The New gTLD programme begins. No longer theoretical.
This is the moment many in the industry have been waiting for. ICANN has formally confirmed that the next round of the New gTLD Program is no longer stuck in policy limbo. With the final Applicant Guidebook now published, the debate phase is over and execution has begun.
In practical terms, this means the rules are locked in. There’s no more guessing whether the round will proceed or what shape it might take. If you have ever seriously considered applying for a new gTLD, this is the signal that the starting gun has fired.
See their 16 December press release for further information.
Applications expected to open 30 April 2026
ICANN has confirmed that applications are expected to open on 30 April 2026. On the surface, that can feel comfortably distant. In reality, it isn’t.
Anyone who lived through the 2012 round knows that credible applications were the result of months, often years, of preparation. Registry partnerships, internal decision-making, trademark strategy, funding approvals, and governance models all take time to put in place. By the time the window opens, it will already be too late to start asking fundamental questions.
A good rule of thumb is simple, if you are not planning now, you are not applying.
The Applicant Guidebook is final
The publication of the Applicant Guidebook is the most important part of this announcement. This document is not guidance, it is the rulebook.
It defines who can apply, how strings are evaluated, how objections and disputes work, and what obligations apply once a TLD is delegated. Crucially, it also signals that there is very little room for late change. Applicants will be assessed against these requirements, not against intentions or future plans.
For organisations considering a .brand or another strategic string, this is the point where the discussion needs to move from “should we?” to “can we meet these requirements?”
See the latest application handbook here: https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en
This round is more controlled than 2012
ICANN has been clear that this round will not be a repeat of 2012. The tone is noticeably different.
There is a stronger focus on operational maturity, financial stability, and long-term compliance. This is a direct response to what followed the last round, a mix of well-run TLDs alongside others that struggled with abuse, weak governance, or unclear purpose.
The message is subtle but firm. This round is designed for serious, well-prepared operators. The barrier to entry is intentionally higher, and that is unlikely to change.
If you are interested, now is the time
If you are interested in the next New gTLD Round, now is the time to start getting organised. The rules are set, the expectations are clear, and the lead time required to prepare a credible application is significant. Whether the answer is yes or no, making that decision early will put you in a far stronger position than waiting for the application window to open and trying to catch up.
Learn more about new gtld programme today
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