iOS9 Apple Watch Toolkit: Make Real Apps From Scratch

Discover Swift, the new programming language for iOS and OS X, designed to replace Objective-C with safe patterns, modern features, and playgrounds for quick Apple Watch app experiments.

Explore using if, else if, and else statements to drive actions from variables like card number and suit, printing outcomes such as lucky number seven or better luck next time.

Explore how loops control data flow in Swift, using while and for loops to update variables, apply conditions, and print results, then generate multiplication tables and prep for array storage.

Learn how to use single-line and multi-line comments in code, why comments matter for future readability, and how they provide a clear mental note for developers.

Learn how arrays store multiple data items, access by index, and update values, using jack, queen, king, and ace and setting position 0 to jack of spades.

Learn how to create dictionaries in Swift, store key-value pairs, retrieve and update values, search by key, and build a dictionary of arrays to organize data efficiently.

Learn how to create and invoke swift functions, pass parameters like card name and suit, and use if statements to print the ace of spades or other cards.

Learn how classes act as containers for data and code, define a user class with first name, last name, age, and bio, and create an object with parameters in Swift.

Understand the apple watch lineup—normal, sport, and edition—and how to build watch apps from an iPhone app. Explore Swift and how extensions deliver notifications, glances, and haptic feedback.

Explore glances and notifications on the Apple Watch to deliver timely abbreviated information, including short look and long look notifications with tap-to-open actions.

Explore the watch kit framework by mastering WKInterfaceController and WKInterfaceDevice to manage a single screen, handle user interactions, and adapt the user interface across Apple Watch sizes.

Dive into creating an iOS app from scratch using Interface Builder. Build a simple gift picker with labeled buttons and push segues to gift image views.

Create a new Xcode project and add an Apple Watch target, adding a watch extension and interface controller. Learn about separate watch and iPhone folders and running on the simulator.

Create a gift ideas screen by adding an interface controller, importing images into assets, and displaying an aspect‑fill image. Connect the button to push to next screen with back navigation.

Create a four-button home interface, duplicate views, assign images for each button, and push to dedicated screens to build an Apple Watch app.

Intro to a second Apple Watch app called inspired me, with a label and a button. Learn to handle taps, select from three items, and update the label and colors.

Create a watch app project and add an Apple Watch target, then design a simple GUI with a button and a multi-line label, preparing to connect the UI to code.

Learn to create and connect a label and a button in an Apple Watch app, linking interface elements to code via outlets and actions, and update the label on taps.

Learn to add a quotes array and a quote index to drive a label on the watch interface, updating the next quote when the show more button is pressed.

Set the label text in a watch app, then update it to the next course in the array using an index that increments with each show more action, handling bounds.

Take on the homework by adding a reading mechanism with plus and minus to change readings, then add stairs to show different readings using a reading label.

Implement the advanced challenge by enabling adding a course or chords to favorites with user feedback, then update the favorites view to support removal and reflect changes.

Ignite your ability to create any app from your ideas, embrace experimentation, and explore income models such as free, paid, freemium, ads, and affiliate revenue, including Apple Watch apps.

Brainstorm Apple Watch app ideas that solve personal needs, study top charts and app data, gather feedback from friends, and sketch simple prototypes for a minimal, polished design.

Sketch your app idea with pen and paper or tools like Stormboard to map screens and flows before coding, then prototype with Axure or draw.io for sharing.

Learn to differentiate between frameworks and controls while reusing existing solutions. Use Paris for crash reporting, data storage, localization, push notifications, and analytics.

Learn how to gather user feedback, where to collect it—from friends, family, and strangers online, including cafe users. Discover how to prioritize fixes, improvements, and features using a feedback framework.

Explore marketing your app with Facebook and Twitter, craft a landing page and press release, and reach media to raise awareness and drive downloads.

Create a promo video of your app, upload it to YouTube, and share it socially while using relevant tags, annotations, and a complete channel description to boost analytics-driven engagement.

Create a dedicated app landing page to showcase your app with its name, icons, images, awards, and social links. Include videos and multi-page layouts to highlight features.

Learn how a press release kit bundles a zip folder of marketing assets—logos, artwork, screenshots, and a product summary—into one file that explains your app and engages audiences.

Reach out to the media by connecting with app reviewers and tech writers on Twitter, sharing a press release with your app link, to attract coverage from TechCrunch and MacRumors.

Learn app store optimization by crafting descriptive titles, clear descriptions, and keyword-rich content across title, description, and keywords, using Mobile Dev HQ and Anthony to rank higher and attract reviews.

Design compelling app store images by using all five images to show different views of your app in high resolution and clearly describe what it does.

Reuse design templates and a common core to save time across apps, using Candy Crush as an example of reusing code and templates with your own spin.

Celebrate completing your Apple Watch apps from scratch by reflecting on setting up the development environment, sketching features, building, testing, and publishing to the App Store.

Celebrate completing the iOS9 Apple Watch toolkit course and stay in touch via my website, blog, and social networks for questions and feedback.