What to expect
There are few things more revolutionary to the world of mobile applications than a major operating system update. When that update is an iOS update, you can expect even more change. Whether you love or hate Apple and their products, there is no denying that they have a stranglehold on the American user base. This heavily influences the app store in general. For the most part, these changes related to iOS will impact apps downloaded from Apple’s App Store. However, some of the changes will undoubtedly impact all versions of the apps both on iOS and Android. More on that later. For now, here are a few of the most significant changes that iOS 12 will bring to the next wave of mobile applications.
Siri Will Be Supreme
The iOS 12 update focuses heavily on Siri. Apple’s proprietary assistant has had rough days lately, especially with the emergence of Google’s Assistant in the last few years. Apple is looking to revive their virtual assistant with this update. It will introduce the long awaited (arguably far behind Google) Siri Shortcuts.
Siri Shortcuts will allow you to interact more directly and more seamlessly with your apps through Siri. It gives mobile app developers the ability to integrate Siri into their app and add shortcuts to Siri herself. For example, you could tell your Tile app to find your keys by asking Siri to do it.
The iOS 12 update also brings Apple’s own Shortcuts app to the table. This app will let you add your very own shortcuts to your assistant. It includes support for HomeKit, allowing you to control your smart devices as well with your custom commands.
With the new push towards integrating Siri into all of your apps, this will be immediately evident as the next wave of mobile apps rolls out. Mobile app developers will not only be able to use Siri in their app builds but will be encouraged to do so. In the coming years as iOS 12 progresses, expect to see Siri integration with almost all popular apps. From games to productivity to smart home control, Siri has a shot at reclaiming her previous title as the most useful virtual assistant.
Augmented Reality Will Be The New Reality
If you thought that playing Pokémon Go in the real world was cool, get ready to have your socks knocked off by what is surely coming in the next wave of apps following iOS 12. For a brief intro (or refresher), augmented reality (AR) is a technology that imposes a virtual picture atop a live image of the real world via your phone’s camera. Just like seeing an Eevee prancing across tables at your local coffeeshop.
With iOS 12, a major announcement was the Measure App. It allows the user to measure real world objects thanks to the powers of AR. Sure, not as fun as catching Pokémon, but much more useful. Apple has given developers a fantastic tool that can now be implemented into the next wave of mobile apps.
As a user, you can expect to see a lot more apps taking advantage of this technology in the future. Whether that means more interactive games or more useful tools, AR will indefinitely change the face of the next wave of mobile apps.
As a developer, expect to see both increased demand and increased implementation of AR into new and old apps. If augmented reality will add a useful or fun feature, it can now be easily and seamlessly integrated with iOS 12. This means it will be used more and more as users adjust to it and time goes on.
Performance Upgrades
Apple’s new phones, the main players running iOS 12, have a focus on increased performance. Users have been complaining for a while now that iPhones aren’t up to par with the newer Androids in terms of performance. Apple is looking to set these complaints to rest by giving their newest phones a huge bump in performance. Even older phones that update to iOS 12 could see an uptick in performance thanks to more streamlined software.
For the next wave of mobile applications, this means that apps can be more complex, CPU heavy, and ultimately better without causing performance issues. Since users will be able to run apps with heavy performance requirements, developers’ hands will be un-cuffed with regard to what they can do with apps. Things that could previously be done only on a desktop will start appearing more and more in the palm of your hand.
Since apps can be more condensed and more powerful, you can expect to see that you have fewer apps but can do more. Look for apps to start doing more than one task when you open them up. Instead of a weather app, a weather app for your smartwatch, and a severe weather updates app, they will be bundled into one. Get excited for what today’s awesome developers will be doing and combining next.
Emphasis On CarPlay Integration
Nearly all new cars rolling off the assembly lines today are outfitted with some sort of touchscreen display that connects to your phone. Whether you use Android Auto or Apple’s CarPlay, this integration lets you use your favorite apps safely in the car. Once again, Siri will be in play here for hands free control.
Chances are, not all the apps you’re using right now are compatible with Apple CarPlay. Apps like Spotify, Pandora, and Maps are though. iOS 12 will bring third-party compatibility with CarPlay. This means that developers will now be able to bring your favorite apps into the car with you. Rather use Google Maps for navigation than Apple’s maps? Go right ahead. Got another favorite music service? It will likely be integrated. As more new apps come out in the next big wave, many of them will likely include CarPlay integration thanks to its new compatibility and iOS 12.