Hire iOS Developers
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The Ultimate Guide for Hiring iOS Developers
The success of your iOS app depends on the talent you hire. So how do you hire iOS developers who can create high-quality, user-friendly apps that drive engagement and business growth? We connect you with the top 1% of tech talent, vetted from over 1.4 million applicants each year.
When hiring, look for technical expertise in Swift, Objective-C, and Apple’s tools like Xcode, along with frameworks like UIKit and Core Data. Beyond coding, great iOS developers excel in UI design, performance optimization, and teamwork. In this guide, we’ll show you what to look for when trying to hire iOS developers.
Before You Start Hiring
Experience in Your Industry
When hiring iOS developers, industry-specific experience can make a significant difference. For example, if you're developing an app for the healthcare sector, look for an iOS developer who has experience in HIPAA compliance or medical data security. They will be better able to build features that meet strict regulatory standards.
Cultural Fit
Hiring an iOS developer who fits your company culture is as important as their technical skills. Does your team value innovation and fast-paced development? You’ll want an iOS developer who thrives in that environment and can quickly adapt to changes in iOS development project direction or feature requests.
Timeline and Budget
iOS development often requires balancing cutting-edge features with tight timelines and budgets. Look for an iOS developer who can work efficiently under time constraints without sacrificing quality. An iOS developer with experience in delivering MVPs can prioritize core functionality while building scalability for future updates, all while staying within the budget for your iOS development project.
Adaptability
The mobile landscape evolves quickly. For this reason, iOS updates often require app revisions. Hiring an iOS developer who has shown adaptability in past projects is important. Whether it’s updating code to meet the latest iOS SDK requirements or pivoting to accommodate new feature requests, an adaptable iOS developer can future-proof your app.
Timezone and Location
Is your team distributed globally? Hiring an iOS developer in a compatible timezone is essential for real-time collaboration. Whether you're developing in sprints or handling urgent bug fixes, having an iOS developer available during your working hours can streamline communication and reduce delays.
20 Skills Every iOS Developer Should Have
Building high-performance iOS apps requires expertise in Swift, Objective-C, and tools like Xcode. Developers should also be well-versed in iOS frameworks like UIKit, Core Data, and Core Animation to create intuitive, user-friendly experiences.
Beyond technical skills, strong soft skills are essential for speeding up development, solving issues quickly, and building apps that truly engage users. Whether you hire full-time or freelance iOS developers, having the right talent on board is key to staying competitive in the fast-changing mobile market.
Technical Skills to Look for in Your Ideal iOS Developer
1. Swift Programming Language
Swift is the cornerstone of native iOS development. It’s important to hire iOS developers with deep proficiency in Swift to deliver clean, efficient, and scalable code that’s easy to maintain. Swift expertise directly impacts your ability to ship fast and scale as your mobile app development evolves.
2. Objective-C
While Swift is the current standard, knowledge of Objective-C is critical for projects involving legacy systems or older codebases. Having an iOS developer who’s comfortable in both languages means seamless integration with existing infrastructure, keeping your project on track and reducing downtime.
3. iOS SDK (Software Development Kit)
An expert in the iOS SDK, including frameworks like UIKit, Core Data, and Core Animation, is essential for building the features your users expect. With the right SDK knowledge, professional iOS developers will deliver top-tier performance and a flawless user experience from the start, checking that the app meets the high standards of the Apple App Store.
4. Xcode IDE
Xcode is the go-to integrated development environment for iOS developers. Look for those fluent in Xcode to streamline the mobile app development process, troubleshoot effectively, and use tools that optimize app performance. This impacts everything from daily productivity to release schedules.
5. UI/UX Design Principles
If you hire iOS developers who aren’t designers, they should still understand the importance of UI/UX design. Developers with a strong grasp of intuitive navigation and smooth user interactions will build apps that engage users, impacting retention and your app’s standing on the Apple App Store.
