The rise in demand for iOS developers is related to people's increased use of iOS apps to shop online or interact with their favorite services.
Take advantage of this chance to create an iOS app that will elevate your company above the competition, boost your consumer base, and make it easier to communicate with your clients. However, finding an outstanding iOS app developer takes many hours of hard effort and expensive research, especially if you don't know anything about software development.
This article will show you a 5-step guide to help you hire iOS developers who are outstanding and suitable for your project needs.
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The Demand for Hiring iOS Developers
According to Indeed's Hiring Lab Report, "Mobile Developer" is constantly ranked in the top ten most in-demand positions globally. Apple now accounts for a major share of that demand with a 24.7% share of the worldwide smartphone market. As a result, the demand for iOS developers is predicted to climb by 25% between 2022 and 2032 (Labour Statistic).
Furthermore, the Asia-Pacific area has the highest smartphone adoption rate in the world, with over 76% expected by 2023. And Vietnam has the second-highest percentage of iOS app downloads in Southeast Asia. This high user engagement in iOS applications creates a great need for iOS developers who can create user-friendly and engaging apps.
In 2024, the scope for iOS development remains undeniably broad. But how to hire a dedicated iOS developer for your business? Let's continue to read the below sections to find the answer.
>> Read more: Why Businesses Should Invest in Mobile Applications?
Types of Hiring iOS Developer
When looking to hire an iOS developer, you have a few different choices in the recruiting types. You can hire a freelance developer, software outsourcing company, or develop an internal team that works for you. Remember the important thing is that you pick the one that fits and works best for your projects.
Outsourcing
The benefits of outsourcing a mobile development agency include having a cross-tech stack developer team with the capabilities to construct your app. You don't have to manage the project either because outsourcing usually has project managers who help you organize and monitor the work and tasks.
The software outsourcing service of Relia Software has a dream team of smart, data-driven developers who are highly qualified and experienced in outsourcing projects for companies of all sizes and sectors. We have spent more than a decade building a reputation for competence in outsourced software development with many successes in developing iOS apps for clients. We will give you trust when providing a full array of services aimed at streamlining the process and ensuring your project's success.
Freelancer
Recruiting a freelance iOS developer is another option to consider when looking for someone to build your app. There are various freelance sites where you can find the expertise you need at a lower cost. However, using cheap services to construct an app is not always an ideal solution, especially if you want a scalable product that satisfies user expectations.
Building an app requires more than just a developer. Therefore, if you engage a freelancer, you'll need to recruit other experts such as quality assurance, software architects, designers, etc. to work independently on the same project. Misunderstanding can quickly arise since there may be a lack of cooperation and accountability if they do not work in a team.
>> Read more: An In-Depth Guide To Hire Remote Developers
In-house Developer Team
If you decide to develop an in-house developer team, you and your iOS developers will be able to talk to each other easily because you will both be working in the same place. The developers will also quickly learn about your business or service.
This recruiting type works best with a long-term project with a permanent job. But if your objective is just recruiting for a one-time iOS development job, it will be hard to deal with them when the project is over. Remember that an in-house team can cost you more to rent an office, buy tech tools for the worker, and pay for other things that come with hiring people.
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Requirements of iOS Developer Candidates
When carefully deciding the right recruitment type, it is time to make a job description and decide the skills of developers that may fit your project the most.
Technical Skills
Programming Languages
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Proficiency in Swift - top priority language in iOS development, including syntax, object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts, and best practices.
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Basic understanding of Objective-C for potential legacy codebase maintenance.
Development Tools
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Skilled at Xcode for coding, UI design, project management, and debugging.
Apple Frameworks and APIs
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Understand Apple's rich frameworks and APIs such as UIKit, Core Data, and Foundation.
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Acknowledge applicable frameworks like Core ML for machine learning or ARKit for augmented reality.
UX/UI Design
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Know Apple's Human Interface Guidelines (HIG) to create consistent, user-friendly UIs.
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Understand UX principles knowledge also helps developers build a smooth and engaging app experience for users.
Version Control Systems (VCS)
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Know how to use VCS can work together more efficiently, go back to older versions if necessary, and keep the data clean.
Testing and Debugging
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Be able to write unit tests to make sure that the code works and to find problems early on.
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Know how to use Xcode's debugging tools and techniques to troubleshoot and fix problems in an app.
Memory Management
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Have a basic understanding of memory management to avoid these kinds of problems and make sure that apps run smoothly for users.
Soft Skills
Communication
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Clear, straightforward communication skills to explain technical topics to project managers, and clients who may not know coding.
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Active listening skills help developers focus on project needs, user feedback, and team member issues efficiently.
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Written communication abilities to sustain and transfer projects to other engineers.
Problem-solving and Critical Thinking
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The ability to analyze problems from different angles, think critically, and come up with creative solutions.
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A keen eye for detail to identify and fix minor bugs early to prevent user frustration and maintain a high-quality app.
Teamwork and Collaboration
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The ability to work effectively as part of a team, share knowledge openly, and contribute to a collaborative environment.
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Adaptability and a willingness to receive, and incorporate constructive feedback to adjust their approach and ensure the final product aligns with evolving needs.
Time Management
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Strong organizational skills ensure that projects are prioritized, and tasks are managed efficiently to not only streamline the current project but also make it easier for future developers to understand and maintain the code.
Passion for Learning
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A passion for learning to stay updated with the latest trends to deliver high-quality work, leverage cutting-edge technologies, and create innovative solutions.
Experiences
Junior iOS developers
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Have basic knowledge of the iOS platform and related frameworks.
