iOS 17: New Features for App and Web Developers

Attention all app and web developers! The wait is over as Apple’s highly anticipated mobile operating system, iOS 17, has finally arrived. With its release on September 12, 2023, iOS 17 is packed with new features, it’s your ticket to take your development skills to the next level.

Whether a pro or a newbie, these tools and enhancements will enrich your app and web journey. Discover iOS 17’s potential to transform your application creation and optimization. Embrace endless possibilities now!

iOS 17 Innovations: Spotlighting the Features that Matter

Live Voicemail

Live Voicemail revolutionizes user interaction with Visual Voicemail, enabling mailbox access through a message list instead of dialing a number. iOS 17 brings real-time transcription of voicemails on the Lock Screen. This functionality is compatible with any iPhone running iOS 17, albeit exclusively in the US and Canada.

3D Reactions in FaceTime

iOS 17 introduces numerous enhancements to FaceTime, including the ability to leave video messages for missed calls. Moreover, novel 3D reactions respond to hand gestures with effects like hearts, confetti, and fireworks. However, these innovations necessitate an iPhone 12 or later.

FaceTime on Apple TV

Through the synergy of iOS 17 and tvOS 17, users can seamlessly link their iPhone to the Apple TV for expansive FaceTime conversations. This capability extends to all iPhone models running iOS 17 but demands a second-generation Apple TV 4K (2021) or a more recent iteration.

NameDrop

The iOS 17 feature, NameDrop, facilitates contact sharing by simply placing iPhones in proximity. While available for all iPhone models using iOS 17, it’s also compatible with Apple Watch Series 6 and later.

Improved Autocorrect

In iOS 17, machine learning elevates autocorrect precision by analyzing typing patterns. Altered words are momentarily highlighted, allowing swift reversion to the original term with a tap. This functionality caters to iPhone 12 and later models, limited to specific languages.

Keyboard Predictions

Another novel keyboard aspect is inline predictions during typing. The system forecasts and auto-completes words or phrases with a tap of the space bar. This enhancement is constrained to iPhone 12 and later models, currently supporting only English.

AirPods Adaptive Audio and Faster Automatic Switching

Upgrades in AirPods encompass Adaptive Audio, harmonizing Transparency, and Active Noise Cancellation as per surroundings. This innovation applies without device restrictions but is exclusive to second-generation AirPods Pro. The same parameters apply to Faster Automatic Switching.

Press to Mute and Unmute on AirPods

Press to Mute & Unmute

During calls, AirPods users can now mute or unmute by pressing the stem. This functionality extends to third-generation AirPods and both AirPods Pro generations, as well as AirPods Max through the Digital Crown.

New ‘Siri’ Command

iOS 17, macOS 14, and related updates usher in a new “Siri” command paradigm. Users can interact with the virtual assistant without uttering “Hey Siri.” This advancement pertains to any iPhone with iOS 17, but only in English. It’s compatible with second-generation AirPods Pro as well.

StandBy Mode

iOS 17 introduces StandBy mode, presenting full-screen widgets when an iPhone is horizontally placed and charging. This function is available across all iPhones with iOS 17, while the iPhone 14 Pro offers an always-on display variation.

What Fresh for Apple Developers

Explore the latest software development kits (SDKs) for Apple platforms and acquaint yourself with the remarkable technologies and exciting capabilities they offer.

The introduction of these groundbreaking features in iOS 17 will undoubtedly have a profound impact on both app and web developers alike. These features furnish developers with fresh tools and capabilities necessary for creating dynamic, engaging ios applications.

Xcode

Enhance your app development process with Xcode’s upgraded features. Experience improved code completion, interactive previews, and live animations, speeding up both coding and design tasks. Benefit from Git staging, enabling seamless commits without leaving your code environment.

Enjoy a redesigned test reporting system that includes video recording for better diagnostics. Streamline deployment to TestFlight and the App Store through Xcode Cloud.

Swift

The Swift language introduces new expressive and intuitive APIs with macros. Swift and C++ code interoperability allow seamless integration of Swift in C++ projects. The latest version includes various enhancements such as improved compiler performance for result builders, faster JSON encoding and decoding, and enhanced support for generics.

SwiftUI

SwiftUI remains the optimal choice for creating modern user interfaces across all Apple platforms. This year, SwiftUI adds support for more intricate animations with phases and keyframes. Simplify and improve data flow between views with the new Observable annotation. Widgets are now interactive and function on various platforms, including StandBy, iPad Lock Screen, and the Mac desktop.

SwiftData

Introducing SwiftData, a novel framework for data management within apps. Define models using regular Swift code, eliminating the need for custom editors. SwiftData offers automatic relationship management, undo/redo functionality, iCloud synchronization, and more. Integration with SwiftUI ensures data availability and up-to-date views.

Widgets and Live Activities

Widgets gain additional power and reach with WidgetKit. Build interactive and animated widgets for increased engagement. After updating to iOS 17, your widgets will seamlessly adapt to various platforms, including StandBy on iPhone, iPad Lock Screen, and the Mac desktop.

SwiftUI optimizes widget colour and spacing based on context, enhancing its versatility. Live Activities, created with WidgetKit and ActivityKit, provide real-time information on iPad’s Lock Screen.

App Shortcuts

Implement App Shortcuts to spotlight your app’s key features in Spotlight searches. An improved design facilitates the effortless execution of app shortcuts, with added natural language capabilities for voice activation. The redesigned Shortcuts app simplifies the discovery and execution of key features in a unified location.

