The fundamentals of iOS development are constantly changing, with new technologies and trends emerging every year. The global mobile app market is also booming, projected to reach USD 252.89 billion and grow at a CAGR of 14.3% until 2030. 

This statistic demonstrates the importance of hiring a skilled iOS app developer for a company. At Matrix Media Solutions, we believe that staying current with emerging skills is essential for developers aiming to excel in this highly competitive market. Simultaneously, every business that is looking to hire competent iOS developers, needs to look for certain skills, which we are going to mention in this blog. 

This extensive guide outlines the most in-demand skills for iOS developers in 2024, providing insights into the tools, frameworks, and methodologies that will help developers achieve skill growth. 

Skill 1: App Security and Data Privacy

Data security and privacy remain priorities for users and Apple alike. iOS developers of Matrix Media Solutions can ensure that apps adhere to Apple’s stringent privacy standards, such as App Tracking Transparency (ATT) and data encryption. 

With GDPR and CCPA compliance becoming industry standards, developers need skills in managing sensitive user data securely. Knowledge of Keychain Services, Face ID/Touch ID integration, and encryption protocols can safeguard app data, ensuring user trust and aligning with regulatory requirements.

Skill 2: Proficiency in Swift 5

Swift remains the dominant language for iOS development. With Swift 5, Apple has refined the language to boost performance, add new features, and maintain backward compatibility. Mastery of Swift is essential for developers as it streamlines app performance and enhances readability. 

In 2024, iOS developers must stay updated on Swift’s latest additions, such as enhanced concurrency features and async/await syntax, which simplify asynchronous programming and improve application responsiveness.

Skill 3: Advanced Knowledge of UIKit and SwiftUI

Apple introduced SwiftUI to offer a more declarative approach to UI development, which has gained significant traction since its release. While UIKit remains vital, especially for supporting legacy applications, SwiftUI is becoming the go-to for creating new apps due to its modernized and simplified code structure. 

We believe that for iOS developers, knowing when to use UIKit versus SwiftUI—and, importantly, how to integrate both in hybrid environments—is a crucial skill. Expertise in creating reusable and modular UI components can significantly impact development time and app quality.

Skill 4: Concurrency and Multithreading

Concurrency and multithreading are crucial for creating responsive, high-performing applications. Swift’s recent additions to async/await syntax make managing background tasks simpler and more efficient. 

However, developers need to understand the underlying principles of GCD (Grand Central Dispatch) and Operation Queues to balance tasks efficiently. Ensuring that UI elements remain responsive, while background tasks execute smoothly, is essential in enhancing user experience, especially in data-intensive applications.

Skill 5: Networking and RESTful APIs

Networking is central to most modern iOS applications, especially those that rely on external data sources or backend services. Understanding RESTful APIs, JSON parsing, and HTTP protocols remains critical. 

With Apple’s release of Combine and URLSession, iOS developers can now manage network calls more effectively and handle asynchronous programming within a reactive framework. Familiarity with third-party networking libraries like Alamofire also adds versatility, enabling developers to choose the right tools based on project needs.

Skill 6: Knowledge of ARKit and Augmented Reality Development

With the expansion of augmented reality (AR) applications, ARKit has become increasingly relevant in 2024. Apple’s ARKit framework allows developers to build immersive AR experiences directly into iOS apps, from simple object placement to advanced interactive scenes. 

The skills to create engaging AR content are highly sought after, particularly in the gaming, retail, education, and real estate industries. Developers who can bring out ARKit’s potential, understand 3D modeling basics, and integrate AR seamlessly into user experiences will have an advantage in the job market.

Skill 7: Machine Learning and Core ML

Machine learning (ML) integration in mobile apps is a rapidly growing trend, making Core ML an essential tool for iOS developers. From image and speech recognition to predictive modeling, Core ML offers diverse functionalities that can enhance user experience. 

Skills in Core ML, coupled with a basic understanding of machine learning models, allow developers to integrate AI-driven features without extensive data science knowledge. The integration of natural language processing (NLP) and image classification models is increasingly valuable, especially in apps focused on personalized user experiences.

Skill 8: Testing and Test-Driven Development (TDD)

Testing is essential for delivering stable, bug-free applications. Familiarity with XCTest, XCUITest, and other testing frameworks is necessary for implementing unit tests, UI tests, and automated workflows. Test-driven development (TDD) is gaining traction in mobile development as it minimizes errors and improves code reliability. Developing a test-first approach requires discipline but ensures that applications are stable and meet quality standards from the start. Knowledge of tools like Fastlane and CI/CD pipelines will also help developers streamline deployment.

Skill 9. Experience with Cloud Services (Firebase, AWS, etc.)

Cloud integration is crucial for building scalable applications that store data externally and synchronize across multiple devices. Firebase, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Apple’s 

CloudKit are popular options that provide backend services like database management, authentication, and real-time data synchronization. Familiarity with cloud services enables iOS developers to build more powerful, manageable applications with enhanced functionality, making this an in-demand skill in 2024.

Skill 10. UX/UI Design Fundamentals

While iOS developers don’t necessarily need to be designers, an understanding of UX/UI principles can be a significant advantage. Developers who comprehend design guidelines for iOS (such as Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines) and have a good sense of user experience can create apps that feel intuitive and visually appealing. 

Skills in prototyping tools like Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD can also help developers collaborate more effectively with design teams, ensuring that the app’s visual components align with functionality.

Skill 11. Cross-Platform Development (SwiftUI for MacOS)

As the boundaries between platforms blur, cross-platform development skills are becoming increasingly valuable. SwiftUI allows developers to create apps that function seamlessly across iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS with minimal code changes. 

Matrix Media Solutions, as a leading organization seeking to deliver cohesive experiences across multiple Apple devices, our developers with cross-platform expertise are highly sought after. Familiarity with cross-platform frameworks and development practices can position developers as versatile assets in any team.

Skill 12. Continuous Integration and Deployment (CI/CD)

The ability to automate and streamline the development process is essential in 2024. CI/CD practices ensure that code is regularly tested, integrated, and deployed without unnecessary delays. Knowledge of CI/CD tools like GitHub Actions, Bitrise, or Jenkins is valuable for iOS developers aiming to work within agile teams. Implementing CI/CD pipelines allows developers to catch issues early, reduce deployment times, and improve overall code quality, contributing to faster and more reliable releases.

These are the in-demand skills that iOS developers need to master to stay updated with the latest trends so that developers can position themselves as highly sought-after iOS developers in 2024. 

Conclusion

In 2024, iOS development requires more than just coding skills. As Matrix Media Solutions has observed, the most successful developers blend technical prowess with a proactive approach to learning, always staying current with the latest trends and tools.

We are dedicated to empowering developers with the resources and insights they need to excel in this dynamic field. By fostering a commitment to continuous learning and innovation, iOS developers can deliver groundbreaking, high-quality applications that meet the demands of an ever-evolving tech era!