To kick off a hassle-free, untroubled, and professional iOS application development journey, all you need is a set of the right iOS app development software.
But wait… What defines the ‘right’ software for development?
The right software would ideally be equipped with advanced features and attributes, making the custom app development journey more streamlined.
In contrast, if you directly hop into the development process without learning about such software, you might face countless complications and issues throughout the journey.
Stick around as we briefly explain the Best software for iOS app development, what tools you need to get the job done, and most importantly, how they function.
Best Software For iOS App Development (PLUS 4 Tools To Build iOS Applications)
These Are 8 Of The Best Software For iOS App Development (PLUS 4 Tools To Build iOS Applications)
1. XCode 14
XCode 14 is integrated with everything you need to develop an iOS application. It’s a reliable and secure Integrated Development Environment that gives you access to multiple functions, such as developing, testing, and distributing apps on one platform.
What’s even more amazing (and developer-friendly) is that it has a text editor, a compiler, and a build system – All in one place.
It was first released in 2003, and since then, it’s been the number one tool for software development on macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS.
As a developer, all you need is a tool that streamlines your task and, therefore reduces the development time significantly.
- Source Editor
- Assistant Editor
- OpenGL Frame Capture
- Compilers
- Graphical Debugger
- XCTest Framework
- Continuous Integration
- XCTest Framework
2. AppCode
AppCode is another helpful and valuable iOS app-building software.
The lovely part is that AppCode accumulates different shortcuts and functions that automate tasks.
Plus, the tool can be used with multiple programming languages, including Objective-C, Swift, C++, and JavaScript.
It’s built and supported by JetBrains’ IntelliJ IDEA platform. You can start with a free trial, and if you love the service, you can buy a subscription.
3. CodeRunner
When coding, you’ll come across tons of mistakes and inaccuracies, some of which are easily overlooked. But, CodeRunner can help you discern even the minute coding errors without disturbing the actual app code.
It supports 25+ programming languages, and the pricing plan starts from $19.99.
It’s packed with features, and most of all, it’s easy to use.
Learn more about the features here.
- Built-in, fully capable console
- Documentation sidebar
- Software updates
- Customizable key bindings
- Scriptable editor
- Web inspector and web tools
- Symbol navigator
4. Fabric
Fabric is all about making feature-rich and high-quality app development as easy as it can get.
It is an impressive iOS app-building tool that assembles various app development kits and streamlines the deployment process.
- Easily add new features to the application
- Manage all your SDKs
- Easy to use, learn, and maintain
- Backward compatibility
- No hassle of juggling multiple accounts
Read More: Introducing Fabric
5. BuildFire
A perfect and ideal platform for mobile app developers to develop mobile apps that require minimal coding.
One of its features that’re highly popular within the iOS developer’s community is the Drag and Drop feature is highly popular among developers.
You can start with the free trial period and then become a permanent paid subscriber.
- Debugging
- Graphical User Interface
- Code Assistance
- Add powerful functionality with plugins
- Version Control
6. CocoaPods
Another handy app development software for iOS is widely popular among 83,000 developers and has been involved in more than 3 million apps.
CocoaPods was launched to simplify the integration of third-party libraries into your Xcode projects. It is a well-known application-level dependency manager for Objective-C, Swift, and any other languages supported by Objective-C.
- Most acceptable method to integrate third-party libraries
- Eliminates dependency conflicts between libraries
7. Debugging
As humans, we all make mistakes, and we shouldn’t be embarrassed by them.
Similarly, during iOS app development, developers tend to make errors, especially during coding.
We call them Bugs. These bugs can cause serious challenges if not fixed in a timely manner. They must be discerned and repaired before launching or it may result in a catastrophic situation.
8. Raygun
It is a full-time paid debugging tool that helps to detect errors, bugs, and crashes. Raygun carries out the debugging process very carefully and securely. You can test more than 30 languages and frameworks.
4 Best Cross-Platform Tools To Create iOS Apps on Windows
Build “Hackintosh” to Run Xcode: This is the most demanding and time-consuming process but a wonderful option for those who need separate running macOS.
Work in React Native Environment: React Native is an open-source platform. With the help of an Android emulator and Mac OS deployment machines, you can develop iOS apps on Windows.
Use Xamarin to Write iOS Apps on Windows: Build native apps with C#.
Appcelerator: Javascript can help you build native apps.
