Apple posts video of WWDC Platform State of the Union speech, focuses on changes, upcoming tools

Apple delivered its Platform State of the Union speech on Monday, announcing substantial overhauls as well as new tools for the way developers create apps.

The company, in turn, has posted a video of the presentation, highlighting the main points it wished to convey.

In the presentation, Apple stated that they will be eliminating the letterboxing that occurs when using an app that was not designed with a specific device in mind. Letterboxing will now be countered by implementing new layouts and API. Apple stated that by next spring, all apps submitted to the App Store will be required to create content that adapts to different screen sizes.

The company also announced that it has been updating Xcode, its code editor and debugger, as well as released Swift UI, a coding platform designed for easier, faster development. Xcode will be receiving a fully interactive preview mode, allowing developers to test their apps within Xcode without having to export them to a device first. Xcode also allows developers to export to a device and make real-time changes without needing to re-export their builds.

Per the video, WatchOS 6 will be getting its own App Store, meaning that developers can write a Watch-focused app without having to create a companion app for the iPhone. Developers will also be able to design Watch apps within the Xcode and SwiftUI environments.

Apple has also created Swift Packages, which function as reusable components of code that developers can snag and use within their projects. It was also announced that Github will be adding support for Swift Packages within its Github Package Registry, thereby creating libraries of code that can be freely used.

Over the course of the Platform State of the Union, new features such as improved accessibility features, including voice control, were discussed. These features include a greater control of screen selection, including the ability to overlay a grid to allow for precise region targeting. Developers will have access to the accessibility features and are encouraged to test their apps using voice control in effort to make their apps more accessible to those with disabilities. Additionally, mouse support is going to be added in iOS 13 and iPadOS 13 as another accessibility feature.

Finally, Apple announced that it will be developing a tool called the “Real User Indicator,” which should hopefully cut down on the number of bots creating accounts with both mobile and web services. The tool will be able to check for behaviors and traits that tend to be more consistent within bots than people. Should an account seem suspicious, the Real User Indicator can alert the developer, who can then check to see if the account creator is human.

Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

Via AppleInsider and developer.apple.com