It all started back in 2007 when Apple unleashed the first iPhone with its unique operating system: iOS. Since then, iOS app development languages have raised huge interest among developers and engineers.

Apple App Store, which is home to all Apple apps and games, has become like a virtual playground for developers, boasting a staggering 1.6 million apps. Can you just imagine the sea of possibilities?

It’s no wonder that developers are flocking to the Apple ecosystem, eager to tap into that massive user base.

Did you know that iPhones hold a whopping 23.4% of the global smartphone market? That’s right, they have more market share than any other handset manufacturer out there.

In fact, there are currently over 1 billion iPhones in use around the world. That’s a whole lot of iPhones!

And what about the apps? Well, Apple App Store is home to over 2.23 million iPhone apps and this number just keeps on climbing. Thus, it’s not a big surprise to see more mobile app developers heading toward learning iOS app development. 

So, with all this hype and excitement surrounding the Apple universe, it’s no wonder that skilled iOS programmers are in high demand. Especially the ones who know their way around Swift, the latest and greatest iOS programming language.

What Is iOS App Development?

In a nutshell, iOS app development aims at creating mobile application software specifically designed for Apple’s top-notch gadgets and popular devices like the iPhone, iPad, etc.

When it comes to choosing an iOS app development business, you must be strategic and a lot smarter than your peers. This decision can make or break your idea’s success, so you want to make sure you’re picking the right players for your team.

However, the programming language you choose is also a crucial piece of the puzzle. So, take a moment to define your needs and expectations, and based on that, find the perfect solution that aligns with your goals.

Apple likes to keep things tight-knit. In other words, they prefer a closed ecosystem over an open system. So, iOS can only run on Apple’s very own devices, like the mighty iPhone and the sleek iPad.

iOS App Development Languages

iOS devices are optimized to operate and execute apps developed using one of iOS app development languages below:

Swift

This widely used language was cooked up by the genius minds at Apple, specifically designed to build apps for all their operating systems.

Swift is known for its speed, safety, and expressiveness. It’s like a Ferrari on the coding track, allowing you to write applications for iPhones, desktops, servers, and more.

Apple created Swift to make developers’ lives easier, and apparently, they succeeded.

C#

This programming language was born by Microsoft back in 2000, but it wasn’t until the arrival of Xamarin that it became a heavyweight contender in the iOS app development arena.

Xamarin is a hybrid app development framework that lets you share a boatload of code between different platforms. It’s all about efficiency and streamlining the development process. C# has gained serious popularity over time, thanks to its simplicity and high-level architecture.

Objective C

This language has been around since the early 1980s and is an extension of the mighty C programming language. interestingly, It’s the OG language that was used to create OS X and iOS, along with their APIs. So, if you want to go old-school and build iOS applications with a touch of nostalgia, Objective C might be your favorite choice.

Java

Here’s a true language with a strong weight in the programming world. Java has been in the game since 1995 and is one of the most popular and mature programming languages out there. It’s a general-purpose language that can be used to build both iOS and Android applications.

According to statista, Java language comes sixth as the most widely used programming language among developers.

The beauty of Java lies in its versatility. Above all, Java’s code doesn’t need recompilation to run on any platform. Hence, it’s a cross-platform champion that delivers reliability and speed like no other.

JavaScript + React Native

JavaScript and React Native are clearly interesting combos. JavaScript is the magic ingredient that adds dynamics to HTML’s elements to provide them with better responsiveness and animation.

In other words, it brings web apps to life. And when we talk about iOS app development, JavaScript often teams up with the React Native framework. However, it can introduce some engineering challenges along the way, but it remains like a shortcut to app development glory.

HTML5

This is the fifth and latest major version of HyperText Markup Language, which is the technology that defines the structure and meaning of websites. When it comes to front-end development, HTML5 works closely with CSS and JavaScript. 

Together, they form the legendary trio known as the “big three of the front end.” But Thanks to tools like Apache Cordova and Visual Studio for Mac, knowing HTML5 can open a whole new world of iOS app development possibilities.

Flutter

When we talk about Flutter, we’re talking about a comprehensive app Software Development Kit (SDK) that’s ready to rock your app-building world. Flutter was developed in the labs of Google back in 2015 but officially unleashed in 2017.

This beast of a tool provides developers with a treasure of ready-to-use widgets and tools.  In short, it allows you to create visually stunning, natively compiled apps for mobile, web, and desktop platforms using just one codebase.

Dart

Dart is the programming language that powers Dart, creating a hybrid app development framework. Flutter and Dart may not have the mass adoption of some other options out there, but don’t let that fool you. They pack a punch when it comes to building fast, responsive, and beautiful apps out of the box. For many, this couple forms a weapon in the coding arsenal.

Python

Without a single doubt, the Python language is one of the hottest programming languages in recent times. Created by the coding genius Guido van Rossum back in 1991, this language has taken the programming world by a perfect storm.

It’s open-source, high-level, and so powerful that supports multiple development paradigms like object-oriented, imperative, functional, and procedural. It’s a dynamic language that can do it all. In iOS app development, Python can help you create libraries and functions and handle those backend processing tasks easily and reliably.

Benefits of iOS App Development

iOS app development has undeniable benefits that raise its value dramatically in terms of elegance, innovation, and security:

One-of-a-Kind User Interface

iOS app development provides a satisfying interface experience to customers. The better the interface, the stronger the bond between the company and its customers.

An app with a simple and appealing user interface is hard to resist. It’s like a magnet that draws the attention of any audience and keeps them hooked. That’s why iOS apps have that special charm and elegance.

