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Learn iOS app development with online courses and programs

A significant portion of the world’s smartphone market belongs to Apple. iOS app developers can contribute to that market by creating new products for users. Learn iOS app development with edX.

How to learn iOS app development?

There are a number of ways to learn iOS app development. Learners who are motivated and want a self-paced option can utilize online courses and tutorials. iOS is exclusively an Apple operating system; Apple itself offers many resources to learn how to develop iOS apps.1

Learners may also choose introductory courses in iOS app development offered through platforms like edX. A more robust iOS app course offered by a university can provide a structured curriculum taught by skilled instructors. Professional certificate courses and mobile app development boot camps may offer faster or more affordable learning pathways, too.

Apple offers two iOS app certifications administered through Certiport: App Development with Swift (Associate) and App Development with Swift (Certified User).2

Browse online iOS App Development Certificates

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iOS app development course curriculum

The curriculum for an iOS development course will vary depending on the institution offering it, the level it’s intended for, the length of the class, and other factors. A basic intro class providing an overview of how to build an iOS app may take just a few hours.3 This type of course may be self-paced and might explore the code, tools, frameworks, and practices for building simple mobile apps.

Another option is a more in-depth intro course that culminates in a professional certificate in mobile app development with Swift, for example. An instructor-led course may take multiple weeks and cover brainstorming, planning, prototyping, and testing your app concept, as well as the steps involved in getting your app on the App Store.

Many iOS app development courses teach learners how to program in Swift and use the iOS Software Development Kit (SDK) and Apple developer tools (Xcode, debugger, analyzer, and iOS Simulator).4 The curriculum for a more advanced course in iOS app development might cover test-driven development, working with APIs, and working with Core Motion and Core Location.5

iOS app developer jobs

Professionals with experience in iOS app development may find that their skills are useful and sought after in a variety of industries and fields. Everything from healthcare to retail and banking uses some sort of mobile application to reach their customers and users. Experts in iOS app development can help build and maintain those applications.

Some potential job titles for professionals with iOS app experience include:

  • Application developer
  • iOS software engineer
  • iOS engineer
  • Software developer
  • Mobile engineer, iOS

How to become an iOS developer online

Building mobile apps that are user-friendly and take advantage of the popularity of iOS devices can be an excellent way to get started with a career in development. There are courses offered that can introduce you to the language of Swift and help you build new apps for Apple devices. Whether you are already building apps for Android devices and Google Play or you are a complete beginner, there are resources available to you.

For a career as an app developer, professionals with a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a boot camp certificate in a related field may provide a broader knowledge base. Some employers might also require potential developers to have a master’s degree.

Another important qualification for becoming an iOS developer may be creating and publishing your own app.6 This shows employers you have taken a project from beginning through completion and that you understand how to submit apps through the App Store Connect, which is used by every iPhone app.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is iOS app development a hard field to get into?

    The difficulty of being an iOS app developer is dependent on a variety of external factors, such as hiring trends, company needs, and individual skills. However, anyone with a good idea and determination can create an app. There is a demand for iOS app developers and app developer jobs, which may be attractive to professionals considering entering this field.

    What does an iOS app developer do?

    An iOS developer is someone who understands, builds, and customizes mobile applications for iOS, the operating system used by Apple devices such as the iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch, and Apple TV.

    How long does it take to learn iOS app development?

    There are free intro classes that will teach learners how to build a simple app in a few hours, and more robust iOS app courses offered by universities that spend several weeks or months teaching budding app developers the code, tools, frameworks, and practices for building, testing, and sharing or selling mobile apps. How long it takes depends on each individual’s experience and goals, among other factors.

    What skills do iOS app developers need?

    iOS app developers should understand the basics of coding and the Swift programming language. They should also be able to use Apple developer tools including Xcode, Interface Builder, and Documentation Browser. Good communication skills are also a plus for iOS app developers to collaborate with other stakeholders.

    How do you get certified in Swift?

    Swift is the programming language for iOS, macOS, and other Apple products. Swift was designed to be easy to learn whether you’re a first-time coder or an experienced programmer. If you wish to get a professional certification in Swift, edX offers courses that allow you to earn that credential while learning how to build your first app.

    What software do programmers use to develop apps?

    To develop iOS apps, programmers need a Mac computer running the latest version of Xcode. Xcode only runs on Mac OS X and is the only supported way to develop iOS apps. Xcode is the graphical interface used to write iOS apps and includes the iOS SDK, tools, compilers, and frameworks needed specifically to design, develop, write code, and debug an app for iOS.

    1. Swift Resources. Apple Developer. Retrieved September 27, 2022.

    2. App Development With Swift Certification. Certiport. Retrieved September 27, 2022.

    3. App Development With Swift Certification. Certiport. Retrieved September 27, 2022.

    4. Apple Developer Documentation. Apple Developer. Retrieved September 27, 2022.

    5. iOS App Development. (2020). IBM. Retrieved September 27, 2022.

    6. iOS Developer 2022 Roadmap To Get a Job. (2021). Dave Jacobsen, YouTube. Retrieved September 27, 2022.