How to Build a Cross-Platform iOS and macOS Chat App using Stream
Apple’s recent release of Mac Catalyst makes it possible for iOS and macOS apps to share mostly the same native codebase. While in the past, a desktop and mobile cross-platform codebase commonly meant a web app packaged in a portable format, now it can be achieved with native code just as quickly. That means less time and money spent on development and more consistent, performant experience for users.
Now it’s incredibly simple to start building a native Mac app from your current iPad app. With Mac Catalyst, your apps share the same project and source code so you can efficiently convert your iPad app’s desktop-class features, and add more just for Mac. Deliver your new Mac app to an engaged audience of over 100,000,000 active Mac users.
Stream Chat’s Swift SDK is fully compatible with Mac Catalyst, which means the chat experience that you build for iOS can easily transfer to macOS. Let’s take a look into what you can expect from this compatibility.
UI Components
The Stream Chat SDK comes with all the UI Components to get your app built in minutes. They translate seamlessly between iOS and macOS with minor changes in behavior for accommodating the user experience expected in each platform.