6. Core Data
For apps that require offline capabilities or handle large datasets, Core Data is a must. Experienced iOS developers skilled in Core Data will manage data persistence efficiently so your app functions seamlessly, whether online or offline, enhancing the overall user experience.
7. RESTful APIs
Your iOS app needs to communicate with other services. Developers experienced in RESTful APIs offer smooth data transfer and integration with external systems. This is crucial for apps requiring real-time data exchange, such as social, e-commerce, or native app development.
8. Git Version Control
Developers proficient with Git will manage code changes and collaborate smoothly with your team for a streamlined development process. This keeps your project agile so that features can be added or adjusted without risking disruption.
9. Apple Human Interface Guidelines
Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines are critical for creating intuitive apps. Hiring iOS developers who follow these guidelines will reduce the chances of rejection during the App Store review process, speed up deployment, and create a polished user experience.
10. Unit Testing and Test-Driven Development (TDD)
Quality matters, especially when scaling fast. Developers with unit testing and TDD experience help make your app stable before launch. This minimizes post-launch issues, saving time and resources while keeping your team focused on growth and mobile app development.
11. Core Animation
Core Animation is vital for adding dynamic animations and visual effects. Hire iOS developers skilled in Core Animation to create visually engaging apps that stand out, enhancing user satisfaction and keeping users engaged.
12. Memory Management
Efficient memory management prevents app crashes and slowdowns. Professional iOS developers experienced in Automatic Reference Counting (ARC) will help your app run smoothly under heavy use, protecting user satisfaction and trust.
13. Auto Layout
Auto Layout is essential for creating responsive designs across different iOS devices. Developers with Auto Layout skills will make your app look great on any device, reducing the need for future redesigns as your app scales.
14. In-app Purchases and Subscriptions
Monetization is key to an app’s success. Hire iOS developers who understand in-app purchases and subscription models to integrate payment systems, which boosts revenue without compromising the user experience.
15. Push Notifications
Engaging users is crucial for app success. Experienced iOS developers who implement push notifications effectively will keep users informed and engaged, driving retention and boosting traffic.
16. App Store Submission Process
Navigating the Apple App Store submission process can be complex. Developers familiar with the process can handle app review requirements, provisioning profiles, and metadata for faster deployment and reduced rejection risk.
Soft Skills to Look for in Your Ideal iOS Developer
17. Creativity
iOS development often involves creating intuitive and visually appealing user interfaces that enhance the overall user experience. Creativity is essential for developers to design innovative features that align with Apple’s design principles. They should also stand out in a competitive app market. Whether it’s implementing a unique gesture control or designing a smooth animation, creative iOS developers can build apps that captivate users and increase engagement.
18. Empathy
Empathy is a critical quality to look for when you hire remote iOS developers. iOS developers must understand the end user's perspective to create an app that meets their needs. Developers who prioritize user experience design features that are intuitive, accessible, and enjoyable to use. Empathy allows iOS developers to consider how their app will be used in real-life scenarios. This ensures that it’s not only functional but also user-friendly and responsive to customer feedback.
19. Curiosity
The iOS ecosystem is constantly evolving. There are frequent updates to Swift, new frameworks, and new features like ARKit or SwiftUI. Curiosity drives iOS developers to stay up-to-date with these advancements. It allows them to implement cutting-edge technologies in their apps. A curious iOS developer will explore new possibilities and integrate the latest iOS features. This keeps your app competitive and up-to-date with the latest trends.
20. Decision-Making
In iOS development, there are often multiple ways to achieve a particular feature or functionality. Strong decision-making skills allow iOS developers to choose the best approach based on factors like performance, scalability, and ease of maintenance. Whether deciding which third-party libraries to use or determining how to structure an app’s architecture, an iOS developer should have solid decision-making abilities. This way, they can build solutions that are efficient, sustainable, and aligned with long-term project goals.
