iOS Inside #006 – UIKit vs. SwiftUI: Is It Time to Switch?

Hey, dev!
Still working with UIKit but feeling like everyone is talking about SwiftUI?
No worries — this issue will guide you through the transition.

With Swift 6.0 and Xcode 16, SwiftUI isn’t just a promise anymore — it’s a solid, reliable stack.
In this edition, we’ll cover:

• The migration from UIKit to SwiftUI

• A full comparison table between components

• The declarative mindset

• How SwiftUI impacts your app’s architecture

• A productivity bonus using SwiftUI previews

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1. UIKit → SwiftUI: the transition map

Here’s a straightforward UIKit-to-SwiftUI reference guide with the most common UI components:

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2. SwiftUI changes the game

It’s not just about replacing views.
SwiftUI completely changes how you build apps:

• Declarative style → fewer ifs, more clarity

• Live previews → code, see, tweak instantly

• @State, @Binding, ObservableObject → clean state management

• Fully compatible with async/await and Combine

• Smooth animations built right in

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3. What about architecture?

It shifts too.
SwiftUI makes you think in terms of state isolation, clear responsibilities, and UI as a function of state.

Forget giant ViewControllers. You’ll see more View + ViewModel separation.
Architectures like MVVM, TCA, or the new SwiftData + Observation combo help structure your project the right way — without overengineering.

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4. Productivity tip – SwiftUI preview power

Using #Preview in Xcode 16.4+?

#Preview {
    MyComponent()
        .environment(\.colorScheme, .dark)
}

Yes, you can test dark mode, accessibility, locales — all in real time.

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5. Is now the right time to switch?

If you're starting something new or working on a modern codebase: yes.
SwiftUI is mature and getting better with every release.
The learning curve pays off fast in productivity and code clarity.

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6. Wrap-up

If you’ve been putting off SwiftUI, now’s the time to try.
Start small. Build a settings screen. Refactor one view at a time.
Soon you’ll see the benefits everywhere.

Coming next in iOS Inside #007:
Let’s talk Clean Architecture in 2025 – what still works, what’s outdated, and how to adapt without overcomplicating your app.

See ya!
Build, run, refactor. Peace!