Development of iOS apps calls for a specialized job combining technical ability, industry experience, and great communication abilities. Whether your position is that of a consultant assisting a start-up or a major company, your job is to lead the development team throughout the complexity of creating an iOS app.

Here's how to properly advise on an iOS app development project so the product satisfies customer expectations and business objectives.

1. Appreciating the Project's Reach

Clear knowledge of the project scope is absolutely essential before digging into the specifics of the app. This includes determining the main goals of the app, target audience, salient features, and general corporate direction. The basis for the entire project is set in great part by the first meetings with the client.

Ask questions to compile as much knowledge as you can throughout these conversations. The app seeks to address what issue? Who are the main consumers? Which are the necessary characteristics and which possible future improvements could be made? Understanding the project scope completely will help you to match your mobile app development consulting strategy to the particular requirements of the customer.

2. Defining the User Experience (UX)

One of the most critical aspects of iOS app development is the user experience. As a consultant, it's your job to ensure that the app is not only functional but also easy and enjoyable to use. Start by analysing the user journey—how users will interact with the app from start to finish.

We often see apps that are technically sound but fail to engage users due to poor UX design. Work closely with designers to create wireframes and prototypes that reflect an intuitive flow.

It’s important to consider the unique aspects of the iOS app development company, such as the use of gestures, the importance of smooth animations, and the need for a consistent design language that aligns with Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines.

3. Selecting the Right Technology Stack

Choosing the right technology stack is another crucial decision in iOS app development.

iOS apps are primarily built using Swift, Apple’s modern programming language, although some legacy projects might still use Objective-C. As a consultant, you should guide the development team in choosing the appropriate tools, frameworks, and libraries that align with the project’s needs.

If the app requires real-time data updates, you might recommend integrating Web Sockets or using Combine, Apple’s framework for handling asynchronous events.

If the app is data-heavy, Core Data or Realm might be necessary for efficient data management.

Your role is to provide insights into the best practices and recommend technologies that ensure the app’s performance, scalability, and maintainability.

4. Advising on Best Practices for Development

Consulting on iOS app development also involves advising the team on best practices. This includes coding standards, version control, testing, and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) processes.

By ensuring that these practices are in place, you can help the team avoid common pitfalls and build a more robust app.

Encourage the team to follow Apple’s design and coding guidelines, use Git for version control, and implement unit tests to catch bugs early. Continuous integration tools like Jenkins or GitHub

Actions can automate the build and testing process, ensuring that any changes made to the codebase are automatically tested and validated.

5. Navigating the App Store Submission Process

The App Store submission process can be daunting, especially for those unfamiliar with Apple’s strict guidelines. As a consultant, part of your role is to guide the team through this process, helping them prepare for a smooth submission.

Ensure that the app meets all of Apple’s technical, content, and legal requirements. This includes adhering to the App Store Review Guidelines, which cover everything from app functionality to privacy policies. We also need to prepare all necessary assets, such as app icons, screenshots, and descriptions, ensuring they are optimized for the App Store.

Once the app is submitted, it may take a few days or even weeks to get approval, depending on its complexity and whether it meets Apple’s standards. If the app is rejected, it’s essential to quickly address any issues and resubmit it. Your experience can help navigate these challenges effectively.

6. Providing Ongoing Support and Optimization

iOS app development doesn’t stop once the app is live on the App Store. Continuous support and optimization are key to the app’s long-term success. As a consultant, you should be prepared to offer ongoing advice on updates, bug fixes, and new feature implementations.

Monitor user feedback and analytics to identify areas where the app can be improved. This could involve optimizing the app’s performance, refining the user interface, or adding new features that respond to user needs. Regular updates are also important to keep the app compatible with new versions of iOS and to maintain its ranking in the App Store.

7. Ensuring Security and Compliance

Security is a critical consideration in iOS app development, particularly if the app handles sensitive user data. As a consultant, it’s your responsibility to ensure that the app adheres to best practices in security and complies with relevant regulations, such as GDPR or CCPA.

Advise the development team on implementing secure coding practices, encrypting data, and using Apple’s built-in security features like Keychain for storing sensitive information. Regular security audits and penetration testing can help identify and address vulnerabilities before they become a problem.

8. Facilitating Effective Communication

Effective communication is the backbone of any successful consulting engagement. Keep the lines of communication open between yourself, the development team, and the client. Regular check-ins, status updates, and feedback sessions are crucial to ensure that the project stays on track.

We often see projects go off course due to miscommunication or unclear expectations. By maintaining transparency and actively listening to all stakeholders, you can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that the final product aligns with the client’s vision.

Conclusion

Consulting for iOS app development is a multifaceted role that involves guiding the project from concept to completion.

By focusing on the project scope, user experience, technology stack, and best practices, you can help create an app that meets both business goals and user expectations.

Navigating the App Store submission process, providing ongoing support, and ensuring security are also key aspects of your role. Through effective communication and a hands-on approach, you can contribute significantly to the success of the app.