xcode and ios updates that weren't widely discussed

Generated on 8/13/2024

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Xcode and iOS Updates at WWDC 2024

Xcode Updates

  1. Xcode Previews: A new dynamic linking architecture allows the same build artifacts to be used for both previews and when you build and run, reducing the need for rebuilding and enhancing workflow efficiency. A new previewable macro also simplifies the setup of previews by allowing dynamic properties like state to be used directly in an Xcode preview.

  2. Code Completion: Xcode 16 introduces a new code completion engine powered by generative models. This engine predicts the code you need using your project symbols, runs locally on your Mac, and works offline, ensuring privacy and speed.

  3. Build Improvements: Xcode 16 features explicit modules for improved parallelism, diagnostics, and debugging. For C and Objective-C, explicit modules are enabled by default, while Swift requires opting in.

  4. Diagnostics and Performance: The organizer in Xcode now includes diagnostics for excessive disk writes and slow app launches, helping developers prioritize performance improvements.

  5. SwiftAssist: A new cloud-based model, SwiftAssist, acts as a coding companion, providing assistance with coding tasks using natural language.

iOS Updates

  1. UIKit Enhancements: The iOS 18 SDK introduces new features in UIKit, including improvements to transitions, animations, and tab bars, as well as a new document launch experience. Developers are encouraged to integrate both UIKit and SwiftUI in their apps.

  2. SwiftUI Customizations: New options for customizing window behavior and styling in macOS, and a new text renderer API for advanced visual effects and animations.

For more detailed insights, you can explore the sessions like Platforms State of the Union and What’s new in Xcode 16.