We took up in our last article the main lines of Apple's revelations during WWDC 2018, especially about the new iOS 12. If you missed this essential meeting, you can always take a look at our article on this subject. In this second part of the article, we continue our interest in the new Apple revelations during WWDC 2018, this time focusing on the prospects that future Apple resolutions open for mobile development on iOS.

ARkit 2
As we mentioned earlier, the progress Apple has revealed in Augmented Reality is probably the most remarkable thing. By presenting its ARkit 2, Apple hopes to see developers create Augmented Reality applications that are more “dynamic” and more “innovative”, by giving them tools that are as innovative as they are practical.

For example, the new “usdz” file format, designed in partnership with Pixar to display Augmented Reality objects in their precise sizes, and simplify their sharing. This compressed file format will be supported by Adobe, Autodesk, and other vendors among others. The goal is to facilitate the integration of AR for iOS developers.

In the same vein, the QuickLook functionality, which uses precisely the usdz format to allow viewing of AR objects in 3D, in their real size, in a real environment.

In short, ARkit 2 opens up a lot of prospects for mobile development. From games and other applications for relaxation and entertainment, to professional assistance applications, particularly in the field of architecture, decoration and planning.

ARkit 2 and usdz format are already available to members of the Apple Developer Program. Common developers will have to wait until the fall to discover all these tempting new features.

Siri
Smart voice assistants are on the rise, especially with the latest Google Assistant. There is no question for Apple not to ride the wave. It was indeed a question of Siri, the intelligent voice assistant iOS and its openness to third-party applications via API Shortcuts (shortcuts). It will therefore be possible for the user to be redirected via
to other applications meeting his needs, or for developers, to integrate the voice assistant into their applications. This is undoubtedly one of the most awaited options by developers, who will not fail to integrate Siri features for the benefit of their applications from the release of iOS 12.

Screen time
It is under this title that the parameters allowing a more precise management of the management time of the iOS terminals will be grouped. It is certain that with all the enthusiasm generated by the announcement of Screen Time, addictive applications such as games whose profitability depends precisely on this parameter, will be greatly affected. While a decline in the popularity or success of this type of application is to be expected, no study has yet been done.

iOS and macOS, towards hybridity?
Many developers hoped / expected to see the possibility of porting iOS apps to macOS. It will be possible according to Craig Federighi, vice president of software engineering at Apple. But it will take time, he says. He adds that this will be reserved only for applications developed by Apple initially, the program: Stocks, News, Home and Voice Memos. Third-party developers will be able to access it at the end of 2019.

Note that the two OS will remain separate, Apple does not intend to do without the Appkit in favor of the UIkit for the moment. An iOS framework will allow desktop applications to run on macOS.