iOS/App Development

• iOS App Development

  • Distributing iOS Apps

    • Apple's system is a "walled garden" - apps must be approved and "signed" by Apple to run on devices
    • Family Sharing only works for App Store purchases, not custom-built apps

    • Free Method (Impractical for Sharing)

      • Can use free Apple ID to sideload apps from Xcode to connected devices
      • Major limitation: Apps stop working after 7 days and must be reinstalled weekly
      • Not practical for sharing with family members

    • Apple Developer Program ($99/year)

      • Required for practical distribution outside App Store
      • Enables two main distribution methods:

        • TestFlight (Recommended)

          • Apple's official beta testing platform
          • Best option for sharing with family and friends
          • Process:
            • Enroll in Apple Developer Program
            • Upload app to App Store Connect
            • Add testers' Apple IDs (up to 10,000 testers)
            • Testers install TestFlight app from App Store
            • Receive invitation email/notification
            • App appears in TestFlight app, tap "Install"
          • Pros:
            • Extremely easy for testers (no technical steps)
            • Works across all devices linked to Apple ID
            • Can invite up to 10,000 testers
          • Cons:
            • Builds expire after 90 days - must upload new version to keep active

        • Ad Hoc Distribution

          • Creates app "locked" to specific devices via UDIDs
          • Process:
            • Enroll in Apple Developer Program
            • Get UDID from each device (your iPhone, iPad, wife's iPhone, wife's iPad)
            • Register UDIDs in developer account (limited to 100 devices per year)
            • Create "Ad Hoc Provisioning Profile" with UDIDs
            • Build app with that profile
            • Distribute .ipa file to install
          • Pros:
            • App lasts for 1 year (until developer certificate expires)
            • No 90-day expiry like TestFlight
          • Cons:
            • Complex setup process
            • Must rebuild and re-register if tester gets new device
            • Requires manual UDID collection and registration

  • Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) on iOS

    • Can make web pages act like native apps using PWA technology

    • Full-Screen & Home Screen Installation

      • Users can "Add to Home Screen" via Safari Share button
      • iOS Meta Tags (required in HTML <head>):
        • <meta name="apple-mobile-web-app-capable" content="yes">
          • Enables standalone mode (full-screen, no browser UI)
        • <meta name="apple-mobile-web-app-status-bar-style" content="black-translucent">
          • Controls status bar appearance

    • Web App Manifest

      • JSON file that defines app metadata and behavior
      • Link in HTML: <link rel="manifest" href="/manifest.json">
      • Key properties:
        • "display": "standalone" - Full app-like experience
        • "name" - App name for home screen
        • Start URL, icons (various sizes)

    • Service Worker (Offline Capability)

      • JavaScript file that runs in background
      • Acts as network proxy to:
        • Cache assets (HTML, CSS, images) for offline use
        • Intercept network requests
        • Serve cached content when offline
      • Requires HTTPS (secure connection)

    • iOS-Specific PWA Features

      • Push Notifications: PWAs can send push notifications (requires Service Worker)
      • Web Share API: Share content from web app to native iOS apps via Share Sheet

    • User Installation Process

      • User taps Share button (square with up arrow) in Safari
      • Selects "Add to Home Screen"
      • App icon appears on home screen
      • Tapping icon opens app in standalone mode