Xcode 26 – Organizer does not show “App Store Connect” for watchOS standalone app (only Release Testing available)

Hello,

I am trying to upload a watchOS standalone app to App Store Connect using Xcode 26.3, but Organizer does not show the “App Store Connect” upload option. It only displays: • Release Testing (Ad Hoc) • Enterprise • Debugging

Project setup • Target type: watchOS App (standalone, not companion) • PRODUCT_TYPE = com.apple.product-type.application • PRODUCT_BUNDLE_PACKAGE_TYPE = APPL • WRAPPER_EXTENSION = app • SUPPORTED_PLATFORMS = watchos watchsimulator • Archive configuration: Release • Base SDK: watchOS

The app does not depend on iOS.

Bundle ID

Originally:

com.example.app.watchkitapp

Recreated as:

com.example.app

HealthKit capability enabled in: • Developer Portal • Xcode (Signing & Capabilities)

Signing • Apple Distribution certificate active • App Store provisioning profile created • Manual signing configured for Release (Apple Distribution + App Store profile) • Also tested Automatic signing • Deleted old Ad Hoc profiles • Cleared Derived Data and regenerated archive

App Store Connect • App created successfully using bundle ID com.example.app • Account role: Account Holder • No pending Agreements, Tax, or Banking items

Despite a valid Release archive signed with Apple Distribution, Organizer only allows Ad Hoc distribution and never shows “App Store Connect”.

Is this a known issue in Xcode 26 affecting independent watchOS apps, or is there an additional configuration step required?

Thank you.

Xcode 26 – Organizer does not show “App Store Connect” for watchOS standalone app (only Release Testing available)
 
 
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