Best iOS App Development Programming Languages

The Apple ecosystem has consistently earned steady standing with stealthy growth in the smartphone market. There is always a continuous demand for something innovative and high-performing in iOS apps. Developing a successful iOS application is only possible when businesses choose the right programming language. When you partner with an iOS app development company, you must select the ideal language that empowers app functionality, performance, scalability, and time-to-market.

With the iPhone holding 17% of the world’s smartphone market, the demand for iOS application development services is steadily increasing.

• Today, more than 1.382 billion consumers use iPhones worldwide. In the last quarter of 2024, Apple sold 40% of all smartphones.
• According to Statista, 8.4 billion apps were downloaded by users from the Apple Store in 2024.
• By 2026, the iOS app market spending is estimated to level up to $161 bn.

However, to pass through the quality threshold set after building iOS apps, you need to select the right coding language for iOS apps.

The blog sheds light on iOS, an extraordinary game-changer, and dives deep into the world of iOS app development languages. We want you to know some of the best programming languages for creating a perfect iOS application that matches your business requirements and makes crucial decisions. But before that, we also want you to know what factors should be considered, especially in tune with your project, when selecting the correct programming language.

Factors Considered When Choosing an iOS Programming Language

Platform Compatibility (iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, etc.)

An iOS programming language must work with Apple’s wide variety of devices, including iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and even Apple TVs. Because a language like Apple’s Swift has native support for all iOS platforms, developers can create apps that function flawlessly across various devices. It further decreases the effort needed to optimize across multiple screen sizes and capabilities, guaranteeing consistency in the user experience. You can take advice from a reliable iOS app development company.

Easy Learning Curve and Community Support

A programming language’s learning curve may significantly impact your development schedule, particularly if you’re new to iOS development. Swift is easier to learn than older languages like Objective-C because of its current architecture and straightforward grammar. A language with a vibrant community is also beneficial for problem-solving, exchanging best practices, and gaining access to educational materials. A vibrant developer community guarantees you won’t be stuck for long, promoting quicker innovation and problem-solving.

Performance and App Development Efficiency

Performance is an important factor to consider when developing apps. Your programming language is crucial in vitalizing user expectations for dependable, responsive, and quick apps. Swift, for instance, offers unparalleled performance and memory efficiency and is well-suited for Apple hardware. Hence, it is perfect for developing applications that provide outstanding user experiences. It can preserve energy efficiency and works best for gadgets that run on batteries, such as iPhones and Apple Watches.

Framework and Library Availability

The ecosystem of frameworks and libraries for a programming language can speed up development and increase the application’s functionality. When combined with Apple’s comprehensive frameworks, such as SwiftUI and Combine, Swift supports developers in creating dynamic, rich user interfaces and effectively handling intricate data flows. These frameworks also reduce development time and allow developers to develop apps with cutting-edge features like augmented reality and real-time updates without starting from scratch.

Long-Term Viability and Apple Updates

The programming language you select must align with Apple’s long-term strategy as the company innovates. Since Swift is Apple’s preferred language, it is updated frequently to ensure compatibility with new hardware developments and iOS capabilities. Apple’s dedication to making Swift the preferred language for iOS development is demonstrated by its ongoing development, which gives developers a future-proof choice. Swift is a safer and more sustainable option for long-term projects than languages like Objective-C, which are still supported but losing their usefulness.

Top iOS Programming Languages

Swift

With Apple’s complete support and optimization, Swift is the programming language of choice for all its platforms. Swift guarantees practical memory usage without garbage collection by implementing safety features like initializing variables, preventing array and integer overflows, and ensuring exclusive access to memory. Swift is among the most popular programming languages for creating iOS, iPads, macOS, WatchOS, and itvOS. This dialect is among the most natural and accurate. Furthermore, Swift’s syntax is interactive, expressive, and succinct. The developers adore how it incorporates contemporary elements.

Key Features:

• Developers recognize Swift for its speed and efficiency. It allows developers to construct high-performing programs optimized for Apple’s hardware.
• Its simple and modern syntax makes it easier to understand and write, reducing development time and boosting code maintainability.
• With features like optional type and error handling, Swift, created with safety in mind, helps avoid common coding errors.
• Developers can also use strong frameworks like SwiftUI and Combine to create user-friendly interfaces and easily handle intricate data flows.
• Swift is Apple’s choice for building iOS apps. It provides developers with a simplified option for an efficient, future-ready method of creating iOS apps.

Objective-C

The Objectives Computing Corporation created the Objective-C language in the 1980s to simplify programming. It is also among the top languages for building applications. Objective-C is still very popular in programming, particularly among Apple customers. The company explicitly crafted the language’s high performance to meet the needs of Apple devices, complementing the company’s hardware.

