How to Choose the Best Platform for iOS App Development?

When iOS was launched in 2008 with 500 apps, no one knew that it would reach to 100 billion apps by 2021 and it is expected to reach 200 billion in the next three years. 

Based on this fact, we can determine that custom iOS app development has the potential to target the right audience and generate better ROI for the business. But, do you know how to develop an iOS app? What tools does it take to accomplish and how much does it cost to develop an iOS app? 

Don’t worry if you do not have answers to all these questions, you have landed at the right place. In this guide, we have given insights on iOS app development platforms, what factors to consider while choosing a platform, and how much does it cost. 

Let’s start with the various platforms used. 

6 iOS App Development Platforms

Custom iOS app development services include the list of platforms given below. Professionals would examine and analyze the need of your app development and choose the best from these. 

1. Xcode

Xcode is the official integrated development environment (IDE) for developing iOS apps. It comes with a comprehensive set of tools for developing, debugging, and deploying iOS apps. Xcode supports various programming languages, including Objective-C and Swift.

Features: 

• Apple's official Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for custom iOS app development

• Includes features like code completion, syntax highlighting, and debugging tools

• Supports a wide range of programming languages, including Swift and Objective-C

• Offers a range of app development templates for different types of apps

• Provides access to the iOS Simulator for testing apps on different iOS devices

Pros:

• Free to use

• Comes with a wide range of tools for iOS app development

• Offers robust debugging tools

Cons:

• Can only be used on Apple devices

• Steep learning curve for beginners

• Limited support for cross-platform app development

2. Swift

Swift is a modern programming language developed by Apple for developing iOS apps. It is designed to be fast, efficient, and easy to learn, and comes with a wide range of features that make iOS App Development easier.

Features: 

• To operate with Apple's Cocoa and Cocoa Touch frameworks, modern programming language

• Offers advanced features like memory management and error handling

• Supports both functional and object-oriented programming paradigms

• Includes a built-in playground for experimenting with code

• Provides fast and safe development experience

Pros:

• Easy to learn and use

• Fast and efficient

• Offers better performance than Objective-C

Cons:

• Only supports iOS 7 and later versions

• Limited support for cross-platform app development

• Fewer third-party libraries and tools available compared to other platforms

3. React Native

React Native is a popular JavaScript-based framework for developing iOS apps. It allows developers to build cross-platform apps with a single codebase, reducing development time and costs.

Features: 

• Allows developers to build native iOS apps using JavaScript and React

• Provides a framework for building reusable UI components

• Offers hot reloading, which allows developers to see changes to the app in real-time

• Allows for easy integration with third-party libraries and plugins

• Provides a platform-agnostic approach to app development

Pros:

• Supports cross-platform app development

• Comes with a large community of developers and third-party libraries

• Uses JavaScript, a widely used programming language

Cons:

• Limited access to native APIs

• Slower performance compared to native iOS development

• Fewer customization options compared to other platforms

4. Flutter

Google created the cross-platform Flutter app creation framework. It uses the Dart programming language and allows developers to build high-performance iOS apps with a single codebase.

Features: 

• Offers a fast development experience with its Hot Reload feature

• Provides a rich set of pre-built UI widgets and tools for customizing them

• Includes its own rendering engine and customizable widgets

• Offers excellent performance due to its use of Dart programming language and Just-in-Time compilation

• Provides access to a wide range of third-party libraries and plugins

Pros:

• Supports cross-platform app development

• Fast and efficient

• Offers a wide range of customization options

Cons:

• Limited access to native APIs

• Smaller community compared to other platforms

• Steep learning curve for beginners

5. Xamarin

Xamarin is a cross-platform app development framework developed by Microsoft. It allows developers to build iOS apps using C# and the .NET framework.

