How to Develop an App for iPhone: Methods, Tips, and Tools from Our Team

Is Developing an iOS App a Good Idea?  

Before jumping into building any product, you should start by asking a few key questions: Is this investment worth it? What’s the market looking like right now? Will the costs be worth it in the end?

Recent stats show that Android is the dominant mobile platform right now, with 71.67% of users, while iOS holds a smaller share at 27.73%. But even with a smaller user base, building an iOS app can still be a smart and profitable move.

To help you decide if it’s the right path, we’ve gathered a few key reasons why it might be worth the investment.

Enhanced customer engagement 

iOS apps often have a higher lifetime value than their Android counterparts—Apple users tend to be more engaged with their devices and apps, which leads to longer app usage and increased customer loyalty. This also translates to higher revenue generation over time.

One reason for this is the superior user experience that iOS apps offer. Apple’s stringent Human Interface Guidelines ensure that iOS apps adhere to a consistent and user-friendly design language. This makes apps easy to navigate and a real pleasure to use.

Higher incomes

Even though Android dominates the global market, the iOS ecosystem is a goldmine if you’re seeking high-paying customers. Users on this platform have significantly higher disposable incomes and are much more likely to invest in premium app experiences, whether through in-app purchases, subscriptions, or paid app downloads.

To put the difference in spending habits into perspective, let’s look at some key statistics:

• iOS users spend seven times more on apps than Android users.
• In 2022, the Apple App Store captured 50% of all consumer spending in the global app market, while Google Play accounted for only 27%.
• The average iOS user spends $1.08 monthly on in-app purchases per app. In contrast, the average Android user spends only $0.43.

And the financial landscape for iOS apps continues to grow. In 2023, consumer spending on the Apple App Store reached $89.3 billion, marking a 2.8% increase from the previous year. The combination of higher incomes and a greater propensity for premium app experiences makes iOS users your highly valuable target audience when aiming to maximize the revenue.

Faster development 

Our mobile development team has found that working with iOS is not just easier but also faster, which means our clients can bring their products to market much more quickly. One of the biggest reasons for this is that you don’t have to worry about optimizing for a wide range of screens, resolutions, and hardware as you do with Android. 

Apple’s ecosystem is streamlined, and on top of that, they provide some helpful tools. For example, integrating with services like Apple Pay is seamless, which takes a lot of the complexity out of the development process and lets you focus on creating a great product.

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First Steps to Start 

We recommend starting by building your development team. If your product is fairly simple, you might only need software engineers and designers. But for something more complex, you’ll require a bigger team—project managers, business analysts, testers, and others to help bring it all together.

While it’s possible to assemble your own development team, outsourcing can often be a more efficient and cost-effective approach. Instead of investing significant resources into hiring, training, and managing a team, you can leverage the expertise of a specialized development company. Our COO, Nazar Kvaltarnyi, notes: 

“You might think managing an in-house team sounds simpler, but in our experience, it’s quite the opposite. Imagine the time you’d spend just finding the right people, managing every detail, and ensuring the work gets done right. Now, think about how much more you could accomplish if you focused that time on market analysis, attracting users, and scaling your marketing efforts. It’s a win-win when you look at it that way.”

Let’s delve deeper into the key steps involved in iOS app development:

Choosing a development team

When it comes to developing an app for iPhone, a lot of our clients don’t have a strong technical background. They usually have a great idea but aren’t sure how to turn it into reality. That’s where outsourcing becomes the perfect solution. You simply hand the project over to us, and we take care of everything—the technical side, managing the team, and even handling the risks.

If you were to build an in-house team, it’s a different story. You’d need to buy equipment (especially Apple devices), manage the team, and set up a workspace. 

You’ve probably already considered the potential costs. That’s why we suggest using our app development cost calculator. It’ll show you just how much money, time, and effort you can save by outsourcing your project to us.

Budgeting for iOS app development

The cost of developing an iOS app depends on various factors: complexity of functionality, design, and more. In addition to development itself, consider the costs of:

• Expanding functionality: New ideas and needs may arise after the app’s launch.
• Marketing: Attracting users requires investments in advertising and promotion.

