app lifecycle deep dive: what happens when a user taps on icon of the app ?

Asked on 2024-08-28

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When a user taps on the icon of an app, several processes occur as part of the app lifecycle. Here's a general overview based on the context provided:

  1. App Launch: The app is launched from the home screen, which involves loading the app's resources and initializing its state. This is the starting point of the app lifecycle.

  2. Handling Intents: If the app is designed with app intents, it may open to a specific view or perform a specific action as part of the intent. For example, if an app intent is designed to open a particular view, the app will launch directly to that view. This is discussed in the session Design App Intents for system experiences.

  3. User Activity Continuation: If the app was previously in use and the user is returning to it, the app may continue from where the user left off. This involves handling user activities and ensuring a seamless transition, as mentioned in the session Build a great Lock Screen camera capture experience.

  4. System Features Integration: The app may also integrate with system features like Spotlight or Siri, allowing users to access app functionalities without fully opening the app. This is part of creating a flow and reducing friction in user experience, as described in the session Bring your app’s core features to users with App Intents.

These processes ensure that the app provides a smooth and efficient user experience from the moment the app icon is tapped.