Abstract: Aluminum alloys are widely used in the field of lightweight because of the low density, excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. In order to further improve the dynamic service performance of aluminum alloys, submicron precipitated phases are usually introduced into aluminum alloys, and the morphology, distribution, number density and size of submicron phases are the key to improve the performance of aluminum alloys. The development of common submicron precipitation phases in aluminum alloys in China and foreign countries was summarized, including α-Al(FeMn)Si, α-Al(FeMnCr)Si and Zr-containing submicron precipitation phases, the characteristics of these submicron precipitation phases in aluminum alloys as well as the strengthening mechanism were described, how to obtain the fine and diffuse submicron precipitation phases through heat treatment regulation was explained, and finally the future research directions of submicron precipitation phases in aluminum alloys was prospected.