13 Best iOS App Development Tools for Beginners

Last updated on December 22nd, 2023 at 05:34 am

Developing an iOS app is an exciting process, but it can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. With the ever-growing demand for iOS apps, there are several tools available in the market that can help streamline the app development process.

As a beginner, choosing the right iOS app development tools is crucial to ensure the app’s success. In this blog, we have compiled a list of the 13 best iOS app development tools for beginners in 2024.

These tools range from IDEs, code editors, and design tools to testing frameworks and project management tools. By leveraging these tools, beginners can create high-quality iOS apps that are functional and user-friendly.

While using iOS app development tools can help beginners create their own apps, hiring a professional iPhone app developer can ensure a higher level of quality and functionality.

A professional developer can provide expertise in areas like user experience, performance optimization, and app security. Hiring an iPhone app developer can also save time and resources, allowing beginners to focus on other aspects of their business.

Best iOS App Development Tools for Beginners

The primary programming languages for creating iOS apps are Swift and Objective-C. Both programming languages have their attributes set, and they assist the developers in easily developing customized apps compared to the other programming languages.

In some scenario, all of the factors are taken into account, and if they don’t justifies the app’s action, they must be carefully evaluated and a potential solution encountered.

Let’s delve a bit more into the best iOS App Development Tools for Beginners.

1. AppCode

Source:  JetBrains

AppCode is a reliable and smart tool for developing macOS and iOS apps. It was created by JetBrains. This integrated development environment (IDE) works with programming languages like Objective-C, JavaScript, C++, and Swift.

Through this tool, you can use different framework for developing iOS app such as Quick, XCTest, Catch, Google Test frameworks, and Kiwi. Smart code aid often identifies the error in the code.

Features:

Followings are some most significant feature of using this iOS app development tools:

• Built-in tools and integration
• Intelligent code assistance
• Web and cross-platform
• Search and navigation
• Code assessment
• Run & Debug

Cost: You can try out AppCode in free for 30 days.

2. Fabric

Fabric is among the most well-known tools for developing iOS apps for beginners in 2024 that function in actual time. It lets you to optimize the procedure for sending out volatility and launching apps.

This instrument is robust and portable, making it easy to add to the technology platform. It makes easy to iOS developers for developing apps quickly and add many features without any difficulties.

Features:

• Eliminate the trouble of managing many accounts by managing all of your SDKs with a single tool.
• Testing code snippets without hassle.

3. Swift

Swift is Apple’s biggest programming language. It includes several interesting and useful advanced features in comparison to languages such as C, Java, and C++. Swift was made to make writing and reading code simpler.

Features:

• Advanced control stream
• Automatic memory management.
• Memory-safe and type-safe language
• Functional Programming
• Error handling
• Supports inferred types

Finally, there’s no doubt that Swift would become Apple’s main programming language in the long run. Apple Source states that it is also about 2.6 times faster than Objective C.

For this reason, it’s a good idea for beginners to learn about iOS mobile app development tools before you start making apps.

4. APPlyzer

APPlyzer is the greatest iOS developer tools in the business for learning how to make apps and how they ultimately rank in all iTunes stores worldwide.

With this iOS app development tools, you may discover the ideal keywords for both your applications and those of your rivals. It also lets you to see iOS, Apple, Google Play, and macOS searches worldwide.

Features:

• Worldwide APP rankings: APPlyzer can let you to see how your iOS app ranks in the top 1000 daily and hourly across 155 APP stores.
• Data about competitors: You could get keyword rankings and take a glance at the main competitors.
• Email and Slack notifications: You can get notified daily and every hour when you’re ranking drastically changes.

5. Parse

It is an open-source platform that uses a mobile backend-as-a-service model. Facebook decided to make Parse accessible to everyone before it was closed down.

With its blog, documentary evidence, and discussion forum, it has turned into an inclusive society. iOS app developers could use Parse to buy cloud-based information, run dashboards for push notifications, and operate custom code.

Parse was selected as one of the 50 best innovative companies of 2013 for speeding up software development.

Here are some of its backend tools:

• Utilizing social media
• Storing data and items in the cloud
• Hosting and doing predictive modelling for Parse
• Using your recognition to log in
• On the back end, create your code
• Having access to the cloud

6. Raygun

Raygun is a device that verifies how iOS app users experience bugs and how well they work. This application gives you actionable information about the quality and performance of native devices in real-time.

It provides detailed error reports and fixes problems quickly to make great software.

Features:

• Monitoring of App Performance
• Quickly recognizes and fixes front-end performance problems
• Error Tracking and Crash Reporting
• Tracking the user
• Check visibility of every deployment in real time

Cost: Offers Pricing that is simple, flexible, and affordable and grows with you

7. TestFlight

TestFlight is an effective tool for encouraging app testing. Before putting apps on the App Store, you can get feedback. You must provide testers with an open-access link and publish at least one beta version of your application to the App Store Connected to utilize this feature.

