

Empower Apps
Leo Dion, Principal CEO and Swift Developer at BrightDigit
An exploration of Apple business news and technology. We talk about how businesses can use new technology to empower their business and employees, from Leo Dion, founder of BrightDigit.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 18, 2025 • 39min
Swift Testing with Rachel Brindle
Rachel Brindle, maintainer of Nimble and Quick, comes on to talk about what's new in Swift Testing and what the future of Swift Testing may hold.GuestRachel BrindleRachel Brindle (@younata@hachyderm.io) - Hachyderm.ioyounata (Rachel Brindle)Rachel Brindle (@rachelbrindle) • Instagram photos and videosRelated LinksWhat's new in Testing, 2025 Editionnalexn/ViewInspector: Runtime introspection and unit testing of SwiftUI viewsQuick/Nimble: A Matcher Framework for Swift and Objective-CQuick/Quick: The Swift (and Objective-C) testing framework.pointfreeco/swift-snapshot-testing: 📸 Delightful Swift snapshot testing.swift-evolution/proposals/testing/NNNN-polling-confirmations.md at younata/testing-polling-expectations · younata/swift-evolutionRelated EpisodesLive from CommunityKit WWDC 2025 with Matt MassicotteThe Case of the Crimson Test Suite with Daniel SteinbergEmpowering Accessibility with Via FairchildIt Depends with Brandon WilliamsPractical Year - Part 1 with Donny WalsSwiftUI Tips and Tricks with Craig ClaytonMobile System Design with Tjeerd in 't VeenSocial MediaLinkedIn - @leogdionGitHub - @brightdigitGitHub - @leogdionTikTok - @brightdigitMastodon - @leogdion@c.imYoutube - @brightdigitBlueSky - @leogdion.bsky.socialTwitter Leo - @leogdionTwitter BrightDigit - @brightdigitCreditsMusic from https://filmmusic.io"Blippy Trance" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
(00:00) - Comparing Swift Testing and XCTest
(11:08) - SwiftUI Testing
(17:37) - Advanced Testing Techniques and Tips
(23:47) - Future of Swift Testing
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Edward Sanchez
Steven Lipton
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Jul 4, 2025 • 41min
Deconstructing Xcode with xTool with Kabir Oberai
Kabir Oberai joins us to talk about xTool, Cross-platform Xcode replacement and how Xcode works under the hood to build apps.GuestKabir OberaiKabir Oberai (@kabiroberai@mastodon.social) - Mastodonhttps://x.com/kabiroberaiAnnouncementsmacOS Virtual Machine App for Developers - BushelSyntaxKit - More Friendly SwiftSyntax APIPost Show Discussion with Kabir on PatreonBrightDigit NewsletterRelated Linksxtool | Documentationxtool-org/xtool: Cross-platform Xcode replacement. Build and deploy iOS apps with SwiftPM on Linux, Windows, macOS.cirruslabs/tart: macOS and Linux VMs on Apple Silicon to use in CI and other automationskabiroberai/node-swift: Create Node modules in SwiftKabir Oberai - Batteries Not Included: Beyond Xcode - YouTubeRelated EpisodesLive from CommunityKit WWDC 2025 with Matt Massicottev26.0 with Peter WithamSwift on Android with Marc Prud'hommeauxSwift Toolkit with Natan RolnikSwift Student Challenge with Dezmond BlairWWDC Notes with Cihat GündüzWe Have All The Heroes with Stefano MondinoThe Bushel Holiday SpecialSwiftly Tooling with Pol Piella AbadiaSocial MediaLinkedIn - @leogdionGitHub - @brightdigitGitHub - @leogdionTikTok - @brightdigitMastodon - @leogdion@c.imYoutube - @brightdigitBlueSky - @leogdion.bsky.socialTwitter Leo - @leogdionTwitter BrightDigit - @brightdigitCreditsMusic from https://filmmusic.io"Blippy Trance" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
(00:00) - Introduction and Announcements
(00:53) - Kabir Oberai and WWDC
(06:20) - What is xTool
(19:48) - Mastering iOS App Signing
(35:57) - Future Plans and Community Contributions
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Edward Sanchez
Steven Lipton
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Jun 10, 2025 • 26min
Live from CommunityKit WWDC 2025 with Matt Massicotte
Live from CommunityKit, Leo is joined by Matt Massicotte to discuss everything announced today at WWDC 2025.GuestMatt Massicotte - @mattiem@mastodon.socialmassicotte.org | I write stuff here.Matt Massicotte (@massicotte.org) — Blueskymattmassicotte (Matt Massicotte)Matt Massicotte | LinkedInMatt Massicotte (@mattie) / XAnnouncementsBrightDigit #110 - WWDC 2025 = EmpowerApps 200th Episode + Bushel Sale! 🙌macOS Virtual Machine App for Developers - BushelRelated Episodesv26.0 with Peter WithamFull Stack Things with Werner Jainek and Vojtěch RylkoFear of the Main Thread with Matt MasicotteSwift on Android with Marc Prud'hommeauxSOTU 2024 with Peter WithamWWDC Notes with Cihat GündüzSwift Server Workgroup with Joannis OrlandosEpisode 151 - Platforms State of Union 2023 with Peter WithamEpisode 149 - How to WWDC with Peter WithamEpisode 124 - WWDC 2022 - Platforms State of the Union with Peter WithamSocial MediaLinkedIn - @leogdionGitHub - @brightdigitGitHub - @leogdionTikTok - @brightdigitMastodon - @leogdion@c.imYoutube - @brightdigitBlueSky - @leogdion.bsky.socialTwitter Leo - @leogdionTwitter BrightDigit - @brightdigitCreditsMusic from https://filmmusic.io"Blippy Trance" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
