With the constant advancements in technology and the ever-changing landscape of iOS development, it can be difficult to hire an iOS developer who has the right skills and experience to meet your needs.
However, it’s a worthy step to put effort into since a functional iOS app with unique features and high levels of security can bring in large revenue for your business. To make your search easier, we have curated a list of 16 top-rated sites for 2023 to hire iOS app developers. We also explained the important elements you need to consider as well as the steps you need to take in finding the right iOS developer candidates
By the time you are done reading this article, you'll have a better understanding of the different platforms available for hiring iOS developers and be able to make a more informed decision about which platform is the best fit for your project.
16 Best Websites To Hire An iOS Developer With Proven Expertise
Here’s our list of the 16 best sites to hire top iOS developers in 2023.
1. Aloa - Top Pick
When it comes to developing for the iOS platform, there's no one better than the team at Aloa. We are an offshore software development organization with the best in the industry teams for building iOS apps.
We are experts at handling complex requirements and turning them into scalable and profitable solutions. Our vetted engineers have years of hands-on development experience which allows them to always come up with high-end apps that satisfy your demands.
To make it to Aloa, all candidates have to go through our rigorous screening process involving a series of code tests and interviews. Since less than 1% of the applicants pass our recruitment procedure, we guarantee the most exceptional iOS development available in the entire market.
Aloa also provides a dedicated collaboration platform to manage your hired teams. You can send messages and monitor your team without switching apps. Our project management team also lays out bi-weekly progress reports so you can stay up to date. Apart from our transparent iOS development, you can count on us for post-launch maintenance and support services.
2. Utility - iOS Development For Companies Of All Sizes
Utility has a reputation for designing and developing award-winning products for mobile platforms. They have been a popular choice for iOS development among startups and blue-chip companies alike. Utility’s team includes industry-leading talented developers as the company only onboards people with a deep understanding of the Apple ecosystem.
Utility offers pragmatic solutions to all your iOS development concerns. They engineer clean products by using modern code stacks and frameworks. Their experts also help you grow your iOS application on the App Store with rationalized strategies.
3. Clearbridge Mobile - Developing High-Impact iOS Apps
Clearbridge Mobile is a full-service iOS application development firm delivering end-to-end custom solutions. They have a team of highly skilled and experienced iOS developers who are dedicated to creating apps that are not only functional but also visually stunning and user-friendly.
The team at Clearbridge Mobile is made up of experts in different programming languages used for iOS development. This allows them to create apps that are optimized for both older and newer versions of iOS, ensuring that your app will be compatible with the widest possible range of devices.
4. Folio3 - Full-Service iOS Development Company
Folio3 is a certified iOS mobile application development company that offers expertise in building feature-rich and ground-breaking native mobile apps for a user-friendly experience. Folio3 has vast experience in developing applications for iPhone and iPad platforms as well as other customer-centric services, including:
- Update and optimization
- Social media applications
- iPhone widget development
- Real-time eCommerce apps
The company ensures high-performance delivery and stationing of iOS apps with a guarantee of improved ROI which makes them an ideal development partner.
5. Orangesoft - Great Results Through Collaborative iOS Development
From early brainstorming ideas to post-launch support, Orangesoft has your back. It's a well-known company for building iOS applications for all businesses. Orangesoft provides a team of iOS developers to create apps for multiple Apple devices, including Apple Watch, iPad, iPhone, and Apple TV.
The company provides continuous training for its iOS developers which allows them to develop apps that can achieve market dominance and provide impactful user experiences. Orangesoft has a remarkable technology stack comprised of the latest tools, such as CoreData, Socket.io, OpenCV, and XCTest.
6. CodeCraft Technologies - Pioneers In iOS App Development
CodeCraft Technologies is one of the most in-demand mobile app development companies in the US and Canada. They scout a team of iOS developers who have experience developing iOS apps since the launch of the App Store. They are experts at using iOS development tools, including XCode, Swift, and TestFlight. and work through the latest frameworks to build aesthetic, modern, and user-centric solutions.
From conceptualization, design, and development to quality assurance and deployment, CodeCraft Technologies partners with you at all stages of the product life cycle. They ensure constant communication to provide transparency and clarity throughout the development process.
