iOS 16 was released in September, along with the announcement for the new iDevices. This announcement means exciting news for consumers and developers with new features and functions for everyday use.
The release of any new tech causes a ripple of excitement across the industry, especially when it comes from the big fruit company we all love. But those businesses with apps may not be aware of some of the exciting features included with these announcements.
We’ve highlighted a few of our favourite new features below, detailing how this could benefit your business app. Check out the Apple Developer Site for more info on the new features.
New Productivity Features
If your app caters to iPad users, this one is for you. Enhanced features such as ‘find and replace’ and keyboard alterations make the new iOS feel more like a desktop in all the right ways.
When developed using the editor-style navigation bar, apps can feel more intuitive and organized, allowing users to drag and drop, duplicate, and complete other complex editing requirements. Optimizing your app’s UI for dynamic sizing may be wise, so your customers can use the new, enhanced external display features and show your app on the big screen.
App Intents
Using the new App Intents framework provided in iOS16, your app can tap into services like Siri and the Shortcuts app, giving users a more straightforward or hands-free way of using your app’s resources.
Don’t worry about having to fit your functions into pre-determined categories, either. With a programmatic approach, you can take any function within your app and define actions to take, incorporating these valuable app services.
Focus Filter API
Focus filters such as “Do Not Disturb” and “Sleep” help people maintain a balance between their phone and their waking life. The new Focus Filter API in iOS 16 allows developers to choose how their app will function when these filters are adjusted.
You can use Apple’s developer documentation to adjust the default behaviour based on the focus setting. Developers can also create suggestions for users looking to customize their experiences can also be made using this, giving them complete control of their app experience.
App Store Improvements
Most importantly (in our eyes), the App Store discoverability and integration have been made even more straightforward.
StoreKit2 has made in-app purchases and subscription support much easier to manage for developers across iOS 16 and iPadOS.
Benchmarking your application is also much easier with better sandbox testing and App Analytics feedback, providing valuable insight relating to your customer’s journey through your app experience.
Plus, with new properties fields to describe and define your app (and pairing this with app store optimization), your app will be easier to find by your target audience.
So, it’s not too late to implement these features into your business app, but your competitors might already be there! With a mobile app development company like TheAppLabb keeping tabs on these new features, your app could be ready next time on the release day.