As an iOS developer, you’re always on the lookout for ways to improve your workflow and streamline your development process. One of the most common tasks you perform is switching between apps, whether it’s to check email, collaborate with your team, or research a new feature. However, with the release of iOS 18, the way you switch apps has changed, and it’s important to stay up-to-date with these changes if you want to be more productive and efficient in your work.
New Features in iOS 18
App Library
One of the biggest changes in iOS 18 is the introduction of the App Library, a new way to organize your apps into categories. The App Library automatically categorizes all of your apps into different collections, such as Social, Productivity, and Entertainment, so you can easily find what you need without having to manually search through your app collection.
In addition to the pre-built collections, you can also create custom collections for your own apps, making it easier to find specific apps when you need them. For example, if you’re working on a project that requires multiple apps, you can create a custom collection for those apps and easily access them all in one place.
App Clips
Another new feature in iOS 18 is App Clips, which allow you to quickly launch a specific feature or action within an app without having to open the full app. For example, if you’re using an app to collaborate with your team on a project, you can use an App Clip to quickly access the collaboration features without having to navigate through the entire app.
App Clips are especially useful for apps that have complex interfaces or require multiple taps to access specific features. By using App Clips, you can save time and streamline your workflow, making it easier to get things done quickly and efficiently.
Swipe Up Mini Apps
Swipe Up Mini Apps are another new feature in iOS 18 that allows you to quickly launch a mini version of an app from the Control Center. For example, if you’re using the Calculator app to perform a quick calculation, you can swipe up from the bottom right corner of your screen and tap on the Mini App icon to access a smaller version of the calculator that takes up less space on your screen.
Swipe Up Mini Apps are especially useful for apps that you use frequently or need to access quickly, as they allow you to launch them without having to navigate through multiple menus or taps.
Best Practices for Switching Apps
Use the App Library to Stay Organized
One of the best ways to stay organized and focused when switching apps is to use the App Library to categorize your apps into collections that make sense for your workflow. For example, if you’re working on a project that requires multiple apps, you can create a custom collection for those apps and easily access them all in one place.
You can also take advantage of the pre-built collections in the App Library to quickly find the apps you need. For example, if you need to check your email, you can swipe up from the bottom right corner of your screen and tap on the Mail icon to quickly launch the Mail app.
Use App Clips and Swipe Up Mini Apps to Streamline Your Workflow
Another way to streamline your workflow when switching apps is to use App Clips and Swipe Up Mini Apps to access specific features or actions within an app quickly and efficiently. For example, if you’re using the Calculator app to perform a quick calculation, you can swipe up from the bottom right corner of your screen and tap on the Mini App icon to access a smaller version of the calculator that takes up less space on your screen.
By using these features, you can save time and reduce the number of taps required to access the apps and features you need, making it easier to stay focused and productive.
Use Siri Shortcuts to Automate Repetitive Tasks
Siri Shortcuts is another powerful tool that can help you streamline your workflow when switching apps. With Siri Shortcuts, you can create custom actions that automate repetitive tasks, such as launching a specific app or performing a specific action within an app.
For example, you could create a Siri Shortcut that launches the Notes app and automatically opens the notes for a specific project, saving you time and effort every time you need to access those notes.
Use Multitasking to Stay Productive
Multitasking is another useful feature in iOS 18 that can help you stay productive when switching apps. With Multitasking, you can open two apps side-by-side on your screen, allowing you to quickly switch between them and access the features you need without having to navigate through multiple menus or taps.
To use Multitasking, simply swipe up from the bottom right corner of your screen and tap on the Split View icon. From there, you can select the apps you want to open side-by-side and adjust the size of the windows to fit your needs.
Case Studies: Real-Life Examples of App Switching in iOS 18
John, a Software Engineer
John is a software engineer who uses his iPhone to stay organized and productive throughout the day. He has multiple apps open at all times, including email, project management tools