Do you want to build stunning iOS user interfaces for your app?
If so, you cannot overlook the importance of UIKit has been an ideal choice for building responsive screens for iOS.
Though UIKit is an incredibly popular option, SwiftUI is a modern and new option in the town that has garnered significant traction.
Just like JetPack Compose in Android, SwiftUI efficiently uses a declarative style where you describe how the UI will appear as per your needs.
Did you know?
SwiftUI 6, the new and improved version of SwiftUI, comes with additional features like Phased animations, MagnifyGesture, and RotateGesture. Thus, it would allow developers to build complex animations without any difficulty.
On the other hand, UIKit comes with a drag-and-drop development style which is considerably equivalent to Android XML.
But now the question arises- What to choose for iOS UI development in 2024: SwiftUI vs. UIKit.
Let’s dive in!
What is UIKit?
To put it simply, UIKit comes with built-in components which would enable developers to handle touch events, inputs, and other interactions on iOS apps. Launched in 2008, it was built with Objective-C which would now add support to build a solid and feature-rich iPhone’s touch-based screens but also support a wide range of Apple devices. Furthermore, it comes with a wide range of features which includes auto layout, drag-and-drop functionality, dynamic types, and collection views to make it a more powerful and user-friendly framework.
What are the Benefits of UIKit for iOS UI Development?
Here are the top benefits of UIKit for iOS UI Development.
A Mature and Sable Framework
One of the biggest benefits of UIKit is that it has been in the industry for years which makes it a more mature framework among all. Furthermore, since many developers already use it for UI development, it has now become stable with time and has an edge over other competitors. The integrations of graphics and animations have led to the improvement of UIKit.
A Wide Range of UI Components
Another major benefit of UIKit is that it comes with a pre-defined set of built-in UI components which may easily help you get rid of potential challenges during iOS UI development. Furthermore, it would prevent developers from running into building custom UI design elements.
{Also Read: Importance of UI UX Design in an App Development}
Extensive Documentation
Since it has existed for years, UIKit has now a large community of developers which makes it a strong framework for iOS UI development. Furthermore, the framework has loads of multiple tutorials, documentation, and resources which may enable developers to get rid of complexities and errors that may ruin the process of UI development.
What is SwiftUI?
Coming to the counterpart of UIKit, SwiftUI is a modern and popular framework that enables developers to build beautiful and responsive UIs. Released in 2019, the framework is built on Swift programming language which helps to build UIs for dedicated Apple’s ecosystem, including WatchOS, macOS, and tvOS.
Since SwiftUI app development comes with advanced programming paradigms, developers can use simple and intuitive code syntax without thinking about the implementation details. Furthermore, the framework would enable developers to handle and view how actions related to it can be triggered.
What are the Benefits of SwiftUI for iOS UI Development?
Let’s take a look at the benefits of SwiftUI for iOS UI development.
Simplified Code and Easier Maintenance
One of the biggest benefits of SwiftUI is that it comes with declarative syntax and reactive model which can easily simplify the code required to create stunning and solid UIs. Furthermore, developers wouldn’t have to run into complex coding as their job will be defining the UI without focusing on the implementation aspects.
Improved design-to-code workflow
Another major benefit of SwiftUI is that it comes with live editing features which means developers can easily write the code and have a Live view of your UI. Furthermore, it comes with built-in components which makes it easier for developers to design the code and thus, render a more integrated workflow.
Unmatched Support for Dark Mode and Accessibility
One of the major highlights of SwiftUI is that it comes with a built-in colorScheme property which enables developers to switch between light and dark colours. Furthermore, the framework effortlessly handles the major tasks to churn out the best results to change the appearance of views or add more properties.
{Also Read: SwiftUI: A Game Changer in iOS Development}
SwiftUI vs. UIKit: What is an Ideal Choice for iOS UI Development in 2024?
No matter whether you want to build beautiful or responsive UI, both frameworks have incredible built-in components that could enhance the iOS UI development experience to the fullest.
If you’re still in a dilemma about whether to choose SwiftUI or UIKit for iOS UI development then you should conduct research beforehand. To summarize, SwiftUI comes with declarative syntax, live editing, and previews which could be the first choice for iOS app development. On the other hand, UIKit also comes with a wide range of UI components and other additional features, including robust documentation, a large community, and support.
No matter what you choose for the iOS UI development, don’t forget to add customer communications to enhance user engagement and retention.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! That’s a difference between SwiftUI vs. UIKit for iOS UI development in 2024.
Planning to hire professional assistance to develop feature-rich and responsive UI? If so, look no further than EitBiz.
If you’re leaning towards SwiftUI or sticking to UIKit, EitBiz is here to help. We have a dedicated team of iOS app developers and UI/UX designers who work in tandem and will help you build iOS apps that make your app stand above the competition. Reach out to us now to discover how we can take your iOS development journey to the next level. Partner with EitBiz and build a robust and beautiful iOS UI development. Drop us an email at info@eitbiz.com or call us at +1(812)530-6300 today!
