With the iOS ecosystem boasting over 1.5 billion active iPhone users, this is the best time to step into the iOS app development world. The good news? You don’t have to be a world-class developer to build an iOS app; this guide will suffice.
We have curated this blog with enough guidance and tips to help you launch your iOS app idea into the world. Over the top, building an iOS app is not overwhelming; everything is up to you. You can keep it as simple as you want or collaborate with a top iOS app development company for a complex one. Remember, your decision will also impact the overall app development cost. In spite of all that, understanding and knowledge of the basics go a long way. So, without further ado, here is our beginner’s guide to iOS app development USA.
How To Get Started With iOS App Development?
Ready to build your iOS application? The steps below will help you ideate, register, design, develop, test, and launch your app. Don’t worry, everything is written in simple language so everyone can easily understand. Still, if you need help, connect with an iOS app development services company USA to get instant solutions.
Build Your Development Environment
First things first, you need to set up your development environment, or as they say, your workspace. Since you wish to develop an iOS app, you will require Xcode (Apple’s own development software) and Swift, both of which can be found on the App Store. It is best to work with the most updated or latest versions.
Once you have both tools, take time to familiarize yourself with them. These are the software that will help you develop, launch, and update your app, so it is better if you are comfortable with the controls and everything.
Register For The Apple Developer Account
In order to distribute your app on the App Store, you will need to join the Apple Developer Program. There are two options available:
Free Individual Account: You can get access to many development resources like beta software, documentation, and videos, participate in forums, and test apps on your own devices.
Paid Standard Program: It has an annual fee of 99 USD, and gives access to all the features, like app distribution and beta testing.
Fee Waivers: If you are a non-profit organization, accredited educational institution, or government entity, you can request a fee waiver. You must meet certain requirements, though.
Design and Code Your App
Now that you are all set with the tools, it is time to create the app. Start a new project with Xcode and start building. You can either do it yourself, partner up with an iOS app development company USA, or hire iOS app developer USA to help with your journey.
This is the part where you design the interface, add buttons, labels, and images, integrate elements, and arrange and optimize components till they meet your intended purpose.
Test and Deploy
Xcode has a feature called the Simulator to preview the app, but testing on a real device is different, as it helps identify loopholes and issues. You can do so by connecting your iPhone or iPad to the computer via a USB cable and running the app on that device or using TestFlight for beta testing. TestFlight also allows you to distribute beta builds to testers via links.
Once all the testing is done, you are ready to publish your app. Take some screenshots of your app, write a good description, and check APO standards and other metadata. In our opinion, it is best to read the App Review Guidelines before submitting the app to ensure your app meets Apple standards to avoid app rejections or any troubles later down the road. Finally, submit your app through the Swift Student Challenge or Xcode. Apple will review your app, and once they approve it, your app will become live in the App Store.
Best Libraries to Enhance Your App’s Performance
There are several iOS libraries that can help improve the overall performance of your iOS application by optimizing various aspects. These include networking, image handling, UI rendering, and data persistence. Here are some of the top iOS libraries you can use.
Alamofire
Alamofire is a popular, open-source HTTP networking library. The key features include simplifying network requests, parameter encoding, response handling, authentication, network reachability, and cURL command output.
Kingfisher
Kingfisher is a powerful Swift library built for downloading and caching images from the web within iOS applications. The key features include image downloading, image caching, image processing, placeholder support, and progress tracking.
Realm
Realm is an open-source, object-oriented mobile database that helps build reactive applications on iOS. It provides an alternative to conventional mobile data storage solutions like SQLite and Core Data. The key features include defining object-oriented data models, enabling offline support, real-time device sync, and cross-platform compatibility.
SnapKit
SnapKit is designed to streamline the process of creating and managing Auto Layout constraints programmatically in iOS applications. The key features include simplified constraint creation, programmatic layout, ease of management, type safety, and readability.
All of these libraries are available to obtain from GitHub. You can also explore the big list of several other tools, APIs, integrations, and more, curated by awesome iOS.
Ways To Speed Up Your iOS App Development
You do not have to be a tech wizard to start learning iOS mobile app development. With proper strategy, guidance, and a few tips and tricks, you can easily learn and master the basics and even the more complex technicalities. Here are some ways to accelerate the process.
1 Clearly Define Your Objectives
Before starting or downloading any tools, you must first clearly define your intentions with the app and the goals you wish to achieve. Do you want to create a commercial app, pursue a career in app development, or just want to do some personal learning? Answer these questions to easily find your way forward. You can also consult with a reliable iOS mobile app development company to discuss and find app success.
For example, if you want to build an ecommerce app, knowing that will help you focus on the tools and techniques you need to learn and mistakes to avoid to prevent the app’s downfall.
2 Learn The Basics
Before diving deep into the technicalities, you must first learn the basics of Xcode and Swift. Both of these are fundamental parts of iOS app development services, so getting familiar with the syntax, variables, and functions is extremely important.
Apple has made most things easy and simple for people new to app development, those wanting to build apps for their platforms, and also those who want to refresh their memory. Explore Apple’s Learn to code page to find guides, tools, and opportunities to build and launch great apps.
3 Research and Work With Pre-Built Templates
There is nothing as sweet as pre-built templates to research ideas or get ready-made solutions for iOS apps or certain parts of them. These templates provide a basic framework for you to start with, and you only need to optimize and adjust them for your own project.
You can find different iOS app templates and iOS templates on websites like CodeCanyon and Figma (some are paid and some are free), and research for ideas on platforms like Dribble.
4 Enroll In IT Diploma Courses Online
If you want to pursue a career in app development or increase your skill level, you can take part in organized courses. Several platforms also offer online certifications that prove useful in building up your app developer resume.
You can search for IT diploma courses online on Google to find websites offering those. From personal experience, the best platforms are Coursera and Udemy. You can find several different courses there for not just app development, but also to become a certified data analyst, data scientist, support engineer, statistician, and many more.
5 Get Help From The Community
Remember that you are not alone in your iOS app development journey. You can find tons of resources and support from software development forums to get things done better and faster.
Some popular sites include GitHub, Reddit, and Quora. You can ask questions, find solutions, get pre-built tools, or just engage in a discussion. You can also join groups for developers or attend local meets to further expand your circle.
If you feel stuck at any stage, you can consult with a trustworthy iOS app development company in USA to find your way out.
Collaborate With The Apptitude For A Smart, Secure, and Scalable iOS App Development
If you are not at all familiar with the iOS app development process or have other things on your plate that don’t allow you to learn from scratch, but you want to launch your app, don’t worry, The Apptitude has your back. With over 3 years of experience as a premium iOS app development agency, we can help you launch a new app or update an existing one for success.
Our experts will help you pick the right development approach, craft creative strategies, implement SMART methodologies, and collaborate from start to finish for a seamless app launch. Moreover, you can also ask for post-launch support for updates, monitoring, and general support to ensure your app remains viable for years to come.
We don’t just provide reliable Android and iOS mobile app development services; we help you transform your app idea into a successful reality.