Olivia

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The Growing Demand for iOS Developers in Tech Startups in 2024

Updated on January 10, 2024

Startup

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In the tech world, the demand for iOS developers is skyrocketing, particularly within startups. With over 1.5 billion active Apple devices worldwide and consumers spending more time on apps than ever before, it’s no surprise that skilled engineers are in high demand. These tech wizards, proficient in creating apps for Apple’s iOS operating system, are integral to a startup’s success in today’s app-centric world.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll delve into the burgeoning demand for iOS developers in tech startups. To write this post I did hours of research to explore what an iOS developer does, why they’re so sought after, and how startups can attract and retain these valuable team members. Whether you’re a startup founder, a hiring manager, or an aspiring iOS programmer, my goal with this post is to provide valuable insights. So let’s get started.

Why iOS Developers are in High Demand

There are several reasons behind the growing demand for iOS app development:

Popularity of iOS Devices: As of 2023, Apple has a 30.44% share of the global smartphone market. That means a significant number of potential customers for startups are iOS users.
High User Engagement: users are known for their high engagement levels. They spend more time on apps and are more likely to make in-app purchases compared to Android users.
Startup Boom: The tech startup landscape is booming, with more new businesses being launched each year. These startups need iOS developers to create apps that can reach and engage their target audience.

The best iOS dedicated developers have unique combinations for skills, besides just knowledge of the obvious ones.

The Role of iOS Developers

Simply put, an iOS developer is a software developer specializing in crafting apps for Apple’s iOS platform. They use programming languages like Swift and Objective-C to create apps that run seamlessly on iPhones and iPads.

In a tech startup, an iOS coder is crucial in turning app ideas into reality. They work closely with other team players, including UX/UI designers and product managers, to ensure the app delivers a fantastic user experience while meeting the startup’s business objectives. So why is it so hard to find an iOS developer in the next two weeks?

Skills Needed for an iOS Developer

When recruiting an iOS developer, tech startups should look out for these skills:

Proficiency in Swift or Objective-C: These are the primary languages used for iOS development. Swift is becoming more popular due to its simplicity and powerful features.
Understanding of Xcode: Xcode is Apple’s integrated development environment (IDE) for iOS development. It’s where developers write code, debug, and design interfaces.
Knowledge of iOS frameworks: Frameworks like UIKit, Core Data, and CloudKit are essential tools that iOS developers use to build features and functionality.
Problem-Solving Abilities: Like any software development role, problem-solving is a key skill for iOS developers. They need to be able to troubleshoot issues and find effective app development solutions.
Attention to Detail: iOS app developers should have a keen eye for detail to ensure the app looks and works perfectly on different iOS devices.

Of course with all the demand for these specific skill sets, you need to have a killer recruitment strategy to attract these developers to your team.

Recruiting an iOS Developer for Your Startup

Recruiting an iOS developer can be a challenging task given the high demand for these professionals. Here are some strategies that can help:

Craft a Compelling Job Description: Highlight the exciting projects, growth opportunities, and positive culture at your startup.
Offer Competitive Salary: While startups may not always compete with big tech companies in terms of salary, offering a competitive compensation package for your industry and location can attract top talent.
Leverage Your Network: Reach out to your professional network and ask for referrals. You might find your ideal candidate through someone you know.
Use Recruitment Agencies: Companies like TurnKey, a Silicon Valley Staff Augmentation Company, specialize in finding remote developers and programming teams, including iOS developers, for startups.

Staff augmentation is a flexible outsourcing strategy that enables businesses to hire skilled personnel globally and manage them directly. Businesses can ‘augment’ their existing team with specialized tech staff hired on a short-term or long-term basis, allowing them to achieve their goals without the expense and commitment associated with permanent hires.

Of course hiring is only one part of the formula, as losing developers left and right can be a major bummer for any company. That’s why smart startups put retention first. By focusing on developer retention, they built a stable and loyal workforce, which helps attract and retain top developers.

So how do you retain your developers?

Access the top tech talent on the market

Retaining Your iOS Developer

Once you’ve hired an iOS developer, it’s critical to focus on retention. Here are some strategies:

Provide Growth Opportunities: Provide opportunities for your iOS developer to learn new skills and take on new challenges.
Recognize Their Work: Regularly acknowledge your developer’s contributions and achievements.
Foster a Positive Culture: Create a positive, inclusive, and flexible work environment.
Offer Competitive Benefits: In addition to a good salary, offer benefits like healthcare, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Onboarding and retention are other advantages of using an staff augmentation company. As an example, TurnKey has a highly effective retention program, which has successfully reduced the average industry churn rates by more than 50%, turning retention into a science. Their primary goal is to reverse the industry trend of high turnover by creating an environment where developers feel engaged and valued as an integral part of their clients’ teams. Their dedicated talent management division focuses on ensuring developer satisfaction, happiness, and long-term commitment to foster their growth and success.

So what does this all mean going forward?

The Future of iOS Development

The future of iOS development looks promising. With advancements in technologies like AI, AR, VR, and IoT, the demand for skilled iOS app developers is expected to grow.

Moreover, with Apple’s introduction of SwiftUI, a user interface toolkit that lets developers design apps in a declarative way, it’s an exciting time to be an iOS developer.

Key Takeaways

The demand for iOS devs in tech startups is growing due to the popularity of iOS devices, high user engagement, and the booming tech startup landscape. Mobile developers play a crucial role in creating apps that can reach and engage a startup’s target audience.

When recruiting an iOS developer, look for proficiency in Swift or Objective-C, understanding of Xcode, knowledge of iOS frameworks, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail. Strategies to attract iOS developers include crafting a compelling job description, offering a competitive salary, leveraging your network, and using recruitment agencies like TurnKey Staffing.

Once onboarded, focus on retention strategies like providing growth opportunities, recognizing their work, fostering a positive culture, and offering competitive benefits. With the continuing advancements in technology and the iOS platform, the demand for iOS developers is set to rise even further.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an iOS developer do?

An iOS developer is a software developer who specializes in crafting apps for Apple's iOS platform. They use programming languages like Swift and Objective-C to create apps that run seamlessly on iPhones and iPads.

Why are iOS developers in high demand in tech startups?

iOS developers are in high demand due to the popularity of iOS devices, high user engagement, and the booming tech startup landscape. These developers help startups create apps that can reach and engage their target audience.

What is the average iOS developer salary?

The average salary for an iOS developer in the USA is usually between $70k- 65k/yr and about 06k/yr on average.

What skills should an iOS developer have?

An iOS developer should have proficiency in Swift or Objective-C, understanding of Xcode, knowledge of iOS frameworks, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail.

How can a startup recruit and retain an iOS developer?

Startups can recruit iOS developers by crafting a compelling job description, offering a competitive salary, leveraging their network, and using recruitment agencies like TurnKey Labs. They can retain iOS developers by providing growth opportunities, recognizing their work, fostering a positive culture, and offering competitive benefits.

#iOS #startup

January 6, 2024

TurnKey Staffing provides information for general guidance only and does not offer legal, tax, or accounting advice. We encourage you to consult with professional advisors before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business or legal rights.

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