What’s the best way to start writing an iOS app?

Generated on 8/2/2024

1 search

The best way to start writing an iOS app is to use Apple's native SDKs, which provide all the necessary tools and frameworks. You can use Swift, SwiftUI, and Xcode to build your app. SwiftUI, in particular, is highly recommended for building apps across all Apple devices due to its ease of use and advanced features.

Here are some steps to get you started:

  1. Launch Xcode: Begin by launching Xcode, Apple's integrated development environment (IDE).
  2. Create a New Project: Start with an empty project in Xcode.
  3. Use SwiftUI: SwiftUI is a powerful framework that allows you to build user interfaces in a declarative way. It integrates seamlessly with the underlying OS and supports features like dark mode, dynamic type, and more.
  4. Follow Tutorials: Apple provides excellent tutorials and documentation to guide you through building different apps using SwiftUI.

For a more detailed introduction, you can watch the session SwiftUI essentials (22:07).

Relevant Sessions

These sessions provide a comprehensive overview of the tools and frameworks available for building iOS apps and how to get started with SwiftUI.

Port advanced games to Apple platforms

Port advanced games to Apple platforms

Discover how simple it can be to reach players on Apple platforms worldwide. We’ll show you how to evaluate your Windows executable on Apple silicon, start your game port with code samples, convert your shader code to Metal, and bring your game to Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Explore enhanced Metal tools that understand HLSL shaders to validate, debug, and profile your ported shaders on Metal.

Platforms State of the Union

Platforms State of the Union

Discover the newest advancements on Apple platforms.

SwiftUI essentials

SwiftUI essentials

Join us on a tour of SwiftUI, Apple’s declarative user interface framework. Learn essential concepts for building apps in SwiftUI, like views, state variables, and layout. Discover the breadth of APIs for building fully featured experiences and crafting unique custom components. Whether you’re brand new to SwiftUI or an experienced developer, you’ll learn how to take advantage of what SwiftUI has to offer when building great apps.

Migrate your TVML app to SwiftUI

Migrate your TVML app to SwiftUI

SwiftUI helps you build great apps on all Apple platforms and is the preferred toolkit for bringing your content into the living room with tvOS 18. Learn how to use SwiftUI to create familiar layouts and controls from TVMLKit, and get tips and best practices.

Go small with Embedded Swift

Go small with Embedded Swift

Embedded Swift brings the safety and expressivity of Swift to constrained environments. Explore how Embedded Swift runs on a variety of microcontrollers through a demonstration using an off-the-shelf Matter device. Learn how the Embedded Swift subset packs the benefits of Swift into a tiny footprint with no runtime, and discover plenty of resources to start your own Embedded Swift adventure.

Evolve your document launch experience

Evolve your document launch experience

Make your document-based app stand out, and bring its unique identity into focus with the new document launch experience. Learn how to leverage the new API to customize the first screen people see when they launch your app. Utilize the new system-provided design, and amend it with custom actions, delightful decorative views, and impressive animations.