Tag Archive for: iOS mobile apps

iPhone App Development: Why You Should Partner With A Studio?

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Apple has built one of the most prestigious smartphone brands in the industry — the iPhone. The first generation iPhone launched in 2007, and after multiple iterations of the product — and 17 years later — over 2.6 billion iPhones have sold worldwide. Undoubtedly, this makes it one of the most popular smartphones in existence. And why so many individuals and businesses are interested in iPhone app development.

But should you develop apps for the iPhone, and can you handle this yourself? Over 1.8 million paid and free apps are in the App Store, estimated to generate approximately US$112 billion during 2024. Thus, it’s a highly competitive market with plenty of opportunities to generate huge returns with the right app strategy. However, you shouldn’t tackle this market alone unless you’ve partnered with a trusted app development studio.

One of the main reasons why you don’t want to go at it alone is that navigating the iOS development landscape is tricky. It requires an excellent grasp of all the latest development tools, frameworks, and methodologies, which Apple constantly updates. You’ll likely make several costly mistakes, especially if you don’t have any prior experience with iOS or app development in general.  

If you’re looking for a studio to partner with, consider NS804, an award-winning mobile app developer. We started our studio in 2012 and have completed over 100 apps for brands, businesses, and appreneurs. Furthermore, we specialize in building native mobile apps for iOS and Android, making us an ideal iPhone app development partner.

We understand that this doesn’t cover enough ground on the matter. Below, we reveal everything you should know about iOS development, its benefits, and what NS804 can offer you.

Is It More Beneficial To Develop For iOS Than Android?

If you want to release your app in North America, Norway, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia, it’s a sensible choice to target iOS over Android. That’s because there are more iPhone users in these territories than Android users. However, Android enjoys an increased market share in wealthy Western European countries like France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Therefore, if you need international reach, you should still target Android. If there are budget constraints, build your iOS app first and see how it does in the local market. And if it does reasonably well, you can forge ahead with the Android build. One of the key benefits of the Android platform is that there are many third-party app stores, especially in Asian territories. So, if you want to target the massive Chinese app market, you’ll have no choice but to release it on Android.

While handling a build for one version of your app is challenging, two drastically increases that challenge. That’s especially true if you require native mobile versions for iOS and Android since this will result in better performance, consistent user interface (UI), and user experience. Furthermore, you’ll need to localize your app for each territory you target and optimize each app store’s page to increase organic searches.

There’s plenty of work involved and many potential roadblocks that can impede the progress of your app project. Now, you understand why we mentioned earlier that you shouldn’t tackle this alone. When you partner with NS804, we’ll help you every step of the way.

Whether you begin with Android or iPhone app development, we’ll guide you through every phase, from planning, development, and release. If necessary, we’ll also assist with the post-release phase, which includes maintaining and updating your app. 

Is The iPhone A Good Platform For A Mobile Game?

Apple has always had a reputation for treating gaming as the poor stepchild of the family. However, the iOS platform unlocked plenty of opportunities for mobile game developers and even for some of the larger players in the industry. So, that’s a big yes from us. You should consider building a game for the iPhone, especially if you want to tap into its popular subscription service — Apple Arcade.

Apple Arcade isn’t only for iPhones but is available across all iOS and macOS (Catalina or later) devices. And if you take advantage of Game Center (a social network specifically for gaming), you can build deep and meaningful multiplayer experiences that work across multiple Apple platforms.

What’s great about this is that macOS users can engage and play with iPhone users in real-time. The matchmaking feature in Game Center will connect users for real-time or turn-based play sessions and match users based on their skill levels and other parameters.

While Game Center and the GameKit framework make life easier from a development standpoint, implementing robust network functionality always proves challenging. There’s nothing worse for users who want to play their favorite iOS game only to experience server connection issues, login errors, and crashes. But that’s more common than you’d think because some developers overlook their network code and fail to follow best practices.

That’s why, even if you attempt to build a simple iPhone game, consider working with a reputable studio. NS804 has experience developing fun and engaging games like Bat Flaps, Trivia Monsters, and Qwest Giver. But even if you only want gamification features in your next iPhone app development endeavor, we can assist with their implementation. 

What Are The Benefits Of The iPhone App Development Environment?

