Prepare for the Next Generation of ArcGIS Survey123
January 8, 2026 2026-01-09 7:48Prepare for the Next Generation of ArcGIS Survey123
A New Era for Survey123 Arriving in 2026
For years, ArcGIS Survey123 has been a trusted tool for organizations that depend on smart forms and reliable field data collection. From environmental monitoring to asset inspections, Survey123 has supported countless workflows by helping teams collect accurate data efficiently.
As technology advances and user expectations evolve, Survey123 is ready to take a significant leap forward.
Last June, we announced that the Survey123 team is building a next-generation Survey123 field app. Designed with a modern, intuitive experience in mind, this new app will make data collection faster, simpler, and more powerful than ever. This is more than an update, it’s a reimagining of how Survey123 supports today’s workflows while preparing for the future. As we move closer to release, now is the time to get ready for what’s coming.
Why a Next-Generation Survey123?
The vision for the next generation of Survey123 is driven by you – our users. Your feedback highlighted what works well, where improvements are needed, and what field teams require to succeed. We heard your requests for easier onboarding, improved mapping tools, and smarter ways to manage complex surveys.
At the same time, we recognized the need to align with modern technology standards and deliver a more streamlined, intuitive user experience.
What’s New in the Next Generation of Survey123
While the new field app introduces a refreshed design, the improvements go far beyond appearance. Our focus has been on usability, performance, and advanced capabilities that support both simple and complex workflows.
Key highlights include:
- A simplified onboarding experience to help new users get started quickly
- Enhanced mapping capabilities, including support for custom projections and custom web maps
- Advanced input support, such as Apple Pencil
- Light and dark mode support in both the Survey123 field app and Survey123 Connect
- A refreshed user experience aligned with modern ArcGIS applications
- And much more to come
Tabular View for Repeats: A Game-Changing Feature
One of the most anticipated enhancements is the new tabular view for repeat questions—the number one requested feature on Esri Ideas for Survey123.
For surveys that include repeated entries, such as inspections, inventories, or multi-part questionnaires, managing data can be challenging. The new tabular view addresses this by organizing repeated responses in a clean, spreadsheet-style layout. Users can easily review, edit, and add entries while maintaining full context.
With the ability to edit repeat questions in either form view or tabular view, field teams can work more efficiently, reduce errors, and improve productivity. Users can also quickly copy existing records, saving time and ensuring consistency. This enhancement significantly elevates the field data collection experience for high-volume workflows.
Roadmap and Migration Support
We understand that transitioning to a new app can feel overwhelming, which is why migration flexibility is a top priority.
When the next-generation Survey123 is released, it will not automatically replace Survey123 Classic. Both apps will be available during a transition period and can run side by side on the same device. This approach allows organizations to migrate at their own pace without disrupting ongoing operations.
A public beta launched in September 2025, and the feedback so far has been invaluable. The first official release is planned for Q1 2026, followed by quarterly updates. Each release will move closer to full feature parity with the current app while continuing to introduce new capabilities.
Migration tools will help assess readiness and simplify updates to existing surveys. Throughout this process, our Early Adopter Community will continue to play a vital role in feedback and collaboration.
Looking Ahead
The next generation of Survey123 is just the beginning. Future plans include deeper integration with ArcGIS QuickCapture for unified workflows, AI-powered data collection capabilities, and enhanced support for GNSS receivers.
Get Involved
Interested in experiencing the future of Survey123? Join the beta program and explore the next generation firsthand.
We’re also hosting a beta testing event in January, and we’d love for you to participate. Sign up by completing the registration survey and help shape the future of form-centric field data collection.
Together, we’re building the next chapter of ArcGIS Survey123.
Stay tuned for more updates—and get ready to experience the future of field data collection.
