In this feature we’re going to look at how to get started in iOS app development. It’s never been easier to get started as an app or game developer – here’s all you need to know in order to develop an iPhone or iPad app and get it on to Apple’s App Store. Plus: Apple cuts app approval process to 24 hours
Apple is making it easier than ever to build iOS apps and games for iPhone and iPad, and even Apple Watch games. Thanks to the company’s Xcode 7 development environment, Swift programming language and tools like Metal, now is a great time to get started with iOS app and game development.
Coding your own app or game may seem like a monumental challenge, but it’s not as difficult as you think. There are a huge range of resources out there that will help you on your way to becoming an app developer or an indie game developer.
There’s a lot to be said for iPhone and iPad app development. Unlike when you’re building a website, you get access to the full features of the iPhone and iPad, and Apple opened up even more of the iPhone and iPad to developers in iOS 8 and iOS 9. More importantly, you can charge money for games. Build a good app, and you could strike gold (or at least make a good living).
How to make an iPhone app: Get started in app development
The following steps will enable you to get started with App Development from the very beginning. If you’ve already got some app development knowledge, you can skip ahead to getting started in game development, or visit our articles on how to learn Swift online and our complete guide to Swift.
How to make an iPhone app: Sign up with Apple Developer Connection
The first thing you need to do is to head over to the Apple Developer Connection and click Member Center and Register. Registering as an Apple developer will give you access to support materials, and enable you to register iOS devices with Apple so they can run your test apps.
You can sign in with your own Apple ID (recommended if you’re a single developer), or you can create an Apple ID just for the developer account (recommended if you are developing for a company).
You don’t have to pay Apple to register as a developer. You can sign up and gain access to all the developer tools for the current retail version of iOS. The basic registration is fine for developing and testing an app, although you will need to sign up with Apple for membership (£69 per year) if you want to sell apps. Apple Developer Membership also give you access to beta versions of software such as iOS 9 and Xcode 7.
How to make an iPhone app: Have a plan before you create your app or game
Before you dive into any app development, it’s important to plan out the app. While there isn’t any set way to build a plan for the app, here are some things you (and any other people involved) should put in writing:
- The goal. What is the app ultimately designed to do? Keep it as simple and to the point as possible, The Camera app takes photos, enables simple edits, and shares them. The Music app plays music from iTunes Match (or synced with iTunes). Write down a single sentence that describes what the app does.
- The Scope. Agree on all the features that the app is going to include. Beware of feature creep (putting in too many new ideas) as you go. Decide what features are in, and what are out, before you start.
- Theme and strategy. What are the app’s theme and strategy going to be like? Is it a happy, friendly app, or a stark and efficient business tool? Decide on your marketing strategy, and ensure that the app style matches your strategy up front.
- Sketch out the interface. You need to sketch out each display and map out the interaction of each button.
- Gather assets. Apple provides a lot of stock buttons and icons (you should use these) but you will need logos, graphics and maybe audio assets.
Think about the technologies you need. Can you just get by on Xcode and the App Store? Or will the app need server and other technologies? You need to think this through first.