Apple imposes stringent rules for developers who wish to submit their app for review and entry into the App Store. Undoubtedly, this is a good thing for users, as they will enjoy a certain quality threshold often lacking in competing app stores. Thus, developers must work harder to gain entry into Apple’s well-controlled yet lucrative walled garden.

As you can figure by now, cutting corners is a big no-no if you wish to have a long and successful iPhone app development career. But it’s also comforting to know that Apple has taken steps to make the development process less arduous, as follows:

  • Modern programming language: In 2014, Apple introduced Swift as an upgrade to the aging Objective-C language. The advantage Swift brings to the table is more maintainable, safer code that’s easier to write. Many developers prefer to use Swift because it speeds up the development process.
  • Excellent frameworks: Apple has introduced several frameworks that facilitate smoother development and allow developers to tap into the iPhone’s latest features. The only downside with these frameworks is there’s often a learning curve to utilize them to their full potential. Several popular frameworks include GameKit, SwiftUI, XCFramework, and many more.  
  • Service integrations: Apple offers several world-beating services like Apple Pay, Apple Maps, and Apple Fitness. Many users also love using Siri, the privacy-conscious digital assistant that responds to user requests with human-like responses. Apple’s tightly integrated development environment makes it easy for developers to include any of these services in their apps. 

How To Create Stunning Visuals For An iPhone App?

Take a peek at the App Store, and you’ll see many modern iOS apps that look visually striking. The latest iPhone models are significantly more powerful than those of previous generations. Consider that the Apple A17 Pro (the SoC within the iPhone 15 Pro) includes a 6-core graphics processing unit (GPU) capable of hardware ray tracing — a feature only available on powerful desktop GPUs and gaming laptops until now.

But to take advantage of the extra grunt the latest iPhones offer, you must use the relevant application programming interfaces (APIs). To create the best possible visuals for your next app, you must use Apple’s proprietary Metal API. It’s similar to Microsoft’s DirectX and the Khronos Group’s Vulkan, so it allows developers low-level access to the GPU but only on Apple devices.

When you become familiar with Metal, you’ll be in that rarified position to create and manipulate 2D and 3D graphics effortlessly. You can also use its built-in shading language to create exciting special effects that won’t look out of place in a big-budget CGI movie. However, the shading language is based on C++14, a programming language renowned for its complexity and steep learning curve.  

Therefore, to become a well-rounded iOS app developer, it’s best to know Swift, Objective-C, and C++14. But that may be too much for a busy appreneur or business leader who only wishes to release an iOS app that looks great. Instead, consider partnering with NS804, and we’ll handle all the complex aspects of iPhone app development for you. 

The Bottom Line

Targeting the iOS platform to release exciting apps for the iPhone is a worthwhile endeavor for any appreneur or organization. iPhones will continue to sell well globally, increasing the user base and the demand for new apps. Contact NS804 today to learn how we can help you create the perfect iPhone app!

What You Need To Know About Alternative iOS App Stores

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If there’s one thing that Apple has done exceptionally well — it’s to lock down its ecosystem — especially the App Store. Unlike how things work on Android, there are no alternative iOS app stores that come close to what’s available on Android. Apple has taken this hard-nosed approach to ensure a consistent and secure experience for App Store users.

While we can’t necessarily blame Apple for taking this approach, it does seem a little shortsighted. On the positive end of the spectrum, the App Store does offer a more secure, privacy-focused, and quality-driven environment than anything on Android. But on the negative side, this does limit where users can download their apps and what they can and cannot do with their devices.

One of the perks of being an Android user is the sheer freedom to download apps from several digital storefronts. It’s also easy to sideload apps, allowing developers to share Android apps via their websites or email. In many ways, the Android experience isn’t much different from that of a Windows PC, where users can access apps from various sources.

But this level of freedom also presents some risks, like the transmission of malware, viruses, and botnet miners. The latter targets a user’s digital wallet to steal cryptocurrency, which is becoming a more common scenario.

Undoubtedly, all this sounds extremely scary, and some will side with Apple’s approach of locking everything down. So, does this mean we won’t see any alternative iOS app stores pop up anytime soon? No, because alternatives are on their way. Below, we’ll delve deeper into this matter and outline several ways you can access apps outside the App Store.

