Mac Power Users

513: Catalyst Apps on the Mac, with John Voorhees

Dec 8, 2019
Guest
John Voorhees
Join John Voorhees, a writer for MacStories specializing in Apple tech, as he discusses the exciting potential of Mac Catalyst for iPad app development. They explore the benefits and challenges of transitioning apps to the Mac, such as the user interface issues and the need for innovation. Voorhees shares insights on successful examples like Carrot Weather and GoodNotes 5, while also highlighting the evolving landscape of Mac applications and the future integration with SwiftUI, revealing a promising outlook for developers and users alike.
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ANECDOTE

Twitter on Mac

  • Twitter's Catalyst app fills a gap by providing an official Mac client after discontinuing their previous version.
  • Despite some bugs and design inconsistencies, it's a usable alternative to the web interface.
INSIGHT

Native vs. Electron

  • Catalyst apps are native, addressing Apple's push against web wrappers like Electron.
  • Twitter's adoption of Catalyst instead of Electron indicates Apple's preference for native experiences.
INSIGHT

Electron App Issues

  • Electron apps consume significant system resources, impacting battery life and performance.
  • John Voorhees avoids them due to performance issues, even if some developers claim they can be efficient.
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