Our expert recommendation: start with a minimum viable product that allows you to test your idea in the market and get feedback from users. As our developers say, MVP is like a ‘trial run’ for your app idea – it helps you test the waters before diving in.

Planning development timeline

At this stage, everything depends on your team, but the better the planning, the fewer surprises you’ll face during the project. Here’s the approach we usually take with our clients:

1. Create a detailed technical specification. This document outlines the functionality and features we’ll implement right away, along with those that can be added later. 
2. Break the project into phases. Each phase comes with its own goals, timelines, and assigned team members. 
3. Begin development. Since all the details are approved by the client upfront, the process runs smoothly from there.

Every two weeks, we hold meetings with the client to discuss progress, address issues, and plan the next steps.

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Important Stages in the iOS Application Development Process

Every software development vendor has its own specific iOS app development workflow. However, there are key stages that remain consistent across most projects. 

01 Discovery process

We believe that every great iOS app begins with a clear understanding of your vision. Our discovery phase is designed to delve deep into your project, ensuring that we capture every detail that will contribute to your app’s success.

Our approach

• Collaborative brainstorming: We work closely with you to explore your app concept, identify your target audience, and define your unique selling points.
• In-depth market research: Our team conducts thorough market research to understand your industry, identify competitors, and uncover untapped opportunities.  
• User experience mapping: We create user flows and wireframes to visualize how users will interact with your app, ensuring a seamless and intuitive experience.
• Technical feasibility assessment: We evaluate the technical aspects of your project, including the choice of technologies, potential challenges, and the development timeline.

Let’s take our work on the on-demand fuel delivery app as an example. Our client from the US had a clear vision but faced challenges in adhering to specific American legal and technical standards. Through our discovery process, we identified their target audience as both individual consumers and businesses. 

By understanding their specific needs, we were able to create a feature-rich app that met regulatory requirements, while providing a superior user experience. 

If you have an app idea but aren’t clear on who your competitors and target audience are, or what features you need, start with the discovery phase.

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02 UI/UX design

The success of your iOS app hinges significantly on your design choices. Creating an interface for iOS demands a distinct approach compared to other platforms. And we understand the importance of creating a seamless user experience that keeps users coming back.

Our UI/UX design process involves:

• Wireframing: We start by creating simple sketches or wireframes to visualize the app’s layout and user flow. This helps us identify potential usability issues early on and ensures a smooth user journey.
• Style guide development: We create a comprehensive style guide that outlines the app’s visual elements, such as colors, typography, and iconography. This ensures consistency throughout the app and reinforces your brand identity.
• Mockup creation: Once we have a solid understanding of the app’s structure, we create high-fidelity mockups that showcase the final look and feel of the interface.
• Prototyping: We build interactive prototypes to test the app’s functionality and user flow. This allows us to identify and address any usability issues before moving into development.
• Iterative design: Throughout the design process, we continuously iterate and refine our designs based on feedback and testing. This ensures that the final product meets the highest standards of quality and user experience.

A well-structured architecture is crucial for building an iOS app from scratch that can grow and evolve with your business needs.

Revisiting our fuel delivery app project: we ensured a seamless user experience by focusing on simplifying the navigation and making it easy for users to find the information they need. For example, our design team has worked hard to break down the complex steps involved in ordering fuel into smaller, more manageable ones. This makes it easier for users to complete their purchases. 

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03 Application development

Once we’ve nailed down the design and user experience, it’s time to turn your vision into a reality. Our team approaches developing apps for iOS with a focus on building scalable, maintainable, and high-performing solutions.

The choice of technology stack can significantly impact your app’s performance, scalability, and maintainability. While there are many options available, we typically recommend Swift due to its modern syntax, safety features, and strong community support. However, we carefully evaluate each project’s unique requirements to select the most suitable technology stack

A well-structured architecture is crucial for building a robust and scalable application, as it ensures that your app can handle increased load, accommodate future changes, and is easier to maintain. We place a strong emphasis on clean code, modular design, and the use of design patterns to create a solid foundation for your app.