Why Are Alternative iOS App Stores Necessary?

We only need to look at how Android users benefit from having alternatives to Google Play to understand the appeal. While Google Play does a stellar job of vetting developers and their apps, users often feel limited. That may sound strange, considering there were over 2.43 million apps on Google Play at the end of 2023, according to Statista.

But it’s not that Google Play has a quantity problem. As massive as it is, it just can’t fulfill the needs of all its users. There are app niches that only alternative stores seem to handle well.

For example, those who seek free and open-source apps built from libraries that don’t track users prefer to download their Android apps from F-Droid. What this store does so well is provide its users with full access to the source code of their apps from a repository. F-Droid compiles the apps from the publicly available code. However, you can build these apps alone, provided you sign the APK files with your key.

The entire process is very similar to how the source code of apps is verified and later compiled on Linux systems. It seems complicated and additional work for the user, but it exemplifies the open nature of F-Droid and the Android ecosystem.

An alternative gaming digital storefront where it’s easy to grab free and experimental indie games is itch.io. It’s a multiplatform site offering Android and iOS downloads, but only with a link to the App Store for the latter. Android titles are available as standalone APKs or via Google Play.

Many Android gaming sites in Asia offer NSFW gaming experiences. Due to the risqué nature of some of these titles, it’s unlikely that Google Play will ever offer them for download.

What Alternative iOS App Stores Existed During The Early Days Of The Platform?

The early days of iOS saw the debut of several unofficial alternative iOS app stores. On February 28, 2008, Jay Ryan Freeman, aka saurik — released Cydia for jailbroken iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad range of devices. While Cydia isn’t necessarily an app store in the true sense of the term, it does have digital distribution functionality.

Cydia is an advanced package manager that allows users to browse and download apps from a repository. These apps aren’t available on the App Store and are mostly free, with a few for sale.

While a Cydia Store that accepted payments via Amazon payments and PayPal became a reality, the developer reportedly terminated the store after experiencing issues with PayPal’s token authorization. On December 16, 2018, the Cydia Store ceased to operate, and the last stable version of Cydia made it to market on June 24, 2020.  

A more accessible alternative to Cydia is AppEven. Several advantages AppEven has over Cydia are that it’s easier to use and install, no Apple ID is necessary, and jailbreaking is not required. Furthermore, AppEven was known to run on iOS 9 through 13, but now it runs on all iOS versions.

It’s possible to download modified and paid apps for free from AppEven. Unsurprisingly, Apple doesn’t endorse alternative iOS app stores like AppEven and likely never will. Apple continuously revokes the certification of AppEven and the apps available through it, so it’s not possible to enjoy the smooth functioning of these apps without workarounds.

How Flash Gave iOS Users More Avenues To Discover Great Content? 

Another avenue for iOS users to access apps — particularly games — outside the App Store was via the many Flash game portals. Sites like Armor Games, Kongregate, and Newgrounds hosted some of the most creative Flash games by small developers.

But what was so special about Flash? Flash, a platform owned by Adobe, made it easy for indie developers to realize their game ideas and other creative endeavors. The accessibility of Flash was due to its programming language, ActionScript, an easy-to-learn interpreted language that ran within the Adobe Flash Player.

Released as a web plug-in, the Adobe Flash Player allowed users to enjoy games and other multimedia content in the browser. Undeniably, it was one of the most versatile cross-platform technologies available. It was also one of the few technologies that lived up to the write once, run anywhere (WORA) paradigm.

Thus, Flash games could run on a desktop PC, an Android smartphone, and any iOS device, provided there was a browser with the Adobe Flash Player plug-in. But not everyone was happy with this, especially not the late Steve Jobs. 

Why Steve Jobs’s Open Letter Killed Flash?

On April 29, 2010, the Apple co-founder and CEO made several scathing remarks about Flash in an open letter. Steve Jobs lamented the poor battery performance, security issues, and redundant nature of Flash in light of modern alternatives. Of course, given Steve Jobs’s prominent position in the tech industry, everyone took notice. After the open letter, there was a slow-going shift away from Flash. 

