Next Round Takes Shape

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) published the application information for the 2026 round of the New gTLD Program, which will allow organizations to apply to operate new generic top-level domains beyond the familiar .com and .net.

The publication follows the program's established timeline, with ICANN releasing supporting materials including the program schedule for the upcoming application round. The 2026 round marks the second major wave of new gTLDs since the program's first round, which introduced hundreds of new extensions.

What the Publication Covers

The released application details set out the information prospective applicants will submit as part of the 2026 process. ICANN's New gTLD Program materials include a timeline graphic outlining the stages from application through delegation, giving future applicants a reference for how the round will proceed.

The publication is a preparatory measure ahead of the application window; specific application counts, applicant names, or approval outcomes for the 2026 round have not yet been released, as the submission period remains ahead.

Context for the Program

The New gTLD Program is ICANN's mechanism for expanding the domain name system beyond legacy extensions. The first round, launched over a decade ago, added extensions ranging from .app to .shop, and subsequent rounds have been under discussion for years as ICANN refined its policies on competition, consumer protection and security.

The 2026 round's application details being made public signals that ICANN is moving the process forward as scheduled, though the pace of subsequent steps will depend on the program's published timeline.

The claim that ICANN has published the application details for the 2026 round of new generic top-level domains is True.