New gTLD Program: Replacement Strings?

In the New gTLD Program: 2026 Round, ICANN introduced "Replacement Strings" as a major policy update to help applicants avoid "string contention" (when two or more parties apply for the same or visually similar domain names).

Instead of being forced into a costly auction or community priority evaluation, you now have a "safety valve" to switch your choice if you see a conflict.

How it Works

1. Selection: When you submit your initial application (expected window: April 30, 2026 – August 12, 2026), you can designate a secondary "Replacement String" alongside your primary choice.
2. Reveal Day: Once the application window closes, ICANN publishes all applied-for strings (primary and replacement) on "Reveal Day" (projected for October 2026).
3. The 14-Day Window: After Reveal Day, you have exactly 14 days to assess the competition. If you see that your primary choice is in a contention set, you can choose to swap it for your pre-selected replacement string.
4. Irreversibility: If you trigger the switch, it is permanent. You cannot go back to your original choice, even if the replacement string later faces its own contention issues.