Although Swift is a most preffered language for iOS development, Objective-C’s contribution to the platform’s history cannot be overlooked. It is evidence of the development of iOS programming languages and the ongoing progress in the sector.

Key Features:

• Due to its robust interaction with Apple’s APIs, Objective-C is a dependable option for developing apps heavily reliant on the iOS ecosystem.
• Also, its dynamic runtime characteristic allows developers to create adaptable and versatile code.
• It offers many resources for developing various functionality and has broad library support.
• This language is perfect for projects requiring smooth compatibility with C or for preserving legacy applications.

C++

In 2000, Microsoft released C#, a general-purpose computer language. C# comes in various forms, including ASP/ASP.NET, Xamarin, MonoDevelop, and C#. Windows application development is its primary use. Xamarin technology, a cross-platform toolkit for creating Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android applications, was the first to support it. Developers use this language to create desktop applications for MacOSX using Xamarin Studio and Windows using Visual Studio code on GitHub. With the help of their respective SDKs, code may be transferred between devices, and Visual Studio Code offers C# games.

Key Features:

• Its remarkable high-performance characteristics, C++ is perfect for activities requiring many resources.
• In iOS projects, it can be easily integrated with Objective-C to improve functionality.
• C++ is the preferred option for applications that need a lot of processing power, such as multimedia or games.

Python

Due to frameworks like Kivy and BeeWare, Python, a high-level and flexible programming language, has become increasingly popular for creating iOS apps. Although it is not an iOS native language, Python is a valuable tool in the developer’s toolbox because it performs very well in situations that call for quick prototyping or integration with competitive technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Key Features:

• Python’s easy-to-understand syntax speeds up the prototype process, enabling developers to build and debug code more rapidly.
• Its many libraries and tools facilitate the smooth integration of AI-driven features and machine learning models, becoming crucial for contemporary, data-driven applications.
• Projects prioritizing quick development and using data science skills are better suited for Python than those requiring an extensive interface with the Apple environment.

JavaScript (React Native)

Effective web development is made possible by the powerful combination of JavaScript and React Native, the outcome of the fusion of web technology and mobile. Using web technologies makes it possible to construct cross-platform apps that function flawlessly on both iOS and Android. JavaScript is the perfect option for short-term, smaller iOS projects and native apps since it allows for shared codebases and speedy development when paired with React Native. Popular apps like Meta, Pinterest, Instagram, and Uber Eats are a few examples.

Key Features:

• Developers can use a single codebase to make iOS and Android apps as JavaScript enables code reusability between platforms, especially when combined with React Native.
• Its hot-reloading functionality accelerates development, which rapidly reflects code changes without requiring an app restart.
• JavaScript with React Native offers a web-like programming experience while attaining native app performance, making it the perfect choice for developers looking for a cross-platform solution.

Kotlin Multiplatform

Due to its new technology, Kotlin Multiplatform, Kotlin is famous for iOS development. Developers can use it to create shared business logic in Kotlin and publish it on iOS and Android operating systems. Developers can select the language they want to employ for their projects asKotlin Multiplatform easily integrates with native codebases already written in Kotlin, Java, Swift, or Objective-C.

Key Features:

• You can facilitate code sharing between iOS and Android, Kotlin Multiplatform helps developers reduce duplication and expedite development.
• Its performance characteristics and contemporary syntax guarantee precise and effective code execution.
• Because of this, Kotlin is an excellent option for creating cross-platform applications with shared business logic that preserves native user experience and performance across platforms.

Comparison of iOS Programming Languages

Programming language selection can significantly impact the development process, app performance, and long-term maintainability. Developers have various options inside the iOS ecosystem, each excelling in a distinct field. Our developers’ team has consistently provided iOS app development services for over a decade. To assist you in selecting the best programming language for your project, we thoroughly compare prominent iOS languages based on factors including performance, learning curve, cross-platform compatibility, and community support.

Performance: Swift vs. Objective-C vs. C++.

Swift is perfect for contemporary, high-performing iOS apps as it is well-suited for Apple’s environment and offers exceptional runtime performance and energy efficiency.

Even though Objective-C isn’t quite as efficient as Swift, it still works effectively and can be used to maintain legacy apps.

Although it has a higher learning curve and less integration with Apple’s frameworks, C++, renowned for its raw processing capability, outperforms Swift and Objective-C in situations requiring significant calculation or game creation.

Ease of Learning: Python vs. Swift vs. JavaScript.

Although iOS development requires extra tools like Kivy or BeeWare, Python is the most straightforward language to learn, especially for beginners, due of its simple syntax and readability.

Swift offers a contemporary syntax that is both beginner-friendly and strong enough for sophisticated applications, striking a balance between usefulness and simplicity.

JavaScript is more difficult to learn than Swift or Python and requires knowledge of other frameworks, such as React Native, for iOS development.

