iOS is a mobile operating system. It was created by Apple and presented under the name iPhone OS in 2007, when they released the first-generation iPhone. Initially, this OS was only installed on iPhones and iPod touches, and then later onto iPads and Apple TVs.
A key feature of iOS is that it can only be installed on devices manufactured by Apple, so all available applications can be found in the App Store. Today, the App Store has over 2.2 million applications on offer for Apple mobile devices. The number of users has already reached one billion.
Why is iOS so popular? First, it is easy to use. Second, new applications in the App Store go through a rigorous selection process, which guarantees a high quality of product for the user.
Developing an iOS application is not just about creating it and adding it to the App Store. The process requires meticulous planning, thorough research, and a clear focus. Typically, the entire development cycle consists of 5 stages:
Development is about bringing your project concept to life. At this stage, the iOS development team will work on 3 main parts of the project simultaneously:
Native development of iPhone and iPad applications involves choosing between two programming languages: Swift or Objective-C.
Swift is an open compiled programming language created in 2014 to meet modern needs. Its developers took into account the shortcomings of its predecessor, Objective-C, to create a more reliable and easy-to-use language. One particular advantage of Swift is the strict typing of objects, which reduces the volume of code and frequency of errors. This significantly reduces the overall time and cost of creating an iOS application. Today, Swift is considered the most progressive language, both simple to use for beginners and functional for professionals. Here are its advantages:
Objective-C is a compiled object-oriented language with an impressive history dating back to 1983. At first, it was regarded as an extension to the C language; however, it soon became popular as an independent language. Objective-C is still in use, as large projects that run on it continue to be supported. Furthermore, there are specific tasks that can’t be fulfilled using Swift, and in such cases Objective-C retains the upper hand. Despite this, Objective-C gave way to the newcomer as a result of the following disadvantages:
C++ is also used in iOS development, but it can’t be used for creating applications on its own. It’s only used to solve logical problems and to write single modules or labour-intensive algorithms.
Xcode by Apple is considered the most common integrated development environment for iOS applications. It’s an editor that is equipped with extensive tools for developers. The core of the package is Xcode itself, containing a free set of compilers and most of the Apple developer documentation.
The package also includes Interface Builder, a software for building graphical user interfaces. It makes the layout markup visual: a developer can customise styles, fonts, and more. Interface Builder has emulators of all devices and tools for analysing performance. You can also test your product without leaving Xcode.
Adding an application to the App Store isn’t a quick process — moderation typically takes 10–15 business days. Candidates are selected carefully and many are rejected. To be added to the App Store, your application must meet strict requirements. According to Apple’s terms, your application must:
A new application may not be accepted if it contains obvious errors or uses hidden features. It may be rejected if it is considered to be useless, not unique, or if it is just a mobile version of a website.
If you intend to make the application paid, you should take into account that the more expensive it is in the store, the more carefully Apple checks it. According to the requirements for paid products, your application must not:
Finally, once the App Store has accepted a functioning application, you shouldn’t try to upload different versions of the same application. This will lead to blocking.
In December 2021, Apple announced the top apps and games of the year as per annual tradition. Some of them made our life more convenient, others added more fun to it, and together they set trends for the rest of the store’s products.
📱
Toca Life World by Toca Boca AB is the best for iPhone in 2021. It’s a game-learning app for children, in whose universe they can create their own world, invent characters, and write their own story. It combines the entire Toca Life series of 11 other apps. Toca Life World is free and is monetised via in-app purchases of locations (over 8 free) and characters (over 39 free).
💻
LumaFusion by Luma Touch LLC is the best for iPad in 2021. It’s a multi-track video editor with professional features and special effects. LumaFusion costs $29.99 (€35.99) and is additionally monetised via paid access to a full library of music and clips, as well as paid export to Final Cut Pro.
⌚
CARROT Weather: Alerts & Radar by Grailr LLC is the best for Apple Watch in 2021. It’s a weather app with cool forecasts prepared by a personal bot with 5 characters to choose from. CARROT Weather is free and is monetised via paid subscriptions of 3 levels: Premium, Premium Ultra, Premium Family.
📱
League of Legends: Wild Rift by Riot Games is the best for iPhone in 2021. It’s a multiplayer online battle arena where 2 teams of 5 players fight. Although the mobile game is considered a shortened version of the desktop LoL, it was created from scratch on the Unity engine. League of Legends: Wild Rift is free and is monetised via in-game purchases of content and game currency, Wild Cores.
💻
MARVEL Future Revolution by Netmarble Corporation is the best for iPad in 2021. It’s an open-world action RPG about superheroes. The plot is based on the Secret Wars comic book series of the Marvel universe. The game was created on the Unreal Engine. MARVEL Future Revolution is free and is monetised via in-game purchases of content and game currency, Crystals.
A high-quality iOS application will help your company bring joy to existing clients, attract a new audience, and increase brand loyalty. A successful application can not only become a useful advertising tool, but also grow into an independent income-generating business.
Our qualified team is ready to take on projects of any complexity. We approach each task with skill, competence, and efficiency. We will create a unique business model and a convenient, user-friendly interface in addition to assisting with marketing promotion and placement in the App Store.
Creating an iOS application consists of the following stages:
Based on this data, the cost of developing an iOS application starts at $20,000. This is the cost of the MVP, and it could be higher depending on the level of the application’s complexity. Please note that after the development is completed, the application must be maintained, and this service isn’t included in the initial development cost.
Polygant has been developing iOS applications for 10 years. Each project is unique, because we work from the wishes of customers and adapt to the activity specifics. Submit a request, and after a detailed consultation, we will get started on your project!