Up to 100 members of the team may test the applications on up to 30 different devices. A public sharing link can invite up to 10,000 testers to try out an app.

Features:

• Internal testers may access all Beta works that are accessible to be tested.
• Depending on the aspects you want External Testers to start focusing on, you may create various Groups, promote their involvement, and upload builds.
• A download link is included in an email request to try out the app.
• Asking testers through public connections
• Updating test-related data

Cost: TestFlight is entirely cost-free.

8. Marvel

Using the Marvel app, you can turn your designs into interactive prototypes. It is a recognized tool for developing iOS mobile app development ideas.

Features:

• Allows you to design with more than 1 million free icons and stock photos
• You can make screens directly in Marvel or import images from Sketch or Photoshop.
• Create prototypes for the iPhone and iPad.
• Collaborates with iPhone application development company to get timely input on designs.
• Rapidly convert designs into needs.

Cost: Depending on your team’s size, Marvel provides free and paid plans.

9. Objective-C

It is a programming language that emerged from C and was identified after Steve Jobs. Objective-C and syntax are similar to those of C. Most developers already know C because it makes easy to learn and master.

Features:

• It is a broad-sense software application that works with objects.
• The language supports encapsulation, information hiding, inheritance, abstraction, and polymorphism.
• It is possible to handle exclusions and overload technicians.

10. RxSwift

It’s among the most helpful features you can discover in a library. RxSwift is a Swift programming platform that enables the reactive programming. RxSwift uses functional type operators for event-based and asynchronous programmes.

Asynchronous programming enhances the application’s responsiveness and speed.

RxSwift makes it possible for coding to manage information and respond to it in a clean, scheduled, and structured manner. It gives the application code that can run simultaneously and making it more powerful.

Features: 

• Multi-use code
• Management of app resources in a logical way
• Compatibility with the MVVM blueprint
• Rational management of software resources
• Fast growth with broad assistance

11. CodeRunner

CodeRunner is useful for iOS app developers because it can compile code. It can be used to make apps that are strong and complicated. A simple programming language called CodeRunner is compatible with 25 multiple languages.

It contains a strong text editor, a console, and customizable key combinations. Without modifying the app code, developers may find mistakes in real-time and improve the code. CodeRunner options include AppX, PhoneGap, Fabric, and AppCode.

Features:

• Multiple choices
• TextMate syntaxes and themes
• A file explorer
• Automatic indentation assistance
• Code frameworks
• A symbolic navigator
• A web inspector and online tools
• Perform with inputs and variables
• Compile statistics for communication models
• Easy to change

Cost: CodeRunner is free for the first seven days and then costs $9.99 per month.

12. Apple’s Xcode (IDE & Editor)

Apple’s first integrated development environment was Xcode similar to Objective-C. (IDE). Xcode is a programming language released in 2003 for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS.

It is an important tool for making iOS apps because it enables iOS application development company to make an unified way to code, test, fix bugs, and design user interfaces. Learning Xcode is important for developers because it helps them to develop multiple devices.

Features

• Instrument analysis tools
• SDKs that are currently available.
• Create your tools for code analysis.
• Swift, C++, and Objective C compilers, Interface Builder, and SwiftUI

13. CocoaPods

Developers agree that the ideal dependency management for Objective-C and Swift Cocoa projects is CocoaPods. Millions of iOS apps around the world have used CocoaPods. It has more than 78 thousand libraries to help projects to grow effectively.

You may get additional knowledge about the tools available for iOS programming by using this tool.

Features:

• You could get code from any source because CocoaPods offer practically any method you wish to access source code.
• CocoaPods will swiftly update a Podfile if it is defined just once.

How to Become An iOS Developer?

As previously said, beginners can use above best iOS app development tools in 2024. But if you have trouble in learning iOS app development, you can select below option:

Mobile app development degrees, coding bootcamps, and self-study options are available.

Mobile App Development Degrees

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of each choice.

Pros of getting Mobile app development degrees:

• With the support of iOS application development company, you can learn how to develop iOS app.
• People used to think that getting a degree in mobile app development was the best way to learn how to make iOS apps.
• Some non-tech organizations still choose iOS app developers with degrees compared to those who knew how to design applications in boot camps or on their own, even this trend is declining.
• Another factor to think about is how much education you’ll get. After completing four years, you will take a wider range of related classes.
• You’ll also gain knowledge of the principles of guiding iOS programming and how it differs from the actual coding.
• Because a four-year degree gives you a more experienced education, you will have more job options than whether you self-taught or visited a coding bootcamp.

