5 Top iOS App Programming Languages Of 2023

September 21 , 2023 Posted by Admin

Apple stands as one of the most prominent creators of mobile devices across the globe. Nearly half, about 48.7%, of smartphones in USA are iPhones in 2022. The Apple App Store generates a mind-boggling $640+ billion from sales and billings worldwide.

And guess what? These numbers aren’t showing any signs of going down. Apple users are like super fans – they stick to the brand like glue because they love it.

So, why does this matter? Well, iOS apps are like hitting the jackpot. If you want to create an app, you’d want to get in on this action. But here’s the deal: you must know the right app creation company to make it work. That’s where our iPhone application development services USA come to you with expertise in the popular iOS programming languages. Buckle up because, in this piece, our experts will familiarize you with the most astonishing languages for iOS development in 2023. Get ready for the ride!

5 Best Programming Languages for iOS in 2023

The primary choices for iOS app development are Objective-C and Swift. They excel at crafting apps for iOS, watchOS, iPadOS, macOS, and tvOS devices. These two languages stand as the mainstay for creating iOS applications. Nevertheless, there exist alternative solutions for building on the iOS platform.

Swift

Swift stands out as the optimal iOS programming language for crafting native apps. Designed by Apple exclusively for its platforms, Swift has a contemporary and lightweight nature, aiming to replace older counterparts like C, C++, and Objective-C.

Unlike interpreted languages such as JavaScript and Python, Swift’s compiled nature grants it superior speed. Apple claims Swift is 2.6 times swifter than Objective-C and 8.4 times faster than Python.

Practice takes the lead when mastering Swift, aided by Apple’s complimentary Swift courses and the Swift Playgrounds app. Udemy’s Complete iOS App Development Bootcamp offers a comprehensive learning option.

Swift finds its niche whenever a native iOS app is on the horizon. Especially beneficial when exploiting iPhone features to the fullest, Swift also accommodates the expansion of older iOS apps. Remarkably, it harmonizes with Apple’s legacy Objective-C files, allowing both languages to coexist in the same project.

Swift’s Strengths:

• Open-source
• Compatible with Mac, iPad, Apple TV and Apple Watch
• Optimizes iOS and iPhone hardware capabilities
• Simple yet easily understandable syntax
• Quick and resource-light
• Smooth scalability
• Embedded safeguards curbing errors
• Minimal memory consumption
• Unified codebase

Swift’s Challenges:

• A relatively recent programming language
• Incompatible with iOS versions preceding 7.0
• Potential compatibility issues with third-party APIs
• Inapplicable to Android development
• Lesser support community related to its predecessors

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Objective-C

Objective-C, Apple’s original programming language, forms the cornerstone of MacOS and iOS. Being object-oriented, it expands upon C while introducing new functionalities.

Swift is swiftly eclipsing Objective-C as the primary iOS developer’s choice. In 2022, almost 5% of developers adopted Swift, compared to around 2% for Objective-C.

However, there’s still value in acquiring Objective-C skills. Much of Apple’s historical code remains in this language, and a complete migration will take time.

Objective-C Suits When:

• Creating new iOS apps, especially for older iOS versions
• Updating and upkeeping older iOS apps
• Apple’s built-in apps and iOS itself rely on Objective-C

Objective-C’s Strengths:

• Backward compatibility with C and C++
• Extensive documentation available
• The existence of plenty of third-party frameworks and libraries
• Strong developer community support
• Compatibility with older Apple OS versions

Objective-C’s Challenges:

• Waning popularity
• Complicated syntax
• The need to manage two separate code files for headers and implementation
• Inherits security vulnerabilities from C

C#

C# is a versatile and object-oriented programming language crafted by Microsoft. It serves various purposes. While often used for building cross-platform apps, it finds apps in games, websites, software, web APIs, and beyond. In 2022, C# achieved the 7th position among the best programming languages for professional developers.

The ability to create iOS apps using C# is facilitated by Microsoft’s .NET Multi-platform App UI (MAUI) framework. This dynamic duo is often paired with the Microsoft Visual Studio IDE. This collaboration lets you craft the app on a Windows-based system. However, a connection to a Mac is required to publish it on the App Store.

C# + MAUI Suits When

seeking efficiency and cost-effectiveness for multi-platform app launches. When you utilize a unified C# codebase to operate the app across iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows, you can use it.