How To Build Ios Application From Pc? What Ios App Development Software For Windows Is Required?
Lastly, we’re going to address this question as it’s getting very popular these days, and especially newbies in app development have it in their minds all the time.
Even the question sounds very interesting since the world has developed so much. You can do almost anything these days.
So here are a few techniques that you can use to develop iOS apps on Windows.
Rent a Mac: Instead of buying a Mac, you can actually rent one for development purposes from MacinCloud and MacStadium.
There are a few websites that rent out MAC. Just type in Rent A Mac in the Google Search Bar, and you’ll see a plethora of those.
Here is one of the websites where you can find Macs for rent.
How To Build iOS App?
If you’ve all the tools and knowledge to develop an iOS app but are not sure where to start.
This section is exclusively for you.
Below, you can go through the step-by-step guide on how to build an engaging and high-performing iOS mobile app.
So, without wasting any time, let’s get into how to build an iOS app.
Stage 1: Define Your App Idea
Before you get into technical practice, the first thing you have to do is to have a clear idea of what you want to build.
If you aren’t sure what has to be built, you can never build the app that you are looking for.
You must have information about the people who will use your app. What features are necessary, and most importantly, what are your competitors doing?
Once you know what kind of apps your competitors have, you’ll always take one step further and build something that will be better than them.
In short, before getting into coding and designing, you must have a clear objective of what needs to be built.
Step#2: Select a Programming Language
Once you know what needs to be built, it’s time to choose the best programming language.
Build an iOS app there’re two languages that are widely used by app developers.
The two languages are Objective-C and Swift.
In modern iOS app development, developers prefer Swift.
As it is a modern, cutting-edge, and newer programming language.
Step#3: Set Up Your Development Environment (IDE)
Once you’ve picked the programming language, it’s time to set up a development environment.
To develop an iOS app, you must use Apple’s officially founded and supported development environment called Xcode.
Using Xcode to develop iOS mobile apps streamlines several tasks.
Step# 4: Design (U/IUX Designing)
Before coding, there is one more stage called designing.
During this stage, either the developer or an expert UI/UX designer gives the app a face.
The UI designer creates the layout, adds visual creativity, and makes a seamless pathway for users to complete the action.
Step# 5: Development (Write Codes in The Chosen Programming Language)
After you’ve designed your app, it’s time to get started with the most challenging part of the iOS app development journey.
The programming language that you have selected during the third stage comes into play.
That means you’ve to code your app that controls the behavior of your app.
Step# 6: Testing And Debugging
Testing your app is very important as it helps you to discover and resolve issues, debugs, and errors.
If you failed to carry out the testing phase in the best possible way and deliver the project to the client or deploy it on the Apple app store.
FAQs
Which is better, Xcode or Swift?
Xcode and Swift are two completely different things. Xcode is an integrated development environment (IDE) exclusively developed by Apple to help app developers develop software for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS by providing them with tools.
On the other hand, Swift is a programming language to develop an iOS app.
That being the case, it’s not possible to compare both these tools as they are not related in any way or other.
To develop a high-performing iOS mobile app, you need to have a deep understanding of both these things.
Which is the best free iPhone app development software?
Xcode is the best free iPhone app development software used by millions of iOS app developers all across the world. Xcode is officially Apple’s supported Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for Apple developers to build iPhone apps.
What coding language does Xcode use?
Xcode supports multiple languages like Swift, Objective-c, Java, AppleScript, Python, Ruby, and many more.
Can I build an iOS app for free?
Yes! You can make an iOS app for free if you know all the technical sides of app development, like coding and UI/UX designing. If not, then you’ve to pay an amount to the app developer or app development company to build an iOS app.
Does Apple have an app builder?
Yes! Apple has an app builder called Xcode. But it’s not an app builder. It is Apple’s supported Integrated Development Environment (IDE). iOS app developers can perform different tasks with this tool. The task includes building, testing, and deploying apps for iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. You can download it for free from the Mac App Store, and it is compatible with Mac computers running macOS 10.15.4 or later.
How much does it cost to build a simple iOS app?
The cost to build an iOS app depends on multiple factors, such as the complexity of the app, the number of features, the location of the development company, and many more. Keeping all the factors in mind, the cost of a simple iOS can start from as low as $10,000.
Read More: How Much Does it Cost to Develop a Mobile Game App – Android & iOS
