New Domain Extensions: ICANN Publishes 1,615 Applications for the 2026 gTLD Round

The new application round for generic top-level domains demonstrates significant interest in operating dedicated domain extensions. From the perspective of eco - Association of the Internet Industry, it opens up new opportunities for innovation, competition and digital branding strategies. However, in terms of geographical and linguistic diversity, participation falls short of expectations.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) published the applications for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) on 7 October 2026. According to the non-profit organisation, it received a total of 1,615 applications, including 333 for brand-related domain extensions. This means the number of applications is below the level seen in the last major application round in 2012, when ICANN recorded 1,930 applications. The publication reveals which organisations wish to operate new extensions in future. However, no decision has yet been made on their approval.

"Generic domain extensions such as .info or .shop can indicate specific topics, sectors or services, thereby helping users find their way online. The new application round offers the opportunity to make this namespace more diverse," explains Thomas Rickert, Director of the Names & Numbers Forum at eco. In his view, the applications received show that numerous registry operators continue to see potential in expanding the domain namespace.

Broader participation remains a challenge

Alongside traditional generic extensions, branded extensions play an important role. The 333 applications for brand TLDs show that companies continue to regard their own domain extensions as part of their digital brand strategy. eco would welcome greater diversity in terms of geography and language: 16 applications come from Africa, and eleven from Latin America and the Caribbean. Only 21 applications relate to internationalised domain extensions. "With a view to Universal Acceptance - that is, a more diverse and multilingual Internet - we would have been delighted to see even more applications from different regions," says Rickert.

New domain extensions create opportunities for companies

Having their own top-level domain can enable companies to shape their digital identity consistently and to manage the allocation of domain names within their own namespace in a targeted manner. Controlled registration procedures also allow them to implement their own security and quality requirements. For companies, this opens up additional opportunities to clearly associate digital offerings with their brand and to take a long-term strategic approach to managing their Internet addresses.

However, operating a dedicated domain extension involves technical, organisational and financial requirements. In addition to developing a viable domain strategy, companies must, in particular, ensure reliable registry operations, compliance with ICANN requirements and long-term financing. This is where the specialised domain industry plays a key role. Experienced registry service providers, technical service providers and consultancy firms support applicants in meeting the requirements for operating their own top-level domain.

Next steps: What happens next

Initially, from 8 to 21 October 2026, applicants may, subject to certain conditions, switch to an alternative extension already specified in their application. On 17 November 2026, "String Confirmation Day", ICANN will publish the confirmed list of applied-for extensions and update the overview of competing applications.

This marks the start of the public comment and formal objection phase. This runs until 16 March 2027 and enables the ICANN community and other stakeholders to comment on the applications. A lottery is also planned for the first half of 2027. This will determine the order in which applications and competing applications are processed following the completion of the review of the applied-for extensions. ICANN intends to announce the dates for subsequent review stages and the resolution of competing applications separately.

eco supports companies in the introduction of new domain extensions

As the Association of the Internet Industry, eco has been supporting the further development of the Domain Name System for many years and contributes the industry's perspective to international discussions at ICANN. With the Names & Numbers Forum, eco has an established platform for exchange between registries, registrars, technical service providers and other stakeholders in the domain industry. eco members manage around 70 per cent of the world's Internet addresses. The new gTLD round also opens up additional business opportunities for these companies. At the same time, applicants can benefit from the technical and operational experience of the established domain industry.

With the eco's New gTLD Provider Directory, the eco Association provides a practical source of information and guidance. The directory makes it easier for companies and organisations to access experienced service providers for registry operations, backend services, hosting and consultancy. In this way, eco supports both potential operators of new domain extensions and the companies that contribute their technical expertise to the secure and reliable operation of the Domain Name System.

The role of ICANN

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is an independent, non-profit organisation founded in 1998. It coordinates the globally unique identifiers of the Internet, including domain names and IP addresses, thereby contributing to a stable and secure Domain Name System. Its rules are developed through dialogue between the technical community, industry, policymakers, academia and civil society. eco also supports ICANN's work as a leading voice of the Internet industry.