New Frontiers in iOS Development

The volume of mobile consumption continues to rise exponentially and Apple, one of the world’s largest mobile firms, produces close to 30% of these activities. Thanks to the company’s commercial success, iOS development has become a lucrative profession for many Information Technology experts and companies worldwide.

iOS Development in Retrospect

The iPhone Operating System (iOS) is the main engine of the Apple mobile phone and was born with the launch of the first iPhone in 2007. At the time, iOS offered very little in terms of features and limited capabilities for the integration of different applications.

A year later, Apple launched high-engagement apps features like iTunes and Microsoft Exchange, and the new version of iOS allowed downloading and installation of more utility-based apps. This opened the floodgates for the development of various applications that can now be readily downloaded and installed into various iOS-powered devices.

The subsequent years saw the continual enhancement of iOS features, which soon allowed the cut-and-paste function, face and eye detection and recognition, and multi-tasking capabilities, among others. This naturally paved the way for the boom of the iOS application development industry as we know it today.

iOS Applications for Daily Needs and Routines

Video streaming and calls, and word processing were among the most popular functions early iOS applications provided. More recent applications today generally simplify user experience.

Today, popular applications continue to provide iOS users convenience and enhance productivity. There are apps like Waze and All Trails for navigation, and Mindnote, Linea Sketch, Fantastical Ulysses Mobile, Lake Coloring Book, Procreate for writing and creating artwork. Meanwhile, there are also apps such as Television Time, Infuse 6, and Longplay for creating and managing video.

Tracking applications like Streaks, Sleep and Clue Period Cycle Tracker have recently grown in popularity among people who want to use their mobile devices to monitor personal habits, health care and other activities.

The Rise of the “Thinking” Machines and Digital Security

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have naturally affected the direction of digital creations. In iOS application development, the increased computing capacities of newer smartphones have likewise increased their ability to execute more complicated tasks using ML.

Machine learning tools in Facebook and YouTube now allow monitoring user behaviour, provide search engine recommendations, and ultimately create user-defined customisations. ML in ride-hailing and food delivery services has made it possible for navigation apps to adjust routes and travel time based on changes in traffic and weather conditions.

Meanwhile, growing concerns with weak encryptions, access controls and data storage have bolstered the need for iOS applications that reduce user vulnerabilities. Apple Sandbox, App Transport Security, Keychain, TLS pinning, and End-to-End encryptions have become necessary safety measures in iOS application development An iOS app developer has so many choices in furthering development for the Apple mobile environment, but he has to comply with the company’s strict policies regarding security and usability.

Challenges in Mobile Application Development

Every iOS app development company today is primarily faced with the challenge of growing competition as various app development companies want a piece of the mobile consumption pie. But the more complicated challenges that come with the nature of technological development itself.

For one, getting iOS app store approval has recently become more stringent to regulate the exponentially rising number of application developers who want their software in the Apple App Store. The requirements of Network Link Conditioner are also a challenge to assure data consumption requirements and performance of iOS applications are met.

The rapid turn out of new Apple products and neck-breaking speeds of iOS updates also create challenges since iOS applications must be compatible with various iOS versions. App developers must also be conscious about making their app responsive to various screen proportions in different Apple devices.

In relation to the abovementioned requirements, there exists a need to constantly adapt to keep at pace with changing conditions, lifestyle needs and consumer demands. There is also a need to keep producing relevant and responsive iOS applications quickly. This means real-world testing of iOS applications must also be very prompt and timely with shifting user needs.

Conclusion

As mobile applications begin to dominate lifestyles, the integration of machine learning, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, sophisticated security provisions and synchronization with various other mobile devices are the new horizons in iOS development.

To face these new challenges, it is a wise business move to partner with a competent iOS developer company. Frontline, a leading Singapore developer for iOS applications, has a proven record for creating high-quality iOS and even Android apps. Check out our services by visiting https://www.frontline.com.sg/.