On January 12, 2021, Adobe began blocking all Flash content from running in the Flash Player and requested that users remove it from their systems. It’s sad to see the sunsetting of a technology that helped game developers and creatives build their careers. But Flash still lives on thanks to the Ruffle emulator, which runs natively on modern platforms and features a high degree of ActionScript compatibility. 

Nevertheless, the open letter by Steve Jobs changed the trajectory of Flash forever. Apple users soon lost several avenues to discover and enjoy content outside the App Store. Many Flash developers soon shifted to HTML5 and WebGL game development, but some of the magic and camaraderie of the Flash community was gone. 

Why Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) Caused Backlash?

Until now, the chances of legitimate alternative iOS app stores hitting the market were dire — and that’s putting things lightly. Apple had no plans to allow these stores on its platforms due to security and privacy concerns. But things will soon change due to pressure from advocacy groups, developers, and the European Commission.

Apple already faced scrutiny because of its policies on PWAs. Many developers and businesses that want to bypass the App Store will create and distribute PWAs. Developers build these using web-based technologies and languages like CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. Once built, the PWA is distributed on web servers and accessed via HTTPS.

That means any developer or business can distribute PWAs directly on their websites. The user will access the website with a desktop or a mobile browser. And with only a few clicks or taps, the user will download and install the PWA on their device. The process is so frictionless that it’s usually faster to download and install a PWA than an app from the App Store.

Furthermore, PWAs appear on the Home Screen with functionality like persistent authentication and notifications. It’s also common for PWAs to use fewer resources than native apps, which is advantageous for developers or businesses that want to distribute simple page-based apps.

Apple restricted PWAs from appearing on the Home Screen during the second beta release of iOS 17.4. However, there was some backlash from the Open Web Advocacy group and the European Commission, causing Apple to ease its stance on PWAs. Apple will now allow PWAs to appear on the Home Screen, provided developers use WebKit and adopt best practices as those for iOS native apps.

When Will Alternative iOS App Stores Be Available?

On March 6, 2024, the European Union (EU) implemented the Digital Markets Act (DMA), requiring Apple to let users install third-party stores and browsers. But this regulation only applies in EU countries and from iOS 17.4 onwards. Unfortunately, this comes at a cost to EU users who wish to use PWAs, as Apple will remove support for these in the region.

The introduction of alternative iOS app stores that closely mimic the stores on Android appears slim. Since Android runs on devices from different manufacturers, it’s common practice for each manufacturer to have an official app store. For example, Samsung has the Galaxy Store, Huawei has the AppGallery, and Xiaomi has the GetApps store.

Another big player in the Android space is Amazon, which has branded Android-compatible devices like the Fire range of tablets and TV sticks. Amazon serves users with apps and games via the Amazon Appstore, which runs on Android, Fire OS, and Windows 11 devices.

In a nutshell, many leading alternative Android app stores are so big and mature that anything similar will not appear for iOS. But iOS users can expect smaller app stores similar to APKMirror, APKPure, and Aptoide. There are also many game-specific Android stores and HTML5 game portals that may pursue the iOS EU market.

Will Third-Party iOS App Stores Appear In North America?

Apple has not revealed any plans for alternative iOS stores for the North American market. And it’s doubtful that Apple will change its position on this matter as it did with the EU.

But is this a hopeless situation for North American iOS users who crave alternative stores? Not necessarily, as rumors abound that Epic Games, the developer behind Fortnite, may push forward with an alternative store. While it’s purely speculative now, Epic Games is one of the few companies willing to land a hard blow on Apple’s tightly controlled ecosystem.

It’s no secret that Epic Games filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple back in 2020. The game developer accused Apple of taking anti-competitive and unlawful steps against users by necessitating them to use the App Store exclusively. Epic Games also claims that the App Store charges a 30% commission on all in-app purchases, and why Epic Games attempted to make Fortnite available outside the App Store.

Unfortunately, this move caused Apple to block Fortnite on the App Store. But users can play an older version of Fortnite natively or the current version via cloud gaming channels. Epic Games recently announced they will bring their game store and Fortnite to the EU for iOS devices. While there’s no news of an American store for iOS, some tech insiders and enthusiasts claim that it will appear in the foreseeable future. 

In Conclusion

Alternative iOS app stores are on their way, at least in the EU. While this is a positive first step, it would be great to see a similar move in North America and other territories. 

