10 Most Impactful iOS App Development Trends in 2025
Apple is gearing up for a pivotal year in 2024. While exciting new products are on the horizon, the tech giant also faces a unique set of challenges. A major hurdle came in March 2024 with the EU’s Digital Markets Act. This act forced Apple to split its App Store.
Now, users can install apps on Apple devices from outside sources. Plus, Apple’s App Store payment processor will no longer be the only payment-processing option for users in the EU.
These changes have significant implications for the iOS app development ecosystem. For example, one potential benefit is that iOS app developers can now bypass Apple’s App Store and its 30% commission fee.
On the flip side, these changes introduce new complications regarding platform fragmentation, security, and privacy, that developers need to navigate. Despite these potential hurdles, the iOS app development ecosystem remains strong.
Consumer loyalty to Apple products continues to hold firm and the upcoming releases of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 promise to be game-changers. Fueled by advancements in machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), these updates are poised to position Apple on the path of continued innovation.
IOS App Development Trends
In this article, we’ll explore this path and dissect the top iOS app development trends that are set to shape the industry in 2024.
1. Apps Are Set to Have a Major Refresh
This fall’s iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 updates bring a wave of changes for developers and users. Here’s a quick rundown of all the things that iOS app developers or those interested in investing in the iOS 18 landscape, need to know about these updates:
- Fresh Look and Feel: Built-in apps like Notes, Mail, Fitness, Photos, and Calculator are all getting design overhauls. iOS app developers and designers need to make sure their apps work seamlessly with the new UI and user interactions.
- Smarter Features: The A18 chip’s enhanced machine learning capabilities empower apps like Maps with features like custom route planning. Developers should have plans to leverage these capabilities to deliver more personalized experiences.
- AI Integration: Apple is integrating AI throughout iOS and iPadOS, allowing apps like Fitness+ and Photos to be more user-specific. Developers are required to understand and integrate these AI features (with APIs) into their apps.
What do iOS app developers need to do in light of these upcoming changes? Stay informed about the new features and APIs in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 and prepare to update their apps accordingly. Upgraded OS and app redesigns will affect even older devices running iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. So, test your apps thoroughly for compatibility and optimal performance across all Apple devices.
2. AI-Powered IoS App Development
Apple is gearing up to supercharge the iOS app development ecosystem with AI. A new AI tool, similar to Microsoft’s Copilot is set to be integrated into Xcode as early as this year. Xcode is Apple’s official ‘Integrated Development Environment’ (IDE), i.e., a collection of software tools that iOS app developers use to write, test, debug, and deploy iOS apps. Just like Microsoft’s Copilot, this tool leverages AI to predict and complete lines and blocks of code.
This functionality (expected for release later this year) promises to significantly accelerate the coding process, boosting developer productivity. The AI assistant will also be able to generate new lines/blocks of code on its own based on what the developers have already written.
Apple already provides Xcode free of charge to developers; the AI tools will also be integrated for free within the IDE. What perks can iOS app developers expect? Faster development cycles, improved code quality, and streamlined workflows to say the least.
Additionally, with support of popular iOS programming languages, developers can seamlessly leverage these AI tools within their preferred coding environment.
By embracing AI and these potential perks of AI, Apple is demonstrating its commitment to empowering developers and nurturing a more productive iOS app development environment.
3. iOS 18 and iPadOS 18: A Design Revolution
As discussed briefly earlier, the upcoming iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 releases represent a watershed moment for Apple’s mobile operating systems. This major redesign promises a fresh visual aesthetic alongside a long list of innovative, user-centric features. One key highlight that deserves special attention (for app developers and designers) is the new ability that users will have to ditch the static app grid and freely place icons anywhere on the home screen.
This long-awaited feature empowers users to personalize their app organization with unprecedented flexibility. While a fixed ‘invisible’ grid will still guide app icon placement, users have more control than ever to arrange their home screens in ways that make the most sense to them. This shift towards user-defined layouts presents challenges and opportunities for iOS app developers.
Apps now need to be designed to visually adapt to various icon positions and layouts. Businesses must ensure that their app icons are visually distinct, even when they are grouped with other similar apps. App developers and designers must update their apps to guarantee compatibility with iOS 18’s new design language. Here are some steps they should take:
- Ensure the app’s visual design aligns with the new iOS 18. This may involve refreshing its color palette, iconography, and overall layout.
- Apple’s design guidelines will likely be updated to reflect the new OS. Get familiar with these guidelines and adapt the app’s typography (font choices, sizing, etc.) accordingly.
- iOS 18 might introduce new system-wide text size options. Make sure the app’s layout adapts gracefully to these changes and prevents text from overflowing.
More importantly, app developers and designers must rigorously test their app’s look and core functionalities across various home screen layouts as soon as the iOS 18 update is released. Identify any new features and plan on how your app can integrate or complement these features to enhance the app’s visual appeal and user experience.
4. The Release of Swift 6
Swift 6, the latest iteration of Apple’s powerful and user-friendly programming language, is on the horizon. The new version promises many performance improvements, including – faster builds, more accurate diagnostics, and smoother debugging experiences. While the exact details of Swift 6’s major capability upgrades are yet to be revealed, here’s a breakdown of the key improvements that developers are expecting:
- Faster Build-Times: Swift 6 promises to streamline the development process by significantly reducing build-times. This means developers can spend less time waiting for their code to compile and more time focusing on innovation.
- Improved Performance Analysis: New profiling tools and diagnostics lead to deeper insights into app performance. Developers can use these profiling tools to efficiently pinpoint bottlenecks and optimize their code for maximum efficiency.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Swift 6 will take major steps towards multi-platform app development. While still core to iOS development, Swift 6 will now offer better support for creating cross-platform apps that run seamlessly on macOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and even apps that are beyond Apple’s ecosystem.
