When should I use Network.framework instead of URLSession?

Use Network.framework for UDP, custom protocols, low-level socket control, peer-to-peer discovery, or gaming. Use URLSession for standard HTTP, HTTPS, or WebSockets.

What are the benefits of the Coder protocol mentioned in the skill?

The Coder protocol in iOS 26+ eliminates manual JSON encoding/decoding boilerplate, allowing you to send and receive Codable types directly over a NetworkConnection.

What is the difference between NWConnection and NetworkConnection?

NWConnection relies on completion handlers and is used for iOS 12 through 25, while NetworkConnection uses Swift's async/await and structured concurrency for iOS 26 and later.

Can I use this skill for legacy iOS versions?

Yes, the skill provides documentation and implementation patterns for NWConnection, which supports versions as old as iOS 12.

Does this skill help with iOS 26 migration?

Absolutely. It includes specific migration strategies to move from callback-based networking to the modern async/await patterns introduced in iOS 26.

iOS Network Framework Reference

Name: iOS Network Framework Reference
Author: CharlesWiltgen

byCharlesWiltgen

•

233

Mobile Development

Provides a comprehensive reference for Apple's Network.framework, covering modern iOS 26+ NetworkConnection and legacy NWConnection patterns.

About

This skill serves as an exhaustive technical guide for implementing Apple's modern networking stack in iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS applications. It facilitates the transition from legacy BSD sockets and completion-handler-based NWConnection to the latest iOS 26+ NetworkConnection API featuring structured concurrency (async/await), built-in TLV framing, and the Coder protocol. Developers can use this reference to implement battle-tested patterns for TLS, UDP, TCP, and advanced peer-to-peer discovery via Wi-Fi Aware.

Key Features

Performance optimization strategies for user-space networking and network mobility
Implementation patterns for Swift structured concurrency (async/await) in networking
Comprehensive API comparison between NWConnection (iOS 12-25) and NetworkConnection (iOS 26+)
Guides for built-in TLV (Type-Length-Value) framing and the Coder protocol
Peer-to-peer discovery setup using NetworkBrowser and Wi-Fi Aware
233 GitHub stars

Use Cases

Migrating legacy networking code from BSD sockets to modern Swift concurrency
Implementing custom low-latency protocols for gaming, streaming, or P2P apps
Configuring secure TLS/DTLS connections with granular low-level control

About

Key Features

Performance optimization strategies for user-space networking and network mobility
Implementation patterns for Swift structured concurrency (async/await) in networking
Comprehensive API comparison between NWConnection (iOS 12-25) and NetworkConnection (iOS 26+)
Guides for built-in TLV (Type-Length-Value) framing and the Coder protocol
Peer-to-peer discovery setup using NetworkBrowser and Wi-Fi Aware
233 GitHub stars

Use Cases

Migrating legacy networking code from BSD sockets to modern Swift concurrency
Implementing custom low-latency protocols for gaming, streaming, or P2P apps
Configuring secure TLS/DTLS connections with granular low-level control