Is Swift Language Only for IOS - TheDevolutions

Swift was a programming language introduced by it was started by Chris Lattner in July 2010 who further collaborated with programmers at Apple. The Swift programming language with a market share of 2.75% has been gaining traction over the last decade with 11% of developers using it in 2024, and PYPL’s chart ranks it at number 9 in the list of the most used programming language chart of most used programming languages. 

Since Swift is a project by Apple it is assumed that Swift is only for IOS. However, this is not true. In this blog, our developers with expertise in working with Swift across various platforms using native frameworks, development tools, platform-specific APIs, and optimization strategies, explain the various platforms on which Swift can be used and the technicalities involved in the same.

What is Swift Language?

Apple’s website defines Swift as every newbie’s first programming language. Swift is a highly intuitive programming language that uses high-performance LLVM compiler technology. It has an expressive syntax with clean codes and results in minimal mistakes. Swift is a preferred language for developers worldwide for the ease it provides in writing generic code, lightweight closure syntax, and fast iteration. Swifts also has features that include built-in error handling, and the elimination of unsafe codes. 

Also Read: - what is react native vs swift

The Various Platforms in the Swift Programming Language can be used

Though Swift was developed by Apple it is a cross-platform language for other Apple platforms like iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS, iPadOS, visionOS, Linux, and Windows. Let's see how it works with each of these.

IoS

Swift programming language is used to build high-quality native iOS applications that are feature-rich. Swift programming language does wonders on the IoS apps through automatic memory management and real-time feedback. Whe you hire our developers you gain expertise in using Apple’s Xcode IDE and Interface Builder to ensure smooth development, and auto layout and adaptive UI for smooth user experience across various screen sizes.

macOS

Swift -can also be used for macOS and facilitates smooth macOS app development, where a solid foundation is built for desktop applications with SwiftUI and AppKit. macOS developers prefer Swift for its extremely modern syntax and great performance, making it a preferred programming language on macOS. 

The smooth file handling, advanced multitasking, and powerful graphics rendering work in favor of Swift when running on macOS. Our developers have helped clients use Swift where iPAd apps could be run on macOS with minimal changes.

However, there are some technical challenges like compatibility issues between AppKit which is a legacy framework, and SwiftUI, which is a modern UI framework. Additionally, managing sandboxing restrictions for security and app store compliance is a tough task.

tvOS

Swift holds profound use in developing interactive tvOS applications where high levels of performance are achieved and immersive experiences delivered for Apple TV users. Developers have used Swift with tvOS using SpriteKit and Metal, to create high-performance graphics and animations. 

Our team of developers ensure that the client’s can integrate Swift smoothly with tvOS frameworks like TVMLKit, UIKit, and SwiftUI, and use SceneKit, SpriteKit, and Metal for gaming and animations.

The bottlenecks while using Swift with tvOS is that there are limited input methods and optimizing UI for larger screens with limited user interaction is quite complex. Some developers have also highlighted performance bottlenecks in rendering high-resolution content.

watchOS

Swift’s lightweight, efficient, and battery-friendly performance is a huge benefit for the Apple watchOS and facilitates super smooth integration with the Apple ecosystem. It powers fitness tracking, notifications, and health monitoring features. 

When using Swift on watchOS, developers have faced challenges related to limited processing power battery constraints, and small screen sizes that require optimized UI elements. One of the huge issues that developers have seen when using Swift with watchOS is the background processing restrictions that affect real-time data updates.

At TheDevolutions our team of developers is hired by clients for their ability to use WatchKit and SwiftUI to develop Apple Watch applications. Cliented has benefited from our developer’s acumen in achieving smooth data syncs with iOS via the watch connectivity framework.

iPad

When it comes to the iPad, Swift programming language can be used to develop dynamic and responsive iPad applications for multitasking, Apple Pencil support, and split-screen functionality. This is achieved by using its powerful features for a tablet-optimized experience.

For the iPad handling different screen sizes and orientations poses a tough battle for developers, and implementing multi-window support effectively takes up time.

visionOS

Swift can be used with VisionOS, the operating system for Apple’s spatial computing devices. Using Swift developers can create next-gen augmented reality experiences and immersive applications. At TheDevolutions our expert developers use ARKit, RealityKit, and Metal to create augmented reality (AR) experiences, and SwiftUI for designing interfaces for 3D environments. Like some of these other platforms, Swift asks for high computational requirements for real-time AR processing, and user interfaces optimized for spatial interactions.

Linux

Since Swift is open-source and runs on Linux, it is the best choice and a viable choice for backend development, server-side applications, and cross-platform projects. At TheDevolutions our developers use Swift with frameworks like Vapor for web applications and microservices. 

For Linux and Swift integration, the lack of GUI framework support and limited compatibility with third-party libraries are the prime concerns. We have proven expertise in working with Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud platforms for deployment.

Swift programming language for Windows

Swift has also expanded to Windows and allows developers to build and run Swift applications on Microsoft’s operating system. This has opened up new possibilities for cross-platform development. Our developers work with Windows and Swift to write command-line applications and cross-platform tools for Swift-based backend development. The main complexities lie in limited support for SwiftUI and other Apple-native frameworks.

Detailed Comparison of Using Swift with Different Platforms 

Harness the Cross-Platform Potential of Swift

Swift is primarily used on the Apple IoS but holds different possibilities when used with the above-mentioned platforms intelligently and strategically based on the particular use case. However, just because these platforms are available doens;t mean it is an easy ay forward. It requires the expertise and acumen of trained developers to make the best use of both Swift and the varied platforms by understanding the technicalities of each platform.

Hence it is necessary to get services from trained developers who have a world with Swift across these platforms. At TheDevolutions, we have expert developers who are well-versed in Swift programming for iOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, iPadOS, visionOS, Linux, and Windows. From delivering high-performance, feature-rich mobile applications with SwiftUI and UIKit, using Swift for backend development, server-side applications, and cloud-based microservices with frameworks like Vapor., to implementing Swift for cross-platform command-line applications, backend tools, and expanding Swift’s capabilities beyond the Apple ecosystem, we can do it all and much more.

Hire from a talent pool of expert developers across the globe with The Devolutions on a subscription basis and kickstart your journey of using Swift with your preferred choice of platform. Connect with our team today!