14 Questions to Identify Top iOS Developers
When interviewing iOS developers, it's important to ask questions that first assess the candidates' technical skills and knowledge. Employers will also usually conduct a coding test to further assess specific on-the-job knowledge.
The following set of questions aims to uncover not only the developers's technical knowledge but also their problem-solving abilities, teamwork, communication skills, and adaptability—all crucial traits for success in a collaborative environment.
Here are a few examples of technical interview questions:
1. How do you ensure smooth performance in iOS applications when handling large amounts of data?
To handle large datasets efficiently, I load data asynchronously using GCD or Operation Queues to keep the main thread free. I implement pagination or batch fetching for large lists, loading only necessary data. For UI optimization, I use cell reuse in UITableView or UICollectionView to reduce memory use. I also profile memory usage with Xcode’s Instruments to identify leaks and performance issues.
2. Can you explain how you implement push notifications in an iOS app?
I integrate push notifications using Apple’s Push Notification Service (APNs). After configuring app capabilities and generating certificates, I handle device token registration and securely store it on the server. Notifications are then pushed to the device, and I configure local settings in the app to display notifications properly, even when it's running in the background or inactive.
3. How do you handle memory management in iOS apps to avoid memory leaks?
I rely on ARC for memory management but manage object references carefully to avoid retaining cycles. I use weak references for delegates and [weak self] in closures. I regularly profile the app with Xcode's Instruments to catch memory leaks and achieve proper deallocating of objects in deinit. I also minimize global variables to avoid unnecessary memory usage.
4. Can you explain how you manage app state transitions (background, foreground, etc.) in iOS?
I manage state transitions by using the app delegate's lifecycle methods, such as applicationDidEnterBackground and applicationWillEnterForeground. When the app enters the background, I save the state and pause tasks. For background tasks, I register them within Apple’s time limits. On returning to the foreground, I restore the saved state and refresh the UI for a seamless experience.
5. How do you implement in-app purchases in an iOS application?
I use Apple’s StoreKit framework for in-app purchases. I configure in-app products in App Store Connect and implement SKPaymentQueue and SKProductsRequest to manage purchases within the app. Once the user makes a purchase, I securely process the transaction and provide the content. I also handle failed or restored transactions and verify receipts to maintain a secure and smooth purchase experience.
6. How do you handle offline functionality in iOS apps?
I use Core Data or Realm to store data locally, allowing users to interact with the app offline. I queue network requests with URLSession to sync data once connectivity is restored so no data is lost. I also handle conflicts during data syncing to merge changes smoothly, keeping app performance consistent regardless of network availability.
7. How do you ensure app security when handling sensitive user data?
For secure data storage, I use Keychain to keep sensitive information like login credentials encrypted. I also use SSL/TLS for encrypting data in transit and at rest. I never use user defaults for sensitive data. Additionally, I implement OAuth2 for authentication and conduct regular security reviews.
8. How do you test iOS apps on multiple devices and operating system versions?
I test on both simulators and physical devices to confirm app compatibility across different iPhones, iPads, and iOS versions. I also use automated tests with XCTest to cover multiple test cases efficiently. Cloud services provide additional testing across various devices. This makes sure the app performs well on all target devices.
9. How do you collaborate with remote iOS developers for smooth project delivery?
I use Slack for communication and Jira or Trello to track project tasks. Usually, my team of other remote iOS developers and I conduct code reviews through GitHub to maintain consistency and quality. Clear documentation is crucial so everyone stays aligned on project goals wherever we’re working from. Working with freelance iOS developers requires regular and open communication to avoid miscommunication. These types of collaboration tools help us manage time zones so that projects stay on schedule.
10. What are the key steps you take when optimizing an app’s performance before launch?
I use Xcode’s Instruments to profile the app, focusing on CPU, memory, and battery usage. I optimize resource loading and reduce background tasks to improve performance. Load testing under different network conditions ensures smooth operation. These steps help make sure that the app is fast and responsive before launch.
