ICANN Will Launch New gTLD Program in 2026
The organization has outlined the application and evaluation milestones for new web address extensions.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Remote Work
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ICANN has finalized the timeline for its 2026 New gTLD Program, with Reveal Day scheduled for October 7, 2026. This process dictates the formal rollout of new generic top-level domain applications worldwide.
Why it matters
The program allows for the expansion of the internet naming system, providing organizations and businesses new opportunities to secure custom domain extensions. Establishing these milestones provides potential applicants with a clear roadmap for the submission and review process.
Applicants who withdraw by November 27, 2026, qualify for a 65 percent refund of their fees. The upcoming String Evaluation Stage is projected to last for a duration of 180 days.
The players
ICANN
This is the global non-profit organization based in Los Angeles responsible for coordinating the internet's unique identifiers.
The details
The application process includes a specific replacement period for strings between October 8 and October 21, 2026, followed by a String Confirmation Day on November 17, 2026. ICANN will then facilitate a Community Input and Objections Period running from November 17, 2026, through March 16, 2027.
Timeline
Reveal Day for new gTLD applications is October 7, 2026.
The window to switch to replacement strings is October 8, 2026, to October 21, 2026.
String Confirmation Day is set for November 17, 2026.
The deadline to withdraw applications for a 65 percent refund is November 27, 2026.
ICANN offices will be closed from December 19, 2026, to January 4, 2027.
Market Landscape
This rollout updates the structural framework for domain registration by following the precedents set by previous iterations of the New gTLD Program. It positions ICANN as the primary gatekeeper for the next generation of internet real estate.
Businesses and organizations looking to secure custom web addresses must prepare for the October 2026 milestones to ensure eligibility. Failure to meet the November 2026 withdrawal deadline will result in the loss of a significant portion of the application refund.
The takeaway
Potential applicants should prioritize the October 7, 2026, reveal date to ensure they have sufficient time to navigate the string replacement and objection periods. Careful tracking of these administrative deadlines is essential for protecting investment capital during the application process.
What happens next
The Prioritization Draw is scheduled to occur during the first half of 2027, which will determine the order for processing all submitted gTLD applications.
Further reading
For broader context on digital infrastructure and remote industry collaboration, explore the Remote Work section.
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