The kit allows for the development of mobile apps on Apple's iOS and iPadOS operating systems.

The SDK contains sets giving developers access to various functions and services of iOS devices, such as hardware and software attributes.

While originally developing iPhone prior to its unveiling in 2007, Apple's then-CEO Steve Jobs did not intend to let third-party developers build native apps for the iOS operating system, instead directing them to make web applications for the Safari web browser.

[14] Despite the apparent lack of interest from Apple, a firmware leak of the 2007 iPhone release revealed an ARM chip with a processor with Jazelle support for embedded Java execution.

[20] The software was officially released as part of the company's Creative Suite 5 collection of professional applications.

[24][26] Originally called "Project Marzipan",[27] Mac Catalyst helps developers bring iPadOS app experiences to macOS, and make it easier to take apps developed for iPadOS devices to Macs by avoiding the need to write the underlying software code twice.