(00:00) - Keynote Highlights and Initial Reactions
(12:06) - Exploring Machine Learning and App Intents
(15:55) - Swift 6.2 and Concurrency Enhancements
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Edward Sanchez
Steven Lipton
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Jun 4, 2025 • 52min
v26.0 with Peter Witham
Before Leo heads to California, Peter joins to discuss Apple's crazy year and what we expect from WWDC 2025.GuestPeter Witham - Developer, Podcaster, StreamerCompileSwift PodcastPeter Witham | LinkedInPeter Witham - YouTubeCompileDev - TwitchPeter Witham (@compileswift) • Instagram photos and videosCompileSwift | FacebookGrfxGuru - Github (Peter Witham)Peter Witham (@Compileswift@iosdev.space) - C.IMPeter Witham - Compileswift.com - TwitterAnnouncementsBrightDigit #110 - WWDC 2025 = EmpowerApps 200th Episode + Bushel Sale! 🙌EmpowerApps.Show LIVE with Leo Dion · LumamacOS Virtual Machine App for Developers - BushelOne More Thing Conference – OMTConfCommunityKit | WWDC | June 9th to 11th in CupertinoRelated EpisodesSwift on Android with Marc Prud'hommeauxSOTU 2024 with Peter WithamWWDC Notes with Cihat GündüzSwift Server Workgroup with Joannis OrlandosEpisode 151 - Platforms State of Union 2023 with Peter WithamEpisode 149 - How to WWDC with Peter WithamEpisode 124 - WWDC 2022 - Platforms State of the Union with Peter WithamSocial MediaLinkedIn - @leogdionGitHub - @brightdigitGitHub - @leogdionTikTok - @brightdigitMastodon - @leogdion@c.imYoutube - @brightdigitBlueSky - @leogdion.bsky.socialTwitter Leo - @leogdionTwitter BrightDigit - @brightdigitCreditsMusic from https://filmmusic.io"Blippy Trance" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
(00:00) - WWDC Announcements
(02:48) - Apple Intellegence
(08:16) - iPad
(12:52) - New Version Numbering and New Design
(19:40) - Swift Everywhere
(22:45) - Future of the iPhone
(30:23) - Vision Pro
(35:43) - App Store
(45:14) - Peter and Game Development
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Edward Sanchez
Steven Lipton
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Mar 27, 2025 • 49min
Full Stack Things with Werner Jainek and Vojtěch Rylko
Werner Jainek and Vojtěch Rylko from Cultured Code talk about their migration of Things Cloud to Server Side with Swift and what they learned along the way.GuestThings - To-Do List for Mac & iOSThings (@things.app) — BlueskyThings (@culturedcode)Things (@things@mastodon.online)Werner Jainek (@jainek@mastodon.social)Vojtěch RylkoVojtech Rylko (@vry@mastodon.social)Vojtěch Rylko | LinkedInVojtěch Rylko (@vojtechrylko)vojtarylko (Vojtech Rylko)AnnouncementsJoin Bushel BetaJoin our Patreon!Newsletters | BrightDigitLinksSwift.org - How Swift's server support powers Things CloudThe Success Story of Server-Side Swift at Cultured Code - Vojtech Rylko - YouTubeRelated EpisodesSwift on Android with Marc Prud'hommeauxSwift, Server Side, Serverless with Sébastien StormacqFull Stack Lyriq with Adegboyega OlusunmadePixelBlitz in Public with Martin LasekSwiftly Tooling with Pol Piella AbadiaBackend Decisions with Mikaela CaronWhat is Firebase with Peter FrieseAWS and SOTO with Adam FowlerSocial MediaEmailleo@brightdigit.comGitHub - @brightdigitTwitter BrightDigit - @brightdigitLeo - @leogdionLinkedInBrightDigitLeoPatreon - brightdigitCreditsMusic from https://filmmusic.io"Blippy Trance" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
(00:00) - Overview of Cultured Code and Things App
(02:19) - Migrating to Server-Side Swift
(09:07) - Technical Challenges and Solutions
(27:56) - Background Workers and Swift
(32:11) - Swift 6 Adoption
(36:34) - Chaos Testing and Deployment
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Edward Sanchez
Steven Lipton
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Mar 14, 2025 • 25min
SwiftUI Fundamentals with Natalia Panferova
Natalia Panferova, a former Apple engineer and author of 'SwiftUI Fundamentals,' dives into her experiences on the core SwiftUI team. She addresses common frustrations developers face with SwiftUI and shares practical tips on state management and layout techniques. Natalia also discusses the integration of SwiftUI with UIKit and highlights the nuances of macOS development. Her insights provide a rare glimpse into the challenges and opportunities of app creation, making it a must-listen for aspiring developers.

