Jane Bondar, Mobile Development Lead at NIX 

As we venture into the future of mobile technology, the landscape of user expectations is evolving at an unprecedented pace. The next generation of users is not just looking for faster, more secure digital solutions—they are seeking experiences that seamlessly integrate into their lives and resonate with their values. This new era demands a reimagining of what mobile apps can be, pushing the boundaries of innovation and user engagement.

In this article, we will explore these transformative trends in iOS development, offering insights into how they will shape the apps of tomorrow and what developers need to embrace to stay at the forefront of innovation. As we look ahead, it’s clear that the future of mobile apps is bright and full of potential, driven by a new generation of users who are eager for technology that is as smart, intuitive, and responsible as they are.

Focus on Swift and SwiftUI

Swift remains the primary language for iOS development, and Apple continues to enhance its capabilities with regular updates. However, the language is no longer changing as dramatically as it did in the past.

SwiftUI is Apple’s latest framework for creating user interfaces. It uses a declarative approach, making development faster and code easier to understand and less error-prone. With a unified codebase for all Apple platforms, SwiftUI ensures consistency across different devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, and others).

Each year, applications are increasingly being built with SwiftUI. However, it's important to note that this is a relatively young framework and it sometimes undergoes significant changes. Apple traditionally releases a new version of this framework every year, each more powerful, reliable, and refined. With each update come additional elements and features that simplify development. Therefore, it is recommended to use the latest stable versions of SwiftUI, supported from iOS 16 onwards.

If you haven’t yet worked with SwiftUI, now is the time to get acquainted. For developers interested in learning the framework independently, the following resources are useful:

• Apple Developer: Apple’s official documentation with example code.
• Ray Wenderlich: Known for comprehensive tutorials and courses.
• **Hacking with Swift: **Free learning materials and an active developer community.
• SwiftUI Lab: Advanced tutorials on SwiftUI.

Augmented Reality (AR) and ARKit

Augmented Reality (AR) is no longer just an interesting novelty; it is a trend rapidly gaining traction within the Apple ecosystem. The ARKit framework is a key tool for creating AR-based applications for iOS. It combines virtual objects with the real environment using the camera, sensors, and computing capabilities of the smartphone for tasks such as motion tracking or facial expression changes.

Integrating AR into regular business applications is becoming more common, making knowledge of ARKit a valuable and relevant skill.

The release of Vision Pro marks a significant milestone in AR development. With its advanced spatial computing capabilities and high-resolution displays, Vision Pro takes AR to new heights, offering users a deeply immersive experience that blends digital and physical worlds. As Vision Pro continues to evolve, users are now expecting applications to provide not just enhanced visual experiences, but also interactions that are more intuitive and integrated into their daily lives. Keep an eye out for updates and educational materials on this topic, and discuss within your team whether your product is ready to transition to this new platform from both a business and technical perspective.

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Machine learning has become a central component of many modern mobile applications. Apple's Core ML framework makes it easy to integrate powerful ML models into iOS apps. With this framework, you can use pre-trained machine learning models for various tasks (image analysis, speech command processing, and more).

**Create ML **provides a user-friendly platform for building custom ML models without requiring deep expertise in machine learning. The tool is integrated directly into Xcode and allows using Swift as the primary programming language. Understanding these tools opens up possibilities for creating smarter and more responsive applications.

Developers should also pay attention to AI assistants, which can significantly enhance productivity. Although these tools are still emerging, they promise great potential for growth and efficiency improvements in the future.

Privacy and Security

The volume of personal data on mobile devices is growing, as are user expectations regarding privacy and security. Therefore, developers must focus on coding security standards and various data protection strategies. No single method alone can ensure adequate security. Achieving a secure app requires layering various approaches and methods, such as data encryption, App Transport Security (ATS), passwordless authentication, and more.

This trend is reinforced by regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe or the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the U.S., which set standards for data protection and user privacy. Developers need to understand the implications of implementing these regulations in mobile apps based on their geographic location.

Cross-Platform Development Tools

The emergence of cross-platform development tools has been a great opportunity for native developers to expand their horizons and create apps for both iOS and Android from a single codebase. The constantly growing popularity of frameworks like Flutter and React Native confirms this trend.

Proficiency in Flutter and React Native enhances a developer’s competitiveness and expands the range of projects they can engage with.

Although these frameworks are powerful and continuously evolving, they are not used in every project. Some apps, especially those relying on native platform features or with specific UI requirements, are still better developed natively. It is important to strategically choose the right tool for each project.

Inclusivity in iOS Apps

More and more developers want to make their products accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Inclusivity in development is a broad topic. However, for a basic understanding of this area, developers can start with the following approaches:

• VoiceOver: Makes interface elements accessible to users with visual impairments by reading aloud what is on the screen.
• Dynamic Type: Allows apps to automatically adjust text size, images, and interface elements according to user settings, making it easier for people with visual impairments.
• Accessibility Inspector: A tool in Xcode that helps developers test how interface elements and features are perceived by users with disabilities.

And, of course, stay updated with the latest Accessibility Guidelines from Apple.

Environmental Approach to Development

According to a global sustainable and inclusive growth company, CO2 emissions from user devices will increase by an average of 12.8% per year. This is primarily due to the production, transportation, and disposal of gadgets. Additionally, excessive energy consumption by apps also impacts these processes both directly and indirectly.

There are many aspects to optimize to make an app more energy-efficient: from network optimization and reducing data usage to more efficient use of timers, location tracking, and more. More information on developing energy-efficient iOS apps can be found in Apple’s guide.

This approach not only contributes to a better future but also resonates with users who are conscious of environmental concerns, improving the overall usability of the app.

Conclusion

The best way to follow these trends is to apply them practically. Don’t wait for the perfect project to come along. Enhance your skills independently and master the mentioned technologies step by step. From refining your work with Swift and SwiftUI to learning cross-platform development and applying the latest advancements in AR, ML, and AI, the opportunities for growth and innovation are vast. Focusing on aspects such as security, privacy, accessibility, and sustainability will not only ensure your solutions are technologically advanced but also socially responsible and inclusive. This will help you develop alongside the IT industry and remain a sought-after specialist.