How to Create an iOS App: 5 Steps to Make It Happen

The thriving of the mobile application industry, particularly with Apple and Google generating billions of dollars in yearly income, has been ongoing for an extended period. Hence, creating iOS application development can greatly increase the likelihood of generating substantial income for your business and clients.

To build or start a career in iOS development, it’s crucial to understand the fundamentals of the iOS application development process. This guide will teach you how to create an iOS app.

Download Xcode

To build an iOS app, you’ll need Xcode as your tool. It can be obtained from the App Store for free and is used to construct your user interface and write code for user interactions. Of course, if you already have Xcode, you can skip this step.

For iOS app development, you need the SDK provided with Xcode. Keep in mind that Xcode only runs on Mac OS X, so if you are using a non-Mac OS X operating system, you’ll need to get a Mac. To get Xcode, go to the Mac App Store and search for Xcode, which should be the first option.

Learn Swift

To know how to build an iOS app, you need to understand its coding language, which is Swift. Swift is Apple’s main coding language; you can write it directly into Xcode. Swift is a compiled, general-purpose, and multi-paradigm language developed by Apple in 2014. With knowledge of Swift, you can create code for not only iPhones but also iPads, Apple TV apps, and Apple Watch apps. Many resources are available to learn Swift, such as Codeacademy and Apple Developer.

SwiftUI is a UI toolkit that enables you to create attractive apps for all Apple devices with minimal code. You can quickly and easily build sophisticated interfaces without worrying about the source code. With the same resources and APIs, you can provide an outstanding user experience for all Apple device users. It has built-in elements you can use in your project’s UI. The navigation API also lets you control app navigation.

Access Online Resources

Endless free online resources exist to guide you in navigating Xcode and learning Swift. The benefits of this type of learning are that it’s free, and you can progress at your own pace. However, it would be best if you had the discipline and the ability to practice what you learn online to be successful.

Furthermore, this approach may only be suitable for some as it can be challenging for some learners to achieve comfort in building their apps with online resources and self-paced learning. Additionally, it’s important to establish a coding environment that follows Apple’s guidelines. To aid in this, here are resources to familiarize yourself with Apple’s various iOS languages.

Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines

Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines are widely known for their strict specificity. Apple has a well-defined notion of what type of apps it will permit in its store; thus, it’s advisable to familiarize oneself with their regulations before attempting to create an app. Please do so to save time creating an app that will not be approved for the App Store.

Apple’s Design Guidelines

In addition to Apple’s review guidelines, Apple has a set of guidelines for design and interface. Apple requires basic UI elements to maintain consistency across its store’s iPhone and computer apps. For a better understanding, refer to Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines page, where the app and icon design essentials can be found. A simplified version of the comprehensive guide is also provided in the form of Do’s and Don’ts to aid in the process.

Register for GitHub and TestFlight

Creating your app in isolation is only recommended if you’re a super genius. Inviting others to review your code and beta testers to test your app, either through Manual QA or Automation QA, is a better approach. For the software version, GitHub is the best option. After registering for GitHub, linking Xcode to it is simple and makes all your work accessible to others on your team. If assistance is needed, GitHub guides you through the setup process.

Find a Mentor

Learning iOS on your own can be challenging, but with the help of industry-leading IT and iOS experts as mentors, success can be achieved. A mentor who is knowledgeable in Xcode and Swift and willing to teach can provide valuable guidance and teach you the right way to use Xcode. In addition, their years of experience can provide tips and tricks to enhance your app-building journey.

As app development progresses, you can continue to seek your mentor’s guidance to improve your app. To find a mentor, consider searching for iOS developers on platforms like LinkedIn, asking family and friends for connections, and reaching out to those connections to see if they would be willing to mentor you.

Signup For Coding Bootcamp

A course in IT and iOS app development is necessary to succeed in the tech industry. Bootcamps are beneficial as they provide the technical skills needed within a limited timeframe. Bootcamps offer a cost-effective and time-efficient alternative to traditional degrees. These boot camps are referred to as a “fast track” to high-paying tech jobs with lower tuition costs, short class times, and a practical learning approach, making tech education accessible to a wider audience.

Fortunately, Apple’s app development program makes coding in Swift attainable for anyone, whether for a school semester, professional certification, or to improve their skills.

Conclusion

It’s not always straightforward to create apps. Whether it’s your first app or your tenth, there’s always space for growth. Educating yourself before creating an iOS app is always a good idea. However, after putting in the work, developing your app idea is a lot of fun and satisfaction. The gradual path of improving, learning, and refining makes anything worthwhile, not just the outcome. In the process, you will gain a unique, marketable skill in iOS development.

Would you like help when you are ready to develop an iOS app? Contact Spin Career today, and we will gladly offer our support.