Features: 

• Allows developers to build native iOS apps using C# and .NET framework

• Offers a shared codebase across different platforms, including iOS, Android, and Windows

• Provides access to native iOS APIs and features through bindings

• Includes a range of app development templates and tools for testing and debugging

• Provides access to Xamarin University for learning resources and support

Pros:

• Supports cross-platform app development

• Allows developers to reuse code across multiple platforms

• Offers a wide range of customization options

Cons:

• Limited access to native APIs

• Slower performance compared to native iOS development

• Requires a good understanding of the .NET framework

6. Coderunner

Coderunner is a lightweight IDE for developing iOS apps. It supports various programming languages, including Swift and Objective-C, and comes with a wide range of features for developing, debugging, and deploying iOS apps.

Features: 

• Supports the use of numerous computer languages, such as Swift, Objective-C, and C++

• Offers an intuitive interface with features like code highlighting and autocomplete

• Provides a range of templates for different types of iOS apps

• Allows for easy integration with Xcode for app testing and debugging

• Offers live feedback on code changes

Pros:

• Supports multiple programming languages

• Easy to use and lightweight

• Offers a wide range of features for iOS app development

Cons:

• Limited support for cross-platform app development

• Fewer customization options compared to other platforms

• Limited third-party library support

Overall, the choice of platform depends on the specific needs of the iOS app being developed. Choose the best custom iOS app development company, who can give you the skilled team of developers to understand the right platform. 

Now let us understand what are the factors to consider while choosing the right platform for your custom iOS app development. 

6 Factors to Consider While Choosing Platform for Custom iOS App Development

Let us study each factor in detail.

1. Development Skills

The technical requirements of a platform can impact the development team's skills and expertise. For instance, some platforms may require knowledge of a specific programming language or tool, while others may have different programming paradigms or development methodologies.

The learning curve of a platform can also affect the development time and costs. Platforms that are easier to learn and use may reduce development time and costs, while more complex platforms may require more time and resources to learn and master.

2. App Features

The app's features can dictate the best platform to use. For example, if the app requires advanced graphics and animations, platforms with better graphics capabilities, like Unity and Unreal Engine, may be the best choice.

Certain platforms are better suited for specific app features. For instance, React Native is ideal for developing cross-platform apps, while Swift is better suited for developing native iOS apps.

3. User Experience

The platform can have a significant impact on the user experience of the app. For example, platforms with better performance and optimization can provide a smoother and more responsive user experience.

Some platforms offer better user experience for different types of apps. For instance, SwiftUI is ideal for creating modern and interactive user interfaces, while React Native offers better performance for apps that require real-time updates.

4. Maintenance and Support

The maintenance and support of a platform can impact the app's long-term success. Some platforms offer better support for bug fixes, security updates, and feature enhancements.

Certain platforms offer better maintenance and support options, which can be critical for ensuring that the app remains up-to-date and compatible with the latest operating system versions.

5. Building Your iOS App

   

The app development process involves building and testing the app, which can be complex and time-consuming. Understanding the basics of app architecture, including Model-View-Controller (MVC), is essential for building a scalable and maintainable app.

Common iOS app development frameworks and tools, such as UIKit, Core Data, and CocoaPods, can help streamline the development process and improve code quality.

6. Cost and Revenue

   

The cost of developing and publishing apps on a platform can vary significantly. Some platforms may require expensive licenses or hardware, while others may have free or open-source options.

The revenue potential and monetization options for apps developed on a platform can also vary. For example, the App Store allows developers to generate revenue through in-app purchases, subscriptions, and ads.

When choosing a platform for iOS app development, it is important to consider these factors carefully. Custom iOS app development companies in the US can provide expert guidance and support to help businesses make informed decisions based on their specific needs and requirements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right platform for your iOS app development project is crucial to ensure its success in the market. We have highlighted several key factors that should be considered when selecting a platform, including the development team's skills and expertise, app features, user experience, maintenance and support, development process, and cost and revenue potential.

When it comes to choosing the best platform, it ultimately depends on your project's specific requirements and goals. However, based on our analysis, we recommend considering Swift and Xcode for native iOS app development, React Native for cross-platform development, and Flutter for building highly engaging and interactive apps.

To summarize, take the time to carefully evaluate your options and weigh the pros and cons of each platform before making a decision. With the help of a reliable custom iOS app development company, you can ensure that your app is built to the highest standards, meets your requirements, and delivers a superior user experience that sets it apart from the competition.