Apple will allow developers to create apps that work on iOS and macOS platforms by 2021, according to a new report in Bloomberg.
The Cupertino company is overhauling iOS and macOS in an effort to increase development of new applications, and boost revenue across iPhone, iPad, and Mac product lines.
Bloomberg reports that Apple has code-named the new cross-over project ‘Marzipan’ and has set 2021 as the deadline for the new software release.
During this time, Apple staffers will be tasked with streamlining the software development process and allow iOS apps to run on macOS for the first time, and vice versa. A singular App Store will also be introduced.
Every app or software package released by third-party developers offers Apple the chance to take a cut from subscriptions or downloads. Currently, Apple demands a 30% slice of all in-app purchases and app downloads on both iOS and macOS, although macOS developers most often offer their subscriptions from their own sites to bypass Apple-imposed charges.
The news comes at a time when Apple is changing its strategy, focusing more on services to increase its services income as iPhone and iPad sales begin to slide.
The firm is expected to reveal a television subscription service and an Apple News subscription service next month, reportedly priced at $9.99 per month.
This will be on top of Apple Music ($9.99) and iCloud, allowing Apple to reduce its reliance on hardware and deliver additional add-on experiences and deliver returns to shareholders.
2020: New Software
Bloomberg suggests that by 2020, Apple will expand its software development kit to allow iPhone applications to be converted into macOS apps, and vice versa. Remember that the company ported over several iOS apps to macOS last year as part of preliminary testing.
2021: New Stores
By 2021, the firm will allow developers to merge existing applications into a single app, and launch a new App Store that features iOS and macOS applications side by side. As is the case on iOS right now, some may be ‘Mac exclusive’ if an iOS/macOS variant has not been developed, though Apple may add requirements to encourage cross-platform compatibility.
Of course, Apple isn’t the first firm in the world to combine its mobile and desktop operating experiences – although the company has ruled out a complete merge of the platforms.
Back in 2015, Microsoft announced Windows 10, an operating system for desktops and mobiles, although the Mobile version of the OS was shortlived, and Microsoft Phone was eventually abandoned.
Apple is expected to hold its annual software conference on June 3 in California, where it will show off iOS 13 and the next iterations of macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and homeOS.