A Tech-Savvy Consumer Base

The iPhone has always been a favorite piece of technology, especially among the tech-savvy crowd. It’s the perfect choice for those who are hungry for innovation and crave robust features or cutting-edge advancements.

And if you’re targeting this innovation-loving audience, you must get your hand directly and learn or research iOS development. After all, this path will let you have the freedom to develop rapidly evolving apps that disrupt the market and put you ahead of the pack.

Strong Security Capabilities

As widely believed, security is a major advantage of iOS app development. In fact, this kind of app development provides top-of-the-line protection for both the consumer and the developer.

Every app developer knows the importance of safeguarding data from the clutches of hacking and other external dangers. iOS is a fortress of data protection, regardless of the scandals and the unfortunate news that surfaced recently.

Rapid Development Process

Despite being harder in the eyes of many developers, iOS development is actually faster, easier, and less expensive than other operating systems, thanks to Apple’s programming languages.

Unlike those slow and time-consuming programming languages, iOS code is generally sleek and fast. You’ll be cruising at warp speed and saving some dollars along the way.

Superior User Experience

The user experience is the holy grail of app success. Did you know that around 50% of customers uninstall apps within the first week because of a lousy user experience?

Apple has nailed the hardware, perfected its customer support, and delivered fantastic software with a great user experience. It’s no wonder that iOS apps have a special charm on iPhones.

Increased Capital Return

iOS app development is an investment with a high return because iOS customers are more willing to pay for an app on the app store compared to our Android users. Many people attribute this phenomenon to the value and quality that iOS brings to the table.

However, your app must pass some serious tests before bringing it onto the app store. Besides, it must prove its worthiness and usefulness in the vast world of digital applications. Of course, more return on your investment means more value and more success for your whole business.

More Global Exposure

Isn’t it true that reaching new countries is the dream of every company? Well, with iOS app development, you can make that dream a reality. Evidently, iPhones occupy a vast space of the internet in developed countries like the United States and the United Kingdom.

Therefore, developing an iOS app can provide you with a ticket to tap into a market that’s hungry for your products and services. Besides, you’ll have the power to scale and adapt to meet the needs of more customers worldwide.

Powerful Testing

Testing Android apps can be a bit of a wild ride for developers because each Android manufacturer has their own version of the operating system of. In other words, there is a maze of complexity that each developer must go through when testing Android apps.

In contrast, there is a limited number of mobile devices and yearly updates for the iOS operating system. Hence, testing time will be shorter and more efficient.  The result is overall cost-cutting in the development process.

Choosing the Best Language for iOS

Choosing the right tech stack is like navigating through a jungle of choices. However, you can make it easier for you by following the next steps:

Define Your Idea

Before you start this journey, take a moment to think about why you’re building your app. Ask yourself some simple questions and find the clarity you need.

Conduct Market Research

This step is often overlooked, but it’s extremely important. You must conduct in-depth market research and get to know your audience very well. You can rely on surveys in order to segment your customers and create a profile of your average target user.

Prepare a Plan for Your iOS App Development

In the planning phase, you must be detailed and very aware of every step ahead. Ask yourself about what technology will work best for your app, what is the security concerns, and how you’re going to measure your success.

Focus on Compatibility with iOS Versions

Not everyone updates their iPhone system regularly, and you don’t want your app to disappoint users who are stuck on older versions. So, you need to focus on compatibility with all possible versions.

Consider the Overall Cost

The time and cost of developing an iOS app depend on its functionality and complexity. You’ll need a team of specialists to tackle this, including iOS Developers, Graphic Designers, UX Designers, and even QA Managers. Of course, all this requires budgeting and resources.

Future Trends in iOS Development

Driven by advancements in new AI and machine learning technology, iOS development is rapidly evolving on all fronts possible.

As we look ahead, several major trends are expected to reshape the future of this sector.

Firstly, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is becoming increasingly prevalent, enabling apps to provide more personalized and intelligent experiences.

By relying these technologies, iOS apps can offer predictive analytics, natural language processing, and advanced image and speech recognition capabilities.

Additionally, the rise of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) is opening up new avenues for immersive and interactive app experiences, particularly in the gaming, education, and retail sectors.

Furthermore, the Internet of Things (IoT) is gaining traction, with iOS apps being developed to integrate with smart home devices, wearables, and other connected gadgets, creating a unified and interconnected ecosystem.

With a growing emphasis on privacy and security, iOS developers are likely to focus on implementing robust data protection measures, adhering to stringent data privacy regulations, and ensuring user trust. Other notable trends include:

• Increased adoption of Swift, Apple’s modern programming language, for its safety, performance, and ease of use.
• Growth of cloud-based services and APIs for enhanced app functionality and scalability.
• Emphasis on accessibility features to cater to users with disabilities.
• Incorporation of advanced graphics and animation techniques for visually stunning user interfaces.
• Adoption of cross-platform development frameworks like Flutter and React Native for cost-effective app development across multiple platforms.
• Integration of blockchain technology for secure and transparent transactions and data storage.
• Utilization of edge computing for faster processing and reduced latency in real-time applications.
• The Bottom Line

Apple has built an army of loyal customers, with over one billion devices running their iOS operating system. So, if you’re ready to step into the world of iOS app development, you need to pay attention to iOS development and its coding languages. Thankfully, there are many easy iOS app development languages that you can learn. 

Denarjes has provided iOS app development to many businesses and startups. Besides, we prepared a suite of IT and high-tech services for businesses that search for all-in-one solutions. Let’s have a chat!

Frequently Asked Questions