How to Hire iOS Developers for Your Project – A Comprehensive Guide

Whether you’re building a new iOS application or enhancing an existing one, you are required to hire iOS developers. But, it’s true- this task is not as easy as it seems, especially if you are doing it for the first time. 

A lot of things come into consideration; your single wrong step in hiring iOS app developers will lead to

• poor quality of the project
• can damage your brand’s reputation
• increased development cost

So to avoid this, you need to invest time and effort into finding the right iOS developers. Right? Don’t worry!

This guide is to bring those efforts a bit down; we have shared some valuable tips and worthy steps to help you hire the best iOS app developers for your project.

Let’s start the guide by looking at the iOS mobile application market.

iOS App Development Market Statistics 2024

Before you get your hands on iOS app developers, don’t you think it is important for you to understand the current iOS app development market? 

Well, it’s good if you do. The result of this step will give you a better idea of what to expect. 

Here are some key statistics about the iOS app development market in 2024:

Based on Grand View Research, the global market of mobile applications has reached USD 252.89 billion in 2023 and is expected to hit USD 626.39 billion in 2030.

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Between 2017 and 2021, global gross revenues of the Apple App Store experienced a 120 percent growth, with users spending an estimated 85.1 billion U.S. dollars on in-app purchases, subscriptions, and premium apps in 2021. At present, the average price of iOS apps and games is approximately one U.S. dollar.

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There are more than 2.22 million iOS apps in the Apple App Store. Every month, thousands of new apps are released. The number of new apps released each month changes. In July 2019, only 9,600 iOS apps were released. But in September 2019, 99,000 iOS apps were released.

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Moreover, iOS users are typically willing to spend more on apps compared to Android users. So, having a great iOS app can significantly boost your business’s revenue.

Now let’s see-

Why Hire iOS Developers?

Why is everyone in business so desperate to hire iOS developers? 

Well, there is no secret that the iOS-driven devices are extremely famous; by far, Apple has sold over 1.5 billion iPhones around the world. 

Naturally, making a presence on iOS brings a lot of difference for any business. 

Also, iOS users are believed to spend more on apps, hence it is also a growing market. Hiring iOS developers will be a wise investment for any company.

iOS developers are those who are employed to build or improve an app for Apple devices. They hold specialized skills in Swift, Objective-C, and the iOS ecosystem.

They are responsible for developing applications that would run on iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, Macs, and other Apple devices.  In addition, there are many other roles that iOS developers carry out in their profession.

Now, let’s have a look at those roles and responsibilities in the section below.

Key Role & Responsibilities of an iOS Developer

What an iOS developer does. Primarily, they design and build applications for iOS platforms. Besides coding, there are many other stuff that iOS developer does; some of them are:

• Design applications for Macs and iPhones that work well on the platform, are free of defects and satisfy user needs.
• They maintain a smooth flow of information and collaboration between designers, developers, and the backend staff.
• Maintain and optimize iOS application operations for optimum usability by users.
• Produce clean, efficient, and well-structured code that adheres to best practices.
• Maintain open communication with senior developers, share progress updates, and implement feedback to enhance the development process.
• Work closely with stakeholders to understand project requirements and define the scope of iOS app features.
• Proactively identify potential problems and implement solutions to ensure iOS app stability and functionality.
• Contribute to all phases of the iOS app development process, including design, coding, testing, and maintenance.
• Prioritize iOS app quality, usability, and responsiveness to deliver a positive user experience.
• Keep abreast of the latest iOS development technologies and trends to implement innovative solutions.

Skills to Look for While Hiring iOS Developers

Here are the important areas that can act as guidelines, when you are searching for iOS app developers for hire. The success of the iOS application development process is directly related to the talent you bring on board. 

So, let’s discover more about the essential skills that must be possessed by iOS developers to complete the hiring process faster and with less mistakes.

