What are the bleeding edge networking technologies are present on iOS and how to adopt them
Asked on 2026-01-05
1 search
At WWDC 2025, Apple introduced several cutting-edge networking technologies for iOS, focusing on enhancing connectivity, security, and ease of use. Here are some of the key technologies and how you can adopt them:
-
Network Framework with Structured Concurrency:
- The Network Framework now integrates tightly with Swift's structured concurrency, making it easier to write asynchronous networking code. This allows for more efficient and cleaner code, reducing boilerplate and improving maintainability.
- New features include Network Connection, Network Listener, and Network Browser, which support TLV framing and codable types, making it easier to handle network connections and discover endpoints.
- For more details, you can watch the session Use structured concurrency with Network framework (16:05).
-
Wi-Fi Aware:
- Wi-Fi Aware is a new peer-to-peer networking technology that allows devices to discover and connect to each other without relying on a central router. This is ideal for local, ephemeral experiences like file sharing or accessory setup.
- It operates alongside regular Wi-Fi connections, maintaining internet connectivity while enabling local device discovery and connection.
- To learn more, check out the session Supercharge device connectivity with Wi-Fi Aware (01:01).
-
Quantum-Secure Cryptography:
- iOS 26 introduces quantum-secure encryption in TLS, protecting network data from potential future quantum attacks. This is enabled by default for recommended networking APIs like URLSession and Network Framework.
- Developers are encouraged to migrate away from legacy networking APIs to take advantage of these security enhancements.
- For more information, see the session Get ahead with quantum-secure cryptography (08:56).
-
Network Extension Framework:
- The Network Extension Framework provides APIs to customize and extend networking capabilities, including filtering and tunneling network traffic. This is useful for building VPN solutions and secure remote access applications.
- New APIs include the Any Hotspot Helper Extension API and local push API for networks without Apple Push Notification Service access.
- Explore more in the session Filter and tunnel network traffic with NetworkExtension (01:48).
These technologies provide a robust foundation for developing modern, secure, and efficient networking applications on iOS.
Use structured concurrency with Network framework
Network framework is the best way to make low-level network connections on Apple platforms — and in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS 26, it’s a perfect fit for your structured concurrency code. We’ll explore how you can make connections, send and receive data and framed messages, listen for incoming connections, and browse the network for services. We’ll also cover key best practices along the way.
Get ahead with quantum-secure cryptography
Learn how to protect your app’s sensitive user data from the emerging threat of quantum computing, and safeguard user privacy. We’ll explore different quantum attacks, their impact on existing cryptographic protocols, and how to defend against them using quantum-secure cryptography. You’ll learn how to use quantum-secure TLS to secure network data, and use CryptoKit’s quantum-secure APIs for securing application data.
Supercharge device connectivity with Wi-Fi Aware
Learn how to create peer-to-peer network connections with Wi-Fi Aware. We’ll also cover how to share videos in real time, transfer large files, and control accessories with improved bandwidth and lower latency. And you’ll learn how to use DeviceDiscoveryUI, AccessorySetupKit, and the Network framework to use Wi-Fi Aware in your app.