Why is iOS High in Demand?

iOS is high in demand for several reasons, making it one of the most sought-after platforms in the mobile app development industry:

1. Large and affluent user base: iOS devices, including iPhones and iPads, have a significant market share, especially in developed countries. iOS users are often considered more affluent and willing to spend money on apps, making it an attractive market for businesses.

2. Revenue potential: The Apple App Store generates higher revenue compared to other app stores, such as Google Play. This encourages developers and businesses to prioritize iOS app development to tap into the platform’s revenue potential.

3. Better user engagement: iOS users tend to be more engaged with their devices and apps. Studies have shown that iOS users spend more time on apps, have higher retention rates, and are more likely to make in-app purchases.

4. Consistent and controlled ecosystem: Apple maintains strict guidelines for app submission, which ensures a certain level of quality and security within the app ecosystem. This controlled environment provides users with a more reliable and consistent experience, which is appealing to both developers and users.

5. High-end demographics: iOS devices are often associated with a premium and high-end market segment. Developing iOS apps can target users with higher purchasing power and an inclination to spend on premium apps and services.

6. Developer-friendly environment: Apple provides comprehensive development tools, libraries, and resources, such as Xcode and Swift, which make it easier for developers to create high-quality and polished apps.

7. Swift programming language: Swift, introduced by Apple in 2014, has become a popular and modern programming language for iOS app development. It’s more approachable than Objective-C, the previous language used for iOS development, which has further increased the appeal of iOS development.

8. Early access to new features: Apple frequently introduces new features and technologies in its devices and software updates. Developers working on iOS get early access to these advancements, allowing them to create innovative apps that leverage the latest capabilities.

9. Brand loyalty and user experience: Apple has a strong brand following, and many users remain loyal to the iOS ecosystem. This loyalty is often driven by the superior user experience and design aesthetics that Apple products are known for.

Overall, the combination of a lucrative market, higher user engagement, a controlled environment, and developer-friendly tools makes iOS a highly desirable platform for app development, leading to its high demand among businesses and developers.

How to Find Top iOS Developers for Hire?

Finding top iOS developers for hire can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, you can increase your chances of finding skilled and reliable candidates. Here are some steps you can follow to find the best iOS developers for your needs:

1. Define your requirements: Clearly outline the specific skills, experience, and qualifications you need in an iOS developer. Determine whether you need someone experienced in a particular domain (e.g., gaming, healthcare, fintech) or with expertise in specific technologies (Swift, Objective-C, SwiftUI, etc.).

2. Explore online platforms: There are various online platforms where you can find iOS developers, such as LinkedIn, Upwork, Toptal, Freelancer, and GitHub Jobs. Create a detailed job description and post it on these platforms.

3. Attend developer conferences and events: Participate in iOS developer conferences and local meetups to connect with developers and potentially find candidates who are active in the community.

4. Reach out to your network: Utilize your professional network to ask for recommendations or referrals. Often, someone from your network might know a talented iOS developer looking for new opportunities.

5. Review portfolios and GitHub profiles: Ask for candidates’ portfolios or GitHub profiles to assess the quality of their past work and code samples. This can give you insights into their coding style and problem-solving skills.

6. Conduct technical interviews: Screen the candidates through technical interviews that involve coding challenges, problem-solving exercises, and discussions about their previous projects. This will help you assess their technical skills and approach to problem-solving.

7. Test their app-building abilities: If possible, provide candidates with a small project to build or ask them to contribute to a real project your team is working on. This will give you an idea of their ability to work with your technology stack and team.

8. Check references: Always ask for references and follow up with previous employers or clients to get feedback about the candidates’ work ethic, teamwork, and performance.

9. Evaluate communication skills and team fit: Technical skills are essential, but it’s also crucial to evaluate candidates’ communication skills and how well they will fit into your existing team.

10. Offer competitive compensation: Attracting top iOS developers often requires competitive compensation packages. Make sure you are offering a fair and competitive salary and benefits package.

Remember that the hiring process might take time, but it’s worth investing effort to find the right candidate who fits well with your team and has the skills necessary to excel in their role.

