Creating a successful iOS app takes more than just coding skills. Whether you're launching a startup MVP or scaling enterprise-grade software, understanding the end-to-end iOS app development process is critical for choosing the right partner. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how a professional iOS app development company works — from the first brainstorming session to App Store submission and beyond.
If you're considering outsourcing your mobile app, Shakuro is one of the agencies that specialize in custom iOS development, delivering polished, high-performance apps for businesses worldwide. But what exactly should you expect from a top-tier development company? Let’s break it down — with insights from Apple’s official guidelines, mobile UX best practices, and real-world workflows used by leading development teams.
Step 1: Discovery & Business Analysis
Every great app starts with a clear purpose. During the discovery phase, the development company collaborates with stakeholders to understand the business goals, target audience, and competitive landscape. This step often includes:
Requirement gathering workshops
SWOT analysis
Competitor research using tools like Data.ai (formerly App Annie)
User persona creation and journey mapping
Well-documented business analysis ensures that the app solves a real user problem and is aligned with market needs. Tools like Hotjar can be used for behavioral research, while product roadmaps may be built using platforms like ProductPlan.
Step 2: UI/UX Design
Once the strategy is in place, the focus shifts to user experience and interface design. A professional company will follow Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines to create intuitive and visually consistent layouts.
Typical deliverables include:
Wireframes and user flow diagrams
Style guides, icon sets, and color systems
Great design isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about usability and accessibility. Professional teams often conduct design reviews and usability testing at this stage to validate early concepts.
Step 3: iOS App Development
Development begins once the design is finalized. A dedicated iOS development team typically uses:
Swift and SwiftUI for modern, performant frontend code
Xcode as the primary development environment
Architectural patterns like MVC, MVVM, or VIPER
If backend development is required, teams might use Firebase, Node.js, or Python frameworks like Django. Integration with third-party SDKs, payment systems, and Apple-specific features (e.g., ARKit, CoreML) is planned here.
Code quality is ensured with version control (usually Git), continuous integration tools like GitHub Actions or Bitrise, and peer code reviews.
Step 4: Testing & Quality Assurance
QA isn’t optional — it’s a fundamental part of the app development process. A professional company uses a combination of manual and automated testing to catch bugs and ensure stability. This includes:
Unit testing with XCTest
UI testing
Regression testing after each sprint
Cross-device and cross-version compatibility testing
Test automation can be done using tools like Appium or Detox. Pre-release builds are distributed via TestFlight for internal and beta testing.
Step 5: Deployment & App Store Submission
The final build is prepared according to Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines. The release process includes:
Metadata preparation (title, description, keywords)
Privacy policies and user consent mechanisms
Screenshots and preview videos
App Store listing optimization
For technical uploading, Apple’s Transporter app is used. Expect the professional team to handle the entire submission process and respond to any reviewer feedback.
Step 6: Post-Launch Support & Maintenance
A real iOS app development company doesn’t disappear after launch. Ongoing maintenance is crucial for app longevity, and includes:
Monitoring performance and crash reports via Firebase Crashlytics
Analytics tracking with Mixpanel or Firebase Analytics
Feature updates, OS compatibility patches, and UI improvements
This phase ensures your app remains functional, secure, and competitive over time.
Step 7: How to Evaluate the Process of an iOS App Development Company
Before you hire, ask questions like:
What tools and methodologies do you use?
Can you show recent case studies?
How do you handle post-launch support?
Look for transparency, documented processes, and clear communication. Avoid companies that can’t show a structured workflow or only offer generic timelines.
Conclusion
From ideation to post-launch support, every stage in the iOS app development process matters. A professional company brings not only coding skills but also strategic insight, design thinking, and process maturity.
If you're ready to build or scale your iOS app, partnering with an experienced team like Shakuro can help turn your vision into a high-performing product — and guide you through every step of the journey.
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