What are the most commonly used technologies in iOS application design?

iOS applications are a way to effectively harness the potential of the mobile platform used by millions of users worldwide. With its global reach, iOS currently ranks second among the most popular and preferred operating systems for mobile devices. Applications built on this platform are gaining increasing recognition among both B2C consumers and owners of various businesses who see this solution as an opportunity to achieve their business goals efficiently. So, what does the process of creating iOS applications look like? What mobile app design technologies are used in the process?

Creating iOS Applications - Used Technologies

One advantage of iOS that should be noted in the context of developing mobile applications for this system is its shorter programming process. As a result, it is less time-consuming during app testing and quality assurance phases. This is because iOS operates within a closed ecosystem, utilizing a limited number of devices exclusively produced by Apple. These include products such as iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Apple TVs.

When creating the architecture of an iOS application, the widely implemented design pattern called Model-View-Controller (MVC) is commonly used. The specificity of Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture lies in dividing the application into three separate parts: UI, data, and code. At iMakeable, we appreciate this solution as it allows for easier and more efficient iOS application development in the future. Moreover, the division into individual layers also results in better organization of the entire system architecture. The separation of each logical part of the application also means that a change in one place does not require modifications in other areas of the system. This significantly speeds up the work of programmers and shortens the time of application design.

The choice of technology for creating a mobile application on iOS primarily depends on its purpose and the goals it is intended to achieve. We discuss these issues in detail in the initial stage of the project during its specification phase. At that time, we also determine the target device for which the software is to be developed. This decision entails the use of specific platforms and tools. At iMakeable, we design mobile applications for iPhones and Apple Watches using widely recognized IT industry technologies such as Swift and React Native and also ensure iOS app performance optimization.

Swift

We use Swift programming language when our clients want to create a fully native solution dedicated to a specific platform. Swift is an open-source object-oriented programming language developed by Apple to fully support their operating systems. It enables the creation of native iOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and iPadOS applications. Swift is considered a modern replacement for the somewhat outdated Objective-C. It was designed with simplicity in mind, drawing inspiration from languages like Python and Ruby.

Our developers often use Swift technology in their projects because it is characterized by a relatively simple and intuitive code structure and the speed guaranteed by LLVM (Low-Level Virtual Machine), a highly efficient program compilation technology. Swift also offers great flexibility in terms of types, as it can return multiple value types simultaneously, which is not possible in languages like Java or C++. When combined with its high level of safety and automatic memory management, it’s no wonder that Swift is popularly used for writing applications that require significant device-side processing and resource utilization. Therefore, if you have an idea for an innovative digital product on iOS with a high level of complexity, you can be sure that iMakeable will successfully realize this project.

React Native

On the other hand, React Native is a cross-platform framework based on the JavaScript language. We propose cross-platform development technology to clients who want to create dedicated software for multiple platforms simultaneously. React Native framework allows for the development of modern mobile applications that work on both iOS and Android (which still dominates the IT services market). In this case, the programmer writes one code that is translated into native code supported by each platform and then compiled into the appropriate application. This process is made possible through the use of bridges that connect and translate JavaScript elements with native elements. The JavaScript part is responsible for the business logic, functionality, and interface appearance of the iOS application, while the native part and the main thread are responsible for correctly displaying and directly handling user actions.

The ability to compile code into native programming languages is also facilitated by the hot reloading feature, which makes changes visible almost immediately after they are applied. This allows the programmer to create only one code instead of two, resulting in significant time and cost savings (both in terms of iOS application development and its subsequent maintenance). Additionally, using a single codebase for multiple systems speeds up the development workflow. It is worth noting that React Native has a large community, which is also an important aspect when choosing a technology.

Regarding React Native technology, it is important to mention that the exact percentage of shared code depends on the technological advancement of the iOS application being developed. The number of specific elements utilized on each platform also plays a role. In general, it can be stated that the entire process involved in using React Native technology is most efficient for applications with few unique elements. It works exceptionally well for creating MVP versions of digital products and ensures the implementation of mobile development best practices.

Creating applications on iOS is an important aspect of your company’s development, but you are unsure which technology stack for iOS development to choose for this project. As an experienced software house, we use many modern platforms and tools in our work. At the beginning of each collaboration, we spend a lot of time discussing the project specification in detail, during which we propose the optimal technology for the given project. At iMakeable, we always justify the choice of suggested solutions, focusing on the individual needs and business goals of our clients.

Implementing Core Data for Local Storage

Core Data is Apple's tool for handling data storage on iOS. It is used to save and manage local data, especially when your app deals with a lot of information. Moreover, it helps with organizing and managing relationships between different pieces of data. This makes it ideal for apps that need to work offline or process complex data structures efficiently.

Setting Up Core Data in Xcode

Adding Core Data to Your Project

To use Core Data, enable it when starting a new Xcode project. Core Data works with three main parts:

Managed Object Model – defines your app’s data.

Persistent Store Coordinator – connects the app’s data model to storage.

Managed Object Context – the space where data gets created, fetched, or changed.

These elements combine to allow Core Data to work seamlessly within the app, ensuring data is properly handled.

Creating the Data Model

Core Data uses entities and attributes to structure data. For example, you might have a "User" entity with attributes like "name" and "email." You can define these using Xcode’s graphical model editor. Additionally, you can create relationships between entities, like linking users with specific tasks. This makes it easier to organize and access data as your app grows.

Core Data CRUD Operations

Create

To add data to Core Data, create a new object in the Managed Object Context or the NSEntityDescription class. For example, to add a new user, you create an instance of the User entity, set its attributes, and then save the context to store it. This ensures your app data is saved and ready for later use.

Read

Fetching data from Core Data is done using NSFetchRequest. For example, you might want to retrieve all users or filter users by name. This request fetches data that fits your criteria, which you can then use in your app. Fetch requests are flexible and customizable, making it easy to pull only the data you need from Core Data.

Update

Updating data in Core Data follows the same steps as creating. You fetch the object, modify its properties, and save the changes. This updates the stored data and keeps it synced with what’s in memory.

Delete

To delete data, fetch the object you want to remove and call delete(_:) on it. Once removed, you must save the context to finalize the deletion. This process ensures data consistency while removing unnecessary items.

Optimizing Performance with Core Data

Batch Fetching and Background Tasks

When dealing with large datasets, batch fetching retrieves smaller chunks of data at a time. This avoids overloading memory. To further optimize performance, run data operations in the background using a separate context. This keeps the app responsive even while handling heavy data tasks.

Lightweight Migration

If you change your data model over time (like adding new fields), Core Data supports lightweight migration. This feature automatically updates your data without manual migrations.

Indexing and Predicates

For faster queries, Core Data lets you index commonly searched attributes. This improves performance when fetching data. Moreover, predicates help narrow down search results by filtering data more efficiently.