However, we understand Apple’s concerns about protecting user data and privacy and providing a consistent user experience across the board. A locked-down ecosystem isn’t necessarily a negative if users and developers see the value. Contact NS804 today to learn how we can help you build high-quality iOS apps that run natively!

App Store Submissions For iOS Developers (2024 Guide)

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The App Store is undoubtedly one of the most successful digital storefronts ever conceived. And that’s proven by a barrage of App Store submissions, ultimately leading to approximately 36 billion iOS mobile downloads in 2024. Interestingly, Google Play’s 129 billion mobile app downloads overwhelmingly surpass the App Store’s download figures. But that’s due to the higher number of Android devices in circulation. 

Even with this notable difference, no appreneur, business leader, or developer should ignore the iOS marketplace. Consumers in the US and Western European territories prefer iPhones over all the Android alternatives. The brand recognition, better security, and premium quality of iPhones have won over these consumers over the long haul. 

Furthermore, App Store users spend more on apps via in-app purchases, premium app purchases, and subscriptions. Whether we like it or not, iOS users are significantly more valuable to appreneurs and businesses than their Android-using counterparts. Unfortunately, this has led to a degree of elitism within Apple’s user base, but it’s best to ignore this sentiment and focus on what it takes to succeed in the App Store. 

Creating a marketable and high-quality iOS app should always take precedence. It’s usually your second step after planning your app or your third step if you’ve already built a prototype or minimum viable product (MVP). 

But what do you do once you’ve completed your app — do you hand it over to Apple and call it a day? No, App Store submissions are a more complicated affair requiring about as much professionalism, foresight, and dedication as your app development procedures. You can’t cut corners if you want to enjoy a smooth submission process in 2024, so we’ve compiled this handy guide to help you succeed with your iOS app launches.

Why Are App Store Submissions So Important? 

Apple built its reputation by delivering a computing experience that often exceeds anything similar by rivals. The computing giant’s world-beating product design and no-nonsense approach to quality leave many competitors far behind or trying to emulate the Apple formula. In most cases, these competitors fail since Apple has amassed the resources and top talent to remain in the lead.

But Apple hasn’t set the bar high only for itself and the industry; it has set the bar high for you as well. If you want to partake in the Apple ecosystem — especially the highly lauded App Store — bring your A-game to make it worthwhile. While the App Store was once a place for newbie developers to launch their careers or try out all sorts of quirky app ideas, this is no longer the case. 

Like many popular digital storefronts, the App Store has no shortage of apps of varying quality. As is the trend with most app releases, the higher-quality apps do better while their low-effort counterparts languish behind.

Inevitably, the more successful apps bring home more revenue, which also benefits Apple since it charges a 30% commission on in-app purchases and subscriptions. However, Apple offers other rates for small businesses and the European Union (EU). In either case, Apple earns more from its chart-topping apps like Roblox, TikTok, and Uber. 

Not every iOS app will set the App Store charts on fire, and Apple doesn’t necessarily expect this from developers. But it does expect them to meet their significantly stringent app review guidelines. The App Store is much more curated than rival storefronts, so iOS developers must meet a certain quality threshold when making App Store submissions. 

Why It’s A Prerequisite To Join The Apple Developer Program? 

Apple wants you to deliver your best work, so they’ve created the Apple Developer Program to help you with all the ins and outs of the development process. Enrolling in this program is mandatory if you want to develop for Apple’s platforms and release your apps on the App Store. There’s an annual fee involved that will set you back US$99. Apple also offers a program for enterprises for a fee of US$299 per annum.

Do note that enrolling in this program is legally binding, and Apple expects the following from you:

  • Apple ID with two-factor authentication activated.
  • Full legal name and address, and you must be of legal age.
  • Provide a D-U-N-S Number if you enroll as an organization.
  • Your organization must be a legal entity and have a publicly visible website under a domain name registered with your company.  

What Are The Benefits Of The Apple Developer Program?   

Apart from allowing you to make App Store submissions, membership will grant you access to the following tools: 

  • The latest operating system (OS) betas and software development kits (SDKs): iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS.
  • Apple’s proprietary integrated development environment (IDE): Xcode. 
  • Additional tools to facilitate quicker and easier development: CreateML, Reality Composer, and Xcode Cloud.

