Despite the iPhone’s smaller market share than Android, iOS accounted for 75% of consumer spending on apps in 2022. Apple’s documented ability to generate app income is one of the reasons iOS developers are in significantly high demand.

If you want to break into the Apple app market, a skilled iOS developer is needed to build, optimize, and maintain applications. As the demand for these programmers continues to grow, the hiring market remains fiercely competitive. Revelo understands the nuances of the tech talent market and is committed to finding you the best talent.

What Is iOS Development?

iOS development involves designing, building, and testing iOS apps and submitting them to the Apple App Store. Developers who create iOS apps use various languages and tools, such as Swift, Objective-C, and Xcode.

iOS developers use these tools to create games, learning apps, social media apps, productivity tools, and more. While project requirements and market research dictate the application’s intended use, iOS developers create universal frameworks that power a variety of apps, including TikTok, Procreate Pocket, Minecraft, and Among Us.

However, iOS development isn’t limited to technical skills. Understanding user needs and human-centered design is necessary for developing apps that are intuitive, easy to use, and provide value.

Why iOS Development?

Many top companies choose to use iOS development for their projects due to market trends across app stores. Apple’s user base is more profitable than other platforms partially because users trust the brand, quality, and security that iOS provides. Compared to Android users, iOS users tend to spend more on in-app purchases and apps, leading to better monetization opportunities for companies that leverage it. iOS also has more market share in affluent regions such as North America and Western Europe.

The iOS operating system is more refined than Android. This infrastructure allows the early integration of new technologies that lead to new and innovative products. Apple devices also boast better hardware, from the cameras to the processor. Apple limits the number of iPhones and devices released, which makes it easier for apps to sync across devices as opposed to the thousands of different Android devices available.

Benefits of iOS Development

Businesses that choose to invest in iOS development may do so because of some of the advantages that come with it. While many benefits stem from a profitable user base, iOS frameworks also provide a more efficient experience for developers. Some of the more common benefits of iOS development include the following:

• Resources: iOS developers have access to robust development tools and resources through the Apple ecosystem. Tools such as Xcode and SwiftIU streamline workflows and enhance a programmer's output.
• User base: Apple comes with a loyal user base. With the monetization potential of apps on the App Store through purchases, subscriptions, and in-app purchases, companies that utilize iOS development have significant earning potential. Apple's user base is also considered an affluent and tech-savvy user base more willing to make purchases than users of competing products.
• Standards: Apple's App Store imposes strict quality standards. These review guidelines increase the user base's trust and add to the overall brand prestige of Apple. Businesses that use iOS development benefit from association with Apple.
• Security: Companies that release applications for Apple devices have increased security. iOS provides strict security measures that benefits businesses handling sensitive user data.

What Does an iOS Developer Do?

An iOS developer is responsible for creating high-quality apps to meet user needs. Typical responsibilities vary based on the current stage of development, but includes any of the following tasks:

• Plan and design features based on the input of stakeholders, designers, product managers, and others
• Code in languages such as Objective-C and Swift
• Use Xcode to develop and test apps before they’re launched
• Debug to fix problems in code
• Optimization of existing code
• Test apps to ensure they’re secure and perform optimally
• Learn about new technologies and trends to keep their skills sharp

Required Skills and Qualifications

When determining which programming candidates best match organizational needs, hiring managers must consider several hard and soft skills. iOS developers should be fluent in Objective-C and the Swift programming languages as they are the languages used to build apps for Apple platforms. Depending on the project, iOS developers benefit from proficiency in other related languages, such as JavaScript. Knowledge of server-side languages like PHP, Python, and Node.js may also be advantageous if iOS programmers need to work on or communicate with team members on the server side.

iOS developers should have a familiarity with user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design. An understanding of UI and UX design ensures that developers are able to create engaging and intuitive user interfaces for applications. Knowledge of Apple’s design principles and guidelines is also advantageous.

Hiring managers shouldn’t overlook some soft skills that often facilitate efficient iOS app development. Developers who are intrinsically motivated are significant assets to any team. A motivated iOS developer will likely take growth into their own hands, learning new skills and upgrading their abilities based on project requirements. These types of developers also respond well to constructive feedback and use it to enhance their practice.

Developers often need to explain technical concepts to team members or stakeholders who aren’t as technologically savvy or familiar with developmental procedures. Having the patience to explain the issues and the ability to simplify jargon helps all stakeholders better understand the project, team priorities, and next steps.

Developers who display high emotional intelligence (EQ) are excellent additions to a team. Being empathetic and understanding others leads to a more collaborative atmosphere and better workplace experience for all employees, as they tend to solve conflicts easily. iOS developers with a high EQ tend to have improved communication and problem-solving abilities.