Cross-Platform Capabilities: Kotlin Multiplatform vs. React Native.

Kotlin Multiplatform preserves native performance and user interface while enabling developers to share business logic between iOS and Android.

Compared to Kotlin Multiplatform, React Native may sacrifice some performance and native feel, but utilizing JavaScript allows for faster development with a single codebase for both platforms.

Both are great chexcellent for cross-platform programming; the decision will rely on project goals such as development speed versus performance.

Community and Resources: Swift vs. Objective-C vs. Python.

Swift is the preferred option for iOS developers due to its sizable and vibrant developer community, bolstered by Apple’s frequent upgrades and copious documentation.

Although it is still supported, the community for Objective-C is getting smaller as more developers go to Swift.

Although Python has a large worldwide community, its use in creating iOS apps is specialized. Resources frequently concentrate on data science and general programming rather than native apps.

Use Cases for Each Language

Swift

Swift is the preferred language for e-commerce platforms and enterprise-grade apps. It is known for its strong security, scalability, and performance. Its native iOS support makes creating feature-rich apps that live up to user expectations easy. Companies like Airbnb, Lyft, and LinkedIn use Swift for parts of their mobile apps, demonstrating its potential for cutting-edge, in-demand applications.

Objective-C

Objective-C is most commonly used to maintain old iOS apps or projects that need smooth interoperability with C. It is also helpful in improving or updating outdated apps because it integrates with older codebases. For example, Apple’s Mail app originated in Objective-C coding, demonstrating its dependability on basic iOS systems. Even long-standing apps like Dropbox were built using Objective-C to sustain compatibility.

C++

C++ is best suited for applications that need excellent computational efficiency, such as 3D games or apps containing intricate mathematical methods. Even well-known game engines like Unreal Engine use C++ to create visually demanding games like Fortnite, showcasing the language’s ability to create immersive experiences.

Python

Python is excellent at creating AI-driven apps with fast prototyping, including speech recognition or tailored recommendation systems. It is also frequently used for back-end integration, particularly in applications that need machine learning or data processing. Apps like Instagram use Python for server-side processing, demonstrating its dependability in managing complex, data-intensive operations.

JavaScript (React Native)

With JavaScript at its core, React Native allows developers to build cross-platform applications and that too with a single codebase. This makes it perfect for social media, e-commerce, and utility applications. Facebook and Shopify, for instance, use React Native to expedite development while preserving a uniform user experience across iOS and Android.

Kotlin Multiplatform

Apps like PlanGrid use Kotlin Multiplatform to expedite cross-platform development while maintaining native UI experiences. Kotlin Multiplatform is especially well-suited for applications with complex data processing or authentication systems, as it lessens development time and ensures consistency across platforms for projects requiring shared business logic between iOS and Android.

Tools and Frameworks for iOS App Development

The tools and frameworks that facilitate creation, testing, and deployment are equally crucial to an iOS app’s success as the programming language. The correct tools may significantly increase productivity and guarantee flawless app performance, whether used in environments that are easy for beginners or in platforms that are strong for more experienced developers. Note that we use the tools and frameworks below to ensure the success of all iOS applications. Being the top iPhone app development company in India and worldwide, we have been holding a strong foot overseas in delivering stellar iOS apps to several businesses. Here’s a list of the best frameworks and tools for common programming languages, along with some noteworthy applications that have used them.

Xcode

The official IDE from Apple, Xcode, offers a full array of tools for creating, evaluating, and debugging Swift and Objective-C apps. It is essential for iOS development as it has code editor, simulators, and interface builder. The fact that Xcode is frequently used to create apps like Uber, WhatsApp, and Snapchat demonstrates how well it supports feature-rich apps.

Swift Playgrounds.

Beginners will love Swift Playgrounds, an interactive environment created to teach Swift programming. It allows developers to build small projects and experiment with coding without requiring a complicated setup. Although its primary purpose is instruction, it also acts as a springboard for Swift’s more complex evolution.

React Native CLI and Expo.

React Native CLI, and Expo make JavaScript cross-platform app development more straightforward. Expo provides a controlled environment for quicker prototypes and deployment, whereas React Native CLI is a command-line tool for developers who require fine-grained control. React Native can produce near-native experiences with shared codebases, apps like Instagram, Pinterest, and Uber Eats have used it.

Kivy and BeeWare.

Two well-known frameworks for creating Python iOS apps are Kivy and BeeWare. BeeWare concentrates on native apps with a single codebase, but Kivy is excellent at developing multi-touch interfaces. Although less commonly used for commercial iOS apps, these frameworks have powered niche applications and prototypes, especially those requiring rapid development or unique interface designs.

IDEs and compilers.