How to Hire iOS Developers?

Hiring iOS developers requires a thoughtful and systematic approach to find the right candidates for your project. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you hire iOS developers effectively:

1. Define your requirements: Clearly outline the skills, experience, and qualifications you need in an iOS developer. Determine the specific technologies, frameworks, and tools they should be proficient in, and consider any domain expertise that may be relevant to your project.

2. Decide on the hiring model: Determine whether you want to hire a full-time, part-time, freelance, or remote iOS developer. Each model has its benefits, so choose the one that best suits your project’s scope and budget.

3. Choose the right platform: Consider using online platforms specialized in hiring tech professionals, such as LinkedIn, Upwork, Toptal, Freelancer, or GitHub Jobs. These platforms have a large pool of iOS developers actively looking for opportunities.

4. Post a detailed job description: Create a comprehensive job description that includes the role’s responsibilities, required skills, experience level, and any other relevant details about your project. Highlight the unique aspects of your project that would attract top talent.

5. Screen applicants: Review the applications you receive and shortlist candidates who meet your criteria. Check their resumes, portfolios, GitHub profiles, and any other relevant work samples to assess their technical abilities.

6. Conduct technical interviews: Schedule technical interviews with the shortlisted candidates. Ask them coding questions, problem-solving exercises, and discuss their previous projects to gauge their technical expertise and problem-solving skills.

7. Evaluate soft skills: In addition to technical skills, assess the candidates’ communication abilities, teamwork, and cultural fit within your organization. Effective communication is crucial for project success and team collaboration.

8. Test app-building abilities: If possible, provide candidates with a small project or a coding challenge to complete. This will give you insight into their coding style, understanding of the iOS ecosystem, and ability to deliver a functional app.

9. Check references: Always ask for references and follow up with previous employers or clients to get feedback on the candidates’ work ethics and reliability.

10. Offer competitive compensation: Attracting top iOS developers requires offering a competitive salary and benefits package. Research market rates to ensure your offer aligns with industry standards.

11. Consider trial period: If feasible, consider hiring the candidate on a trial basis before making a permanent commitment. This trial period allows you to assess their performance and compatibility with your team.

12. Sign a clear contract: Once you’ve found the right iOS developer, sign a clear and detailed contract that outlines the terms of engagement, project scope, milestones, payment terms, and any other relevant details.

Remember that hiring iOS developers is an important investment for your project’s success. Take your time to find the right fit, and don’t hesitate to seek assistance from colleagues or industry experts during the hiring process. Refer to our iOS developer hiring guide for information on the hiring process.

How to Interview iOS Developers?

Interviewing iOS developers involves conducting structured technical interviews and coding exercises to assess their knowledge of iOS development, Swift/Objective-C, UIKit, and other relevant frameworks. Reviewing their past projects and discussing challenges they faced helps evaluate their problem-solving abilities and contributions to previous work. Additionally, inquire about their experience with version control, collaboration tools, UI/UX understanding, testing, and debugging. Assess communication skills, teamwork, and cultural fit to ensure they align with your organization. Stay updated on iOS trends to ask relevant questions. Create an open and positive environment, allowing candidates to ask questions and showcase their abilities, enabling you to make an informed hiring decision. 

Learn more about how to interview iOS developers to land top talent through our iOS Developer Interview Questions Guide here.

What’s the Cost of Hiring iOS Developers?

The cost of hiring iOS developers varies based on factors like their experience, location, project complexity, and engagement model. Junior developers typically have lower rates than senior developers with more experience. Additionally, developers from regions with higher living costs might charge more than those from regions with a lower cost of living. The complexity of your project also plays a role; intricate projects may require more experienced and thus higher-priced developers. Engaging full-time employees incurs additional costs like benefits, while hiring freelancers may involve higher hourly or project-based rates. The hourly rates for iOS developers range from $30 to $250 or more, with freelancers often charging a premium for their flexibility and specialized skills. However, it’s crucial to prioritize qualifications and expertise alongside cost considerations when selecting developers for your iOS project. Find out more on the cost of hiring iOS developers on our iOS Developer Hourly Rates Guide here.