An efficient in vitro shoot regeneration method from leaf explants of apple cultivars Golden Delicious and Melrose by optimization of regeneration medium, explant type and orientation, dark pre-treatment, and gelling agent is presented. Murashige and Skoog’s regeneration medium containing 22 μM thidiazuron (TDZ) and 1.5 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) (M2 medium) was superior for regeneration as well as for subsequent shoot multiplication in both cultivars, providing regeneration frequency of 95% or higher in the best combination with other factors. Pre-incubation in the dark proved to be an essential factor for regeneration. The use of agar as a gelling agent provides satisfactory regeneration frequency compared with media gelled with Phytagel ^TM . Leaf explants of cv. Melrose with adaxial surface in contact with M2 medium and those of cv. Golden Delicious orientated contrary regenerated the highest mean number of shoots per explant. Under optimal conditions, a maximal index of shoot-forming capacity of 11.44 and 6.30 for ‘Melrose’ and ‘Golden Delicious’, respectively, was achieved. Regenerated shoots were successfully rooted and acclimated ex vitro.