Apple iOS 8 to feature Metal API, Swift Code, and More

Apple iOS 8

At WWDC this week, Apple announced iOS 8.

The new operating system will be released this fall, and is compatible with the iPhone 4s and all variations of the iPhone 5, the iPad 2 and subsequent generations, and the latest iPod Touch.

Developer Features

While, as per usual, the main features of the OS update are focused on the user experience, it also features some new innovations for developers.

Metal Graphics API

The “Metal” API is a graphics engine designed to enhance performance on iOS devices. At WWDC, the Unreal Engine, Unity, and CryEngine all featured demos utilizing the new API.

Apple Announces Metal, New Graphics Tech for iOS 8 http://t.co/ScU8E3aLRM || pic.twitter.com/5suJFhcfFa

— IGN (@IGN) June 2, 2014

Apple brings 'Metal' graphics optimization tech to iOS 8 http://t.co/KUmF4EM4Lf

— Game Developer (@gamedevdotcom) June 2, 2014

Here's a @VentureBeat interview with Tim Sweeney: http://t.co/A8L8jIIjXp More info on Metal API for iOS and how it helps developers.

— Unreal Engine (@UnrealEngine) June 4, 2014

We'll have more on #Metal and iOS 8 on our blog soon! #WWDC14 #unity3d

— Unity for Games (@unitygames) June 2, 2014

https://twitter.com/fnt_uniquepc/status/473543030142951424

Swift Programming Language

The “Swift” code is a new programming language for application development for both iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite.

Apple introduces new programming language, Swift http://t.co/YlFdcDhf7b

— Game Developer (@gamedevdotcom) June 2, 2014

The basic nuts and bolts of Apple's new programming language Swift https://t.co/Gbg8wgfmsF

— Ari Braginsky (@lemonkey) June 3, 2014

Created a quick cheat sheet for #swift https://t.co/cLnfrLJbSh

— Grant Timmerman (@granttimmerman) June 4, 2014

Additional Changes

Other changes are coming with iOS 8 that will be useful for developers

Apple upgrades iOS 8 App Store to boost discoverability http://t.co/7E8eHTM800

— Game Developer (@gamedevdotcom) June 2, 2014

Last WWDC note: TestFlight will be integrated into Apple's dev tools this fall, with iOS 8. Apple acquired it in Feb http://t.co/Hfh68aOmDF

— Game Developer (@gamedevdotcom) June 2, 2014

Apple affords parents more control over kids' IAP spending in iOS 8 http://t.co/8af5Kjws5k

— Game Developer (@gamedevdotcom) June 2, 2014