The Growing Demand for iOS Developers

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the demand for skilled professionals has reached critical levels across various sectors. However, one area that stands out with a particularly acute shortage of talent is mobile app development. This shortage is especially pronounced in the realm of iOS development. In this article, we will delve into the pressing need for iOS developers and explore the reasons behind this surge in demand.

The Mobile App Developer Dilemma

The scarcity of talent in the tech industry has been a cause for concern for some time now. In recent years, recruiting agencies have witnessed a remarkable upswing in the demand for mobile app developers. Randstad Technologies, a prominent recruiting firm, reported an astonishing 104 percent year-over-year increase in demand for Mobile App Developers between 2014 and 2016. This surge in demand is indicative of the growing significance of mobile applications in today’s digital landscape.

CIOs Grapple with Skill Shortages

According to CIO’s 2018 State of the CIO survey, a substantial 59 percent of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) faced challenges related to skill shortages. A significant subset of this group, approximately 15 percent, encountered difficulties specifically in acquiring mobile development talent. This underscores the critical need for professionals well-versed in mobile app development, particularly for iOS.

A Growing Field with Tremendous Potential

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts a remarkable “much faster than average” growth rate of 24 percent in the field of mobile app development by 2026, resulting in an estimated 302,500 new job openings. However, even these projections might be conservative, considering that numerous companies have been slow to adopt a mobile-first mindset.

The Mobile-First Paradigm

Despite the increasing popularity of Android, iOS remains a dominant force worldwide. Apple’s impressive sales figures, with 216.76 million iPhones sold in 2017, signify the enduring appeal of iOS devices. In regions like the U.S. and Great Britain, iOS maintains a substantial market share. This global presence ensures a sustained demand for iOS-tailored applications.

iOS vs. Android: A Profitable Arena

While Android enjoys a broader user base, iOS consistently proves to be more lucrative for app developers. In 2016, iOS generated double the revenue of Google Play through its App Store—$34 billion compared to $17 billion. Projections indicate that this revenue gap will continue to widen, with iOS expected to reach $60 billion in total revenue by 2021, while Google Play is forecasted to reach $42 billion.

The Lucrative iOS Developer Salaries

Proficiency in iOS development reaps substantial financial rewards. Dice, a career website, reports that iOS Developers in New York and San Francisco command average salaries exceeding $125,000. Similarly, in Canada, the average iOS Developer salary stands at $114,526, with intermediate Developers earning an impressive $139,219, according to Neuvoo. The most recent Tech Salary Guide from Mondo identifies Mobile App Developer as the most lucrative title among Developers, with salaries ranging from $100,000 to $175,000.

The Value of a Skill Set

A direct correlation exists between skill set and salary. Knowing both Swift and Objective-C, the slightly older programming language, significantly enhances an iOS developer’s marketability. Employers value these versatile skills, making them highly sought-after assets.

The Challenge of iOS Development

Learning iOS development is not for the faint of heart. It presents a steep learning curve, even for the most motivated individuals. Swift, the primary programming language for iOS development, can be challenging to grasp initially. Additionally, those less familiar with the macOS may face hurdles when using it to build iOS binaries. Uploading these binaries in Xcode, the integrated development environment for iOS, can also be a stumbling block.

Mastering iOS Development through Certification Courses

To navigate the intricate world of iOS development, aspiring developers often turn to certification courses. These courses provide valuable guidance, helping learners overcome the unique challenges posed by iOS development.

For instance, BrainStation offers a comprehensive iOS development course. Students begin by acquiring a strong foundation in Swift programming, covering essential topics such as types, objects, functions, and control flow. As the course progresses, students gain hands-on experience in building iOS applications from scratch, utilizing Swift libraries to enhance functionality. By the course’s conclusion, students emerge with a polished, user-friendly iOS application and the knowledge required to deploy it successfully on the App Store.

Conclusion: Embracing the iOS Development Opportunity

In the realm of technology, iOS development stands as an enticing and lucrative career path. The soaring demand for iOS developers, the promise of substantial earnings, and the enduring popularity of iOS devices all contribute to the compelling nature of this field. While mastering iOS development may present challenges, the rewards are undeniable. As businesses increasingly adopt a mobile-first approach, the need for skilled iOS developers will only continue to grow, making it an ideal time for individuals to embark on this rewarding journey.