technical details if relevant
• Professional, formal tone

Japanese (ja)

Japanese users expect polite, clear communication.

"バージョン3.5の新機能：

新機能

• スケジュールを学習するスマートリマインダー

• 全画面でダークモードに対応

改善

• アプリの起動が50%高速化

• 長いリストでのスクロールがよりスムーズに

修正

• 繰り返しタスク編集時のクラッシュを修正

• iCloudとの同期問題を解決"

Tips:

• Use polite forms
• Keep it concise (Japanese is compact)
• Technical accuracy matters

French (fr-FR)

French users appreciate clear organization and quality focus.

"Nouveautés de la version 3.5 :

NOUVEAU

• Rappels intelligents qui s'adaptent à votre emploi du temps

• Mode sombre sur tous les écrans

AMÉLIORATIONS

• Lancement de l'app 50% plus rapide

• Défilement plus fluide dans les longues listes

CORRECTIONS

• Correction du plantage lors de l'édition des tâches récurrentes

• Résolution des problèmes de synchronisation iCloud"

Tips:

• Proper French punctuation (space before colons)
• Quality-focused language
• Clear categorization

Spanish (es-ES)

Spanish markets appreciate friendly, clear updates.

"Novedades en la versión 3.5:

NUEVO

• Recordatorios inteligentes que aprenden tu horario

• Modo oscuro en todas las pantallas

MEJORAS

• Inicio de la app 50% más rápido

• Desplazamiento más fluido en listas largas

CORRECCIONES

• Solucionado el fallo al editar tareas recurrentes

• Resueltos los problemas de sincronización con iCloud"

Tips:

• Friendly but professional tone
• Clear structure
• Regional variants (es-MX) may differ slightly

Templates for Common Scenarios

Feature Update Template

"[NEW/NEU/NOUVEAU]

• [Main feature benefit]

• [Secondary feature]

[IMPROVED/VERBESSERT/AMÉLIORATIONS]

• [Performance improvement]

• [UX improvement]

[FIXED/BEHOBEN/CORRECTIONS]

• [Bug fix]

• [Issue resolution]"

Minor Update Template

"[Version X.X]

• [Bug fix 1]

• [Bug fix 2]

• [Performance improvement]

Thank you for your feedback! / Danke für Ihr Feedback! / Merci pour vos retours !"

Major Update Template

"[MAJOR UPDATE/GROßES UPDATE/MISE À JOUR MAJEURE]

[Brief exciting intro sentence]

[NEW FEATURES]

• [Feature 1 with benefit]

• [Feature 2 with benefit]

• [Feature 3 with benefit]

[IMPROVEMENTS]

• [List key improvements]

[Bug fixes and performance improvements]"

Best Practices

Do: Maintain Consistency

Use the same structure across all locales. Users learn to scan your format.

Do: Prioritize User Value

Lead with what users care about. "Faster performance" before "Internal code refactoring."

Do: Be Specific

"Fixed crash when editing tasks" is better than "Bug fixes."

Don't: Machine Translate

Release notes may seem simple, but awkward translations look bad. Use quality localization.

Don't: Copy English

"Bug fixes and performance improvements" as your only text—in every language, every update—signals neglect.

Don't: Over-Promise

Don't claim "massive improvements" for minor updates. Users notice.

Workflow Integration

Efficient Process

• Write English release notes first
• Identify what needs localization vs. what's technical
• Localize simultaneously with development
• Review before submission

Automation Options

For frequent updates, consider:

• Template-based release notes with variable insertion
• Tools that handle release note localization
• Integration with your CI/CD pipeline

Character Limit

What's New allows 4,000 characters per locale—rarely a constraint. Use the space you need, but don't pad.

Measuring Impact

Track update adoption rates by locale:

• Higher update rates suggest effective communication
• Low rates may indicate unclear or missing release notes
• Compare localized vs. non-localized markets

Common Mistakes

Quick Start

For your next release:

• Write clear, scannable English release notes
• Localize for your top 5 markets
• Use consistent structure across languages
• Submit with your app update
• Monitor update adoption by market

Localized release notes take minimal effort but demonstrate commitment to your international users. Each update is a chance to communicate value—don't waste it with empty or English-only notes.