We heard recently that Apple had disabled the app slicing feature for developers in iOS 9 due to a bug related to the feature. This temporary setback had caused some concern among developers who were eager to utilize this innovative feature to optimize their apps.
App slicing allows developers to create apps that use less storage depending on which device they are installed on. This means that instead of downloading a full version of an app that includes assets for all device types, users only download the parts of the app that are necessary for their specific device. This can significantly reduce the amount of storage space required for apps, which is particularly beneficial for users with devices that have limited storage capacity.
Re-enabling App Slicing
Apple has now confirmed to developers that they can once again start using the app slicing feature for their apps in iOS 9. The feature is available to iOS 9.0.2 and above. This is a welcome update for developers who can now optimize their apps for different devices without worrying about the previous bug.
The issue affecting app slicing has been fixed, and device-specific versions of apps will be delivered when downloaded by users running iOS 9.0.2 or later.
The re-enabling of app slicing is a significant step forward in app development for iOS. By allowing device-specific versions of apps, Apple is helping developers create more efficient and user-friendly applications. This not only enhances the user experience but also helps in managing the limited storage space on devices more effectively.
Benefits of App Slicing
The introduction of the app slicing feature is a strategic move by Apple to address the growing concerns about storage space on mobile devices. Here are some of the key benefits of app slicing:
1. Optimized Storage Usage: Users only download the necessary components of an app, which means less storage space is used. This is particularly useful for users with 16GB or 32GB devices where storage space is at a premium.
2. Faster Downloads: Since users are downloading smaller, device-specific versions of apps, the download times are reduced. This can be especially beneficial for users with slower internet connections.
3. Improved Performance: Apps that are optimized for specific devices can run more efficiently, leading to better performance and a smoother user experience.
4. Reduced Data Usage: Smaller app sizes mean that users consume less data when downloading apps, which can be a significant advantage for those on limited data plans.
5. Enhanced User Experience: By providing a more tailored app experience, developers can ensure that their apps run optimally on each device, leading to higher user satisfaction.
Apple’s commitment to improving the app ecosystem is evident with the reintroduction of app slicing. Developers can now take full advantage of this feature to create more efficient and user-friendly apps. This move is likely to encourage more developers to adopt iOS 9 and its subsequent updates, knowing that they can optimize their apps for a wide range of devices without compromising on performance or user experience.
The re-enabling of the app slicing feature in iOS 9.0.2 and above is a significant development for both developers and users. It addresses the critical issue of storage space while enhancing the overall app experience. As developers begin to implement this feature, users can look forward to more efficient, faster, and better-performing apps on their iOS devices.
Source MacRumors
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