11. Can you describe a challenging iOS project you’ve worked on and how you overcame the technical hurdles?
This question gives insight into how the candidate approaches problem-solving, deals with challenges, and navigates technical complexities. Their response will highlight their ability to adapt, learn, and apply critical thinking in real-world situations.
12. How do you make sure an iOS app delivers a smooth user experience across different device sizes and iOS versions?
This reveals the candidate’s understanding of design constraints and technical compatibility. It shows their attention to detail and how they handle the diversity of Apple’s device ecosystem while maintaining consistent app performance.
13. Tell me about a time when you had to work closely with designers or other non-technical team members on an iOS project. How did you collaborate?
This explores the candidate’s communication and collaboration skills, which are crucial for working in cross-functional teams. It shows how well they can translate technical concepts and work within a team to deliver cohesive results.
14. How do you optimize app performance, especially for apps with heavy processing or complex UI elements?
This question gauges the candidate’s understanding of performance optimization and resource management within iOS development. Their answer will demonstrate their experience with memory management, battery efficiency, and optimizing user interfaces for speed and responsiveness.
FAQ
1. What is Swift, and why is it important for iOS development?
Swift is Apple’s modern programming language for iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS development. Known for its speed, security, and simplicity, Swift helps developers write clean, efficient code. Its automatic memory management and safety features make it ideal for building modern apps. Swift also supports object-oriented and functional programming, making it versatile for both junior and senior iOS software engineers.
2. What tools does an iOS developer typically use?
iOS developers primarily use Xcode, Apple’s official integrated development environment (IDE), for coding, testing, and debugging apps. Xcode includes tools like an editor, interface builder, and simulator for testing across iOS devices. Developers also use version control systems like Git, testing frameworks such as XCTest, and third-party tools like CocoaPods for managing dependencies. Firebase is often used for analytics and crash reporting.
3. How should an iOS developer ensure app compatibility with different iOS versions?
To manage compatibility, mobile app developers set a minimum deployment target, test apps on multiple iOS versions, and address deprecated features. They use simulators and real devices to test across versions. When new iOS updates are released, developers review the changes and refactor code to maintain backward compatibility, making sure the app works smoothly on all supported versions.
4. What are the key challenges of iOS app development?
iOS developers face challenges like adapting to various screen sizes, optimizing app performance, and managing memory to avoid crashes. Following Apple’s App Store guidelines on functionality, security, and privacy is critical. Staying current with Apple’s frequent software updates and hardware changes also requires continuous learning, especially for experienced iOS developers working on complex projects.
5. What is the importance of UI/UX in iOS app development?
UI/UX design is essential in iOS development because Apple users expect high standards in design and usability. A well-crafted user interface makes the app visually appealing and easy to navigate, while a strong user experience yields smooth, responsive interactions. This improves user retention and overall app success, a key consideration when you hire iOS developers.
6. What are some common security practices for iOS apps?
iOS developers implement security practices like using OAuth or JWT for authentication, encrypting sensitive data with Apple’s security frameworks, and securing network communications with HTTPS. They also validate user inputs to prevent vulnerabilities such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS), protecting user data and maintaining app reliability.
7. What is the role of an iOS developer in the App Store submission process?
An iOS developer plays a key role in preparing the app for the Apple App Store by optimizing performance, fixing bugs, and making sure it complies with Apple’s guidelines. They also manage metadata, including app descriptions, screenshots, and App Store Optimization (ASO) strategies, to boost visibility and increase the chances of approval when you hire iOS app developers.
8. How do iOS developers integrate third-party services and APIs?
iOS developers integrate third-party services like social media sharing, payment gateways, and analytics using frameworks like Alamofire for networking or Firebase for backend services. RESTful APIs are commonly used to connect external servers, and tools like CocoaPods or Swift Package Manager manage third-party libraries. This enables seamless integrations and expanded app functionality for native iOS development.
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