Apple Highlights New Developer Tools Including Xcode 12 Ability To Challenge App Store Review Guidelines More

Following the Platforms State of the Union address this afternoon at WWDC20 Apple has shared some highlights on its new developer tech and tools to “foster the next generation of apps.” These include Xcode 12, new features in SwiftUI, App Clips and Widgets in iOS and iPadOS 14, improved access to Apple’s platforms like Find My and HomePod, as well as a new App Store Review process that gives developers a way to “challenge” guidelines.

Apple featured the developer-specific updates in a Newsroom post. VP Phil Schiller said that the App Store is “more diverse, dynamic, and successful than it has ever been” but that more needs to be done to improve it for “everyone.”

After highlighting the new App Clips and Widgets that developers will be able to take advantage of with iOS and iPadOS 14, the company noted the improved access to Apple’s platforms like opening up the Find My app to third-parties, HomePod working with third-party music services, and Safari adding support for extensions used by Chrome, Firefox, etc.

One of the biggest new developer tool updates from Apple is the announcement of Xcode 12.

Part of Xcode 12 the new StoreKit tool to help with the development of subscriptions, in-app purchases, and more.

When it comes to SwiftUI, Apple is launching new life cycle APIs:

Catalyst apps also get the benefit of automatically gaining the new macOS Big Sur design and also get access to new APIs.

To improve the app development process, Apple is launching “an online version of the App Store lab to further support the Apple developer community across all of its platforms.” And there will be new recurring forums for developers to give additional feedback.

Going further, Apple highlights that it will be bringing two notable updates to the App Store Review process: the ability to appeal app guideline violations as well as “a mechanism to challenge the guideline itself.”

As highlighted during the WWDC keynote, there will also be a new “App Privacy” overview similar to a nutrition label on food.

Finally, Apple detailed developer tidbits including ARKit 4 and the new Depth API, new Core ML tools, PencilKit updates including the new Scribble feature, TestFlight team members raised to 100, AirPods Motion API, and the option to let users upgrade an existing third-party account to use Sign in with Apple.

Check out the full details in Apple’s post here.