About Internationalization and Localization

Localization is the process of translating your app into multiple languages. But before you can localize your app, you internationalize it. Internationalization is the process of making your app able to adapt to different languages, regions, and cultures. Because a single language can be used in multiple parts of the world, your app should adapt to the regional and cultural conventions of where a person resides. An internationalized app appears as if it is a native app in all the languages and regions it supports.

The App Store is available in over 150 different countries, and internationalizing your app is the first step to reach this global market. In App Store Connect, you specify whether your app is available in all territories or specific territories. Then you customize your app for each target market that you want to support. Users in other countries want to use your app in a language they understand and see dates, times, and numbers in familiar, regional formats.

At a Glance

Xcode supports incremental localization of your project. First you internationalize your user interface and code during development. Then you test your app using pseudolocalizations and different region settings. When you are ready to localize your app, you export the localizable text using standard file formats and submit them to a localization team for translation into multiple languages. While you are waiting for these translations, you can continue developing your app and perform additional localization steps yourself—perhaps add language-specific audio and image files to your project. Then import the localizations into your project and thoroughly test your app in each supported language and region. During the next iteration of your app, you only translate changes and add additional languages.