Searching for Developers for Apple Apps? Here’s What to Look for…

If you’ve decided to build software for iOS, searching for developers for Apple apps is the next step—and it can be a little challenging.

More and more developers can program apps across multiple operating systems, but for those looking for Apple specialists, knowing what sets good ones apart from the rest can be a mystery.

With Apple, apps can be developed faster and with more security. They also tend to earn a little more revenue, as the main demographic of iPhone users is more likely to shop online and pay for apps. There are many great reasons to invest in the launch of your own Apple app, but who will do the work?

Hunting for a good developer is an exercise in patience. Not only do you need to have a clear plan in place for your app, but you also have to take some time to interview the right team. Without one, you could end up thousands of dollars in the hole with nothing to show for it.

So what should you look for in an Apple developer? Let’s take a look at some points to consider when looking for your next team.

Find a Developer in Your Industry

When it comes to who can tackle your project, the question isn’t whether or not they have the skills to make a functioning app. For the most part, any developer with experience can handle your project. What you need is a team that can set you up to be successful.

As you look for developers to head your app, find software out there that appeals to your style and preferences. Note what makes them stick out to you and which features you want to incorporate moving forward. Ideally, your developer should be someone who has worked on an app like the one you want to build.

Look at What They’re Actually Using

Even though Apple has their own programming language (called Swift), it’s not the only way developers can create iOS apps. In fact, there are a few different languages out there that can be used to build software that works across various operating systems. Again though, just because someone can build your Apple app doesn’t mean they should.

A great way to recognize an Apple specialist is to just take a look at their computer. Is it a Mac or a PC, because if it isn’t a Mac, find someone else.

Things have changed since the 1990s when Apple was pigeonholed into print and animation design. Today, many programmers use Macs for programming, even if they use PCs for other tasks. In any case, someone who uses a Mac for most of their programming work is more likely to understand those ins and outs of using Swift than someone who uses a PC.

This familiarity with Apple devices can also help them avoid making easy mistakes that end up causing bugs in your app. Finding an Apple developer should include finding an Apple user first and foremost.

How Many Projects Have They Completed?

Work history is obviously very important. If your developer hasn’t done much in the app work, you may find yourself funding their education rather than gleaning their insights. Veterans of development understand that less is more. They are less likely to try and sell you on features you don’t need. Hopefully they just have too much work on their plate to do anything beyond what’s necessary.

Experienced developers understand the importance of a good working relationship. This stands in stark contrast to many freelancers—especially the discount ones—since they tend to have a looser relationship with their commitments.

When interviewing developers, ask how many years they’ve been working in development and how many projects they’ve completed. Ask what they think is worth knowing about planning an Apple-based app rather than other ones.

With less experienced developers, you could still end up with a solid project, but you’ll have to be much more involved throughout the process. Between check-ins, emails, and beta testing, you already have a lot on your plate when building an app. Don’t make inexperience another hurdle to clear.

Why Choosing Design Studios Is Better

You have a great app idea, and you know how it will work—now all you need is a team to handle the work. Building great software is important, but the thousands of dollars it requires intimidates you, so you hire a freelancer instead of a web development studio.

There’s no contract to sign, but hey, if things go south, you can always walk away and find someone else. The freelancer assures you they can handle the work, and the first check is cut.

Work is slow, though, and after a few phone calls to see how things are going, you find yourself having a hard time getting in touch with them. Eventually, they disappear with your money, and you don’t have anything close to a finished app.

This is the story of far too many would-be app launches—people prioritize saving money only to find that their no-obligation freelancer can’t (or won’t) deliver.

Choose a good design studio for your project.

Establish Firm Timelines & Clear Expectations

One of the main reasons that design studios outperform freelancers is that the project timelines is a formalized process. Businesses pay upfront costs to get work started, then once work begins, there are regular calls to make sure everything is on schedule.

Sure, it can be a little more expensive, but nowhere near the cost of having to rebuild a shoddy app. Plus, design studios have entire teams devoted to your app’s success. This means that all aspects of your project are taken into consideration—UX/UI, development, QA, marketing, and more.

With a full team on your side, you can feel more confident about your app’s success when it launches. Because you’ll have a contract holding both parties accountable, it’s a little easier to maintain communication and ensure that everything works as it should.

During your interviews with design studios, make sure they offer firm timelines about project milestones. How often will they call you? What happens if they don’t? Do they return phone calls on a timely basis? These are important expectations to clear up early, as a failure to do so can lead to miscommunication and unpleasantness later.

Don’t Forget About Marketing

Last on the list is getting your app out into the marketplace. Apple is particularly strict on what passes into its App Store (part of why their apps are generally more secure), so you’ll need a team that can help you overcome the barriers to entry.

Ask about their marketing philosophy. How can they ensure that your app gets in front of eyeballs? While marketing may not seem entirely app-related, it is. Your app is a big investment, and if it can’t recoup costs through user interaction, it’s just wasted time and money.

Make sure your team can break your app onto the scene of Apple’s App Store. Refine your idea, then find a competent team.

Best of luck!

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