What is a content configuration?

A content configuration in the context of Apple's WWDC presentations refers to a way to define and manage different states or variants of content within an application. This concept is used across various Apple platforms and technologies, including Quick Look, UIKit, and App Intents.

Quick Look

In Quick Look, configurations allow you to switch between different variants of a 3D model or other content types. For example, you can preview different colors of an iPhone model within a single file, rather than needing separate files for each color. This is particularly useful for exploring different options before making a purchase or for educational purposes, such as learning about planets in the solar system.

UIKit

In UIKit, content configurations are used to manage the appearance and behavior of UI elements. For instance, the UIListContentConfiguration and UIBackgroundConfiguration classes allow you to define how list cells and their backgrounds should look and behave. These configurations automatically update their properties to match the style of the list, making it easier to maintain a consistent appearance across different states.

App Intents

In the context of App Intents, a configuration intent is an intent that conforms to WidgetConfigurationIntent. This allows widgets and controls to be configurable based on user-defined parameters. For example, a widget can be configured to display information about a specific trail, and this configuration can be reused across different parts of the app.

Relevant Sessions

• What’s new in Quick Look for visionOS
• What’s new in UIKit
• Bring your app’s core features to users with App Intents
• Extend your app’s controls across the system

These sessions provide detailed insights into how configurations can be implemented and utilized across different Apple platforms and technologies.