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Apple to require iOS apps and updates to use iOS 8 SDK and include 64-bit support from February 2015

Apple has today notified developers about some upcoming rules regarding App Store submission, via its developer news portal. From 1st February 2015, newly-submitted apps and updates must be built against Apple’s iOS 8 SDK. This is not particularly surprising: Apple required similar adoption of the iOS 7 SDK last year.

In addition however, Apple will also require that all apps and updates include 64-bit support from that date too. Currently, developers can choose whether to submit only 32-bit apps or universal binaries. This will no longer be an option from February. Moving all apps to 64-bit will bring big performance and memory gains for newer devices (which include A7 or A8 SoC’s) as running the 32-bit apps necessitates loading a lot of additional resources into system memory.

Existing apps are only affected if they want to submit feature or bug fix updates. Apple will not remove any apps currently on the store today. Luckily, complying to this rule is not particularly difficult. Adding 64-bit support to an app usually only takes a few days of development time at most, even with a big project.

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Comments

  1. 89p13 - 9 years ago

    As a non-developer, that’s GREAT news to me. To finally be able to use the power of the hardware and software that’s available to the iPhone will be a welcome change!

    Thumbs up to Apple.

  2. Mladen (@imldn) - 9 years ago

    It would be great if Apple would remove all these old and crappy apps, which are not updated for the latest technology (until February 2015)

  3. @imldn – If you don’t like the old apps, uninstall them and remove them from your “Purchases”… Some of those “old, crappy apps” are still on iPod Touches and older iPads that aren’t 64-bit.

    What Apple is requiring is that any NEW updates to an app be 64-bit CAPABLE, not required, so if a developer is still supporting an app, it should get an update and take advantage of the iOS 8 features (including the new resolutions of the iPhone 6/6+) and 64-bit arch if equipped. I don’t think its going to stop developers from writing apps for iPhone 5/5S/4/4S/iPod iPad 2/3/4 etc… There isn’t going to be a “purge” of apps, but you can feel free to do it to your own app list as described above.

    I admit there are some janky apps in the store, but they were approved and unless they violate an updated list of standards (that is enforced retroactively) then they can stay. What kills me is the knock offs – Those should be wiped out – Or the “office apps” that are just manuals for the real thing… Ugh! Garbage clogging up our store! Leave that crap on the Windows Store!

  4. biedz1216 - 9 years ago

    Anyone else think that could be an Apple watch hint date

  5. Christian Koehler - 9 years ago

    Bad for hobby//low budget developers. They possibly need new devices for testing. It is not a good idea to submit 64 Bit code if you cannot test it on an actual device.

    Christian

  6. Mosha - 9 years ago

    Developers keep up, or get out.

  7. The official statement only refers to New Apps.

    Where did you get the info that the requirement also affects future updates of existing apps? There is no source here, not even “people familiar with the matter”.

Author

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Benjamin Mayo

Benjamin develops iOS apps professionally and covers Apple news and rumors for 9to5Mac. Listen to Benjamin, every week, on the Happy Hour podcast. Check out his personal blog. Message Benjamin over email or Twitter.