1. Proficiency in Swift and Objective-C

When you intend to hire iPhone developers ensure they are fluent in Swift. This is because it is the chief language that Apple uses to program its products and interfaces. The modern, fast, and safest option to perform iOS development is Swift holding advanced features making it the most up-to-date.

Objective-C, although less common now, is still relevant, especially for maintaining older codebases. A well-rounded iOS developer should have experience with both languages.

2. Understanding of Apple’s Xcode IDE

Xcode is the IDE for iOS app development. A developer of iOS applications should be comfortable in Xcode since it hosts all the tools a developer needs to create an iOS application, from Interface Builder to debugging. A good iOS programmer will know their way around Xcode and use it effectively to build, test, and launch an app.

3. Knowledge of iOS Frameworks

iOS development heavily relies on the utilization of different frameworks, for example, UIKit and Core Data, or even extended reality frameworks such as ARKit, which play a crucial role in iOS development. For example, UI Kit will help you manage your user interface, while Core Data deals with data storage. If you want to hire mobile app developers able to create robust apps, make sure they have experience with such frameworks.

4. Familiarity with Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines

Have you ever noticed how different the apps from Apple look and feel? Well, that is due to something called the Human Interface Guidelines by Apple. An iOS developer for hire should have a sense of these guidelines so that an app is intuitively obvious and easy to use. This understanding in the iOS coder helps maintain consistency across the Apple ecosystem.

Now, let’s talk about how to hire iOS programmers-the primary concern. But first, which of the hiring options is right?

Hiring iOS Developers: A Comparison Between Freelancer, In-hose, and Development Agency

Basically, we have three common options to hire iOS developers i.e., freelancer, in-house, and dedicated iOS development company. But which is right; it’s tough nuts to crack. 

So, you land to the right destination, herein, we have shared the difference among these three options in the market to hire iOS developers.

However, to have in-depth differences between Freelancers vs. Software development companies, you can explore our other guide – 

Freelancer vs. Software Development Company: Choosing The Right Partner For Your Project

Whatever option you pick, the steps to hire iOS developers remain the same for all. Let’s see those steps in more detail.

Steps to Hire iOS Developers

In this ultimate guide on how to hire iOS developers, till now, you get to know things like the roles and responsibilities of iOS developers, skills the iOS developers must have, and more.

So, if you’re likely planning to build an iOS app or expand your existing team with skilled developers, let’s go further and break down steps one by one to find the best iOS app developers for your dream project.

Step 1: Define Your Project Requirements

Before you even think about hiring Apple developers, you need to know what you’re looking for. What are your expectations? Clearly define your project requirements.

Are you developing a game, utility app, or maybe a lifestyle app?

Each of them requires various skills and experience. Enumerate features that are necessary and those that are nice to have. Then there are the technical requirements: programming languages and frameworks. Also, think about your timeline and budget. Having a picture of what you need will help you find the right iOS app developers.

Step 2: Identify Type of Developer Required

The moment you have defined your project, the next thing that you will be doing is determining the type of iOS developer that you are going to need. Would you prefer to hire a freelance iOS developer or a full-time employee? 

For what reasons freelancers will work out well: for short-term projects where you need specialized skills. But in case you want a person to stick with your team for some time, consider a full-time developer. 

Consider whether you want to hire locally or remotely. Of course, both these options have their pros and cons. For instance, remote iOS app developers provide more significant opportunities to source talents, but time zone coordination might be a bit tricky.

Step 3. Create a Detailed Job Description

Any time you have to hire iOS developers, make a detailed job description. The following are what your description should entail in helping the potential candidates understand what you are looking for and whether they are correct:

• Required skills and qualifications
• Responsibilities and duties
• Project scope and timeline
• Company Culture and Values

Step 4: Source Candidates

Now comes the fun part-finding iOS developers! There are several ways to do this:

1. Job Boards: Indeed, Glassdoor, and even LinkedIn have fantastic job posting facilities. Usage of relevant keywords to the effect of hiring Swift developers will attract potential candidates.
2. Freelance Platforms: You can look for Upwork and Fiverr if you want to hire freelance iOS developers. These portals make reviewing portfolios and feedback from previous customers very easy.
3. Tech Communities: GitHub and Stack Overflow host very active and responsive tech communities. Leverage them for spotting the right iOS developers.
4. Recruitment Agencies: The iOS app development services offered by recruitment agencies dealing in tech jobs, like ScalaCode, save you a lot of time. They will do the job on your behalf.