7. Surf - Developing Human-Centric iOS Apps
Surf is an outsourcing software development company with a specialized department for building iOS apps. They have a strong grip over different tech stacks to create native iOS applications from scratch. Surf promises to complete your MVP within 3 to 6 months without requiring amendments.
Surf has an effective proprietary tool that automatically generates application code to accelerate development. They are collaborative and keep you updated about the progress throughout the development phase.
8. Appetiser Apps - Proven Innovative iOS Apps
Appetiser Apps has a robust team of highly-skilled app engineers who understand that creating a great app is not just about the technical aspects, but also about understanding the needs and wants of the user. This is why they work closely with their clients to understand their target audience and create an app that meets their needs and exceeds their expectations.
The developers at Appetiser Apps are recruited through coding challenges that only 1% of candidates can pass. Appetiser’s main iOS programming revolves around Swift to create high-quality iPhone and iPad applications. The company also ensures delivering fast and secure applications which are easy to maintain and customize.
9. Digiteum - Leading-Edge iOS Expertise
Digiteum offers iOS application development services for all Apple devices, including tablets, smartphones, smartwatches, and TV. You can hire iPhone app developers who are capable of turning your ideas into fully functional iOS apps that are smart and sleek and provide a seamless user experience.
What makes Digiteum more reliable is its Quality Assurance and optimization practices. They test apps in a real environment to get feedback to scale and improve your digital product. The company is proficient in using all major iOS development technologies, including Core ML, SwiftUI, and CoreData.
10. Tekrevol - Disrupting The iOS App Development Industry
Tekrevol develops future-ready iOS applications that are meant to challenge the competition and are intended for capturing a high market share. Creating enterprise-grade solutions since 2014, their app developers are well-versed in using superior iOS technology stacks. They offer end-to-end development to ensure cutting-edge features, performance, and user experience.
Tekrevol is known to develop high-end applications through a comprehensive process. They test and validate apps to make sure they are secure, functional, and usable to meet your business needs. Their website also gives you the option to have a free estimation of your requirements before hiring them for your project.
11. Aspired - Convenience With Affordability
Aspired has a team of highly proficient iOS developers who can start development on the most complex projects in a notice of 3-5 days. You can hire remote iOS developers who are up-to-date with the latest technologies and advancements in the iOS ecosystem. This ensures that the apps they build are always at the forefront of innovation and can take advantage of the latest features and capabilities of the iOS platform.
Aspired’s dedication to quality and customer satisfaction doesn't stop at the end of the development process. They also provide ongoing maintenance and support services to ensure that your app remains up-to-date and performs well over time.
12. Vteams - Ideal For All Project Sizes
Vteams is a reliable platform that helps you assemble your remote iOS development teams with ease. They have more than 500 engineers ready to work to upscale your organization by building amazing iOS applications. With its easy recruitment mechanism, you can hire iOS developers and get started within 48 hours.
Vteams deliver work through the scrum approach to ensure you get efficient solutions on time. They provide you with a dedicated project manager to ensure that the development is up to industry standards. To bridge the communication gap, your hired team stays in touch with you through several collaboration tools, like Trello and Asana.
13. IThire - Freelance iOS Developers For Best Results
IThire is a freelance marketplace with a large pool of iOS developers. These freelance iOS developers are some of the most experienced in the industry. They've worked on a variety of different projects and have honed their skills over time to become experts in their field.
This means that when you work with a freelance iOS developer on IThire, you can trust that they know what they're doing and will bring your app idea to life. After posting a job, the website assigns you a project manager who assists you throughout the hiring process and even monitors the freelancer’s work post-hiring.
14. Netsmartz - Scalability, Flexibility & Results
Netsmartz is a software development company that offers onshore, offshore, and hybrid iOS development services. The company handpicks its iOS experts who can create future-forward, scalable, and glitch-free iOS applications.
With experienced programmers, Netsmartz also dispenses project managers and technical leads to ensure on-time delivery without any additional charges. Moreover, the onboarding is 100% risk-free and you only pay when you’re completely satisfied. They offer 48 hour's free-trial without any charges or obligations.
