In iOS 11, we have got many important updates like revamped control center, smarter Siri and multitasking abilities on iPads, In this blog, I will discuss only those updates that are most likely to impact testing of mobile apps.

1. Removal of Facebook & Twitter integration: With iOS 11 update, Apple has removed first party support for Facebook and Twitter, which were earlier integrated at system level. Previously, adding these accounts would function as a single sign-on for other apps. But that support is removed now. So, in case your Mobile App has Facebook/Twitter login feature, then it is recommended to test it and ensure that users are still able to login via web-view or native app (if installed).

2. Location permission updates: iOS 11 has significant changes on how location permissions are presented to user. In previous iOS versions, developers could choose which location permissions they wanted to show. Most of the Apps used to ask for ‘Always allow’ permission. However with iOS 11, all three options will automatically appear. User can also opt for ‘Only While using the App’ instead of ‘Always Allow’. While this might not be important for all apps, but it can definitely impact functioning of GPS and fitness tracking apps if users choose unintended option.

In addition to above, iOS 11 users will be notified If any App is excessively using GPS in background. So, it is better to ensure that App is only using GPS when required. 

3. App Explanation for Location permissions: Along with three options discussed above for permission dialogue, user will also be displayed “App explanation” for all different location permission options (Always vs When-in-use). So it is important to ensure that developers have added proper “App explanations” for both these options. Because with iOS 11 ‘App explanation’ for both options will start displaying now which were not displaying previously. Any dummy data added could look really ugly on permission dialogue!

4. Drag & Drop support: Apple has made several changes in the UI. Most important is the drag-and-drop functionality which enable users to simultaneously perform multiple tasks. If app under test is developed on top of native technologies, then it should be fine. However, if the app is based on HTML5 or any other non-native platform, then there might be issues and it will better to thoroughly test it.

5. End of support for 32-bit products and Apps: It means that devices and Apps with 32-bit architecture will not work at all with iOS 11. However, the good news is that Apple has been advocating this migration since 2015. So very less number of Apps are expected to be impacted by this. You don’t need to check your app for this if any version of it was released after February 2015.

Have you already tested your App on iOS 11 or planning to do now? Please share your experience in comments and any other issues which can be observed in Apps running on iOS 11!

The post iOS 11: What’s New & How it can Impact your Mobile App Testing appeared first on Software QA, Functional, Automation & Load Testing with Arif.