Building a native iOS app

I decided to build a small iOS application.

After three web projects in the last three months, the idea of distribution via the marketplace sounds intriguing.

The idea for the app is very simple: a text and voice note-taking application with some AI features. I call it Talking Mind.

Platform

After refreshing my knowledge of React Native Expo and Kotlin Multiplatform (my other app, AI Editor, is built with KMP), I decided to go with Xcode and the native iOS project this time.

From a user perspective, I like the feel of a native application. Cross-platform frameworks are getting close, but native feels much better for the end user.

Also, having immediate and direct access to all platform features is the key. No wrappers, no workarounds.

Xcode

Before I could start, Xcode forced me to download almost 8gb of updates. I already had Xcode installed, which is another 2gb.

The steps for project creation are straightforward.

Just a few clicks and an empty project is ready and runnable.

Talking Mind

One of the key features of Talking Mind is taking voice notes.

So, basically:

• A user creates a note and attaches a recording of their voice.
• The voice recording is stored with notes in the app's local storage (Swift Data).
• A user can choose to transcribe the recording by clicking a button.

AI Features

The very first AI feature is audio transcription. I use OpenAI's Whisper for this purpose.

However, I plan to add more AI-specific features such as brainstorming, summary, and creativity with AI.

Review, Beta Testing, TestFlight

Initial review and beta testing wasApp Store's most curious part.

If you want to test with external testers, App Store Connect has a separate review process for Beta Testing. I submitted an initial version of Talking Mind for Beta Testing, which was approved after less than 48 hours.

In parallel, I also submitted all required documentation so I can publish and distribute my app via the App Store, including in all countries.

If you are interested in testing, use this TestFlight link and join as a Beta tester:

Off-topic

I will write a follow-up and try to keep this blog up to date with the recent developments. It is good to be back and write posts here.