iOS Application Development

iOS is a mobile operating system by Apple presented in 2007 on a first-generation iPhone that was called the invention of the year afterwards. Initially, the OS was installed on iPhones and iPods touch and was called iPhone OS. Soon iPads and Apple TVs got the new OS as well.

iOS cannot be installed on devices other than Apple products, which is an important feature of the operating system. Therefore, all available and up to date applications can be found in the App Store. Currently, there are over 2 million apps with a total number of downloads exceeding 130 billion and a total number of users equal to 600 million in this digital distribution store for Apple mobile devices and laptops.

Programming languages for iOS application development

To develop native apps for iOS, either Swift or Objective-C programming language can be used.

Swift

Swift is an open compiled language that is simple for beginners and functional for professionals. It was released in 2014 for modern needs taking into account and correcting shortcomings of its predecessor, Objective-C. Swift is more reliable and has strong typing, which reduces the number of errors while writing the code and makes the code shorter, thus reducing development time and costs. At present, it is one of the most progressive languages. Swift advantages:

Easy code readability.
Conciseness, lack of verbosity.
Compilation speed.
Interaction with the code in Objective-C that allows using both languages simultaneously.
High security.
Dynamic library support.

Objective-C

Objective-C is a compiled object-oriented language with an impressive history started back in 1983. Initially, it was considered an extension to the C language. However, it soon became popular as an independent programming language. It is still in use now because major projects in Objective-C are still supported. There are also highly specialised tasks that cannot be fulfilled using Swift. Nevertheless, Objective-C lost ground to the newcomer due to the following disadvantages:

Poor code readability;
Low performance;
Lower security;
Dynamic typing.

C++ is also used in iOS development, but it is impossible to write an iOS app only in C++. As a rule, it is used only for solving logical problems or for writing single modules and various laborious algorithms.

Development environment

Xcode by Apple is considered the most common iOS application development environment. It is an integrated software development environment for iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS platforms, which is an editor with extensive development tools. 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, an application for building graphical interfaces. This application makes GUI building visual: a developer can customise styles, fonts, etc. Interface Builder includes emulators of all devices and tools for analysing application performance. Besides, a developed application can be tested without leaving Xcode.

Adding an application to the App Store

Adding an application to the App Store takes time as candidates are selected carefully. A substantial number of apps is rejected, and a new check takes an average of 10-15 business days. To be added to the App Store, an application must meet a certain list of requirements specified by Apple. According to the requirements, your application must:

Be stable.
Use only public APIs.
Match its description.
Use push notifications correctly.
Get user consent prior to determining their location.
NOT contain obvious errors.
Be a final version (NOT an alpha or beta one).
NOT use hidden functions.

Certainly, a new application can be rejected if it is useless, not unique, or if it is a website designed as an application.

If you plan to make the application paid, take into account that the more expensive it is in the store, the more carefully Apple checks it. To meet the requirements for paid products, your application must not:

Use mechanisms for acquiring content, providing services, and expanding functions in the application that are different from in-app purchases;
Sell real goods or services outside the application through the in-app purchase mechanism;
Monetise built-in capabilities provided by the hardware or operating system;
Contain links to external websites with their own forms of purchase;
Provide access to new functionality without App Store mechanisms.

Take into account that once a correct application is accepted in the App Store, further attempts to add various versions of the same application will lead to blocking.

iOS mobile application development

A high-quality iOS application can help your company satisfy present customers, 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 business generating revenue.

Polygant has long been developing applications for iOS. We can create unique applications, always take into account the wishes of customers, and adapt to the activity specifics. The cost of developing an iOS application will not embarrass you. Send your request, and after a detailed discussion, we will immediately start your project!