localization changes

Apple introduced several localization changes at WWDC 2024, focusing on enhancing the multilingual capabilities of apps. Here are some key updates:

1. Number Formatting:

   • The correct numbering system will be used at runtime, respecting the number setting in language and region settings. This includes handling aspects like decimal separators, ensuring a single string can be used for multiple localizations (e.g., Spanish for both Spain and the US) (Build multilingual-ready apps).

2. Language Settings:

   • Users can now choose an app-specific language independently of the overall device language. This feature is popular among multilingual users who use different apps in different languages. Developers can specify Uiprefers showing language settings as yes in the info plist to always have the language option visible in settings (Build multilingual-ready apps).

3. String Catalogs:

   • String catalogs in Xcode have been enhanced to detect common validation issues, such as mismatched format specifiers, and allow fixes with a single click. Developers can also mark specific strings as "don't translate" and easily jump between code and the catalog for a particular string (Build multilingual-ready apps).

4. Translation API:

   • The Translation API now supports flexible translation configurations, allowing developers to control when and how translations occur. The API can automatically identify the content's language and choose an appropriate target language based on the user's preferences (Meet the Translation API).
   • Developers are advised to ensure that translation tasks are attached to the content itself and to handle translations for multiple languages separately to avoid poor results (Meet the Translation API).

These updates aim to make it easier for developers to create apps that are more accessible and user-friendly for a global audience.