iOS Development Best Known Methods

Targets iOS
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Within my iOS development, I discovered something that albeit small and easy to implement, has been a game changer in my development workflow.

Originally I was developing with my iPad plugged into my Mac, mostly due to some ongoing wireless debug issues (for those interested see 77399 - Wireless iOS debugging no longer seems to work). Everything worked find but alas the whole process felt like a big hassle as I was always task shifting away from my Mac to pick up my iPad on my desk to turn it on, unlock, interact with it, etc.

Then it dawned on me that I could make my life easier. We’ve had a couple of the Rain Design’s iRest floating around the house for nearly a decade now. They’re mostly used for couch surfing but figured I’d try one at my desk and it was entirely a game changer!

Not only do I no longer need to pick up my development iPad all the time, but I’ve now greatly streamlined my workflow. Let me explain further… I’m using an iPad Pro which includes Face ID. As soon as I push a debug build over to this iPad, it turns on, I turn my head to look at it, it unlocks and my build appears. I now have zero touch interactions in order to do a debug test cycle. I’ve always been a bit of a fence sitter on Face ID versus Touch ID, but considering what a game changer this is, all my future development devices will now include it.

Another item that could be a huge productivity enhancement for some, but wasn’t for me, is Apple’s Universal Control. Under Sonoma see Settings » Displays » Advanced… This feature lets you mouse over from your Mac display to a cursor over on the iPad (e.g. similar/identical to the cursor you get with the Magic Keyboard). In theory this would work great for development, but alas I have a decently sized external display so it always felt like a burden as there were a lot of screen pixels to travel over, in order to push through to the iPad to get anything done. At least for me it’s easier just to tap on the iPad directly (so far no gorilla arm on my side).

I wanted to share my learnings in case this helps out others in the community but also to make a thread for us to share this kind of info.

What other best known methods are folks using for iOS development?

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I always have an Ikea BERGENES on my desk and when traveling.
Holds the same purpose :slight_smile:

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Agreed, it looks to be a very nice one too. Definitely a good looking stand for a remarkable price.

The only reason I’ve been using the iRest is when the iPad first came out, Rain Design attended a couple of the MacWorld Expo SFs and I originally picked one up there.

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Great minds think alike :wink:

Years ago I got the Rain Design mStand, which I use now for my iPad Pro 11", but because I prefer the iPad on the right-hand side of my screen, I hated how the base took up the space where my mouse and trackpad should be, so I modified it by removing the base and drilling holes in the holder to mount to a custom aluminum bar I made (hard to see in the photo). This then mounts into the spare holes of the stand I use to hold my VESA mount iMac.

It’s not perfect (note the two vertical rods to keep it from leaning sideways), but it’s good enough.

And yes, add in Universal Control and the iPad becomes a seamless secondary device where I take care of text messaging, notes, music, etc. without crowding my main screen.

iMac-iPad-setup
iMac-iPad-setup1920×1440 200 KB

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Funny you should mention the mStand as I actually have a couple of them for my MBP. I never picked up the iPad version, but the one you have definitely looks useful especially with your upgrades.

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