- Smarter Code Completion: Code completion is set to become more context-aware, suggesting more relevant code snippets and functions based on the code already written.
- Enhanced Debugging: A more reliable and less frustrating debugging experience is on the Swift horizon. Developers can expect better error messages, a more streamlined process for stepping through code line-by-line, and the ability to inspect variables more effectively.
- Function Builders: Function builders offer a powerful way to define custom DSLs (Domain-Specific Languages) within Swift code. This allows developers to create code that reads more naturally for specific tasks, improving code readability and maintainability.
- Low-Level Refinements: Swift 6 will see major refinements to its core functionality for low-level system interactions. This could include improvements in memory management, better integration with system frameworks, and targeted performance optimizations for specific Apple hardware components.
These upgrades mark a significant leap forward in developer experience and app performance. They position Swift 6 as THE leading language for building not just iOS apps, but potentially all types of next-gen apps for a wider range of platforms. If you are an iOS app developer specializing in Swift, you have the opportunity to position yourself at the forefront of the next generation of app development!
5. Security and Privacy Centric Development
Cyberattacks are on the rise, with global costs expected to reach a staggering $9.5 trillion in 2024. Each attack translates to significant financial losses, as highlighted by IBM’s report of an average cost of $4.45 million per data breach. Mobile apps often store sensitive user information, making them prime targets for attackers. iOS app developers have a heightened responsibility to safeguard user data by following best practices like:
- Ensure data is encrypted both while it’s being transferred (in transit) and when it’s stored on the device (at rest)
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- Use techniques like key storage encryption, hashing, obfuscation, etc., to further protect sensitive info in the app
- Encourage users to create strong, unique passwords
Apple provides various tools and resources to help developers add extra layers of security to their apps. App Transport Security (ATS) is a built-in iOS framework that enforces secure connections between apps and web services. Developers must use this framework to safeguard user data during data transmissions.
6. Optimizing Your App’s Discoverability with App Clips
App Store Optimization (ASO) is the art and science of getting your app discovered on the App Store. It involves crafting a compelling app title, writing an app description packed with keywords, and uploading HD app visuals (screenshots) on the App Store. Now, there’s a new ASO technique that can take your app’s discoverability to the next level: App Clips.
Think of App Clips as mini-apps. They offer a bite-sized version of your app’s core functionality and are accessible to users without a full download. These lightweight apps (under 10MB) minimize storage concerns for users and give them instant access to the app’s key functionalities. In this way, App Clips removes major barriers to entry for potential users.
Creating well-designed App Clips is something that professional iOS developers will have to specialize in this year. Engaging, informative, and user-friendly App Clips, combined with tactical ASO can drastically increase an app’s visibility and ability to secure long-term users.
7. AR/VR Integration
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are poised to revolutionize iOS apps, making them way more immersive, interactive, and user-centric. From immersive gaming worlds to virtual furniture try-ons, AR/VR unlocks a new level of user engagement across various industries. Apple empowers developers with industry-leading frameworks like:
- ARKit for creating ultra-realistic AR experiences that feature 3D models, lighting effects, and physics simulations
- RealityKit for integrating virtual content (realistic reflections, textures, and motion blur) with the real-world images
- Metal API for creating hardware-accelerated, high-performance graphics and smooth gameplay visuals
iOS developers must leverage these cutting-edge technologies to create apps that push the boundaries of user engagement. This exciting iOS app development trend offers endless possibilities for engagement, education, and innovation across various apps, including education, healthcare, retail, travel, and gaming.
8. Artificial Intelligence (AI) And Machine Learning (ML)
Apple is heavily invested in AI, aiming to integrate new AI features into upcoming iOS versions. This emphasis on AI positions iOS as a leading platform for AI-powered apps. Advancements in AI technology have made it easier and more affordable for developers to incorporate features like AI assistants and AI-powered image recognition features into their apps.
For example, Apple’s Core ML framework has simplified the integration of ML models into iOS apps. This empowers developers to add features like natural language processing and deep learning techniques into their apps. So, expect to see a massive rise in AI-powered iOS apps and app features (e.g., AI-powered voice bots and assistants) in 2024.
9. More Apps Will Become Camera-Focused
The demand for high-quality camera functionality within apps is stronger than ever. Fueled by the pandemic’s shift to remote work and online communication, users crave new ways to connect visually through their devices. This trend drives the rise of camera-focused apps across various categories, not just social media. For example, eCommerce apps increasingly incorporate camera-focused features to enable functions like barcode scanning.
10. Internet of Things (IoT) Integration
The Internet of Things (IoT) is weaving itself into the fabric of our lives, and the iOS app development ecosystem is taking notice. This trend is about connecting everyday devices: from lights and thermostats to security systems and health monitors, to the digital world.
Imagine using your iPhone to control your entire smart home, setting automated routines for lights and appliances, or even receiving alerts when your door unlocks. This is the power of IoT integration within apps. As the number of connected devices continues to explode, expect to see the demand for more innovative IoT-powered apps surge.
Conclusion
The iOS app development landscape is in a constant state of flux, driven by ever-evolving user needs and Apple’s constant technological advancements. For businesses aiming to make their apps stand out in today’s ultra-competitive App Store, keeping pace with these trends is essential.
Thankfully, by collaborating with a reliable and experienced firm like Itobuz, you can easily unlock the full potential of this challenging but exciting market. Our expertise in these key trends combined with our commitment to innovation will position your iOS app and business for success.