Tools like CLion, Xcode, and Visual Studio offer intense environments for C++ programming, enabling high-performance application creation, debugging, and optimization. For games like PUBG Mobile, well-known engines like Unreal Engine mainly rely on C++. One of the best options for Kotlin is Android Studio, which allows developers to share business logic across platforms thanks to Kotlin Multiplatform capabilities. The flexibility of these tools is demonstrated by apps such as Cash App and Trello.

Trends in iOS App Development

The world of developing iOS apps is constantly changing due to consumer expectations, developer preferences, and technological improvements. Building creative and competitive applications requires keeping up with the most recent developments. The following are some significant trends influencing the creation of iOS apps today:

Increasing adoption of Swift over Objective-C.

Swift’s current syntax, safety features, and improved performance have made it the language of choice for iOS developers, quickly overtaking Objective-C. Apple’s frequent upgrades and the language’s emphasis on developer productivity have cemented Swift’s supremacy. In keeping with this expanding trend, businesses like Lyft and Airbnb have switched to Swift to create scalable apps.

Rise of cross-platform development using React Native and Kotlin Multiplatform.

Cross-platform frameworks have grown in popularity due to the need for quicker, more affordable development. React Native, driven by JavaScript, allows developers to build iOS and Android apps with a single codebase, as demonstrated in apps like Instagram and Bloomberg. Apps like Trello that need consistency across devices choose Kotlin Multiplatform, which is also becoming more popular due to its capacity to share business logic across platforms.

Integration of machine learning and AI with Python in iOS apps.

Modern apps frequently incorporate AI and machine learning to improve automation, analytics, and personalization. Robust AI and ML tools, such as TensorFlow and PyTorch, make Python used for including intelligent features in iOS apps. For example, Instagram relies on Python for its back-end functions and uses AI for content curation and recommendations.

Use of augmented reality (AR) and gaming apps leveraging C++.

Gaming apps and augmented reality are expanding the capabilities of iOS devices. Developers produce graphically rich games and immersive experiences using frameworks like ARKit and C++’s processing capabilities. Apps like Pokémon GO and Unreal Engine-based games like PUBG Mobile are prime examples of how C++ is essential to attaining great performance and interaction in these fields.

Conclusion

Selecting the appropriate programming language is a key component of creating a successful iOS app. Each language has distinct benefits suited to particular use cases, ranging from Swift’s contemporary features and Objective-C’s historical strength to Python’s aptitude for prototyping and C++’s efficiency for intricate applications. Furthermore, cross-platform tools like Kotlin Multiplatform and React Native are redefining accessibility and efficiency in app development.

Whether your project involves developing a feature-rich e-commerce app, using AI to generate data-driven solutions, or producing immersive gaming experiences, the secret is matching your language choice with its objectives. Making an informed choice guarantees effective development and a reliable, scalable app that meets user expectations.

You can take the initial step toward making your app idea a reality by speaking with seasoned experts or trying out resources like Swift Playgrounds, React Native CLI, or Python frameworks if you’re unsure where to begin.

Need trustworthy and business-driven iPhone Mobile App Development Services for your business?

Consult our professionals at Atharva Systems to build a robust iOS mobile app. Our skilled experts are here to guide you in choosing best programming language.

FAQs:

Which programming language is best for beginners in iOS development?

Swift is the most significant programming language for novice iOS developers. It is easy to learn and can create fully functional and scalable iOS apps due to its straightforward syntax, Apple’s extensive documentation, and tools like Swift Playgrounds. You can hire Swift developers at Atharva Systems to get world-class iOS application development services.

Can I use Python to create an iOS app?

You can use Python to create iOS apps using frameworks like Kivy and BeeWare. These frameworks enable you to develop valuable apps even though Python is not native to iOS development, particularly for prototyping or incorporating machine learning features. Swift is suggested for a more thorough interaction with Apple’s ecosystem.

How do Swift and Objective-C differ?

While Objective-C is an older language renowned for its verbose syntax and C interoperability, Swift is a new language built for simplicity, speed, and security. Swift is the recommended option for new projects since it is simpler to learn, performs better, and has active Apple support. At the same time, Objective-C is mainly used for preserving legacy codebases.

Is cross-platform development a good choice for iOS apps?

Cross-platform development can be a suitable option if you want to save time and money by creating apps for both iOS and Android using a shared codebase. Kotlin Multiplatform and React Native are great tools for accomplishing this. However, a platform-specific strategy employing Swift can be more appropriate if your project needs highly optimized performance or a deep native experience.

How do I decide between Swift and React Native for my project?

If your project focuses solely on iOS and demands cutting-edge functionality, excellent performance, or a smooth connection with Apple’s ecosystem, go with Swift. Conversely, React Native is perfect for projects aimed at iOS and Android since it enables you to create apps using a common codebase while preserving an almost native user experience. Your choice should be based on your project’s scope, target audience, and available resources. To save time researching, you can contact a reliable iPhone app development company like Atharva System.