Top iOS Development Languages (2025)

iOS development has seen significant growth in the past few years, resulting in greater relevance for businesses. iOS apps are software designed for Apple devices like iPhones and iPads, and iOS development has true potential in 2025. 

With nearly 2 million apps available on the app store, the Apple iOS ecosystem is the next big thing for app developers. iOS app development spans from native applications to cross-platform solutions, presenting numerous opportunities for innovation. A solid grasp of essential programming languages and development tools is crucial for building iOS apps successfully.

iPhone App Development Languages that you cannot miss

Apple iPhone development is growing and the numbers show that by the end of 2024, the number of mobile internet users worldwide is projected to exceed 4.48 billion. Among them, 1.46 billion are active iPhone users. 

With over 1.836 million apps available on the Apple App Store, it remains a prime opportunity for developers looking to reach this expansive and ever-growing audience.

Top 6 iOS Development Languages

Following are the five iOS development languages that every developer needs to learn in 2025 and beyond. 

• Objective C
• Swift
• C# + Xamarin
• JavaScript + React Native
• Dart + Flutter
• Kotlin

Objective C 

Objective C has been the foundation for many iOS platforms for many years. It is defined as a small set of extensions to the ANSI language. This language has become a legacy choice as it has aged quite a lot but it is still a good option for older databases and supporting iOS devices.

Due to modern times, swift is becoming more popular among the latest devices but Objective C has its value that can not be ignored. 

Swift

Swift is Apple’s modern programming language for all its platforms, backed by Apple’s full support and optimization. Swift is built with safety in mind, offering features like variable initialization, array, and integer overflow checks, and enforced exclusive memory access. 

This ensures efficient memory management without relying on garbage collection. Swift holds the 20th position on the Tiobe Index, demonstrating its sustained relevance even as other programming languages gain popularity.

Xamarin

Xamarin works using C# and stands out as a perfect combo in cross-platform iOS development. C# with Xamarin allows the sharing of codebases across iOS and Android platforms that provide a unified approach to mobile app development. Xamarin has been used in tons of iOS applications such as Taxfyle, Fox Sports, MS Office Suite, and more.

React Native

Meta created React Native in 2013. It is one of the most used iOS development learning tools, used by many developers around the world. 

Using JavaScript with React Native allows for fast development and a shared codebase. It makes a great option for short-term iOS projects and native applications. Most of the new reputable apps, such as Uber Eats, Pinterest, Instagram, and Meta, are built using React Native. 

Flutter

Flutter based on Dart is a product of Google that was released in 2015. It is another platform to create cross-platform applications with stunning & flexible UI within a single codebase. Flutter creates apps faster as the rendering is done similarly on iOS and Android devices. Google Pay and eBay Motors use Flutter to develop their mobile app.

Kotlin

Kotlin Multiplatform enables developers to share code across both iOS and Android apps, though Kotlin is primarily known for Android development. This approach allows for a unified business logic while maintaining platform-specific native UIs.

Also, ideal use cases for Kotlin Multiplatform include applications that demand native UI experiences on both platforms, particularly enterprise-level solutions. Major apps like Netflix and Trello leverage Kotlin for their cross-platform logic.

Factors to Consider when Choosing Your Next iOS Programming Language

When it comes to choosing the best iOS development language, there are a few factors that you need to consider. For instance, you have to consider the project scope, complexity, and expertise of the development team. The language or framework should be aligned with the expertise of your team. However, the following are the factors you need to consider while choosing your future ios development

Expertise

You have to ensure that whichever iOS language you are opting for, your team should know that particular language or framework. For example, if they are good at Flutter then opt for Flutter, if they are good with JavaScript and react native then going with react native will be a much better option.  

For those looking to become iOS developers, Apple’s modern language (Swift) is an excellent language to start. It is beginner friendly and has support of eductaional tools like swift playground. This makes learning more interactive and approachable. However, you have to keep an eye on the project requirements as well.

Project Requirements and Complexity

Project complexity plays a vital role in choosing the programming language. For apps using heavy data processing and advanced functionalities, native iOS development like Objective C or Swift will be a better option. Other than that if the app will not be coming up with too many fancy options then cross-platform iOS development will be your way to go. 

Native vs Cross-platform Application

When selecting a programming language, it’s essential to consider whether to opt for cross-platform or native iOS development. Each approach comes with its own benefits and challenges. Native iOS apps are developed for high-performance and complex applications. On the other hand, cross-platform development enables faster deployment and wider audience reach with a single codebase.

The efficiency and maintenance speed of both development methods depend on the availability of robust tools and a compatible integrated development environment (IDE). Therefore, the choice of programming language should also factor in its ability to handle a large user base without compromising performance.

Future Trends in iOS Development

IT is constantly evolving and iOS development is one of them. Following are the few things that you can expect in iOS development.

Growth in SwiftUI

Apple’s swift UI is becoming a go to choice for many developers out there. It allows the developers to write less code and build flexible user interfaces. Therefore, more people start using swift, we’ll see an increase in developers turning to swiftUI. This trend will help them create apps that works across different devices from iPhone to ipads and Apple watches. 

Also read: Top Mobile App Trends & Technologies in 2025

Integration of Machine Learning

Today, user are looking for more personalized experience from their app and machine learning is a key element for personalization. Therefore, in 2025 and beyond, we can expect to see more AI powered features using coreML (Apple’s machine learning tool) in iOS apps. These will include things like predictive texts, smart recommendations, and facial recognition.

AR/VR and 3D experiences

Apple continues to advance augmented reality (AR) with ARKit, enabling iOS apps to deliver increasingly immersive experiences. AR and VR capabilities will transform industries like retail, education, and gaming, redefining how users interact with digital content.

Kotlin as a New Contender

Kotlin Multiplatform is making strides in cross-platform development by enabling developers to share business logic across iOS and Android. Although its ecosystem is not as large as React Native or Flutter, it is steadily growing and is especially attractive to Android-first developers looking to expand into iOS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to Develop iOS apps on Windows?

Yes, you can develop an iOS app on Windows but there are limitations. At some point, you’ll need a macOS system for fully fledged iOS development.

What can be the average salary of iOS developers

iOS development salary can vary from person to person and region to region but in the United States, an iOS developer can earn somewhere around $132,000 annually. This number can go even higher if you have more experience and expertise. 

How long does it take to develop an iOS app?

Developing an iOS app typically takes between six weeks and three months, though the exact timeframe varies based on factors such as the app’s complexity and included features.

Conclusion

Choosing the right programming language for your career or business depends on your specific requirements and goals. It’s also important to evaluate the language’s priorities and conditions to ensure it aligns with your needs. Also, take a look at the cost breakdown of iOS development in 2025

Now, that you are familiar with the factors of choosing iOS development languages, it’s time to get your iOS mobile app ready. Enorness has a team of developers who specialize in creating super useful apps for iOS and android. Therefore, contact us today and get your mobile app.