Feb 12, 2025 • 56min
Swift on Android with Marc Prud'hommeaux
Marc Prud'hommeaux explains how you can get started building Android apps in Swift, what's the future of the Swift on Android working group, and what's FOSDEM.GuestMarc Prud'hommeaux (@marcprux@mastodon.social) - MastodonMarc Prud'hommeaux | LinkedIn@marcprux.bsky.social — Blueskymarcprux (Marc Prud'hommeaux) | GitHub AnnouncementsJoin Bushel BetaJoin our Patreon!Newsletters | BrightDigitLinksskip.tools (@skiptools@mas.to) - mas.toskipapp-showcaseskiptools/skipapp-showcase: Sample Skip app demonstrating SkipUI components for iOS and AndroidSkip Showcase - Apps on Google PlaySwift Everywhere: Bringing Swift Packages to AndroidSwift on Android Working Group - Community Showcase - Swift ForumsFOSDEM 2025 - A Free Software App Store for iOS: the App Fair Project's perspective on the DMARelated EpisodesSwift Toolkit with Natan RolnikSwift, Server Side, Serverless with Sébastien StormacqLudicrous Types with Nick LockwoodWe Have All The Heroes with Stefano MondinoSwiftly Tooling with Pol Piella AbadiaSwift Server Workgroup with Joannis OrlandosSwift Package Manager Super Powers with Marco EidingerObjective-C Today with Graham LeeSocial MediaEmailleo@brightdigit.comGitHub - @brightdigitTwitter BrightDigit - @brightdigitLeo - @leogdionLinkedInBrightDigitLeoPatreon - brightdigitCreditsMusic from https://filmmusic.io"Blippy Trance" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
(00:00) - Origins of Skip.Tools
(07:59) - Technical Deep Dive: Swift to Kotlin
(27:31) - Swift on Android Working Group
(31:37) - Transpiled vs. Natively Compiled Swift
(42:32) - Skip Showcase and Practical Applications
(51:33) - What is FOSDEM?
