Why Can't apple apps communicate with one another?

[SakuraSuki]

You can interact in iOS also just the methodology changes

For your particular example of Pocket all I did was use the share button in Safari and 'copy'

Then I opened Pocket and got the option to add it automatically

Image

That is exactly annoyances. If you are going to copy multiple UI, then what you do? You have to flip bunch of times. Huge waste if time and energy.

 

[aimee.elizabeth]

SakuraSuki is that you??

This actually made me laugh out loud

 

[Di4mondz]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't apple do extensive testing before allowing an app into the App Store?

I feel that the architecture change is the biggest reason this isn't implemented. I agree with OP though, that's the ONLY thing I miss from Android (well that and native google maps).

I highly doubt that Apple does extensive testing. There are many high-profile pulls of apps from the App Store. For example, there are apps that post images of their actual game, but after the game is approved, they use Minecraft gameplay. That is why Apple implemented that you cannot change images of an app within a time frame.

 

[bandrews]

Could someone explain to a thicko like me then about PDFs? If I click a link to a PDF, I then have the option to open it in iBooks or a selection of other third party apps such as Google Drive and Dropbox. If I can save a PDF to those third party, cloud based services, why can't I send a webpage to Pocket?

 

[SanjeevRana]

Could someone explain to a thicko like me then about PDFs? If I click a link to a PDF, I then have the option to open it in iBooks or a selection of other third party apps such as Google Drive and Dropbox. If I can save a PDF to those third party, cloud based services, why can't I send a webpage to Pocket?

Because Pocket App developers need to enable functionality in the app as well ... iOS doesnt know by magic what apps can handle what content

 

[iCole]

Apps cannot take over the entire system (and thus possibly make it crash). It has it's advantages. I've had enough of instances where my Swype keyboard or Facebook Chatbubbles would totally slowdown my entire S3. Or just have inexplainable slowdowns after installing a few apps, even tho they were not actively running. I also had times where an iOS app started freaking out. A push on the home button and I'm out of the app without it ****ing up my entire system.

I admit missing the feature from Android. Being able to sent a photo direcly from the photo library to Whatsapp is awesome. Then again, it doesn't really affect my day to day use. Now I just go to Whatsapp, and send the photo directly from there. On an iPhone, it's a non-issue imo. On the iPad, on the other hand, ... Imagine the possiblities of an iPad with a truely open system Then again, imagine running it like an similar specced Android tablet D:

 

[Todd B.]

So I am a lond time apple user. Unfortunately I'm using a Galaxy Note 2 for work due to screen size. (I need a cross between a tablet and a phone)

Anyways. I miss my iPhone 5 and iOS. The only thing I've noticed and come to love about android is the way the applications communicate. I love how I can share content between applications without having to do something like copy and pate a URL.

Take the app 'Pocket' for example.
If I want to share a web page with pocket on my android I just click share and chose the pocket icon from the list if icons. My iPhone on the other hand forces me to first add Pocket to my email contacts. Then when I want to share a we page I have to click share and then email the URL to my Pocket account.

Why does apple do this?

Um, I can save something to Pocket from any number of apps - Tumblr, Twitterrific, Feedly, etc. It's not Apple's fault if the developer of the app you're using hasn't implemented it.

I don't have to do anything with Pocket and Contacts. In Twitterrific, I just turn Pocket on in settings, it authenticates, and then I just click the 'save to pocket' option.

Also:

Apple has placed an emphasis on reducing app independence in order to increase interactivity between native apps. One of the advantages of iOS 7 will be increased visibility and accessibility of apps; therefore, it’s advisable to consider how your app can link up with those around it.

That could mean how you intentionally leave gaps in functionality; suggesting other apps to fill them (allowing for increased specialism); or being aware of how your app complements others. There is potential here for your app to be one ingredient in a very large Apple pie.

http://thenextweb.com/dd/2013/08/11/5-things-to-know-when-converting-your-app-design-to-ios-7/

 

[jclardy]

The apps in iOS are sandboxed. It is what makes iOS less susceptible to malware than other platforms. Without sandboxing, if an app is downloaded that has malware, it could theoretically infect the entire system. With sandboxing, if an infected app is downloaded, then only that app is broken, while the rest of the system remains untouched.

This is also the ACTUAL reason that Apple doesn't like jailbreaking. It takes away the sandbox(in a manner of speaking).

Sandboxing wouldn't prevent Apple from doing a Share menu like Android though, they seem to just want to control it (By adding Twitter/Facebook/other high profile social networks to the share screen - only what they want added.)

Basically they would just have apps register for specific types of files, and the app would implement a hook to display a quick "upload" interface before returning control to the original app. Apps are still sandboxed - A does not know about B, and it doesn't need to. Only the file/text is shared.

 

[Todd B.]

Sandboxing wouldn't prevent Apple from doing a Share menu like Android though, they seem to just want to control it (By adding Twitter/Facebook/other high profile social networks to the share screen - only what they want added.)

Basically they would just have apps register for specific types of files, and the app would implement a hook to display a quick "upload" interface before returning control to the original app. Apps are still sandboxed - A does not know about B, and it doesn't need to. Only the file/text is shared.

You can do this now, already.

Look at the Tumblr app. It has the standard Message, Twitter, and Facebook icons but it also has Chrome and Pocket, as well.

Talk to the developer if you want this but don't blame Apple...

 

[ziggie216]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't apple do extensive testing before allowing an app into the App Store?

I feel that the architecture change is the biggest reason this isn't implemented. I agree with OP though, that's the ONLY thing I miss from Android (well that and native google maps).

That's what we wish but you probably seen this: https://www.macrumors.com/2013/08/1...oval-process-can-be-beaten-by-malicious-apps/

Android is doing a great job with malware

 

[Geckotek]

15 people is a horrible sample size. My grandmother actually complained about this the other day.

Let's stop with this "power user" urban legend. It's 2013, most individuals are very well versed with electronics, especially their iphone.

Ok, let's add the few hundred iPhone users I've supported. "Power User" is not an urban legend and many iPhone users are happy with how it works today.

 

[TheRealCBONE]

Ok, let's add the few hundred iPhone users I've supported. "Power User" is not an urban legend and many iPhone users are happy with how it works today.

No doubt many are happy, but they would be happier; if Apple were to steal/perfect/invent intents it would be a gamechanger. Absolutely a game changer. Why should you have to wait for a developer to get around to maybe integrating sharing to the app you like, when all the integration you need is to install the app you want to use and choose it?