The Apple Developer Program also includes the following services for better app integration and a more meaningful user experience (UX): 

  • AirPlay: Allows users to stream across all their Apple devices. 
  • CloudKit: Access Apple’s iCloud service to store all your app’s data.
  • Core ML: Easily implement the latest machine learning (ML) models into your iOS app.
  • DeviceCheck: This helps keep the services running on your app and devices safe from bad actors. 
  • Face ID and Touch ID: Allows users to access your app with safety and usability in mind.
  • Handoff: Allows users to work uninterrupted when moving from one Apple device to another. 
  • HealthKit: This feature regularly provides users with the most up-to-date fitness data on their iPhone and Apple Watch devices. 
  • HomeKit and Matter: Users can control all connected devices in their homes. 
  • In-App Purchase and Subscriptions: By implementing the StoreKit framework, it’s possible to unlock additional app features and content when users pay. 
  • Push Notifications: Inform users of the latest content updates and events to retain or increase engagement. 
  • Sign in with Apple: Make app and website access simpler for users by allowing them to sign in with their Apple IDs. 
  • System Extensions and DriverKit: Enhance app functionality and security with Apple’s wide range of extensions. 
  • WeatherKit: This handy framework lets users access up-to-date information to help them stay safe during rapidly changing and adverse weather conditions. 

What To Check Before Making App Store Submissions?

To ensure that all your App Store submissions proceed smoothly, be sure to follow the points in this checklist: 

  • Rigorously and regularly test your app for any bugs and crashes.
  • Provide accurate and comprehensive app information and metadata before submitting. 
  • Keep your contact details current so the App Review team can contact you when necessary. 
  • Ensure that the App Review team has full access to your app, so provide a demo account if it relies on having an account to access features. 
  • All your app’s backend services must be live when under review.
  • Provide additional documentation to detail all your app’s more advanced or cryptic features. 
  • Regularly refer to Apple’s development, design, and brand and marketing guidelines to ensure your app complies with all these. 
  • If you’re a European developer, review the guidelines and notarization for iOS apps in the EU. 

Which Safety Rules Does The App Store Enforce?

The App Store places user safety and satisfaction front and center. Thus, objectionable content of any kind isn’t welcome. To avoid failed App Store submissions, be sure to comply with the following rules: 

  • Don’t add discriminatory, distasteful, or offensive content to your app. Be mindful of any content that aims to harm, humiliate, or defame users of any specific race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnic group. 
  • Avoid content that aims to shock and disgust users. 
  • Cut out any realistic or overly violent scenes from your iOS app or mobile game. 
  • Pornographic imagery of any sort is unacceptable, and so are any so-called hookup apps that lead to exploitation, human trafficking, and prostitution. 
  • Provocative and falsified religious messaging is not allowed. 
  • No depictions of illegal behavior, drug usage, or dangerous use of weapons must appear in your iOS app or mobile game. 
  • Never submit an app with false features or information or attempt to trick or defraud users. If your app tries to prank users via calls or the SMS/MMS messaging features, then the App Review team will reject it. 
  • Don’t submit an app to profit from human suffering due to wars, terrorism, and pandemics. 
  • If your app relies on user-generated content (USG), make it easy to filter and block abusive users and objectionable content. Be sure to publish your contact details so users can notify you of any related issues.
  • If you’re creating a children’s app, you may submit it for the Kids Category under specific conditions. Your app must not entice children to make purchases or have any external links. 
  • As an iOS developer, you must protect user data and disclose which third parties you partner with that collect user data.

Why Performance Matters During App Store Submissions?

The App Review team first looks at the overall completeness of your iOS app. So, you must submit a fully functional app that includes all metadata, even during the pre-order phase. If you submit a demo, ensure that it fully showcases the functionality of the finished product. Never submit an app with placeholder content, text, and non-existent app and company website links. 

The overall performance of your iOS app is another aspect that the App Review team will scrutinize. To ensure you submit a relatively polished and bug-free app, you must beta test regularly before releasing it officially on the App Store. Use Apple’s excellent TestFlight SDK for beta testing, and ensure that you submit these builds to TestFlight App Review.

