Apple announced they will be releasing the iOS 11 this fall but what do the enhancements to iOS 11 mean for your app that is currently in the marketplace? Here are a few reasons why you should consider upgrading your app to prepare for the iOS 11 launch.
All of these new features that iOS 11 are rolling out could affect how your app is housed in the App Store. Get in touch and we will do a free analysis on your current app and let you know of any incompatibility issues. Whether you are interested in creating a new app, wanting to enhance a current app, or just a compatibility test, we have gathered some highlights as to why it would be a good idea to update your current app in preparation for iOS 11.
This is not the first time that Apple has made changes that affect apps in the App Store. In September of 2016, Apple released an App Store guideline which encouraged app owners to become compliant with those guidelines or Apple would delete the app from the App Store. There is without a doubt more and more difficulties standing out in the App Store. How will iOS 11 change that?
First, 32 bit will be turned off and any app that is 32 bit will no longer be accessible in the App Store. According to sources, any app that runs in 32 bit will no longer be supported by Apple. Developers will need to update their app to 64 bit in order to remain in the App Store. Apple has already told developers that macOS High Sierra would be the final version on the Mac to support 32 bit apps.
New iOS App Store:
- Visual Design Language: Apple has introduced the all new App Store which appears similar to Apple Music’s styles. Apple is also planning to release a redesigned podcast app in iOS 11 in the same styles. You should take note of these new design cues and ensure that your app stands out among in the crowded app market.
- In-App Purchases from App Store: User will now be able to start in-app purchases from within the App Store itself. The addition of these new purchases come with their own summary and promotional image. The new store gives you the ability to promote up to 20 in-app purchases on your product page. Also regarding in-app purchases, Apple Pay was one new feature introduced in iOS 11. It is similar to Samsung Pay and will let users transfer their money to friends. Users can open the Apple Pay through the Messages app and send money from debit or credit cards.
- Product Page in the App Store: iOS 11 includes a revamp of product pages. Apple used to offer a single app preview which users can watch before downloading your app. In iOS 11, the video previews will autoplay that number will increase to up to three previews. If you haven’t had any app previews before, then you should definitely add them now. iOS 11 also reduced app names to be reduced to 30 characters or under. With this limitation comes the addition of short subtitles, visible in the search results, that can be implemented under the app name. Another integration to this page is promotional text that can be added above the description. This new text field can be edited anytime (contrary to the official description which can only be changed through the release of new versions of the app).
- Business Chat Feature: This new addition will engage with users almost immediately. One of the largest complaints with Apple’s ecosystem is that businesses and developers get very little access to users. Business Chat will start to change this once and for all. Users send the first message to start a Business Chat conversation by tapping Message icons that appear beside the names of businesses in Spotlight searches, Siri, and Maps, or by scanning a relevant QR code with their phone’s camera. Businesses with a Customer Service Platform (CSP) can register for Business Chat. Currently support CSPs include Genesys, LivePerson, Nuance, and SalesForce.
- Phased Releases with Updates: Prior to this upgrade, it was mandatory that updates reach all users at the same time. Now with the introduction of “phased releases” developers can stagger their update releases. This helps safeguard server infrastructure against backend, making sure your server is not impacted all at once. The revised patch also allows for developers to test features with a sample of users before deploying them out to users across the board.
- App Ratings: Now when asking users to request app ratings, developers must now use Apple’s official API instead of integrating their own custom prompts. The new Apple rating message lets users choose 1-5 stars then exits the prompt, all without leaving their current app. The simple message, however, has a drawback; this rating prompt can only be alerted three times a year.
