IOS SDK
Apple's iOS is the operating system used on non-desktop or laptop devices, such as the iPhone or iPad. The iOS SDK (Software Developer Kit) allows programmers to create software and plugins that work with the operating system, most notably mobile apps. Apple, Inc., formerly known as the Apple Computer Company and then just Apple Computer, was founded in 1976 and is now one of the world's largest firms after its explosion during the smart phone boom. It's iPhone is among the top two most widely used handheld devices on the planet, and as such, there are thousands of mobile apps that were made with the iOS SDK.
- Loads of documentation to help developers make apps for Apple products
- Bridges the gap between software and hardware in iPhones and iPads
- Since this is an SDK for the largest app market on the planet, it's very well documented and features an extremely active community
- It's free for all registered Apple users
- Apple is a very large company, so tech support on unique issues might leave some developers waiting
- Developing for an Apple device is very different from developing for an Android device, their major competitor, and some programming knowledge won't carry over
The latest version of Apple's iOS works with their latest smart phone, the iPhone X. As such, the latest version of the SDK allows developers to create software and apps for that iPhone as well as other versions. The SDK is the bridge between software and hardware, allowing developers to utilize the hardware on an iPhone or iPad, such as its cameras, flash, motion sensors, touchscreen, buttons and everything else. The kit also contains guidelines for development to keep apps from failing or being taken off the Apple software market, known today as the App Store. As with everything else about Apple, the SDK is simple to understand, as that's sort of Apple's entire philosophy on technology, thanks to late founder Steve Jobs. The documentation is designed to help longtime Apple developers catch up with the bleeding edge features of the new phone, such as the Face ID unlocking system, Super Retina display and the ARKit face tracking for augmented reality.