A new report says Apple will soon be combining all apps for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, allowing developers to create a single app that works on all Apple devices.
The multi-step initiative, codenamed "Marzipan," aims to merge all apps for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac by the year 2021, Bloomberg reported, citing sources that refused to be named. The initiative, once successful, will allow app developers to create an app once and have it run on all three platforms.
The initiative will be accomplished in three steps. In June this year, Apple plans to release a new software development kit (SDK) that will allow developers to port their iPad apps to the Mac. Although developers will still need to submit their app to the iOS and Mac app stores, they won't have to write the code twice.
Next year, Apple will then expand the SDK so that app developers can port their iPhone apps to the Mac as well. This will be more challenging than the earlier step because iPhone screens are significantly smaller than Mac computer displays.
By 2021, Apple hopes that developers will be able to merge all their iPad, iPhone and Mac apps into one app. This app is called the "single binary." It will require developers to create just one app, then submit it to one Apple App Store. This will allow iOS apps to be downloaded directly from Mac computers.
Marzipan is believed to benefit developers. It should spur new and seasoned app developers to create new software, thereby increasing the utility value of Apple devices.
Also, developers won't have to work on two different apps for iOS and the Mac. Certain developers that focused on iOS while abandoning the Mac, such as Twitter, will likely benefit from this.
Marzipan is also believed to benefit consumers who have invested in Apple's ecosystem. Those who use their Macs for work, for example, can continue working on their iPad or iPhone without having to put in added effort. How it translates to actual work is yet to be seen, however.
Apple's initiative is reminiscent of Microsoft's efforts in establishing the so-called Universal Windows Platform. Back in 2017, Microsoft wanted to pursue a single operating system for all its apps across devices.
Apple, on the other hand, plans to keep iOS and macOS separate from each other, despite merging all apps into a single binary, The Verge reported.