Step 5: Screen Candidates

After acquiring a list of potential candidates, it is time to screen them. First, read through their resumes and portfolios. Based on what you are looking for, look out for experience with applicable technologies, such as Swift, Objective-C, and Xcode.

 Also, consider their problem-solving skills and creativity, which are crucial for app development. Don’t forget to check their references to get an idea of their work ethic and reliability.

Tips to Screening Applications

• Look for relevant experience and a portfolio that showcases previous work being done for iOS-based projects.
• Check their skills and see if they match your job description.
• Pay attention to reviews or recommendations from previous clients or employers.

Step 6: Conduct Interviews

Interviews are what allow you to learn more about the candidates. Use questions that are related to their skills and experience as well as those that relate to the organization’s culture. For instance, it would be useful to request them to describe in detail a project they completed more recently. Also, let them have a coding challenge or a technical written test to see the best they are capable of doing. Of course, there are their skills, but how will this person fit into your team?

• Ask technical questions to test their knowledge of iOS development.
• Evaluate their problem-solving skills through hypothetical scenarios.
• Discuss past projects to understand their work process and experience.

Step 7: Make the Offer

Found the perfect candidate? Great! Now it’s time to make an offer. Be clear about the terms, including salary, benefits, and job responsibilities. If you’re hiring remotely, discuss communication tools and working hours. According to a survey by Glassdoor, 60% of job seekers say salary is the most critical factor in accepting a job offer, so make sure your offer is competitive.

Step 8: Onboard Your New Hire

Well done, you have now managed to hire an iOS developer. But do not end it here—onboarding should play an important role in employees’ project preparation process. Just meet them, let them know about your team, and briefly describe your company’s environment and its main principles.

Equip them with all that they require to enable them to start delivering immediately. Another suggestion early in the learning phase is to have some routine meetings during the first few weeks in order to make them feel more at ease and to get accustomed to the working environment.

Don’t rush, perform the steps of hiring iPhone app developers carefully. A mistake is a curse definitely but doing it correctly is a boon for your business. How?

Benefits of Hiring the Right iOS Developer for Businesses

For businesses, onboarding the right iOS coders benefits them in several ways.

 1. Expertise and Quality

The benefits of hiring iOS app development experts are that you get to deal with a pool of knowledge and experience. These professionals understand all the workings of the iOS system. They are aware of Apple’s policies and strict quality control measures. Therefore, your app is less likely to be rejected by Apple right on the submission of it to the App Store.

 2. Customization

Need a tailor-made solution for your app idea? Hire iPhone app developers to customize your app according to your specific needs. Whether it’s a unique feature or a custom UI design, experienced developers can make it happen. Isn’t that exactly what you want?

 3. Latest Technologies

iOS developers are always in tune with the latest technologies and updates from Apple. When you hire iOS app engineers, you ensure that your app stays ahead of the competition. New iOS version? No problem! Your developers will have your app ready and updated in no time.

 4. Seamless Integration

Do you want to know if you should be concerned about linking your app with other Apple services? Worry no more. Hire iOS designers and developers who have intimate knowledge of the Apple environment. They will also help to coordinate the specific combination of your application with the Apple Watch, Siri, and even with Apple Pay.

 5. Time and Cost Efficiency

iOS app development from scratch takes time and money. But when you hire offshore iOS developers, you can easily save a lot of your money that you would have otherwise spent on creating an application of the same quality. One major advantage of engaging offshore mobile developers is that they are costly compared to local developers.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire iOS Developers?