“We pay special attention to the architecture because if it’s poorly designed, a failure in one component can lead to issues in other parts of the app. The app’s ability to scale easily also depends on the architecture we set in place.”

— Maksym Trostyanchuk, Inoxoft’s Head of Delivery

For our fuel delivery app, we chose a microservices architecture to handle the complex interactions between different components, such as user authentication, order processing, and payment integration. This approach allowed us to scale each service independently and make changes without affecting the entire application.

04 Testing

Testing is an integral part of the iOS app development process that helps ensure the quality, performance, and user experience of your app. As our Head of Engagement said: 

“Reliable digital products consistently outperform those that prioritize flashy design or excessive advertising budgets. Early testing is crucial for cost-effectiveness. And by addressing issues early, you can save time and money in the long run.”

We employ a comprehensive testing strategy that includes:

• Unit testing: Testing individual components or modules of your code in isolation.
• Integration testing: Testing the interaction between different components or modules.
• UI testing: Automating user interactions with your app’s interface to identify any visual or functional issues.
• Performance testing: Measuring your app’s responsiveness, resource usage, and overall performance under various conditions.
• User acceptance testing: Gathering feedback from real users to assess their satisfaction and identify any usability concerns.

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05 Publishing Your App on App Store

The final step in your iOS app development journey is to share your creation with the world. Publishing your app on the App Store is an exciting milestone, but it also requires careful preparation and adherence to Apple’s guidelines.

We provide comprehensive support throughout the submission and review process. Our team will help you prepare your app for submission, ensure it meets Apple’s requirements, and address any issues that may arise.

Getting your app on the App Store involves several steps, and our team is here to support you at every stage of the process.

Preparing for submission

Before submitting your app, we gather the following information and assets:

• App metadata: Name, description, keywords, category, contact information, age rating, privacy policy, and support URLs.
• Screenshots and icons: High-quality visuals that showcase your app’s features and functionality.
• Final build: An optimized build of your app generated using Xcode.

Besides that, our team ensures your app adheres to all relevant legal requirements, including copyright, data privacy, and accessibility regulations.

The app review process

Once the app is submitted, Apple’s review team will evaluate it based on the following criteria:

• Technical functionality: The app should be free of crashes, bugs, and other technical issues.
• User interface: The app’s design and user experience should be intuitive, visually appealing, and consistent with Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines.
• Content: The app’s content should be appropriate for its target audience and adhere to Apple’s content guidelines.
• Security: The app should implement proper security measures to protect user data and privacy.
• Legal compliance: The app should comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

90% of submissions are reviewed within 24 hours, but it can take longer depending on the complexity of your app and the current volume of submissions. During this time, Apple may request additional information or clarification regarding your app.

Once your app is approved, you can choose a release date and make it available on the App Store. Congratulations! Your app is now accessible to millions of potential users.

07 Maintenance and support

The journey of iOS app development doesn’t end with the launch on the App Store. In fact, a critical and ongoing phase lies ahead: maintenance and support. This involves continuously updating, configuring, securing, and ensuring your app complies with iOS App Store rules.

We believe in the cruciality of providing comprehensive and ongoing support for our clients. Even after your app is launched, our team remains committed to its success. We can help with:

• Updates: Implementing new features, bug fixes, and performance improvements.
• Maintenance: Ensuring your app remains compatible with the latest iOS versions and security updates.
• Support: Addressing user inquiries, resolving issues, and providing technical assistance.
• App Store optimization: Optimizing your app’s metadata, keywords, and visuals to improve its visibility and rankings.

Ready to learn more about our maintenance and support services? Contact us today to discuss your specific needs, and let’s ensure your app’s continued success.

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Inoxoft’s Advice on the Custom iOS Development Process

Mobile app development demands a focus on speed, quality, and seamless user experiences. We empower businesses to achieve their goals by crafting custom iOS apps that resonate with users and thrive in the competitive landscape.

