How long does it take to learn iOS development?

With 3-4 hours daily, you can learn Swift and SwiftUI basics in 2-3 months. Building production-quality apps takes 4-6 months. Mastering both SwiftUI and UIKit, plus architecture patterns, takes 8-12 months of practice.

SwiftUI vs UIKit - which should I learn first?

Start with SwiftUI - it's the future of iOS development and easier to learn. However, UIKit knowledge is still valuable for existing codebases and certain complex UIs. Learn SwiftUI first, then add UIKit for career versatility.

Do I need a Mac for iOS development?

Yes, Xcode only runs on macOS. You need a Mac (MacBook, iMac, Mac mini) to develop iOS apps. Hackintosh is possible but not recommended. Consider a used Mac or Mac mini for budget options. No Windows alternatives exist.

Is iOS development in demand?

Yes, iOS developers are well-compensated and in demand. While Android has more users globally, iOS users spend more on apps. Companies need iOS apps, especially in US/EU markets. Demand remains strong despite cross-platform options.

iOS vs cross-platform (Flutter/React Native)?

Native iOS offers best performance, full API access, and latest features first. Cross-platform is more efficient for teams with limited resources. Learn native iOS for career depth; add cross-platform optionally. Native skills are always valuable.

Do I need to pay $99/year to learn iOS?

No, you can learn and test on simulator for free. The $99/year Apple Developer Program is only required to publish to App Store or test on physical devices. You can develop extensively before needing to pay.

What architecture should I use?

Start with MVVM - it's most common and works well with SwiftUI. Consider TCA (The Composable Architecture) for complex apps. MVC is fine for simple apps but doesn't scale well. Learn MVVM thoroughly before exploring alternatives.

How do I get my first iOS job?

Build 3-5 published apps demonstrating different skills. Show SwiftUI, networking, and persistence. Know both SwiftUI and UIKit. Understand app lifecycle and memory management. Prepare for coding challenges in Swift during interviews.

2026 Roadmap

iOS Developer Roadmap

Master Swift, SwiftUI, UIKit, Core Data, networking, and App Store deployment. Your complete guide to becoming a professional iOS Developer in 2026.

5-8 Months•Intermediate•High Demand

What is an iOS Developer?

iOS developers create applications for Apple's iPhone and iPad using Swift and Apple's development frameworks. They build native apps that integrate seamlessly with Apple's ecosystem, providing users with premium mobile experiences.

As an iOS developer, you will design UIs with SwiftUI, handle data persistence with Core Data, integrate APIs, implement authentication, and publish apps to the App Store.

Key Responsibilities

Build native iOS applications with Swift
Design UIs with SwiftUI and UIKit
Implement data persistence and networking
Integrate Apple frameworks (HealthKit, CloudKit)
Write unit and UI tests
Optimize app performance
Publish and maintain apps on App Store

Learning Roadmap

Click on any topic to mark it as complete

Your Progress0/20 completed

Swift Fundamentals

You know Swift!

iOS Fundamentals

SwiftUI

You can build SwiftUI apps!

UIKit

Navigation

Data & State

Networking

You can build data-driven apps!

Concurrency

Testing

App Store & DevOps

You are a professional iOS Developer!

Not Started

Completed

Milestone

iOS Developer Salaries 2026

United States (USD/Year)

Entry (0-2 yrs)

$80K - $110K

$95K

Mid (2-5 yrs)

$110K - $160K

$135K

Senior (5-8 yrs)

$160K - $210K

$182K

Lead (8+ yrs)

$200K - $280K+

$235K

India (INR/Year)

Fresher (0-1 yr)

₹5L - ₹10L

₹7L

Junior (1-3 yrs)

₹10L - ₹18L

₹13L

Mid (3-5 yrs)

₹18L - ₹32L

₹24L

Senior (5+ yrs)

₹32L - ₹55L+

₹42L

iOS developers typically earn more than Android developers due to smaller talent pool and high-value user base. FAANG companies and fintech pay premium salaries. Remote positions at US companies offer excellent compensation.

Project Ideas

Build these to strengthen your portfolio

Todo App

Beginner

Task manager with SwiftUI

SwiftUIStateCore DataCRUD

Weather App

Beginner

Weather data from API

NetworkingJSONLocationUI

Social Media App

Intermediate

Feed, profiles, posts

FirebaseAuthenticationImage UploadReal-time

E-commerce App

Intermediate

Shopping experience

NavigationCartPaymentsAnimations

Fitness Tracker

Advanced

Health and fitness app

HealthKitChartsWidgetsNotifications

Productivity Suite

Advanced

Notes, calendar, tasks

CloudKitSyncExtensionsSiri Shortcuts

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Roadmaps

Android Developer

Other mobile platform

View Roadmap

Flutter Developer

Cross-platform option

View Roadmap

React Native

JavaScript cross-platform

View Roadmap

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