14 DAY TRIAL // Apple today offers iOS 8.2 Beta 2 for download on the iOS Dev Center. As usual, everyone is instructed to keep an eye out for bugs, but for those who plan on coding watch apps, Apple now includes the WatchKit framework.
iOS 8.2 Beta 1 is the first build of Apple’s mobile operating system to include support for developing watch apps.
New iOS beta + SDK
According to the documentation on the company’s developer portal, “iOS SDK 8.2 provides support for developing iOS apps. The SDK is packaged with a complete set of tools, compilers, and frameworks for creating apps for iOS and OS X. The tools include the Xcode IDE and the Instruments analysis tool, among many others.”
“With this software, you can develop apps for iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch running iOS 8. It now includes WatchKit, a framework for developing Apple Watch apps. You can test your apps using the included iOS Simulator,” the company notes (emphasis ours).
The software development kit requires a Mac running OS X 10.9.3 (Mavericks) or later.
Downloads and resources for developers
Apple has even put out a press release announcing the kick-off for watch app development and directs programmers to the Design and Development Resources page, where the company offers download links for iOS betas, SDKs, instruction manuals, reference code, a developer forum, and more.
Here, Apple notes that this release of Xcode 6.2 with iOS 8.2 SDK beta includes the necessary tools for building apps, Glances, and notifications for Apple Watch. WatchKit makes it all possible.
The Apple Watch Design Resources and the Apple Watch Human Interface Guidelines are free downloads and include “a comprehensive set of design resources to help create your WatchKit app, Glance, and notifications,” says the Cupertino company.
“This package includes templates for a variety of interfaces, Home screen icons, Glances, and notifications. You’ll find detailed specifications for control sizing and layout, a menu icon style guide, fonts, and comprehensive information about Dynamic Type text sizes, styles, and special features,” Apple adds.
Xcode 6.2 beta, which includes the iOS 8.2 SDK with WatchKit, and iOS 8.2 beta are immediately downloadable in the iOS Dev Center. All you need is a paid registration with Apple.
Other WatchKit resources include the WatchKit Programming Guide, WatchKit Framework Reference, WatchKit Catalog: Using WatchKit Interface Elements, Lister: A Productivity App (Obj-C and Swift), and the Developer Forum.
Sharing and Embedded Frameworks Resources include the Building Modern Frameworks Video, an App Extension Programming Guide, and the Entitlement Key Reference.
