Did you know that iPhones make up nearly half of all smartphones in the US? With their dedicated fanbase, this number is expected to keep growing. You can take advantage of this by creating iOS apps as a developer. The choice of the programming language plays a critical role in app development.
Initially, all Apple devices ran on iOS, but in 2019, iPadOS was introduced specifically for iPads. While both operating systems share similarities, there are some subtle differences. Apple recommends using its integrated development environment(IDE), Xcode, to overcome them and ease the iOS app-building process. While not mandatory, using Xcode greatly simplifies the process.
The popular languages for iOS app development are Swift and Objective-C, which Xcode supports. However, you can also use Dart + Flutter, Javascript + Native React, or C# with MAUI(Multi-platform App UI)for developing iOS apps.
To decide which language to use, consider your end goals. If your app is exclusively for iOS, Swift, and Objective-C are the ideal choices. For cross-platform apps, the decision becomes more complex. You have two primary options:
- Build separate native apps for each platform
- Build a cross-platform app using a single codebase and cross-platform IDE
The first option allows you to leverage integrated platform-specific features but is time-consuming and expensive. The second option is more cost and time-effective, but it may limit access to specific APIs, affecting your UI functionality.
Your choice should align with your priorities. To help you out, here are the top 5 languages and frameworks for iOS app development.
Swift
If you're creating a native iOS app, Apple's own open-source software is the way to go. Swift is a modern and lightweight compiled programming language, making it much faster than interpreted languages like JavaScript and Python. Apple says Swift is 8.4 times faster than Python and 2.6 times faster than Objective-C.
Swift shines when it comes to developing native iOS apps. You can fully leverage all the features of iPhones, and it's also handy for upgrading older versions. The best part is that Swift and Objective-C work well together, allowing you to use both languages in the same project easily.
Pros
- Simple language with easy-to-use syntax
- Built-in safeguards help prevent errors
- Minimal memory usage
- Unified codebase
- Easy scalability
Cons
- Relatively new language
- Restricted third-party API usage
- Smaller community support
Objective-C
Apple created Objective-C, an object-oriented language, by building upon the capabilities of C and adding certain new features. It served as the foundation for both iOS and MacOS. While Swift is rapidly gaining popularity for iOS app development, Objective-C still has its merits. Many legacy codes within Apple's ecosystem are written in Objective-C, and transitioning them to Swift will still take some time. That's why Objective-C remains a popular choice for native iOS software development.
Pros
- Compatible with C/C++
- Availability of thorough documentation
- Great developer community support
- Supports a broad range of libraries and third-party frameworks
- Compatible with older Apple OS
Cons
- Complex syntax
- Security vulnerabilities inherited from C
- Lack of new update
C# + MAUI
Versatile, object-oriented, and created by Microsoft, C# is a relatively young language used extensively for developing cross-platform apps. With the Multi-platform App UI (MAUI) framework, developers can easily build native iOS apps using C#. Pairing it with Microsoft's Visual Studio IDE enhances its applicability in developing iOS apps. While you can develop these apps in a Windows environment, you'll need to connect to a Mac to publish or load them onto the Apple Store.
Pros
- Open-source
- Can build native and cross-platform apps
- Thorough documentation
- Huge developer community support
- Allows developers to build diverse tech projects
Cons
- Challenging to learn
- Compiling process might slow app updates
- Publishing an iOS app on the Apple store is complicated
JavaScript + React Native
JavaScript is a popular high-level programming language used in various domains like web and server development, games, and mobile apps. However, on its own, JavaScript cannot be used to develop iOS apps. Developers pair it with a framework called React Native, making it easy to render the app to a native iOS interface. Developers highly favor this combination as it allows them to build native and cross-platform apps using a single codebase.
Pros
- Immense community support
- Thorough documentation
- Components can be reused for faster builds
- Compatible with native APIs
- Easy developer access
Cons
- Slower and time-consuming
- Debugging is a challenge
- Limited access to some native functions/permissions
Dart + Flutter
Dart is a type-safe programming language known for its speed and flexibility, making it a popular choice for building web and mobile apps. Combined with the Flutter framework, it becomes a powerful tool for creating native iOS mobile apps. However, you need the Xcode and a Mac to publish these apps on the Apple Store.
Pros
- Easy to learn
- Faster than JavaScript
- Easy to create appealing visuals
- Supports varied devices and screen sizes
- Single codebase for iOS and Android
Cons
- Young programming language
- Limited community and talent pool
- Fewer libraries for developmental aid
Some Final thoughts
It's not just about the pros and cons of iOS app development languages. What really matters is finding the right people for the job. And that's where we come in!
At Sundew, talented developers with diverse skill sets are ready to assist you. Leverage our expertise and experience with the abovementioned languages to make your iOS app development successful.