Metal

Metal remains at the forefront of hardware-accelerated graphics on Apple platforms. Its low-overhead API, advanced shading language, and GPU profiling tools make it a powerhouse. The new game porting toolkit and Metal shader converter facilitate bringing games to the Mac.

Machine Learning

Core ML

Enhancements to Core ML ensure faster model loading and inference. The new Async Prediction API simplifies interactive ML-powered experiences, optimizing hardware utilization. Utilize the Core ML Tools optimization module to compress and optimize models for Apple hardware. Tools like weight pruning, quantization, and palletization retain accuracy during compression.

Create ML

Build custom models with Create ML, leveraging Apple’s visual feature extractors for images and multilingual transformer-based embeddings for text. Multilabel classification, interactive model evaluation, and APIs for custom training data augmentations make image content understanding easier.

Machine Learning APIs

Advanced Vision framework APIs provide image segmentation, animal body pose detection, and 3D human body pose using depth information. VisionKit integrates Visual Lookup and subject-lifting experiences into your app. The Natural Language framework employs transformer-based embedding models to enhance multilingual text comprehension.

The Speech framework allows custom vocabulary for speech recognition, personalizing user experiences.

SharePlay

SharePlay enables rich, real-time experiences while connecting through FaceTime and Messages. AirDrop in iOS 17 facilitates instant shared activities with any app supporting SharePlay. A new FaceTime share menu and UI simplify app discovery in iOS and iPadOS. SharePlay-enabled apps now efficiently transfer large files within sessions.

Maps

Integrate Maps into your apps seamlessly with MapKit for SwiftUI. Maps Snapshots offer optimized camera and pitch controls, enhancing map views for users.

In-app purchase

Creating secure in-app purchase and subscription experiences across Apple platforms is easier than ever with StoreKit Views. Display service descriptions, prices, and durations clearly to users with minimal code. Take advantage of updates to the App Store Server API and StoreKit testing enhancements.

App Privacy Details

App privacy details are now easier to provide, including Privacy Nutrition Labels and software supply chain integrity. Third-party SDK signatures and privacy manifests enhance accuracy. Additional data type options enhance the Privacy Nutrition Label’s description of collected data.

Wallet and Apple Pay

Enable secure fund transfers from stored balances to eligible Wallet cards with PKDisbursementRequest. Verify IDs on mobile devices using the Tap to Present ID on iPhone API, no extra hardware is required.

TestFlight

Enhance beta testing in TestFlight with improved tester management capabilities, offering better insights into tester engagement and installed devices.

Notifications

The new Push Notifications Console simplifies sending test notifications via the Apple Push Notification Service (APNs). Access logs for delivery insights and generate and validate tokens with provided tools.

Game Center

Game Center multiplayer matches improve through customizable matchmaking rules and achievement rarity tracking. Enhanced tools and APIs simplify achievements and leaderboard management.

SF Symbols

SF Symbols 5 introduces animated icons, over 700 new symbols, and enhanced custom symbol tools.

Passkeys

Share passwords and passkeys from iCloud Keychain with trusted contacts. Password manager apps can save and offer passkeys on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.

TipKit

Educate users effectively with TipKit, providing contextual tips with customizable templates. Improve user understanding of app features and manage tip frequency.

ShazamKit

ShazamKit’s updated APIs make audio recognition easier and offer music discoveries directly within your app.

Accessibility

Assistive Access improves technology accessibility for users with cognitive disabilities. Cutting-edge speech synthesis, enhanced accessibility APIs, and UI framework advancements enable richer, more inclusive experiences.

tvOS Enhancements

Incorporate live camera and microphone feeds into tvOS apps, enhancing conferencing and gameplay experiences. SwiftUI and UIKit customization options provide better app functionality. Web apps can be added to Mac Docks and Home Screens for easy access.

CarPlay

CarPlay enhancements include improved integration with vehicle systems and wireless connectivity advancements.

Key Insights for App and Web Developers

When adapting applications for iOS 17, app and web developers should keep a few essential tips in mind:

• Thorough testing is vital for iOS 17 adaptation, ensuring compatibility and smooth performance.
• Leverage iOS 17’s new features to enhance user experience, integrating APIs and frameworks.
• Adhere to Apple’s guidelines for compliance and smoother app review.
• Gather user feedback for continuous improvement and better user experience.
• Stay updated with developer guidelines and best practices for a seamless adaptation process.

How does iOS 17 impact app and web developers?

iOS 17 introduces groundbreaking features, such as Live Voicemail, 3D Reactions in FaceTime, and innovative tools like SwiftData, enhancing the development process. With improvements in Xcode, Swift, SwiftUI, and machine learning capabilities, developers can create dynamic and engaging applications, embracing the evolution of iOS development.

Summing Up

iOS 17’s remarkable features are tailor-made for app and web developers, propelling their creations to new heights. The array of enhancements, from testing to user engagement, underscores the importance of staying updated with best practices.

As the iOS landscape evolves, it’s crucial for developers to harness these advancements. To leverage these opportunities, Codiant offers a dedicated team of skilled iOS developers.

If you’re seeking to capitalize on iOS 17’s potential and create exceptional applications, act now and partner with Codiant’s experts. Elevate your development journey and deliver outstanding user experiences with our seasoned iOS developers by your side.