Now, let’s talk money. The cost to hire iOS developers can vary widely. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an iOS developer in the United States is around $110,000 per year. But several factors can influence this:

Cost factor #1: Developer experience & Geographic Location

Just as in any other job, experience counts. A junior iOS developer might charge less than a senior, but he may also lack some knowledge or speed.

Where your iOS developer is based can considerably bring down the cost. Developers in North America have higher rates compared to those in Eastern Europe or Asia. For example, in North America, an iOS developer can charge anywhere between $70 to $150 per hour, and the rate will fall in India, for example, to $25-$50 per hour.

Cost factor #2: Project Complexity and deliverables

Basically, the cost of an iOS app is basically defined by its level of complexity. A less complex app would take a few weeks, while a more complex app can take several months.

To evaluate the cost, you will need to define exactly what you want from your app; meaning design, integrations, other features, and so forth. Projects can take from a week up to six months or even more.

Some of these might not require all the phases above. For example, a small utility application may not require server-side integrations, but definitely, a messaging application will.  Therefore, if project complexity is high, the time to build them is and so is the cost to hire iOS developers. 

Cost Factor #3: Hiring Model

One other key consideration is how you intend to staff the iOS development talent. Your choices here are freelancers, full-time employees, or outsource to an agency. Each option has its pros and cons, doesn’t it?

The freelancer route is usually cheaper; however, the flexibility often means a compromise in that they might not always be available as and when required. Using a full-timer gives consistency and commitment, but it’s more expensive as added benefits and other expenses go with this route.

Outsourcing from an iOS mobile app development company can be, in most cases, a middle way. Agencies have a team of professionals assuring you that the expertise required for your project will not be lacking. 

Why Consider Hiring iOS Developers from India?

Currently, there are many firms around the globe outsourcing iOS developers in India. But why does this trend hit the popularity among people? In this guide, we will discuss the numerous reasons for and advantages of outsourcing iOS app programmers in India.

Reason 1: Cost-Effective Solutions

The first and foremost important benefit which is associated with hiring iOS developers from India is the reduced cost of hiring. To compare with the local developers in the US or European countries, Indian developers can be hired at a cheaper price but with quality. This means that you can get trained iOS app programmers who are proficient in what they do without having to dig deep into your pockets.

Reason 2: Expertise and Skill

If you decide to employ iOS application developers in India it is guaranteed that you are employing professionalism. Indian developers particularly have skill in programming languages such as Swift, and Objective-C, used in iOS development. This expertise is not only about programming. If you consider hiring iOS designers in India, you are to work with creative minds that can develop attractive and user-friendly interfaces for apps.

Reason 3: Cultural Compatibility and Communication

In the middle of that you might be thinking about communication barriers but let me tell you that India’s developers are fluent in English. In fact, India is the second-largest English-speaking country in the world at the moment. This means that when you are hiring Apple developers, you are likely to find that there will be few barriers to communication which may lead to misunderstandings.

Reason 4: Time Zone Advantage

Another probably less obvious reason is the fact that there are twelve hours of time difference. How can this be beneficial? Well, at least having a team that works while you sleep may actually cut down on time. Think of giving tasks before going to sleep, and on waking from sleep, one finds them already done. When you decide to hire iOS development teams in India this is exactly what you will be getting, efficiency.

How does ScalaCode assist in hiring iOS developers?

If you plan to hire iOS developers, then getting a company like ScalaCode makes your task easier. ScalaCode denotes a team of expert and skilled iOS developers who are ready to work on your projects. They offer flexible hiring models through which you surely get the talent at your terms. Whether you want to hire Swift developers or dedicated iOS app programmers, we have got your back.

Wrap Up

Schematically, hiring iOS developers requires a few steps, but if you do your homework, it’s doable. Learn why iOS development is a beneficial endeavor, understand the different platforms you will find potential hires on, then use a technical assessment and references for candidate evaluation, determine your budget, and write a nice job description. Once you hire iOS developers, the next thing you should do is try to smoothen them into your team for success.