What’s the most important things for me to know about a multiplatform app

Asked on 06/13/2025

1 search

When developing a multiplatform app, there are several key considerations to keep in mind, as highlighted in various sessions from Apple's WWDC:

  1. Design System: It's important to design the anatomy of your app once and adapt it across different platforms. This involves understanding the device context and ensuring that your app's experience carries well across platforms like iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The new design system emphasizes continuity and spatial organization, ensuring that content remains grouped even as layouts adapt (Get to know the new design system).

  2. SwiftUI: SwiftUI is a powerful tool for building user interfaces across all Apple platforms. It allows for code sharing and provides a consistent look and feel, but it's not a "write once, run everywhere" solution. Instead, it offers a set of tools that can be learned once and used in any context, with specialized APIs for each platform (SwiftUI essentials).

  3. Platform-Specific Features: While Apple's native frameworks allow for a high degree of code reuse, it's important to tailor your app to each platform's conventions and capabilities. This includes leveraging platform-specific features like live activities, widgets, and accessibility options (Platforms State of the Union).

  4. Cross-Platform Capabilities: Apple's SDKs provide tools for building apps that can seamlessly transition across devices. This includes using iCloud and CloudKit for data synchronization and ensuring that your app's UI adapts to different screen sizes and input methods (Discover RealityKit APIs for iOS, macOS, and visionOS).

By focusing on these aspects, you can create a multiplatform app that provides a cohesive and optimized experience across all Apple devices.

What’s the most important things for me to know about a multiplatform app | Ask WWDC