iOS 26 Programming for Beginners: A hands-on guide to kickstarting your iOS app development journey with Swift 6, UIKit, and Xcode 26

Build real-world iOS apps from scratch while learning the latest Swift 6, Xcode 26, and Apple Intelligence features in this fully updated 10th edition

Free with your book: DRM-free PDF version + access to Packt's next-gen Reader

Key Features

Have fun building your first iOS app and start your iOS programming career

Learn to integrate Apple Intelligence and the sleek new Liquid Glass UI for modern app experiences

Establish a solid foundation with UIKit, testing, and deployment best practices

Book DescriptioniOS 26 Programming for Beginners returns in its 10th edition, fully updated to reflect Apple’s latest innovations in app development. Perfect for complete newcomers as well as those transitioning from other platforms, this practical guide walks you through every step of building your first iOS app using Swift 6 and Xcode 26.

Following a project-based approach, you’ll create a feature-rich journal app while mastering UIKit fundamentals, including storyboards, navigation, data persistence, media integration, and map-based features. Each chapter builds on the last with clear explanations, step-by-step instructions, and real-world examples that reinforce your learning.

Along the way, you’ll enhance your app with Apple Intelligence, Apple’s on-device AI platform, to deliver smart, personalized user experiences. You’ll also leverage the elegant Liquid Glass UI design system introduced in iOS 26, to give your app a modern and immersive feel.

By the end of this book, you’ll have built and deployed a complete iOS app and gained the essential skills to pursue a career in mobile development.What you will learn

Install and configure Xcode 26 for iOS development

Build intuitive user interfaces using UIKit and Auto Layout

Handle JSON data and persistent storage

Integrate Core Location and MapKit for GPS features

Enhance app features with Apple Intelligence

Apply the new Liquid Glass UI for visual polish

Submit and deploy your app to the App Store

Who this book is forThis iOS programming book is for beginners with minimal coding experience who want to enter the world of Swift programming and iOS app development. A basic understanding of programming concepts is all you need to get started.