What Apple’s announcements mean for your business
At the WWDC19 keynote, Apple talked about upcoming features of their operating systems, new hardware for professionals, and updated tools for software developers. Find out what this means for your business!
New things to consider for your app 🤔
Dark mode?
Dark mode is here to stay, and Apple agrees. They are now officially integrating it into iOS and their native apps. Want to find out what dark mode is, exactly, and what its benefits and pitfalls are? Check out our article:
iOS will be able to switch to dark mode automatically after sunset, signaling all 3rd party apps they should switch too. That also means your app! So, while designing your app, just like thinking on which platforms your app will be used, we’ll also have to consider when you’re app will be used, and if necessary include a dark mode. 🌚
Build for macOS?
The new version of Xcode (Apple’s development software) will include the option to use your iPad app as the foundation of a Mac app. Previously, these platforms were completely separate, meaning we had to spend a huge amount of time developing and maintaining a separate Mac app.
Now, if you have a working iPad app, we can very quickly have a basic Mac version up-and-running. This foundation we can then enhance by adding features like preferences, keyboard/trackpad/mouse input and window, and file management. With your brand new Mac app, you could reach a whole new audience of millions of Mac users!
Want to know what your Mac app would look like?
Let me know! ✉️
Faster app development 🚀
Also in the new Xcode, Apple will introduce a new UI framework called SwiftUI that makes it faster and easier for our developers to build apps across all platforms. With a graphical interface, we will be able to quickly create the UI of your app while writing much less code, also allowing UI designers and developers to work more closely and efficiently.
This will translate into faster development times and faster maintenance.
Sign in with Apple ✅
Social logins — logging into a website or app using a Google, Facebook, Twitter (or any other social platform) account — is a well used and loved feature. Soon we can add Apple to these login options on your website/app, allowing users to log in using their Apple ID.
This is great for you because your users will be able to log in using Touch ID or Face ID, drastically lowering the amount of effort needed to get started with your service! 🏎
Keep in mind that as an extra layer of security for their users, Apple offers them to use a unique, random email address for your service instead of their actual email address.
New hardware to power your business 🖥
Mac Pro
If you’re in the graphic design business or you require very intensive video or audio processing, and you’d rather prefer to stay inside the Apple ecosystem, your options for powerful desktop computers have been pretty slim these last couple of years. The current iMac Pro offers a lot of power, but very limited upgradability. And the latest generation Mac Pro has been heavily criticized for its lackluster performance and upgrade options (and let’s face it, its design 🗑).
But now Apple returns with a new, fully modular, fully upgradable Mac Pro. The fact that it’s upgradeable makes it a bit easier to see as an investment because, with a starting price of $5,999, it’s definitely not cheap.
Talking about not cheap, Apple also offers a professional-grade 32-inch monitor called the Pro Display XDR, with a starting price of $4,999. Actually, that’s not accurate, unless you’d be fine with laying the screen flat down on your desk or leaning it against a wall. You will also have to purchase a VESA mount for $199 or a tiltable, rotatable stand for $999. 💸
iPad
Apple envisions desktop and laptop computers to eventually be replaced by the iPad. We find that today, this is still a bit unrealistic, as the iPad lacks basic functionality and flexibility business users require.
But Apple took the iPad one step further in the right direction by building a specific OS for the iPad, based on iOS, called iPadOS. They felt the iPad needed its own OS to bring it closer to the functionality of macOS, while still keeping the ease-of-use of iOS. We gain power-user features like more advanced multi-tasking and multi-window support, a desktop-class browser, better file management (including using thumb drives), custom fonts, more Apple pencil integrations, and the possibility to use your iPad as a second display for your Mac.
Why does this update matter? The iPad is still not the one and only tool for everyone, but thanks to this update, the number of people who will be able to do their job just as well, or even better, increases greatly. Think about employees that are often on the road, spend a lot of time in meetings, or don’t need their computer to perform very intensive tasks. It’s also worth checking whether your business-specific software has been adapted for the iPad, many of them are nowadays.
You just might be able to simplify your employee’s workflow and your company’s device management, all while potentially cutting down on costs.
What’s next for you? 🌄
Apple’s recent announcements are pretty interesting, and it paints a clear picture of the path they see for software and computing. But how will this affect your app/website?
Does a dark mode benefit your app? How long would it take us to transform your iPad app to a Mac app, reaching a whole new audience? In what time can we implement new features into your app or develop a whole new one using Apple’s new development tools?