15. Revelo - iOS Development Teams That Synergizes With Your Mission
Revelo has a huge network of iOS developers who are experts in their field. They have extensive experience with the iOS platform and are well-versed in the latest technologies and trends. They have a strong understanding of the design principles that are essential for creating visually appealing apps.
The developers at Revelo are highly adaptable which enables them to work with a wide range of clients, from small businesses to large corporations. They understand the importance of communication, and they are always available to answer any questions you may have about your project. They also provide regular updates on the progress of your project, so you can be sure that everything is on track.
16. Space Stem - Enabling Growth Through Futuristic Solutions
Space Stem is a group of experts in iOS app development who can help you create a high-quality, user-friendly app that stands out in the crowded app store. From the layout and navigation to the color scheme and font choices, every aspect of the app is carefully considered to ensure that it is as user-friendly as possible.
Their iOS developers understand the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with their clients, so they are always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that your project is a success. They will work closely with you to understand your goals and requirements and make sure that the final product meets your expectations.
Let's now look at 7 crucial factors to take into account while hiring iOS developers.
7 Things To Consider Before Hiring An iOS App Developer
Hiring the right iOS developer to work on your iPad, iPhone, or Mac app first involves learning and identifying some crucial elements. Doing so will mean you don’t only get to hire a proficient iOS programmer but also the most appropriate one for the iOS project.
I. Define Your Business Goals
Before hiring an iOS developer, your business goals need to be crystal clear because they’ll affect the part the iOS app plays. It’ll also help you select the iOS programmer with related experience and thorough expertise. Additionally, this will allow the iOS developers and the tech team involved in the project to have a better picture of what features and functionalities the iOS app should have.
II. Define Your Project Requirements
After defining your business goals, you can now specify your project needs. For instance, if your business goal is to get more leads, your app should include engaging features to draw in your target market.
When defining your project needs, you’ll also be able to determine the skill level and experience you’ll require from your iOS developer candidates. Outline whether you need a front-end developer, a back-end developer, or a full-stack developer.
All else follows: outlining duties, setting deadlines or milestones, and coming up with a budget. This also includes outlining your preferred work arrangements be it on a full-time remote or on-premise setup, freelance setup, or part-time setup.
III. Understand What Remote Working Capabilities Entail
While you can always hire iOS developers who’d agree to an on-premise arrangement, working with global talents will require you to cater to remote working arrangements. This will also mean lesser commuting cost for the iOS developer and lesser office resources cost for your company.
Keep in mind too that if you choose to work with remote iOS developers, time zones could be different which means work hours would also be different. In this case, you have to arrange a schedule where you and the iOS developer meet to discuss matters about the iOS software project.
Working with a company that provides a project management tool like what we provide here in Aloa will make project communication easier for you. Since you get real-time updates about the project progress using our tool, there will be a lesser need to contact the iOS developer for updates.
IV. Define The iOS Developer’s Duties And Responsibilities
An effective way to get in touch with the perfect developer candidate for an iOS app project is to outline the role they will be playing in the project. So before posting job ads on iOS developer hiring platforms, first you have to outline the duties and responsibilities they will take on.
This is why defining your project requirements comes before this point because it’s a prerequisite in defining an iOS developer’s role for the project. You also have to identify the programming language they have to be proficient in (more on this in a later section), the iOS frameworks they have experience with, and all other tech skills needed to make the iOS application a success.
To give you an idea, here are some of the roles you can outline for the iOS developer candidates:
- Conceptualizing the iOS app’s functionality
- Collaborating with other tech team members for specific project tasks
- Identifying development process problems and resolving app issues
- Checking the iOS app’s quality and performance
- Publishing the iPhone, iPad, or Mac app on the App Store
- Managing the app’s code and automation
- Deploying the iOS app
- Taking care of updates and maintenance schedules
V. Identify Your Target Users
After defining your business goals, identifying your target users will be easier. If your goal is lead generation, the app will be tailored to those who have little or no knowledge about your brand yet. If the iOS app’s goal is to nurture leads, then it should have features that will entice them to explore your offers more.
Additionally, identifying your target audience also involves doing extensive market research or working with the team who handles this. Say for example you found out that your target users are mostly in their 40s-50s, then the app navigation should be very easy. If it’s made for a younger audience then the app should be designed with their interests and behavior in mind.
