Core Data

Overview

Core principle: Core Data is a mature object graph and persistence framework. Use it when needing features SwiftData doesn't support, or when targeting older iOS versions.

When to use Core Data vs SwiftData:

• SwiftData (iOS 17+) — New apps, simpler API, Swift-native
• Core Data — iOS 16 and earlier, advanced features, existing codebases

Quick Decision Tree

Which persistence framework?

├─ Targeting iOS 17+ only?
│  ├─ Simple data model? → SwiftData (recommended)
│  ├─ Need public CloudKit database? → Core Data (SwiftData is private-only)
│  ├─ Need custom migration logic? → Core Data (more control)