Swift vs. Objective- C vs. Java | Which is the best programming language for iOS development?

Developing iOS apps is an excellent strategy for businesses aiming to captivate and retain loyal customers. To fully leverage the potential of this operating system, understanding which is the best programming language for iOS development and which ones offer the best performance is an essential first step.

In this article, Aegona will introduce the top 3 programming languages for iOS apps development. We hope the following information will give you a clearer view of your options and development strategies, from Apple’s official languages to cross-platform development framework. 

1. iOS apps development –The trend of the new technology era

As of 2023, the Apple App Store has recorded 2.29 million available apps and games. Consumers have spent up to $89.3 billion on the App Store, a 2.8% increase from the previous year. Although download numbers on the App Store are lower compared to Google Play Store, it still generates twice the revenue of their competitor. This not only demonstrates the large number of iOS users but also indicates their willingness to spend more on their favorite apps and services.

This increase in spending and revenue reflects a clear trend: iOS users seek high-quality apps and are willing to invest for the best experience. Therefore, if you are considering app development, starting with iOS is a very wise decision to reach and serve this potential consumer base.

>> Read more: Native Apps vs. Web Apps vs. Hybrid Apps: Pros, Cons, and Costs Explained

2. Which is the best programming language for iOS apps development?

To develop native apps for iOS, developers can use various programming languages. Here are the top 3 languages used for iOS mobile apps development in 2024:

2.1. Developing iOS apps with Swift

When asked which is the best programming language for iOS apps development, Swift is the top answer. This is the official programming language developed by Apple and recommended for iOS apps. Swift is designed based on the foundation of Objective-C but offers significant improvements. It is known for its safety, fast processing speed, and ease of learning compared to many other languages. Besides, Swift supports modern features such as custom data types and functional programming, helping developers create efficient and maintainable apps.

2.2. Developing iOS apps with Objective-C

Before Swift came into the market, Objective-C was the primary programming language Apple used for iOS app development. Based on C++, Objective-C has been widely used and still plays a crucial role in many projects today. Although it is not as popular as before, Objective-C remains favored for its fast compilation, compatibility with C and C++, support for various tools and runtimes, and seamless integration with the iOS Cocoa library.

2.3. Developing iOS mobile apps with Python

Although not an official language for iOS, Python is still chosen by many developers due to support tools like Kivy and BeeWare. Python is commonly used to develop libraries, application functionalities, and backend processing tasks. With these tools, developing iOS apps using Python becomes more convenient, though it is not the primary choice for developing on this platform.

3. Cross-platform frameworks for iOS apps development

When developing iOS apps, besides using native programming languages such as Swift, Objective-C, and Python, you can also choose cross-platform development frameworks to save time and resources. Below is 03 popular cross-platform iOS apps development frameworks you should consider:

3.1. React Native

React Native, developed by Facebook, is an open-source mobile app development framework that allows you to build iOS and Android apps using JavaScript and React. Advantages of React Native include:

• Code reusability: Write code once and deploy it across multiple platforms.
• Near-native performance: React Native uses native UI components, providing a smooth user experience.
• Large community and strong support: With a large community and extensive libraries, developing and maintaining apps becomes easier.

3.2. Developing cross-platform iOS apps with Flutter

Flutter is an SDK (Software Development Kit) that allows building iOS and Android apps from a single codebase using the Dart language. Benefits of Flutter developed by Google include:

• High performance: Flutter provides near-native performance due to its direct compilation to machine code.
• Attractive user interfaces: With customizable widgets and flexible design, Flutter enables the creation of rich and engaging user interfaces.
• Robust development tools: Flutter comes with development tools and features to accelerate the app-building process.

3.3. .NET MAUI

.NET MAUI (Multi-platform App UI) is a Microsoft cross-platform app design framework developed to replace Xamarin. MAUI allows the development of apps for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS from a single codebase. Advantages of .NET MAUI include:

• Strong integration with Microsoft tools: .NET MAUI works seamlessly with Visual Studio and other Microsoft development tools.
• Cross-platform development: Build apps for various platforms without writing separate code for each one.
• Support for .NET and C#: If you are familiar with .NET and C#, MAUI provides a familiar and efficient development environment.

Choosing the right cross-platform development tool can save time, reduce costs, and ensure consistency in user experience across multiple platforms. If you are considering iOS apps development, evaluate these tools to select the best solution for your project.

>> How to choose the right framework? Read more at: Flutter Vs. .NET MAUI, Vs. React Native

4. Aegona – iOS App Development Company in Vietnam

Aegona is one of top-rated iOS & Android mobile app development company in Vietnam, specializing in offering software engineering and iOS app development services in Vietnam include:

• Entertainment and media apps are similar to: TikTok, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video
• Travel and booking apps are similar to: Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb, Hotels.com, and TripAdvisor.
• Retail apps similar to: Amazon, Walmart, Target, Macy's, and Best Buy.
• Financial and banking apps are similar to: Chase Mobile, Bank of America, PayPal, Venmo, and Mint.
• Delivery and food ordering apps are similar to: Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, Postmates, and Seamless.
• Education and learning apps are similar to: Duolingo, Khan Academy, Coursera, Udemy, and Quizlet.
• Health and fitness apps are similar to: MyFitnessPal, Fitbit, Headspace, Calm, and Peloton.
• Real estate apps are similar to: Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, Trulia, and Homes.com.
• Appointment and beauty are similar to: StyleSeat, Booksy, Mindbody, Glamsquad, and Soothe.

With a team of experienced developers and specialized skills, Aegona is committed to delivering high-quality products, embracing mobile app development trends like AI, Machine Learning, IoT, Blockchain, AR/VR, and 5G to meet customer needs and expectations.

For personalized advice on iOS mobile app development services, contact us now via hotline/Whatsapp: (+84) 914 518 869.

AEGONA LTD - IT SERVICE & SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
 Email: [email protected]
 Phone: Office: (+84) 28 7109 2939. Hotline: (+84) 91 451 8869 | (+84) 83 940 5469
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 Website: www.aegona.com, www.aegona.vn
 Address: Orbital Building (QTSC Building 9), Quang Trung Software City, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.