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Edward Sanchez
Steven Lipton
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Jan 25, 2025 • 17min
Moving Forward 2025
What a wild ride 2024 was - from big life changes to surprising shifts in Apple development, I'm sharing the story of what went down this year. After navigating job hunts, tech trends, and some unexpected wins (and losses), I've got some insights about where we're headed in 2025, plus some exciting opportunities for you Swift folks!AnnouncementsJoin Bushel BetaJoin our Patreon!Newsletters | BrightDigitNow Hiring! macOS, watchOS, HealthKit and more...!LinksBeing Sendable with SwiftDataUsing ModelActor in SwiftDataSwiftData CRUD Operations with ModelActorbrightdigit/DataThespian: Concurrency-Friendly SwiftDataApple is pausing notification summaries for news in the latest iOS 18.3 betaEven Apple wasn’t able to make VR headsets mainstream in 2024How does Server Side Swift Workout in the Real World? - Leo DionSwift & Interoperability - Tony Parker & Ben CohenRelated EpisodesSwift Toolkit with Natan RolnikChatGPTovski with Kris SlazinskiIt Depends with Brandon WilliamsSwift Server Workgroup with Joannis OrlandosSwiftUI Field Guide with Chris EidhofFear of the Main Thread with Matt MasicottePosture Island with Jordi BruinSocial MediaEmailleo@brightdigit.comGitHub - @brightdigitTwitter BrightDigit - @brightdigitLeo - @leogdionLinkedInBrightDigitLeoPatreon - brightdigitCreditsMusic from https://filmmusic.io"Blippy Trance" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:07) - Job Market
(04:13) - Apple Stuff
(08:51) - Analytics Review
(11:10) - Future Plans
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Edward Sanchez
Steven Lipton
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Dec 31, 2024 • 43min
Fear of the Main Thread with Matt Masicotte
Matt Masicotte comes on the show to clear up all our misconceptions about concurrency in Swift 6. 😑GuestMatt Massicotte - @mattiem@mastodon.socialmassicotte.org | I write stuff here.Matt Massicotte (@massicotte.org) — Blueskymattmassicotte (Matt Massicotte)Matt Massicotte | LinkedInMatt Massicotte (@mattie) / XAnnouncementsBrightDigit 103 - 🎁 Early Black Friday Deals50% off first year of Bushel Pro25% off Patreon Membership - Use Code 64632Join Bushel BetaJoin our Brand New Patreon Page!Newsletters | BrightDigitLinks[Pitch] Inherit isolation by default for async functions - Evolution / Pitches - Swift ForumsSwift concurrency: Behind the scenes - WWDC21 - Videos - Apple DeveloperConcurrency Step-by-Step: A Network RequestConcurrency Step-by-Step: Reading from StorageMaking Mistakes with Swift ConcurrencyBeing Sendable with SwiftDataSwift 6 Incomplete Migration Guide for DummiesUsing ModelActor in SwiftDataNon-Sendable types are cool too you knowProblematic Swift Concurrency PatternsSE-0430: sending parameter and result valuesSE-0431: @isolated(any) Function TypesSE-0434: Usability of global-actor-isolated typesSo how does this whole @preconcurrency thing work?Related EpisodesAsync, Await, and Combine with Marin TodorovAwaiting for Async with Vincent PradeillesEdge of Concurrency with Matt MassicotteOpen and Extensible with Matt MassicottePractical Year - Part 1 with Donny WalsPractical Year - Part 2 with Donny WalsThe Case of the Crimson Test Suite with Daniel SteinbergWWDC Notes with Cihat GündüzSocial MediaEmailleo@brightdigit.comGitHub - @brightdigitTwitter BrightDigit - @brightdigitLeo - @leogdionLinkedInBrightDigitLeoPatreon - brightdigitCreditsMusic from https://filmmusic.io"Blippy Trance" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
(00:00) - Concurrency in Swift 6: Challenges and Adoption
(16:47) - Swift 6.1
(25:47) - Understanding Sendable Types
(36:31) - Future of Swift and Xcode Enhancements
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Edward Sanchez
Steven Lipton
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Dec 24, 2024 • 23min
Practical Year - Part 2 with Donny Wals
Part 2 of our chat with Donny - we discuss the job market, AI, Vision Pro, and of course Swift UI.GuestDonny WalsDonny Wals 👾 (@donnywals.bsky.social) — BlueskyDonny Wals 👾 (@DonnyWals) / Xdonny wals - YouTubeDonny Wals (@donnywals@chaos.social) - chaos.socialDonny Wals | LinkedInAnnouncementsBrightDigit 103 - 🎁 Early Black Friday Deals50% off first year of Bushel Pro25% off Patreon Membership - Use Code 64632Join Bushel BetaJoin our Brand New Patreon Page!Newsletters | BrightDigitLinksPractical Swift Concurrency - Make the most out of Concurrency in Swift 6 and beyondSwiftData | Fatbobman's Blogbrightdigit/DataThespian: Concurrency-Friendly SwiftDataMan vs Machine: Can ChatGPT write better SwiftUI than you? - iOS Conf SG 2023Related EpisodesPractical Entrepreneur with Donny WalsDebugging Your Job Search with Jaim ZuberThe Great SwiftUI Migration - Part 2 with Ben ScheirmanThe Great SwiftUI Migration - Part 1 with Ben ScheirmanThe Case of the Crimson Test Suite with Daniel SteinbergEdge of Concurrency with Matt MassicotteIt Depends with Brandon WilliamsPractical Combine with Donny WalsSocial MediaEmailleo@brightdigit.comGitHub - @brightdigitTwitter BrightDigit - @brightdigitLeo - @leogdionLinkedInBrightDigitLeoPatreon - brightdigitCreditsMusic from https://filmmusic.io"Blippy Trance" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
(00:00) - SwiftUI
(03:02) - Vision Pro
(08:22) - AI
(14:26) - Job Market
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Edward Sanchez
Steven Lipton
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★