VI. Understand The iOS Ecosystem
Before hiring iPhone app developers, you should also have ample knowledge about the iOS ecosystem, better if you’re an Apple device user yourself. This will help you determine which iOS developers have thorough knowledge about how Apple products interact with each other and which ones know how to make the iOS app the most user-friendly it can get (Apple is known for its user-friendly interface).
Once you understand the iOS ecosystem, it’s easier for you to filter out those who know the platform inside out from those who are just claiming to be an expert in it.
VII. Identify Those Who Have Knowledge Of Emerging Tech
While a proficient iOS developer knows every fiber of the iOS ecosystem, those who know emerging tech are a plus factor. This means they are capable of keeping up with the latest trends that might be applied to the main iOS features sooner or later.
Take augmented reality for example. AR as some call it is gradually becoming a staple for many brands like Ikea and applied to their iOS mobile devices. Experience in Core ML 3 (a machine learning kit) is something to look at as well.
If the iOS developer has experience and knowledge in this tech, they’ll be capable of developing interactive, innovative, and user-friendly iOS mobile applications. They’ll be able to deliver a next-generation user experience that will set your edge over competitors.
Now let’s move over and discuss the specific tech skills and soft skills you should look for in a proficient iOS developer.
Skills To Look For In An iOS Mobile Developer
One of the most important goals a proficient iOS developer should achieve is to provide app users with a streamlined experience that would move them to interact with your brand more. This involves being equipped with specific tech and soft skills which we will discuss in this section.
As a quick overview, iOS apps run in either one of these 2 programming languages: Swift or Objective-C. This means the best iOS developer to hire should at the bare minimum, be proficient in either one of these programming languages (better if they’re an expert in both). Additionally, they should also have a solid grasp of the SOPs and Apple human interface guidelines that govern the iOS platform.
So what tech skill set should a proficient iOS developer have? Consider the list below.
A. iOS Developer Tech Skills
Other than expertise with Swift, Objective-C, iOS platform SOPs, and Apple guidelines, here are the most important skills to look for in a capable iOS programmer.
- Experience in Xcode IDE
- Standard knowledge of UI/UX
- Proficiency in Realm or Core Data
- Proficiency in advanced code versioning instruments
- Excellent knowledge of APIs and experience in API integrations
- Knowledge of OpenGL and Metal (not required but nice to have)
Additionally, depending on the industry you’re in, the iOS developer should have experience in creating iOS apps in that field. For example, if your business is in finance, then an iOS developer with eBanking experience would be an excellent choice. If you’re selling goods online, then an iOS developer with eCommerce experience will be the best fit.
Moreover, it’s also good to consider iOS engineers with experience in emerging tech who have experience or proficient knowledge in ARKit3 and Reality Kit (for augmented reality).
Other than these tech skills, you also have to consider soft skills for your iOS developer candidates.
B. iOS Developer Soft Skills
iOS developers that possess certain soft skills will ensure an agreeable work attitude, performance, and output. So when considering a candidate, look into their values, cultural background, and work attitude as well. You might end up working with a tech-proficient developer who couldn’t meet deadlines because they can’t work well with others on the team.
Hence, here are the soft skills you can require:
- Approachable
- Can lead others
- Has critical thinking
- Can meet deadlines
- Is diligent and persistent
- Ability to collaborate well with others
- Has clear communication skills (speaks the language you know proficiently)
Depending on the iOS app’s complexity, you would require a certain skill level from an iOS developer, so let’s consider that next.
C. iOS Developer Skill Level
There are 3 main skill levels for iOS developers: Junior, Middle, and Senior iOS developers. Consider the list below to know what each expert is capable of helping you determine who’d fit best for your iOS project.
Junior iOS Developer
Junior iOS developers are the least-experienced type. Typically they already acquire basic iOS developer skills and knowledge including related frameworks. These types of developers typically handle simple and entry-level tasks. They mostly assist Senior iOS developers to gain more experience.
