There are two main platforms for developing mobile applications – iOS and Android. They control 99% of the market. Both have their advantages, but there are certain reasons why launching a business application first on iOS can be more profitable than on Android. This is the isolation of the Apple ecosystem and the ability to pay iPhone owners. For your sake, in this article, we will consider what you should pay attention to when choosing a company that provides iOS application development services.
How to build an app for iOS devices?
The stages of creating a mobile application for iOS depend on the goals and objectives of the application being created. However, in any case, there are several main stages of development. Let’s consider every stage in detail.
1. Idea.
An idea is a starting point for every project. It can come spontaneously or a person comes to it by analyzing the market and the needs of iOS users. If you come up with an interesting idea for an application, then be sure to write it down on a piece of paper or on a smartphone so as not to forget. If there is a desire to create a mobile application, but no ideas come to mind, then in this case it is recommended to use the second option. With a detailed study of the market, there will definitely be a great idea for creating a mobile application.
2. Project conception.
If you have a cool idea for creating an iOS application, then it’s time to move on to the next step – design. Here it is necessary to describe in detail the goals, tasks, and functions of the program, think over the available features of the application, what user problems it will solve, what windows will be available, and so on. In general, the more detailed the project is, the easier it will be at the remaining stages.
3. Prototype.
The next important step is the creation of a prototype, which is necessary for an approximate visualization of the mobile application being created. Developers create a prototype of program windows in several ways: draw on a piece of paper or make it into a special application.
If you want to get an interactive prototype, then you need an application with a lot of features. Most often, programmers use Marvel or InVision. But interactive prototypes should only be created when a product is semi-made and it is necessary to demonstrate progress or test some kind of user interaction scenario.
4. Design.
The next step is to think about the design of your application in detail. But without the appropriate experience and knowledge, this is very difficult to do. Therefore, it is better to take a designer with you to the team or contact a design studio. It is necessary to define UX and UI. In the first case, it is planned how the user will interact with the application (location, button order, and so on). And in the second case, the image of everything is planned (shape, coloring, additional decorating elements, and so on).
5. Functionality.
The last preparatory stage is thinking through the functionality. The basis for this was created at the “Project conception” stage. And now the developer needs to think about what functions specific windows will have, what certain buttons will be responsible for, and so on. The result of this stage is a complete understanding of the work and available functions of the mobile application, even for an uninitiated person.
6. Development.
Now it is necessary, using the achievements of all previous stages, to create a mobile application for iOS. This stage is usually the most voluminous and difficult, so it is advisable to involve specialists: a designer, a developer, and so on, to create a reliable iOS app for a smartphone.
7. QA Testing.
Once an application is created, it must be tested. To begin with, the creators perform the tests. All bugs and problems must be fixed immediately. Then the program for testing is transferred to outside people. It is advisable to cooperate with specialists to conduct tests, as they are guaranteed to find all or almost all bugs and application problems. Then the program is sent for revision, where the flaws found are corrected. After that, a new test with third-party people is launched, and so on until the program is “polished”.
8. Publication in stores.
The main online store for mobile applications on iOS is AppStore. Therefore, it is recommended to publish an app on this site. Other iOS app stores are TutuApp, Apple Store, ApEven, AppCake, and so on. It is recommended to publish an application on all available sites suitable for downloading to iPhones and iPads.
9. Marketing strategy and promotion.
This stage can be started much earlier, for example, during the testing stage. One of the marketing strategies for promotion is to publish the application in early access. However, if the app is crude, it can have a negative effect. You can also order advertising from bloggers, media personalities, and so on.
10. Analytics.
At this stage, summing up is carried out: developers think what is better to remove or change. Based on the findings, a change is made in the functionality or design of the application or marketing strategy. It is extremely important to conduct a detailed analysis of all key points since the further fate of the app depends on this.
11. Technical support.
It remains only to provide technical support for the mobile application and make a profit from monetization (if it was carried out). If you do not support the program and do not periodically update it, then it will be removed from the catalog of the online store in the near future.
What should be considered when creating applications for iOS?
When creating a mobile application, it is necessary to take into account a number of features of the iOS operating system, which can be installed on several different devices.
1. Uniformity of iPhone models.
Most iPhone models are of the same type in terms of the operating system. There is no such wide variety as Android smartphone models. This greatly facilitates the work of programmers. However, it should be borne in mind that the screen sizes of different iPhone models can vary significantly.
2. iPad compatibility.
The application must be compatible with iPads that run on the same operating system. The only differences are the screen size and device power. It is extremely important to test the application on the iPad, otherwise, the program will be uncompetitive.
3. WatchOS companion apps.
Many iPhone users use smartwatches based on WatchOS. If your app can be used on these devices, then it’s important to take advantage of that. After all, there are not so many programs for smartwatches based on WatchOS, which is why the competition is extremely low.
4. New operating system versions and support.
New versions of the iOS operating system are released periodically. As a result, the code partially changes, and, therefore, the application may start to work unstably. In this case, it is necessary to update the program code within several days or weeks (it is undesirable to delay it for months) so that it works stably within the updated OS.
Summary
It is not difficult to develop an iOS app. However, you need a reliable team of specialists to do it. Perpetio develops iOS applications for all areas of business, as the mobile phone market is growing from year to year and soon no business can be imagined without its own mobile application. The company has its in-house team, so you can be sure about full-cycle support of product development.