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Proficient in Swift, have a basic understanding of Objective-C, and familiarity with Xcode, Apple's development environment.
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If you're building a permanent in-house team, you can hire entry-level engineers who can learn from experienced programmers with a salary of around $400 per month.
Mid-level iOS developers
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Have at least three to four years of expertise in programming for iOS.
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Engineers at this level are proficient in Swift, Objective-C, Core Data, SQLite, UI/UX design, and a deeper understanding of iOS development concepts.
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Comfortable working with various Apple frameworks and APIs (Core Data, UIKit, etc.) relevant to specific projects.
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Experience with version control systems (Git) and unit testing methodologies.
Senior iOS developers
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Boast 5+ years of experience and are seasoned experts in iOS development. Have worked on numerous development projects and delivered applications.
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Also, have the necessary leadership and problem-solving abilities to complete any work.
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Be suitable for sophisticated iOS app development project
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Understand software architecture design, development, security testing, code review, debugging, and many frameworks needed to create an iOS app.
5 Steps To Hire iOS Developers
Step 1: Describe Your Project.
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Clearly outline your app's purpose and target audience.
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Detail the core functionalities the app needs to offer.
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Include any specific technologies or frameworks you envision using.
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Be concise to avoid wasting time with irrelevant candidates.
Step 2: Select The Best Working Model
There are several options for hiring iOS developers depending on your project needs. Each approach has pros and cons that need evaluation before deciding.
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Outsourcing: Contracting development to a third-party company.
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Agency: Working with a recruiting agency to find an iOS developer.
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Freelance Developer: Hiring an independent iOS developer for your project.
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Full-Time Hire: Building your in-house development team with an iOS developer.
Step 3: Execute The Interviews
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Asking the right questions helps identify the best developer for your project needs.
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Interview questions should assess a candidate's depth of thinking, performance level, and overall suitability for the project.
Step 4: Selection of The Right Applicant
When selecting iOS developers for your team, these criteria can assist you in identifying the best candidates with the necessary skills and traits for your project.
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Technical proficiency: The candidates must be familiar with the necessary tools and frameworks, as well as their knowledge of programming languages (Swift or Objective-C).
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Portfolio quality: Your candidates must show you their past iOS projects. Based on that you can look for demonstrating great design, development, and maintenance of iOS applications that fit yours.
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Problem-solving skills: The problem-solving ability must be evaluated by offering real-world scenarios or code difficulties related to iOS app development.
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Communication skills: Effective communication is essential for collaboration. Ensure that candidates can properly explain their ideas and interact effectively with team members and stakeholders.
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Team fit: Your candidates must effectively fit into your team's culture and ideals. Compatibility and teamwork are essential for a successful iOS development team.
Step 5: Sign The Contract & Onboarding
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The contracts should specify payment terms and dispute resolution procedures.
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A smooth onboarding process is crucial for developer retention and satisfaction, as new hires often need to learn company specifics and unfamiliar topics.
>> Read more: Time and Materials Contract in Software Development
The iOS Developer's Salary
Here is the reference salary of iOS developers based on location, country, and experience levels.
By Location
|
Location |
Annual Rate |
|
Asia |
$40,000 - $120,000+ |
|
Europe |
$60,000 - $150,000+ |
|
Australia |
$80,000 - $180,000+ |
|
America |
$70,000 - $200,000+ |
|
Africa |
$30,000 - $80,000+ |
By Country
|
Location |
Annual Rate |
|
Singapore |
$40,000 - $120,000 |
|
Vietnam |
$30,000 - $80,000 |
|
Australia |
$80,000 - $180,000 |
|
US |
$70,000 - $200,000 |
|
UK |
$60,000 - $150,000 |
By Experience Levels
|
Levels |
Annual Rate |
|
Junior Developer |
$50,000 - $80,000 |
|
Mid-level Developer |
$70,000 - $120,000 |
|
Senior Developer |
$90,000 - $150,000+ |
By Recruitment Type
|
Recruitment Types |
Rate |
|
Full-time in-house |
$70,000 - $150,000+/ year |
|
Outsourcing |
$30,000 - $150,000/ year |
|
Freelance |
$80 - $150+/ hour |
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Popular Platforms to Find and Hire Quality iOS Developers
This section will explore various platforms catering to recruitment needs: outsourcing, freelancers, and in-house hiring.
Clutch
Clutch is a business-to-business (B2B) research tool that connects companies with service providers that have already been checked out. These service providers work in many fields, including iOS development agencies.
It's a great way for you to find well-known and qualified partners based on your needs and industry. You can base on the review or Clutch ranks to define a quality company that suits your project best.
Upwork
Upwork is a popular platform for freelancers in multiple fields. It has a massive freelance marketplace with a wide range of iOS developers. It is appropriate when you want to hire iOS developers for short-term projects or specific skill gaps. Use detailed project descriptions, skill filters, and client reviews to find qualified candidates for your projects.
This platform is usually used to post job boards that aim to develop an in-house team for your business. Use its huge professional network to find experienced iOS developers who are looking for new jobs. You can use advanced search options to find people with specific experience and skill sets.
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Conclusion
Starting a mobile app to stay competitive can help scale your firm. There are many other traits to look for when hiring iOS developers. Generally, you should evaluate if an iOS developer has the expertise, problem-solving skills, and desire for mobile app development.
Besides, an offshore outsourcing development service can be an effective choice for developing a quality iOS app for your business. Relia Software houses highly skilled developers, QA engineers, and project managers across various technologies, ensuring best-in-class solutions for your iOS app development projects.
>>> Follow and Contact Relia Software for more information!
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