To achieve high ratings and widespread adoption, your iOS application should prioritize the following key factors:

Focus on usability and simplicity

Always approach your app from the end-user’s perspective. What do they need? What features would enhance their experience? By prioritizing simplicity and functionality, you’ll create an app that users love to use. Start by identifying all requirements, goals, user needs, project timelines, and budget constraints.

“A great app is one that feels like an extension of the user’s mind. It should be intuitive, easy to navigate, and a joy to use.”

— Our Senior UX/UI designer

Key factors to consider:

• Intuitive navigation: Make it easy for users to find what they need.
• Clear and concise design: Avoid clutter and distractions.
• Consistent user experience: Ensure a consistent look and feel throughout the app.
• Minimalist approach: Focus on essential features and avoid unnecessary complexity.

Arrange agile project workflow

From the beginning of the project workflow, choose the agile methodology and project management techniques that are the best in promoting flexibility, open-mindedness, and time and cost optimization throughout the whole iOS mobile app development process.

We find that this approach is very effective for our clients because it allows us to be flexible and responsive to their changing needs. It also allows us to deliver high-quality software that meets our clients’ expectations.

Make the app scalable

Even if you’re targeting a niche market, design your app with scalability in mind. You never know when your user base or feature set might expand. Remember, a significant portion of smartphone users rely on iOS devices, so prepare for growth. As our technical lead says: 

“A scalable app is like a well-built house – it’s much easier to add a room later than to try and rebuild the foundation.”

Here are some tips for creating a scalable iOS app:

• Leverage cloud infrastructure to handle variable workloads and scale your app’s resources as needed.
• Choose a database that is suitable for your app’s data and can scale efficiently.
• Write efficient code and optimize your app for performance to ensure it can handle a large number of users.
• Continuously monitor your app’s performance and make necessary adjustments to ensure scalability.

Meet end-user expectations

Our team believes that understanding your target audience is crucial for creating a successful iOS app. By gathering feedback and conducting user research, you can gain valuable insights into their needs, preferences, and pain points.

Here’s how we approach user-centric development:

• Define your target audience: Clearly identify who you are building the app for. This will help you tailor your features and messaging to their specific needs.
• Conduct user research: Gather feedback through surveys, interviews, and focus groups to understand your target audience’s expectations and pain points.
• Incorporate user feedback: Use the insights you gather to inform your app’s design, features, and functionality.

Essential features to consider:

• Core functionalities: Ensure your app addresses the key needs and problems of your target audience.
• Intuitive navigation: Make it easy for users to find what they need and navigate through your app.
• Visually appealing design: Create a visually appealing and engaging interface that reflects your brand.
• Performance optimization: Ensure your app runs smoothly and responsively on all iOS devices.
• Robust security: Protect user data and privacy with strong security measures.

Deploy the app with professionals

Our experience has shown that hiring and managing an in-house development team can be a complex and time-consuming process. Yet, when partnering with a ready-made development team like Inoxoft, you gain access to a pool of experienced professionals, established processes, and industry best practices. This frees up valuable resources and allows clients to focus on their core business objectives.

We offer flexible engagement models to suit your needs, including rent-a-team, project teams, and dedicated teams. So, if you have an iOS project in mind, drop us a line to discuss it in more detail. 

Choose a monetization strategy

Early in the development process, defining a clear monetization strategy for your app is critical. This ensures two key benefits:

1. It allows for hassle-free integration of any necessary third-party services like in-app purchases or advertising platforms, without disrupting the user experience.
2. It aligns your development plan with your revenue goals, maximizing the return on investment (ROI) for your iOS app.

We understand the importance of a well-defined monetization strategy. Our team can help you refine your app’s functionality and adjust project plans to optimize your iOS app’s profitability.