Cons of getting Mobile app development degrees:

• Even though everything above is true, you should think about how much time and money it takes to get a degree in mobile development.
• In 2024, it is predicted that the average tuition cost for an in-state resident to earn a public college degree is about $9,970.
• At a private college, it is about $34,740 and, it is $25,620 at a public university for an out-of-state resident.
• And getting a degree in mobile development will take four years.
• You might not have the time or money for this.
• Hence, you can learn about iOS app development tools from self.

Learn iOS Development Self-Taught

Pros of Learning iOS Development Self-Taught:

• Educating yourself on your own If you want to save money, you might want to look into iOS development because it’s no cost.
• You can learn iOS programming for free online using many available materials.
• All you need are the appropriate iOS dev tools, such as a Mac computer and Xcode.

Cons of Learning iOS Development Self-Taught:

• Two issues with educating yourself in iOS programming are time constraints and the integrity of your education.
• Both coding bootcamps and courses in mobile development often need instructors and mentors with experience in the industry.
• They can help you to learn how to create iOS applications more quickly and effectively.
• You must be capable of coping with new developments, such as the introduction of iOS 11’s auto design by teaching yourself new skills.
• It doesn’t matter what approach you use to learning iOS programming.

iOS Programming learned by Coding Bootcamp

Pros of iOS Programming learned by coding bootcamp

• Coding bootcamps provide iOS classes, which is another option to learn how to develop iOS app.
• Depending on where you go, obtaining a college degree might take four years and cost more than $100,000.
• On the other hand, a coding bootcamp usually takes three to four months and costs between $10,000 and $20,000.
• Graduates of coding bootcamps have the same employment and pay prospects as those with a full-time degree.
• These companies are more interested in candidates with the necessary abilities than in the acquisition method.
• Several individuals believe bootcamps may offer them more relevant, contemporary skills than higher education.

Cons of iOS Programming learned by coding bootcamp

So, if you want to attend a coding bootcamp, consider the following:

• It’s a rapid learning process, and you can’t go behind.
• The best candidates for coding bootcamps are those willing to dedicate three to four months of their life to study iOS programming and who aren’t shy about asking for assistance when needed.
• If you feel lagging, you may chat with professors and mentors at bootcamps. But you have to be willing to seek help.

Prerequisites for Starting An iOS Development Project

After we demonstrate several methods for learning iOS programming, the following are some prerequisites for getting started:

1) Get some experience with Mac

The culture of Mac is all about making apps for iOS. You must truly understand how to operate a Mac to obtain and utilize the appropriate tools to create an iOS app. Also, you’ll need an iPhone and training on how to use it.

It would help if you began using and familiarizing yourself with iOS devices while developing Best iOS App Development Tools.

2) Learn the Rules and Principles of iOS Design

Apple has set up some rules and guidelines for iOS design that every iOS developer must follow. These rules and principles can be found here.

3) Begin Becoming Familiar with iOS Tools like Swift and Xcode

The iOS programming language Swift and Xcode are needed for iOS apps (a macOS integrated development platform with an interface builder developed).

Those above are the most crucial things you should know while learning how to create iOS applications. Learning to use programmes like Xcode, the Swift programming playground, will be important for your career as an iOS app developer.

Conclusion

There are a lot of iOS application development tools out there now. However, this blog focused on the ones that make apps better and the development process much easier.

This list will help you to find the needs of developing iOS app for beginners in 2024. Look at these techniques and use them in the iOS projects you’re working on it.

FAQs

Q1. What tools do you need to build an app for iOS?

Xcode is the title of Apple’s Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for Mac and iOS programs. Xcode is the name of the graphical authoring environment for iOS programmes. You may design, create, write code for, and debug an iOS app using the tools, languages, and libraries included with Xcode.

Q2. Where does iOS work?

Apple’s iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPod Nano, and Apple TV all use iOS. There are increasing similarities between iOS and Mac OS X. Over a million iPhone applications and over 500,000 iPad-optimized apps are available in the App stores.

Q3. How can I learn the most effective method for developing iOS apps?

1. How to Start Making Apps for iOS:

• Learn iOS Progress via a Mobile Development degree at least.
• Teach yourself how to make apps for iOS.
• Go to a Coding Bootcamp to learn how to make apps for iOS.

Naveen Khanna

Naveen Khanna is the CEO of eBizneeds, a company renowned for its bespoke web and mobile app development. By delivering high-end modern solutions all over the globe, Naveen takes pleasure in sharing his rich experiences and views on emerging technological trends. He has worked in many domains, from education, entertainment, banking, manufacturing, healthcare, and real estate, sharing rich experience in delivering innovative solutions.