Expect ‘CryptoKit’ developer package at Apple’s WWDC conference

Apple is set to announce a new crypto development kit at its Worldwide Developer Conference, according to the program notes for June 5.

During a session dubbed “Cryptography and your Apps,” the firm is expected to unveil its new CryptoKit suite, aimed squarely at equipping developers with the technologies to build for Apple devices.

The tools will first appear as part of the iOS 13 update, and could present opportunities for crypto developers to create apps for the iOS platform.

Specifically, the tools allow developers to build in more security functionality, as well as providing more in-depth support.

The event program describes the tech giant’s expectations from the new developer kit, the first of its kind to be unveiled by Apple. It stated:

“System frameworks encrypt both data at rest and data in transit in a transparent way for you. This functionality is available by simply setting an attribute. However you may want to do more to protect your users’ data.”

Apple describes CryptoKit as “a new Swift framework that makes it easier and safer than ever to perform cryptographic operations, whether you simply need to compute a hash or are implementing a more advanced authentication protocol.”

The developments come at a time when Apple appears to be warming to the cryptocurrency sector. Commentators recently noticed the Apple has begun including cryptocurrency symbols within its San Francisco font, allowing for a great range of crypto-based in-app symbols.

It follows on from the decision of crypto wallet app Spend to onboard Apple Pay, which will enable users to top up their wallet into any of 20 cryptocurrencies from their mobile handset.

Previously noncommittal, the moves join up with a series of other small steps from Apple towards embracing the cryptocurrency sector.

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, a former company executive, is now working on his own blockchain investment projects after launching a VC fund aimed at the space in 2018. The announcements around the developer kit are only the latest example of Apple moving towards greater support for crypto and blockchain development. 

The announcement is expected to create waves when presented to developers at the conference in San Jose, California.