Apple this week released its latest “Hello Developer” dispatch, a monthly update for its global community of coders, designers, and entrepreneurs. The December 2025 edition highlights the winners of the 2025 App Store Awards, previews latest opportunities to integrate Apple’s latest design features, and showcases innovative apps built within the ecosystem. The update also points developers toward expanded learning resources and documentation as the tech giant continues to refine its platforms.
A central focus of this month’s “Hello Developer” is the celebration of the 2025 App Store Award winners. Apple recognizes developers each year for apps and games that demonstrate exceptional quality, innovation, and user experience. The awards acknowledge the creativity and technical skill driving the App Store forward, and serve as inspiration for others in the developer community. Details on the winning apps and the criteria for selection can be found on Apple’s developer website.
Exploring Liquid Glass and New Design Activities
Apple is pushing developers to embrace its newest design language, particularly the “Liquid Glass” aesthetic, with a series of dedicated activities. These activities are designed to assist developers reimagine their apps with depth, motion, and clarity, leveraging the latest capabilities of Apple’s platforms. According to Apple, these sessions will allow developers to work directly with Apple experts to implement these new design elements. The company is clearly signaling a strong emphasis on visual polish and user interface innovation.
Spotlight on CapWords: A Unique Language Learning App
The December update also features a profile of CapWords, an award-winning language-learning app with a surprisingly playful origin. The app, which utilizes a sticker-centric approach to language acquisition, was reportedly “kind of invented by a 3-year-vintage,” according to Apple. The profile delves into the technology behind CapWords and highlights how the developers leveraged cutting-edge features to create an engaging and effective learning experience. This showcases Apple’s commitment to supporting diverse and creative app concepts.
Expanding Developer Resources
Beyond the awards and design initiatives, Apple continues to expand its library of developer resources. The “Hello Developer” update points to new additions to its video library, offering code-alongs for Swift and SwiftUI, tutorials on game development, and guidance on optimizing app performance. These resources are freely available to all registered Apple developers, providing ongoing support for skill development and problem-solving. Apple also highlighted new documentation and updates to its Human Interface Guidelines (HIG), ensuring developers have the latest information for building compliant and user-friendly apps.
Mini Apps Partner Program
Apple is also actively fostering growth within the developer ecosystem through programs like the Mini Apps Partner Program. This initiative is designed to help developers hosting mini apps expand their business and increase the availability of these streamlined applications on the App Store. The program aims to create a mutually beneficial relationship, driving customer engagement and providing developers with new avenues for monetization.
Developer Agreement Updates and Financial Considerations
Recent changes to Apple’s developer agreement, reported by TechCrunch in December 2025, grant Apple greater authority to recoup unpaid funds from developers. This includes commissions and fees, which the company can now offset by deducting amounts from in-app purchases. The change primarily impacts developers in regions where local laws permit linking to external payment systems, requiring them to report those payments to Apple for commission calculation. While the legality of these commissions is still being debated in some markets, such as the U.S., the updated agreement provides Apple with a mechanism to enforce its financial policies.
Looking ahead, Apple developers can expect continued updates and resources as the company prepares for future platform releases and design innovations. The next major checkpoint for developers will likely be further details on the implementation of Liquid Glass and related design tools, as well as ongoing refinements to the Mini Apps Partner Program. For the latest information and to connect with the developer community, visit the Apple Developer website.
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