Issue 1: Hello, World!
A new kind of iOS dev newsletter that breaks out of the main thread
Welcome to Kernel Extension (Kext)—a monthly publication from Ordinary Industries written by me, Jack Fields! Kext delivers insightful, outside-the-main-thread perspectives on iOS development, engineering best practices, and continuous improvement helping beginner and seasoned developers alike.
In software, a kernel extension enhances the operating system by adding new capabilities beyond the built-in functionality. In the same way, Kext aims to extend your knowledge beyond the everyday flow of information. We dig deeper, exploring the internals of Apple’s development platforms, uncovering best practices, and injecting fresh insights directly into your workflow.
Why Kernel Extension?
In software engineering, the landscape is always evolving. If you’re an iOS developer then you know this is ever more present in Apple’s ecosystem. APIs change, Swift gets new features, App Store policies shift, and new tools emerge. But amid the daily grind of shipping code, debugging, and fighting Xcode, it’s easy to miss the bigger picture. Kext is here to break that cycle; like a background thread working in parallel, bringing in new data while you stay focused on the main task.
Each month, we’ll dive into something meaningful whether it’s an under-appreciated Swift feature, a deep cut on SwiftData, a breakdown of Apple’s latest framework changes, or a fresh perspective on indie app development. This isn’t yet another boring roundup of links. It’s curated. It’s opinionated. It’s crafted for developers like you who want to think beyond their current project.
Who Am I?
My name is Jack Fields. I spent the better part of two decades working at Apple, working across software engineering, hardware engineering, and QA. I reflect on my career with great pride for my accomplishments and profound gratitude for the opportunities I was given. I helped to create some of the world’s most iconic products — designed, refined, and sometimes shelved before their time in the limelight (RIP AirPower). I truly enjoyed my work and the people I shared my days with. That said, I spent so long contributing to the colossus that I became a click-spring. I was vital to the function but ever-switching back and forth to keep the system alive. I needed a change.
So, I left Apple to forge my own path. I started Ordinary Industries to build apps and software that helps people pursue what they love. I’ve got plenty of stories to share from my journey, and I hope you’ll join me as I spin some of that yarn.
What to Expect in Each Issue
Deep Dives – Exploring Swift, SwiftUI, system frameworks, and architectural patterns.
Tips & Tricks – Practical techniques for writing better, more maintainable iOS code.
Behind the Screens – Stories and interviews from the app development community, App Store strategies, and CI/CD insights.
App Spotlight – Projects worth watching, contributing to, or learning from.
Apple & Industry Trends – A sharp look at what’s happening in the ecosystem.
Guest Contributions – Insights from experienced developers and industry experts sharing their knowledge and experiences.
What Kext is Not
Kext isn’t just another news aggregator that bombards you with links to every new Apple announcement. It’s not AI-generated drivel designed to pad pockets by rehashing what’s already on the Swift forums. It isn’t the same boring tutorials that litter the corners of the internet. And it’s definitely not a corporate PR channelregurgitating press releases and marketing jargon to sway you into using their latest product.
Unlike many newsletters that act as passive relays of information, Kext is about perspective. It’s thoughtful analysis, real-world application, and practical takeaways you can actually use. It’s for developers who want more than just “what’s new.” It’s for those who want to understand why something matters, how it affects their work, and what they can do with it.
A Peek at Next Month
In the next issue of Kext, we will discuss how to deliver a great beta experience to your users and why it’s a critical step in shaping the future of your app. We’ll cover how to effectively use TestFlight, engage testers for meaningful feedback, and analyze beta data to make informed decisions. Whether you’re an indie dev preparing your first launch or a seasoned developer refining a major update, a strong beta cycle can mean the difference between an app that simply works and one that truly resonates with users. I hope you will join us in the next issue by subscribing!
Join the Conversation
Share your beta testing experiences with us! Or maybe you have an idea, question, or something you’d love to see covered? Reply to this post or reach out on any of the platforms listed on kernelextension.com.
See you in the next one,
Jack