iOS app development has been an ever-evolving and dynamic field as we witness remarkable advancements and innovations from AI-driven predictive text to personalized content recommendation and image recognition. With more and more people using mobiles to consume information, the demand for high-performing mobile apps is on the rise. Companies are on a drive to hire iOS developers for their businesses and the demand for iOS developers isn’t fading away anytime soon.
What the future of iOS development holds
The future of iOS development is likely to be shaped by several key trends and developments. While it is difficult to predict the future with certainty, we can offer some insights into what we might expect based on the trajectory of the industry and emerging technologies.
Swift Evolution: Swift is the primary programming language for iOS development, and it continues to evolve. Apple regularly releases new versions of Swift with enhancements, improvements, and new features. Developers should stay up-to-date with the latest Swift updates and best practices to take advantage of the language’s capabilities.
Cross-Platform Development: Tools like SwiftUI and Flutter are gaining popularity for cross-platform development. SwiftUI, in particular, is expected to mature and become a more viable option for creating iOS apps that also work on macOS, watchOS, and tvOS.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Apple has been investing heavily in AR technologies, with the release of ARKit. The future of iOS development might involve more AR and VR integration in apps, especially as AR glasses or headsets become more prevalent.
Machine Learning and AI: Machine learning and artificial intelligence play an increasingly significant role in iOS app development. Core ML, Apple’s machine learning framework, allows developers to integrate ML models into their apps for tasks like image recognition, natural language processing, and more.
Privacy and Security: Apple has been emphasizing user privacy and security in its ecosystem, introducing features like App Tracking Transparency (ATT) and improved security measures. Developers will need to adhere to these guidelines and prioritize user data protection.
Swift Package Manager: As Swift Package Manager continues to mature, it may become the preferred method for managing dependencies in iOS projects, simplifying the development process.
IoT Integration: With the growing Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, iOS apps may increasingly need to communicate with a variety of IoT devices and platforms, requiring developers to gain expertise in IoT integration.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs): While native app development remains crucial, the adoption of Progressive Web Apps may increase, offering a more web-like experience on iOS devices. Developers should consider the potential benefits of PWAs for certain types of apps.
UI/UX Design Trends: Staying updated with the latest UI/UX design trends is crucial. Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines (HIG) continue to evolve, and designers and developers should follow these guidelines for a seamless user experience.
Marketplace and Monetization: As the App Store continues to evolve, developers should keep an eye on changes in-app monetization strategies, such as in-app purchases, subscriptions, and advertising. Understanding App Store policies and guidelines is essential for success.
Apps that are accessible by all: Apple places a strong emphasis on accessibility, and developers should prioritize creating apps that are inclusive and usable by everyone including people with disabilities. Understanding accessibility features and guidelines is essential. This includes respectful communication and presenting content and functionality in a way that everyone can access and understand.
Remote Work and Collaboration: With the increasing popularity of remote work, collaboration tools and techniques for distributed iOS development teams will become more critical.
Skills to look out for when you hire iOS developers
It’s important to look for a combination of technical skills, experience, and soft skills to ensure that you’re bringing in a capable and well-rounded team member. Here are some key skills and attributes to consider when you hire iOS developer for your business.
Proficiency in Swift and objective C: Swift is the primary programming language for iOS development. While Swift is the modern language, some legacy codebases use Objective-C. Therefore, when you hire iOS developers, it is advisable to look for developers with knowledge of both Swift and Objective C. This can help maintain and update older apps.
Knowledge of iOS SDK: Ensure that candidates are familiar with the iOS Software Development Kit (SDK) and its various frameworks, including UIKit, CoreData, Core Animation, and more.
Experience with Xcode: Xcode is the integrated development environment (IDE) for iOS app development. Look for developers who are proficient in using Xcode for coding, debugging, and testing.
UI/UX Design Skills: While not strictly a developer’s role, having an understanding of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design principles is valuable for creating user-friendly iOS apps.
Version Control (e.g., Git): Proficiency in version control systems like Git is essential for collaborative development, code management, and tracking changes in the codebase.
API Integration: iOS developers should be skilled at integrating RESTful APIs or other web services into their apps for data retrieval and communication with back-end systems.
Core Data: Knowledge of Core Data, Apple’s framework for data persistence, is important for apps that require local data storage and management.
Networking: Understanding network programming concepts and libraries, such as URLSession, is crucial for building apps that interact with web services.
Testing and Debugging: Candidates should be proficient in unit testing, UI testing, and debugging techniques to ensure the reliability and stability of their apps.
Knowledge of App Store Guidelines: Familiarity with Apple’s App Store guidelines and submission requirements is essential to ensure that apps meet Apple’s standards and pass the review process.
Communication and Teamwork: Effective communication and collaboration skills are crucial, as iOS developers often work in cross-functional teams with designers, product managers, and other developers.
Problem-Solving Skills: iOS developers should be adept at identifying and solving complex technical problems and challenges that may arise during the development process.
Adaptability: The ability to adapt to new technologies and frameworks as they emerge is important for long-term success in iOS development.
Portfolio and Past Projects: Review the candidate’s portfolio and past iOS projects to assess their coding style, design sensibility, and the quality of their work.
References and Recommendations: Seek references or recommendations from previous employers or colleagues to gauge the candidate’s work ethic, professionalism, and team dynamics.
Overall, the future of iOS development is likely to be shaped by a combination of new technologies, evolving platform features, and changing user expectations. Staying updated with the latest developments in the iOS ecosystem, continuous learning, and adaptability will be essential for iOS developers to thrive in the evolving landscape.