iOS includes an integrated stack of graphics technologies that provide the foundation for building engaging visual experiences. Specialized frameworks — which handle 2D, 3D and
animation — give your application access to amazing graphics capabilities of iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.
Core Animation
Core Animation lets you build dynamic, animated user experiences using an easy programming model based on compositing independent layers of graphics. Animations are created by defining key steps along a path, describing how the layers of text, images, and OpenGL ES graphics will interact. Core Animation processes the definitions at runtime, smoothly moving the visual elements from one step to the next, filling in the interim frames of animation automatically.
Just like many of the transitions seen in iOS, you too can use Core Animation to create dramatic user experiences by smoothly moving user interface elements around the screen, fading them in and out, and adding effects — all with just a few lines of Core Animation code.
OpenGL ES
Tap into the graphics power of iPhone and iPod touch with the hardware-accelerated OpenGL ES API. OpenGL ES has a simpler API than its desktop counterpart but uses the same key concepts, including programmable shaders and extensions to make your 3D application or game stand out.
Quartz 2D
Quartz 2D is the powerful 2D graphics API for iOS. It offers professional-strength 2D graphics features such as Bézier curves, transformations, and gradients. Use Quartz 2D for custom interface elements to give a stylized look to your application. Because Quartz 2D is based on the Portable Document Format imaging model, it is a snap to display PDF documents as well.
