iOS 9 App Development Essentials is latest edition of this popular book series and has now been fully updated for the iOS 9 SDK, Xcode 7 and the Swift 2 programming language.

Beginning with the basics, this book provides an outline of the steps necessary to set up an iOS development environment. An introduction to the architecture of iOS 9 and programming in Swift is provided, followed by an in-depth look at the design of iOS applications and user interfaces. More advanced topics such as file handling, database management, in-app purchases, graphics drawing and animation are also covered, as are touch screen handling, gesture recognition, multitasking, iAds integration, location management, local notifications, camera access and video and audio playback support. Other features are also covered including Auto Layout, Twitter and Facebook integration, App Store hosted in-app purchase content, Sprite Kit-based game development, local map search and user interface animation using UIKit dynamics.

Additional features of iOS development using Xcode 7 are also covered, including Swift playgrounds, universal user interface design using size classes, app extensions, Interface Builder Live Views, embedded frameworks, CloudKit data storage and TouchID authentication.

The key new features of iOS 9 and Xcode 7 are also covered in detail, including new error handling in Swift 2, designing Stack View based user interfaces, multiple storyboard support, iPad multitasking, map flyover support, 3D Touch and Picture-in-Picture media playback.

The aim of this book, therefore, is to teach you the skills necessary to build your own apps for iOS 9. Assuming you are ready to download the iOS 9 SDK and Xcode 7, have an Intel-based Mac and ideas for some apps to develop, you are ready to get started.