iOS SDK

The iOS SDK (Software Development Kit) is a comprehensive set of tools, frameworks, and APIs provided by Apple Inc. that enables developers to create native applications for its iOS platform, which runs on devices like the iPhone and iPad. It integrates deeply with Apple's Xcode IDE, providing…

Key facts

First appeared
2008
Category
technology
Problem solved
The iOS SDK was created to enable third-party developers to build and distribute native applications for the iPhone, extending its functionality beyond Apple's pre-installed apps and web-based solutions. Before the SDK, the iPhone was largely a 'closed box,' and developers had no official way to create rich, performant, and deeply integrated software experiences for the device.
Platforms
macOS (for development), tvOS (for deployment, via shared frameworks), iOS (for deployment), iPadOS (for deployment), watchOS (for deployment, via shared frameworks)

Related technologies

Notable users

  • Uber
  • Microsoft
  • Millions of independent developers and small businesses globally
  • Apple Inc. (for its own apps)
  • Spotify
  • Facebook
  • Google