Popular iOS Development-Related Languages and Libraries

iOS developers use knowledge of multiple languages, libraries, and frameworks to increase their efficiency. iOS programmers need knowledge of the Apple-created Swift programming language to build apps for the operating systems in its ecosystem, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS and watchOS. Swift is the upgraded version of the languages C, C++, and Objective-C. The concise and expressive syntax of the Swift programming language increases its development speed and makes it less prone to bugs.

Related Languages

Developers benefit from the other programming languages apart from Swift and Objective—especially the more common web development languages. Some of the languages that iOS developers may benefit from include:

• HTML: Developers utilize HyperText Markup Language (HTML) to create web pages. HTML provides a web page's overall structure and a base for other front-end development.
• CSS: Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) build on the structure of HTML and provide options for more stylistic customizations. Developers use it to adjust the layout and positioning of elements, change background colors, conform displays across different devices, and customize design elements.
• JavaScript: Developers use this front-end language to build upon the HTML and CSS structures. JavaScript allows developers to improve UX by adding dynamic content to their projects, including push notifications, animations, and machine learning.
• Ruby: Ruby is primarily a back-end language but is often paired with the Rails framework. Ruby on Rails is a full-stack web application framework developers use to create database-backed apps.

Related Libraries and Frameworks

Utilizing related libraries and frameworks assists in streamlining workflows and simplifying most development projects. Some of the most popular libraries and frameworks that iOS developers utilize include:

• React Native: React Native is an open-source framework for mobile applications. Developers utilize React native for both iOS and Android development. It provides a JavaScript library for building interfaces.
• Core Data: This Apple framework assists developers in managing model layers of objects in their applications. Developers utilize Core Data to store and retrieve data from a database, such as SQLite, in an object-oriented way.
• Flutter: Google developed Flutter as a UI software development kit (SKD). Developers use it to develop applications from multiple platforms, including iOS apps, with a single codebase.
• AVFoundation: AVFoundation is a framework with APIs in Swift and Objective-C. Developers use it to work with time-based capture, processing, and playback of audiovisual media.

Popular iOS Development Programming Tools

iOS developers use specific programming tools to speed up and enhance mobile app development, especially in areas like API integration and debugging. Some of the more popular tools that iOS developers may utilize include:

• Xcode: Apple’s Integrated Development Environment (IDE), Xcode assists with developing applications or the Apple ecosystem. Developers use Xcode to develop, test, and distribute mobile applications for the Apple platform.
• CocoaPods: Developers use Cocoapods for Swift and Objective-C projects as a dependency manager. It has thousands of libraries and frameworks that simplify workflows and automate the integration of third-party code.
• Git: Git is a version control system that allows multiple developers to code together with non-linear workflows. Git tracks and records changes and edits to the code, allowing developers to work together remotely and access previous versions of the code. Version control systems like Git create better collaborative environments and result in faster development. Many developers utilize Git to simplify project management.
• Visual Studio Code: Developers use Visual Studio Code for writing code. This code editor supports various languages, and developers also utilize its debugging, task running, and version control features.

How Does iOS Development Fit Into Modern App Development?

iOS development is an essential part of the Apple ecosystem. Businesses that want to tap into the Apple user base and utilize a marketplace such as the App Store usually need to invest in iOS development. iOS developers also utilize frameworks such as React Native and Flutter for cross-platform development and build apps that can be launched on Android devices.

Developers leverage Core ML to incorporate machine learning and artificial intelligence into their applications, allowing for more intuitive apps. Augmented Reality (AR) is also possible on iOS devices with the help of tools such as ARKit.

Apple’s strict regulations on privacy and safety facilitate trust with its active user base. iOS development allows companies to access the newest trends, tools and practices. This combination helps businesses that invest in iOS development to stay relevant and competitive over time.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire an iOS Developer?

The average salary for a mid-level iOS developer with four to six years of experience in the U.S. ranges from $82,000 to $142,000.

iOS developer salaries widely vary based on factors such as years of experience, location, and industry of employment. In addition to base pay, extra compensation in the form of yearly bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing programs may affect final salary figures.

While iOS developers in Latin American countries are equally skilled, the lower cost of living means they’re usually paid 30%-50% less than their U.S. counterparts, with salaries varying based on location and experience. Revelo provides a cost-effective solution while offering highly qualified, pre-vetted Latin American developers.

Featured Tool: Tech Team Budget Calculator

Finding iOS Developers for Your Project

Sourcing and hiring the best iOS developers for your project is often time-consuming and challenging. Before beginning their search, hiring managers should consider all aspects of the project and determine what technical capabilities and soft skill sets best suit a team's needs. Deciding on the qualities of an ideal candidate before starting a job search will ultimately save time and effort in the long run.

Hiring managers commonly find iOS developer candidates through traditional channels such as professional and private networks. Social media networks like LinkedIn or job search sites also provide leads to qualified and experienced candidates. Hiring managers should also look at online developer communities and forums such as Stack Overflow and GitHub. Once the hiring manager compiles a list of potential candidates, they should interview them using questions specific to the project.