Overview
iOS 12 is widely considered to be one of the most stable when it comes to mobile operating systems. In terms of functionality and user interface, the latest iOS update has a rich collection of features. They come with significant performance, protection, and privacy improvements. We also have to know what this release means to any iOS developer and QA engineer when considering these new features for users. It’s now a little over a year old, and with the introduction of iOS 13, its features could be a little shaded. Still, iOS 12 is run by a significant number of devices, and developers should know about its security features.
iOS 12 will undoubtedly emerge as a strong contender when it comes to the most popular mobile operating systems. Some of the features which made it more successful were excellent performance, group alerts, group FaceTime, enhanced AR interactions, and a variety of Siri shortcuts. Beyond these features, the unmatched security it provides is one fact that made iOS 12 popular. It is the best choice for businesses that want to invest in the development of iOS apps. We will be exploring some significant development and testing considerations for Apple’s new operating system in this blog.
Major security features in iOS12
Default updating:
By default, automatic app updates are now turned on. For developers, this feature is good news. Most users will automatically upgrade to the more stable version of the app if they need to push an update that patches a major security vulnerability. It is also probable that consumers would have the most stable version of first-party apps and iOS 12.
Password auditing:
The password audit tools of iOS 12 let users know when they have used the same password more than twice. When signing into their applications, they now allow users to build strong and stable passwords. The OS maintains a record on the iCloud of all passwords that a user generates and stores them. This feature may not sound that secure or safe. But all these passwords are encrypted with AES-256 while taking into account iCloud’s discovered security vulnerability last year.
USB connection:
USB devices won’t be able to connect if a user hasn’t unlocked a device running iOS 12 in over an hour.
Safari upgrades:
By default, the mobile edition of Safari can now prohibit websites from using cookies for tracking without explicit user permission.
2FA integration:
With two-factor authentication, iOS 12 provides improved native integration (2FA). If an app uses 2FA and sends a security code via text to a user’s phone, iOS 12 will auto-complete its security code area. This could be a good reason for developers, if their apps don’t already support it, to consider adding 2FA features.
Improvements of iOS12, especially for app developers
iOS 12’s most significant security enhancements were mostly on new features. In general, these improvements have represented a privacy pivot. They give users more control about how to collect and use their details, as well as better password and device protection. Here is the security-related information about iOS 12 that both users and developers should know:
Automated password generation:
Developers have been able to mark their password fields and username fields since iOS 11. This allows users to automatically fill these fields with passwords and usernames that have been saved for a particular app or Safari web page. Users can have iOS 12 create a unique, strong password with the latest features of iOS 12. This feature helps in filling the password field if requested by an app.
In house business app development:
Apple sponsors the development of in-house business apps now. Businesses that use the Apple Developer Enterprise Program to collaborate with Apple will create apps that operate only on unique, approved devices.
Sandboxed apps: By default, all third parties’ applications are now sandboxed and can not access files changed by other apps directly. If an app needs to modify files outside its particular home directory, which is randomly allocated on installation by iOS 12, it can be done via iOS. The same is true for all files and services in the system. If a background process needs to be run by an app, it can be done only through system-provided APIs.
Content sharing:
Apps built by the same developer can share content with each other like user preferences. They can also store data for each other if it is configured to be part of an app group.
App frameworks:
For developers working with iOS 12, new software development frameworks such as HomeKit are now available. HomeKit enables developers to build applications that configure smart home appliances and IoT devices or otherwise communicate with them. Similarly, SiriKit allows developers to upgrade their apps to handle user requests originating from Siri and Maps.
Handoff:
The new Handoff mechanism of iOS 12 enables developers to build apps and websites. This encourages users to use one computer with an app, then move their operation to another seamlessly. This feature can be beneficial for developers working on this application.
App store review guidelines review iOS 12
For users and developers, iOS 12 features improve the security of apps. There are some changes in the App Store review guidelines that direct these applications towards better protection or security. In addition to the specific features of iOS 12 that improve app protection for users and developers, there are several more updates to the App Store review guidelines that direct these apps to better security.
Apple now restricts the amount of information that developers can obtain from users’ address books and limits how apps can use this data. This point doesn’t preclude developers from using the address book of an iPhone to add social features to their applications. Developers can also search a user’s contact lists in order to allow users to connect users with friends who also use a particular app. Developers, however, cannot retain and move user address information databases. Apple also prohibited the sale of user data to third parties. Security updates for iOS have tended to give users more control over their data, less system control over apps, and more APIs for developers to add specific features. By following all the above points, iOS 12 is designed with user safety in mind.
To ensure that the App Store accepts the app they make, each iPhone application development company needs to be aware of these new requirements.
Additional Security Tips to iOS 12 users
From the security viewpoint, iOS 12 is relatively stable or reliable. But, in order to keep their system, data, and apps safe, there are specific steps that users should take. Here are a few tips that will help:
- Make sure you switch on the automatic updates.
- Switch the Restricted USB Mode on.
- Disable options to lock the screen.
- Using extra encryption during the backup process.
- Enable the functionality of Find My iPhone.
- Use a VPN when running on public Wi-Fi.
- Set a strong password for the system.
- Periodically track privacy settings.
- Configure two-factor authentication.
- Make use of FaceID or TouchID.
Bottom Line
Some of these improvements make applications safer for developers. The addition of password auditing and improved 2FA authentication, in particular. The key reason why companies need app protection is that they have to safeguard information. They have to protect user data as well as business data. To make them more stable, iOS implements strict safety guidelines, and sandbox the apps on the App Store.
No platform could be a better option than iOS if your primary goal is to create a highly functional, intuitive, and user-friendly app. The fancy features of iOS 12 will draw users. So, hurry up to update the iOS tech stack to support all the excellent features of iOS 12. The protection of your software should be your priority as a company.
Are you looking for an app development partner with the right abilities and experience in order to create a solution that excels on every front, efficacy, security, and stability? Then opt for us! We at Web Mavens go with the new updates and releases. You can contact us if you have any queries regarding the article. We offer a wide range of app development services for companies. To build an app that is compatible with all versions of the application, you can connect with our iPhone app developing team. We guarantee you a perfect app solution and services.
