ICANN is opening its second-ever round of new generic top-level domain (gTLD) applications — the first since the landmark 2012 round that created over 1,200 new TLDs like .app, .blog, .shop, and .dev. The application window runs from April 30 to August 12, 2026.
What’s Happening
The 2012 round was the biggest expansion of the DNS namespace in internet history. It received 1,930 applications and ultimately delegated over 1,200 new TLDs. This 2026 round is expected to be even larger.
The Applicant Guidebook was published on December 16, 2025, and lays out the rules for applying.
Key Changes from 2012
- Closed generics are prohibited — You can’t apply for a generic term (like .cloud) and restrict it solely to your own organization.
- Private contention deals are banned — No more backroom payments to competing applicants. Unresolved contention goes to an ICANN-run auction.
- Replacement strings allowed — Applicants can include an alternative TLD string and switch to it at no cost if they end up in a contention set.
- Expanded IDN support — Internationalized Domain Names in over two dozen scripts representing 300+ languages.
Who Should Care
- Brands — A .brand TLD gives complete control over your namespace (e.g., products.nike).
- Cities and communities — Geographic and cultural TLDs (e.g., .berlin, .tokyo) create local identity.
- DNS hosting providers — New TLDs mean new infrastructure demands, new DNSSEC requirements, and new customers. HostDNS is ready to support new gTLDs with enterprise-grade DNS infrastructure.
- Domain investors — New namespace means new opportunities (and new risks).
Timeline
- December 2025 — Applicant Guidebook published
- April 30, 2026 — Application window opens
- August 12, 2026 — Application window closes
- 2027+ — Evaluation, contention resolution, and delegation
If you’re considering applying, start preparing now. The application process is complex and the evaluation is rigorous. Whether you’re launching a new TLD or registering domains under one, reliable DNS hosting is essential.
Sources: ICANN 2026 Round, CircleID, FairWinds