iOS apps experience on Mac

So yes, I couldn't help but buy a brand new MacBook Air, powered with M1 processor. That was exactly that old feeling of something you want to try immediately after Apple reveals it. I haven't felt it much in a while with iPhones and previous Macs, because as for me, nowadays, every new device looks and works in a pretty much the same way as the previous ones did. iPhones get new cameras with tons of gigapixels added, Macs get a brand new keyboard and touch bars that are supposed to be replaced in the future. But not this time. ARM-based computer from Apple sounds like something fresh and interesting, this architecture move really reminds me of PowerPC times, when the platform was something you should really "Think Different" about.

One of the most shocking features of this year's WWDC was the ability to launch your iOS apps on macOS. Sounds like a real game-changer, doesn't it? So my interest took me over, and I ran AppStore.app.

At the first glance, nothing has changed, same categories, almost the same apps that you used to see here. I browsed through the categories to see some iOS apps, but with no luck. Let's try something to search. "Gemini Photos".

I've got the results page, and oh yeah, you can see Mac Apps/iPhone & iPad Apps switcher here.

Conclusion

From my point of view, with a few fixes and improvements, iOS apps can become standard on macOS. Anyway, for the user there is no difference whether this is iOS or macOS app, the only thing they need is value. So once these apps appear in charts and lists this can be what users really love and use.

As a software engineer, I see huge potential in iOS apps presence on macOS. With a few changes, or even without, you can provide your users with great additional value.

Another great outcome is that you can concentrate on real features for your app or service, but not on developing a standalone app for macOS.

Costs. Everything has its cost. Having macOS app for free is neat.

Sounds good, right?

As a recap, I'd like to mention that this feature is the next giant step to merge the platforms, and looks like this is inevitable. Apple has been moving towards it for years with a greatly formed, consistent plan:

So, who knows what the next step is?

Thanks for reading😉

Take care, and mind your work-life balance.

Serg.