What’s new in iOS 18 for developers

What's New in iOS 18 for Developers

iOS 18 introduces a variety of new features and improvements for developers. Here are some of the key updates:

1. UIKit Enhancements:

   • Document Launch Experience: Redesigned launch experience for document-based apps, allowing full control over launch views and template document creation. What’s new in UIKit
   • Tabs and Sidebar: Major updates to tabs and sidebar for better navigation and user experience. What’s new in UIKit
   • Fluid Transitions: New fluid transitions across the system to enhance the visual experience. What’s new in UIKit
   • Apple Pencil Pro: Enhanced support for Apple Pencil Pro, including a new undo slider and customizable tool picker. What’s new in UIKit

2. Device Management:

   • MDM Enrollment: New exception for enrolling MDM on newly set up devices without causing a security delay for the first 3 hours after stolen device protection is enabled. What’s new in device management
   • In-House Apps: Installing proprietary in-house apps using a new team identity will require a device restart. What’s new in device management

3. Privacy Enhancements:

   • Contacts Access: Improved transparency and control over access to contacts, with a new two-stage prompt for sharing contacts. What’s new in privacy
   • Local Network, Bluetooth, and Contacts: Enhanced control over access to local network, Bluetooth, and contacts. What’s new in privacy

4. Customization and Controls:

   • App Icons and Widgets: Support for dark and tinted app icon variants in Xcode, allowing for better customization. Platforms State of the Union
   • Controls API: New controls API to create customizable controls that can be added to the control center or assigned to the action button on iPhone 15 Pro. Platforms State of the Union

5. Security:

   • Passkeys: New registration API to transition users to passkeys, offering a more secure and user-friendly alternative to passwords. Platforms State of the Union

Relevant Sessions

• What’s new in UIKit
• What’s new in device management
• What’s new in privacy
• Platforms State of the Union

These updates provide developers with new tools and capabilities to enhance their apps and improve user experience on iOS 18.