Notably, the Olo app exemplifies this approach, leveraging C# at its core while integrating platform-specific elements to enhance user experience.

C# + MAUI’s Strengths:

• Open-source nature
• Capability to handle a broad spectrum of technological projects
• Support for both iOS and Android apps
• Extensive documentation and assistance resources

C# + MAUI’s Challenges:

• The learning curve might be steep
• The compilation process could impede swift app changes and updates
• Publishing an iOS app developed with C# involves relative complexity

JavaScript + React Native

JavaScript, a prominent high-level programming language, boasts applications in diverse domains, such as web development, gaming, mobile apps, and web servers. It consistently secures a spot among StackOverflow’s top two languages frequently employed.

However, JavaScript isn’t an iOS coding language in its standalone form. To forge an iOS app using JavaScript, a framework like React Native becomes crucial. React Native transforms the completed app into the native iOS user interface.

JavaScript + React Native Suits when:

• When constructing iOS/Android apps via a unified codebase, bypassing the need to master the official iOS languages.
• This is particularly beneficial when significant code reuse is desired. Apps like Walmart and NerdWallet adopt this approach.
• Contemplating the suitability of JavaScript and React Native for your app? Peruse our React Native vs. Swift comparison.

JavaScript’s Strengths:

• Wide-ranging support and documentation
• Ready access to developers
• Reusable components expedite development
• Ability to create iOS and Android apps using identical codebase
• Integration of native APIs

JavaScript’s Challenges:

• Slower performance compared to native iOS applications
• Time-intensive upgrading within React Native
• Debugging complexities
• Potential constraints on access to specific native functions and permissions

Dart + Flutter

Dart, a programming language crafted by Google, embodies safety and is primarily employed for mobile and web app creation. Its agility and speed make it particularly apt for multi-platform development.

When united with the Flutter framework, Dart offers an alternative avenue for constructing cross-platform apps from a singular codebase. To launch an iOS app through Flutter, access to Xcode and a Mac computer is essential.

Dart + Flutter Suits When:

• Commencing a project from the ground up might not position Dart as the top preference for iOS coding. Nonetheless, opting for it becomes advantageous if you know its syntax and the Flutter framework. Capitalizing on existing expertise and workflows can translate to savings in both time and costs.
• Apps such as Google Pay and Abbey Road Studios Topline exemplify the utilization of Flutter and Dart for iOS and Android app development.

Dart + Flutter’s Strengths:

• Easily graspable, especially for those acquainted with JavaScript
• Surpasses JavaScript in terms of speed
• Streamlines iOS and Android development via a solitary codebase
• Accommodates a diverse range of devices and screen dimensions

Dart + Flutter’s Challenges:

• Relatively youthful as a programming language
• Availability of support resources remains somewhat limited
• Adoption among developers remains below 7%

Picking the Correct Programming Language for Your iOS

When developing iOS apps, selecting the correct programming language is pivotal, regardless of whether you focus solely on Apple’s ecosystem or aim for cross-platform functionality. The appropriate choice can significantly streamline the development journey.

For intricate native iOS applications, your top contenders are Swift and Objective-C. These languages excel in handling the intricacies of such projects.

However, if your priority is versatility and broader applicability, opting for a language like C# or JavaScript might be more advantageous. This route proves particularly beneficial if you’re already acquainted with these languages or wish to bypass the learning curve of Swift or Objective-C.

Conclusion

As the Apple iPhone continues its dominance in the smartphone market, the demand for iOS apps remains robust, making iOS app development an appealing prospect for developers.

Whether a newcomer or an experienced developer seeking a fresh challenge, the options for iOS programming languages are varied in 2023, your choice will likely hinge on your existing skills and personal objectives.

If you’re impartial to any specific language, Swift emerges as a solid choice. It is the native language for iOS development and carries substantial favor from Apple. However, don’t dismiss the enduring presence of Objective C.

Alternatively, you can utilize third-party solutions like C# + MAUI, JavaScript + React Native, or Dart + Flutter. These frameworks are particularly advantageous if you aim to craft cross-platform applications.

If you want to delve into iOS app development, consider partnering with us for professional iPhone application development services USA. Our expertise spans iPad app and Apple Watch app design services and more. Join hands with our custom app developers to turn your app ideas into reality. Contact our iPhone or iPad app company now!