Technology
Updating to Swift 4 for Your iOS App: Should You Upgrade?
When Would I Need to Update to Swift 4 for My iOS Mobile App Written in Swift 3?
The decision to update your iOS app from Swift 3 to Swift 4 is not as urgent as it might seem. When using Xcode 9, you will be prompted to upgrade to Swift 3.2, which is a minor update from Swift 3. However, your current Swift 3 code will still work without changes. The main benefit of Swift 4 is the inclusion of new language features that can enhance your app development process.
Google's ranking algorithms favor fresh, relevant content. Here, we delve into the timeline for upgrading and the benefits of Swift 4 for iOS app development.
Timeline for Swift 4 Upgrade
According to industry insiders, the final release of Swift 4 is targeted for Fall 2017, likely coinciding with the release of iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra. However, this doesn't mean you have to rush to update immediately. Not every developer updates before a new version of an operating system is released; they may wait until the OS has progressed through its final development phase, often referred to as 'gold master'.
The latest version of Xcode 9 supports both Swift 3.2 and Swift 4. This might be useful for developers who use libraries written in an earlier version of Swift. You can mix between the two versions, though practical experience with this is limited.
Practical Considerations for Swift 4 Upgrade
For many developers, updating to Swift 4 is a matter of personal preference and project needs. Swift 4 aims to minimize breaking changes for Swift 3 source code, making it easier to enable new features selectively. Xcode 9 provides a smooth transition, allowing you to write Swift 3 code side by side with Swift 4, as it can check the version of Swift to enable new features.
While you don't have to upgrade to Xcode 9 immediately, it is a good practice to keep your development environment updated to benefit from the latest features and improvements. However, the timing for upgrading to Swift 4 can be at your own pace, provided it doesn't exceed approximately 18 months.
Conclusion
Upgrading to Swift 4 for your iOS mobile app written in Swift 3 is not a pressing necessity, especially if you are waiting for Xcode 9 or a more stable version of the OS. Swift 4 introduces new language features that can enhance your app's functionality, but the transition can be managed gradually. Keep an eye on the official release dates and the availability of libraries and frameworks compatible with Swift 4. As with any major upgrade, thorough testing is essential before full deployment.