Back in October, Apple revealed that new app submissions from February would have to be made available in 64-bit.
Now the company has sent out an email to their developers, reminding them about the new 64-bit app rule, which comes into place on the 1st of February.
As a reminder, beginning February 1, 2015, new iOS apps submitted to the App Store must include 64-bit support and be built with the iOS 8 SDK. To enable 64-bit in your project, we recommend using the default Xcode build setting of “Standard architectures” to build a single binary with both 32-bit and 64-bit code.
As well as submitting new applications with 64-bit support, developers who are updating their existing applications will also have to add in 64-bit support in future updates.
Why 64-bit Support Matters
The transition to 64-bit architecture is a significant milestone for iOS development. The 64-bit processors, starting with the A7 chip in the iPhone 5s, offer improved performance and efficiency. This means that apps can handle more data at once, perform calculations faster, and provide a smoother user experience. For developers, this transition requires updating their code to ensure compatibility and to take full advantage of the new architecture.
The 64-bit architecture also allows for more memory usage, which is particularly beneficial for apps that require intensive processing, such as games and graphic design tools. By leveraging the 64-bit architecture, developers can create more complex and feature-rich applications that were previously not possible with the 32-bit architecture.
Steps for Developers to Transition to 64-bit
For developers, transitioning to 64-bit involves several steps. First, they need to ensure that their development environment is up to date. This means using the latest version of Xcode, which includes the iOS 8 SDK. The iOS 8 SDK provides the necessary tools and libraries to build 64-bit applications.
Next, developers should review their code for any 32-bit specific dependencies. This includes checking for third-party libraries and frameworks that may not be compatible with 64-bit. Many popular libraries have already been updated to support 64-bit, but it’s essential to verify this before submitting an app.
To enable 64-bit in their project, developers can use the default Xcode build setting of “Standard architectures.” This setting builds a single binary with both 32-bit and 64-bit code, ensuring compatibility with older devices while taking advantage of the performance improvements offered by 64-bit processors.
Impact on Existing Applications
For existing applications, the transition to 64-bit is equally important. Developers who are updating their apps will need to include 64-bit support in future updates. This ensures that their apps remain compatible with the latest iOS devices and continue to provide a high-quality user experience.
Updating an existing app to support 64-bit may require some code changes, particularly if the app relies on older libraries or frameworks. Developers should thoroughly test their apps to ensure that they function correctly on both 32-bit and 64-bit devices. This includes testing for performance improvements and identifying any potential issues that may arise from the transition.
The move to 64-bit architecture is a crucial step for the iOS ecosystem. It allows developers to create more powerful and efficient applications, providing users with a better overall experience. While the transition may require some effort, the long-term benefits are significant. By embracing 64-bit support, developers can ensure that their apps remain competitive and continue to meet the evolving needs of iOS users.
Source iDownloadblog
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