What Is an iOS Developer? How to Become One, Salary, Skills.

An iOS developer creates software applications and programs for iOS-based devices. Here’s what to know about an iOS developer’s needed skills, salary and how to become one.

What Is an iOS Developer?

An iOS developer produces applications for the iPhone, iPad and other mobile devices that use the iPhone operating system (iOS). These applications, or apps, can span across multiple categories from productivity and business to social media and gaming.

What Do iOS Developers Do?

An iOS developer designs, builds and tests applications for devices using Apple iOS.

iOS Developer Responsibilities

• Prototype, code and optimize applications for use in the iOS ecosystem.
• Implement application updates and correct coding bugs.
• Ensure functionality and quality of applications based on user needs.
• Collaborate with designers and other developers throughout application development.

iOS Developers Within a Company

An iOS developer tends to be part of a product or engineering team within a company, and may report to a senior iOS developer or senior software developer.

Importance of iOS Developers

An iOS developer ensures mobile applications are operational and engaging for up to millions of users every day. Without their work, apps may malfunction or not be properly updated, rendering a majority of Apple mobile devices as inaccessible or unusable. 

What Skills Are Needed to Be an iOS Developer?

Qualifications to Be an iOS Developer

• Experience with full-cycle mobile app development in iOS.
• Ability to integrate APIs and RESTful web services for mobile apps.
• Fluency in Objective-C, Swift, Cocoa Touch and C-based library fundamentals.

iOS Developer Prerequisites

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering or related field.

iOS Developer Hard Skills

• Programming language expertise (Objective-C, Swift).
• Experience using IDEs (AppCode, CodeRunner, Xcode).
• Experience with app development frameworks (AVFoundation, RxSwift, UIKit, XCTest, XCUITest).
• Familiarity with Apple OS frameworks (Core Animation, Core Data, Core Graphics, Core Text).
• Understanding of CI/CD pipelines and tools (Azure, Jenkins, GitLab).
• Knowledge of UI and UX design principles.

iOS Developer Soft Skills

• Adaptability. 
• Critical thinking.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Verbal and written communication skills.

Tools and Programs iOS Developers Use

• AppCode
• CocoaPods 
• Cocoa Touch 
• CodeRunner
• Objective-C
• Swift 
• UIKit
• Xcode

How to Become an iOS Developer

iOS Developer Education and Experience

An iOS developer will tend to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering or similar technical field.

An iOS developer candidate is often expected to gain applicable experience in mobile application development for iOS platforms. Knowledge of Objective-C and Swift programming, mobile app IDEs, app development frameworks, Apple OS frameworks and UI/UX design fundamentals are recommended.

iOS Developer Certificates and Courses

• iOS 11 & Swift 4 - The Complete iOS App Development Bootcamp
• iOS & Swift - The Complete iOS App Development Bootcamp
• Master CI/CD for iOS Developers

iOS Developer Career Path

Before becoming an iOS developer, professionals may gain entry-level experience as a software developer, software engineer, UI designer or UX designer. After experience in the iOS developer role, professionals can progress into roles like senior iOS developer, principal software developer or technical lead.

iOS Developer Salary and Job Outlook

IOS developers, grouped with software developers by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, will expect to see jobs grow 25 percent by 2031.

The full compensation package for an iOS developer depends on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s experience and geographic location. See below for detailed information on the average iOS developer salary.