What is new with app extensions?

Generated on 8/5/2024

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Apple introduced several new features and improvements for app extensions at WWDC 2024. Here are the key updates:

  1. Lock Screen Camera Capture Extension:

    • A new type of app extension allows users to capture photos or videos directly from the lock screen using the familiar UI of your app. This extension can be launched from various controls, including the control center, action button, or lock screen.
    • The captured content can be added directly to the user's photo library or stored in a specified directory on the file system.
    • The extension can request to open its parent application for more in-depth interactions, such as sharing or applying filters, ensuring a seamless transition from the extension to the app.
    • For more details, you can refer to the session Build a great Lock Screen camera capture experience.
  2. macOS Extensions Transparency and Control:

    • Extensions for apps now live in one place in macOS system settings, making it easier to understand and control if and when your app is running.
    • System notifications are provided when extensions are installed, and additional types of extensions can now generate notifications and be controllable in settings.
    • This change brings clarity to what is running on the system, ensuring users are in control.
    • For more details, you can refer to the session What’s new in privacy.
  3. Safari Extensions Management:

    • Safari extensions can now be managed on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS with a new Safari extension configuration.
    • IT admins can define which extensions are allowed, control whether an extension is always on or off, and configure extension website access by domain and subdomain.
    • This management works with Safari private browsing and provides users with a visual indication of which extensions are managed.
    • For more details, you can refer to the session What’s new in device management.

These updates enhance the functionality, transparency, and control of app extensions across Apple's platforms.

What’s new in UIKit

What’s new in UIKit

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What’s new in AppKit

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Platforms State of the Union

Platforms State of the Union

Discover the newest advancements on Apple platforms.

What’s new in privacy

What’s new in privacy

At Apple, we believe privacy is a fundamental human right. Learn about new and improved permission flows and other features that manage data in a privacy-preserving way, so that you can focus on creating great app experiences.

What’s new in device management

What’s new in device management

Learn about the latest management capabilities for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS, then discover the latest changes to Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager. We’ll also share updates to Activation Lock, SoftwareUpdate, and Safari management.

Build a great Lock Screen camera capture experience

Build a great Lock Screen camera capture experience

Find out how the LockedCameraCapture API can help you bring your capture application’s most useful information directly to the Lock Screen. Examine the API’s features and functionality, learn how to get started creating a capture extension, and find out how that extension behaves when the device is locked.