Here are some popular monetization strategies to consider:

• Paid download: This model requires users to pay a one-time fee to download and access the full functionality of your app. It’s suitable for apps offering significant value upfront.
• Freemium: This approach provides a basic version of your app for free, with in-app purchases available to unlock additional features, premium content, or remove ads. It allows users to try before they buy, potentially expanding your user base.
• Subscription: This model offers recurring access to the full functionality of your app, often with tiered subscription options providing different levels of access. It’s ideal for apps that deliver ongoing value or exclusive content.
• In-app advertising: This involves displaying targeted ads within your app, generating revenue based on user clicks or impressions. It’s a good option for apps with a large and engaged user base.

Start Developing Your iOS App with Inoxoft

For over a decade, we have been helping clients bring their iOS app visions to life. Our team of certified engineers specializes in iOS development, ensuring that we deliver high-quality, user-centric apps that meet your business objectives and delight your customers.

Why choose us?

• Deep expertise: Our team possesses in-depth knowledge of iOS development, from choosing the right tech stack to optimizing app performance.
• Customized solutions: We tailor our approach to your specific needs, ensuring that your app aligns with your business goals and target audience.
• Quality assurance: We prioritize quality throughout the development process to deliver a reliable and user-friendly product.
• Scalability: Our solutions are designed to grow with your business, ensuring that your app can handle future growth and expansion.

Let Inoxoft be your partner in crafting a custom iOS app that drives business growth and user satisfaction—schedule a free consultation with our team to discuss your requirements in more detail.

Case Study: A Voice-Powered AI Solution for Healthcare

In our past projects, we’ve partnered with a healthcare provider to develop a voice-powered, cloud-based AI system for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases, which involved creating a web platform and a native iOS app.

The Challenge

The client needed to create an easy way to diagnose heart diseases using voice recordings. The solution had to use advanced AI and work smoothly on smartphones, allowing patients to easily record and share their voice data. This would help improve the AI system and make diagnosing different diseases more accurate over time.

Our Solution

We transformed the client’s vision into a comprehensive solution: an AI-empowered web and mobile application for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases.

Key features of the solution:

• Accurate voice analysis: The AI system analyzes patient voice records, stored securely in a cloud database, to identify potential cardiovascular issues.
• Doctor-patient communication: The platform enables seamless communication between doctors and patients, facilitating diagnosis and treatment.
• HIPAA compliance: The solution adheres to strict HIPAA guidelines to ensure patient data privacy and security.
• User-friendly interface: Both the web and mobile app offer intuitive interfaces for doctors and patients.

The Results

• Improved user experience: Patients benefited from a user-friendly mobile app with intuitive navigation and clear information.
• Secure data storage: Patient voice records were stored securely in the cloud, ensuring confidentiality and privacy.
• Enhanced data analysis: The growing database of voice records contributed to increased accuracy in voice analysis and diagnosis relevance.

Ready to turn your app idea into a reality? Contact us today to discuss your requirements. Let Inoxoft be your partner in crafting a custom iOS app that drives business growth and user satisfaction.

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Final thoughts

While iOS may not have the largest market share, it boasts a dedicated and engaged user base that presents a lucrative opportunity for businesses. Ensure your app stands out and achieves success with these key takeaways:

• Familiarize yourself with Apple’s guidelines to ensure a smooth submission and approval process.
• Craft an intuitive and visually appealing interface that aligns with Apple’s design principles.
• Design your app with future growth in mind, ensuring it can handle increasing user loads and feature expansions.
• Adopt agile methodologies to promote flexibility, collaboration, and timely delivery.
• Conduct rigorous testing throughout the development process to ensure a polished and bug-free product.
• Invest in ongoing updates, bug fixes, and performance optimizations to keep your app relevant and secure.

To maximize your chances of app success, partner with a development team. Skilled specialists can guide you through every twist and turn of the process. With their expertise, you can navigate challenges with confidence, knowing that you’re minimizing risks along the way. 

Instead of investing time and resources into hiring and managing a development team, turn to us. We’ll provide you with a high-quality iOS app that helps achieve your business goals. Our team has experience with various types of projects and is always ready to take on new challenges.

Don’t let the complexities of iOS development hold you back. Let Inoxoft handle the technical aspects, while you focus on your core business objectives.