Middle iOS Developer
A mid-level iOS developer as others call it has at least 3 years of experience in building iOS software projects. This also means they are now capable of handling a complete application development lifecycle for an iOS project. Other than that, here are additional skills these types of developers have:
- Can create apps in either Swift or Objective-C
- Ample know-how of the UI/UX design process
- Should fully understand how push notifications work
- Is already capable of deploying apps to the App Store
- Fully understand SQLite, Core Data, and offline caching logic
- Already have experience with map kit, store kit, and Core Location
- Fully understands and has experience with concurrency and asynchronous iOS programming
Senior iOS Developer
A senior iOS developer has at least 6 years of experience creating apps for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. They typically have undertaken countless projects and know the deployment process like the back of their hand. At this point, they’ve already honed their leadership skills to guide newer iOS developers. Here are additional skills senior iOS developers have:
- Define GitFlow
- Drive architectural decisions
- Can review, test, and debug code
- Structure technical documentation
- Mentor junior and mid-level iOS developers
- Assemble and manage development teams
- Come up with milestones, targets, or deadlines
- Has proficiency in operating systems and the whole iOS application
- Outline development standards with best practices and current trends in mind
Now let’s put together the elements we discussed in a 5-step process of hiring iOS programmers.
5 Steps In Hiring A Proficient iOS Developer
While these are not hard and fast rules, these steps should be able to guide you on how you go along the process of hiring the best iOS developers in the industry.
Step 1: Prepare A Detailed Job Description For Your iOS Project
An accurate and detailed job description will attract the right iOS developers for the job. After determining your business goals and defining your project requirements, this step should be easy to do. A detailed job description includes:
- Brief intro about the job at hand
- A short background of your company and the app’s purpose
- List of required tech and soft skills including desired experiences
- Roles and responsibilities of the iOS developer
- Preferred work arrangements
- Compensation (monthly or hourly rates) and benefits
In the app’s purpose, you should be able to determine the main functionalities it should have. When this is ready, you can submit it on iOS developer hiring platforms or to outsourcing companies to make it easier for them to select the best candidates from their network. Then set a time when you’ll accept applications.
Step 2: Shortlist Applicants And Schedule Interviews
When your deadline for application is over, you can start shortlisting applicants. It’ll be helpful to prioritize those who have prior experience in building an iOS app similar to what you’re looking to build. This way, you can narrow down the list faster.
Once you have your final list of applicants, you can schedule an interview with them to get to know them, their skills, and their experiences better.
Step 3: Conduct An Interview
In this stage, you can ask confirmatory questions about the skills they’ve put down on their resume. You can also ask for a portfolio you can check to know more about their past projects.
2 of the most important questions you can ask them are:
- What will you do to prevent retain cycles when using closures or blocks in Swift?
- Tell me about the workflow you went through when developing a past project
You must talk out all these details with them so you can also gauge their communication skills which will be vital in the development phase of the iOS project. When necessary, you can also ask them to undergo personality tests or test coding activities.
Step 4: Finalize The Agreement And Sign A Contract
At this point, you can already identify the best fit iOS developer candidate for mobile app development. You can then get back to them to finalize the work arrangements and compensation.
To seal the deal and lock in what you agreed on, sign a contract outlining all the agreed details. It’s also best to let them sign an NDA or a non-disclosure agreement to ensure the safety of your project and to ensure they won’t offer it to your competitor for a higher price.
The contract should include:
- Services they will provide
- Project duration and cost
- Intellectual property rights
- Other important arrangements
Step 5: Onboarding
Finally, onboard the chosen iOS developer. This includes orienting them about the company’s mission and goals, company culture, and standards followed, introducing them to stakeholders and team members they’ll closely work with, and other details needed to make it easy for them to know their way around the company.
Conclusion
Hiring a proficient iOS developer becomes a lot easier when you choose the right companies for scouting tech talents. Whether you're looking for a freelancer or a full-time employee, the resources provided in this article are sure to help you find the perfect developer to bring your project to life.
Remember to take the time to thoroughly evaluate each candidate, and don't be afraid to negotiate terms and compensation to ensure that both you and the developer are happy with the arrangement. With the right full-stack iOS developer on board, you're sure to create a successful and engaging mobile app that will delight your users.
It might take a bit of planning and effort, but in no time, you’ll be on the road to finding the best iOS developer to turn your vision into reality. Aloa saves you time and resources by offering proactive, confident, and extremely skilled teams of iOS developers. Simply contact us at resources@aloa.co and leave everything else to us so you can stay committed to your business growth.
