Apple has updated Swift Playgrounds to version 4.1, with the latest release enabling users to build Mac apps using SwiftUI, as well as new content for both macOS and iPadOS versions.
Both variants of Swift Playgrounds were updated on Tuesday, bringing the code-teaching app to version 4.1. Of the two, the macOS version has the lion's share of changes, with the more interesting additions to the app.
The release notes for the macOS version say the features list includes how to "Build Mac apps with SwiftUI," which requires macOS 12.4 or later to function. There are also guided walkthroughs for teaching SwiftUI app building basics, which can help towards that goal.
App Preview now shows live updates to an app as changes are made, while smart inline code suggestions help write code quickly and accurately. A Snippets Library provides access to hundreds of SwiftUI controls, Swift Package support lets users include publicly-available code in their apps, and project-wide search lets users find items across multiple files at a time.
The App Projects feature helps users shift their Swift Playground projects to Xcode, or vice versa. Also, apps that are built with Swift Playgrounds can be run and installed to the Mac's Applications folder.
Lastly, App Store Connect integration now lets users upload finished apps to the App Store, just like the iPad version. Doing so still requires an active Apple Developer Program account for it to work.
For the iPad edition of Swift Playgrounds, the changes include bug fixes and a trio of new content subjects.
"Keep Going with Apps" will teach users how data moves throughout SwiftUI apps. "Animating Shapes" explains how to create, modify, and animate shapes. Lastly, "Capturing Photos" guides users to creating their own camera app.
Swift Playgrounds is a free download, and is compatible with iPads running iPadOS 14.7 or later, and Macs running macOS 11.5 or later.
