iOS apps to get first Swift push into a new era

Get ready for the first round of iOS apps built on Swift, the new coding language from Apple that's intended to make apps faster and more stable.

Apple said Tuesday that Swift version 1.0 has gone "gold master", a milestone that means developers can start submitting their iOS apps using it to the App Store.

"Whether your app uses Swift for a small feature or a complete application, now is the time to share your app with the world. It's your turn to excite everyone with your new creations," Apple wrote on its developer blog Tuesday.

The Swift language was introduced at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference in June.

• Apple's Swift explained: What it is and what it means

For more than two decades, Apple has used Objective-C as its core coding language for developers. With the launch of Swift, the company is hoping to eventually replace that with its own option. For now, Swift can work alongside Objective-C code, so developers can either integrate a small component of Swift into their programs or use the language exclusively for their apps.

Apple's decision to allow iOS developers to submit Swift programs to the App Store is arguably more important for developers that for end users, but the company has tried to make the average consumer understand the value of its coding language. Apple touts the fact that Swift apps should improve overall security and allow developers to create faster, more responsive programs.

Note that the term "gold master" should not be misconstrued as a final stage for Swift. Rather, it indicates that the language is near completion. Apple expects to make some modifications to Swift in the coming weeks in anticipation of its launch of OS X Yosemite desktop operating system later this year. Yosemite developers cannot yet submit Swift-based apps to the Mac App Store.

CNET has contacted Apple for comment. We will update this story when we have more information.