UIKit Framework
The UIKit framework (UIKit.framework) provides crucial infrastructure for implementing graphical, event-driven apps in iOS, including the following:
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Basic app management and infrastructure, including the app’s main run loop
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User interface management, including support for storyboards and nib files
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A view controller model to encapsulate the contents of your user interface
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Objects representing the standard system views and controls
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Support for handling touch- and motion-based events
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Support for a document model that includes iCloud integration; see Document-Based App Programming Guide for iOS
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Graphics and windowing support, including support for external displays; see View Programming Guide for iOS
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Multitasking support; see Multitasking
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Printing support; see Drawing and Printing Guide for iOS
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Support for customizing the appearance of standard UIKit controls
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Support for text and web content
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Cut, copy, and paste support
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Support for animating user-interface content
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Integration with other apps on the system through URL schemes and framework interfaces
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Accessibility support for disabled users
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Support for the Apple Push Notification service; see Apple Push Notification Service
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Local notification scheduling and delivery; see Local Notifications
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PDF creation
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Support for using custom input views that behave like the system keyboard
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Support for creating custom text views that interact with the system keyboard
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Support for sharing content through email, Twitter, Facebook, and other services
In addition to providing the fundamental code for building your app, UIKit also incorporates support for some device-specific features, such as the following:
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The built-in camera (where present)
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The user’s photo library
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Device name and model information
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Battery state information
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Proximity sensor information
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Remote control information from attached headsets
For information about the classes of the UIKit framework, see UIKit Framework Reference.