Keep in mind that you’re not permitted to offer any form of compensation to beta testers. Also, you may not release your iOS app to the public during the TestFlight process. 

A big part of App Store submissions includes the correct and accurate completion of app metadata. Never leave this task to the last minute, as there’s plenty of metadata you must carefully evaluate and complete. You must include an app description, privacy information, screenshots, and previews accurately showcasing your app’s core features.

Every time you update your app, you must include new metadata that reflects these changes. Never misrepresent your app and its features in any way, as you risk being banned from the Apple Developer Program if you’re deemed untrustworthy.

Be sure to test your app on several iOS devices to determine whether it runs well on a wide range of Apple hardware. Moreover, ensure that your app runs smoothly on the latest version of the OS (currently iOS and iPadOS 17). 

Which Factors Will Impact Approval Of An iOS App? 

The App Review team will expect your iOS app to fulfill the following criteria:

  • Smooth functionality: Your iOS app must perform flawlessly and work as detailed by the notes and documentation you provide. 
  • Overall usability: Ensure that your iOS app complies with the Human Interface Guidelines set by Apple. The App Review team wants to see a well-designed user interface (UI) with consistency on every page of your app. 
  • App accessibility: Make your iOS app usable for those with disabilities. 
  • Easy navigation: Use recognizable UI elements for the buttons, tabs, and gesture controls of your app. New and longtime iOS users should feel right at home when running your app for the first time. 
  • Satisfactory performance: Your iOS app must load quickly and be responsive at all times, regardless if it’s running on newer or older devices. Ensure that your app keeps battery drainage and memory usage to a minimum to avoid rejection by the App Review team. 
  • Tight security: Ensure that your iOS app complies with Apple’s guidelines regarding app permissions, data encryption, and privacy. 
  • Legal compliance: Your iOS app must comply with all relevant regulations, copyright, and trademark laws in your region. In some cases, laws applicable in other territories may impact your app, so seek legal advice if necessary. 

In Conclusion

If you closely follow the pointers we’ve provided, your App Store submissions should go smoothly in 2024 and beyond. Expect to hear back from the App Review team in about 48 hours after you submit your app. On the off chance of a rejection, the App Review team will provide feedback and guidance on what you need to fix before submitting again. 

But you can make life easier for yourself by partnering with a reputable mobile app studio. Contact NS804 today to learn how we’ll help you create iOS apps that will please the reviewers and your users! 

6 Most Popular Mobile App Categories for iOS 2024

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The mobile app industry has grown by leaps and bounds, becoming an integral part of the lives of billions of people worldwide. With the proliferation of the internet and the interconnectivity of digital devices, the mobile app marketplace is becoming a ubiquitous part of our everyday life. The growth of the mobile app industry has also been propelled by high-speed internet, smartphone penetration, and changing consumer preferences. All these factors continue to define and influence how users interact and engage with mobile apps.

In the vast space of mobile apps, understanding the different categories of mobile apps and their uses is critical, especially for IOS users. Apple’s IOS ecosystem encompasses a wide range of apps, from gaming apps to productivity applications that define how we work. Most importantly, exploring this vast array of mobile app options can be overwhelming, making it necessary for mobile app users to discern which app categories align with their requirements and preferences. By gaining knowledge of emerging app categories, users can know the trending app categories and make informed decisions regarding app usage.

6 Most Popular Mobile App Categories for iOS 2024

Now, here are 6 most popular mobile app categories for IOS 2024:

1. Gaming Apps

One popular mobile app category is gaming. Gaming stands as an undisputed king in the mobile app marketplace, commanding a substantial share of revenues, innovation, and user engagement. The allure of immersive gaming experiences combined with the portability and accessibility of smartphones has propelled mobile apps to the forefront of mobile app consumption. Most importantly, with millions of titles spanning various styles and genres, the gaming category continues to dominate in-app purchases and app categories. Thus, this helps drive substantial revenues for platform owners and developers alike.

Trends Shaping the Gaming Landscape on iOS

The IOS gaming landscape is continuously changing driven by trends that reflect changing consumer preferences, technological advancement, and industry dynamics. One popular trend is the rise of hyper-casual games characterized by short-play sessions, simple mechanics, and a broad appeal. These lightweight games have garnered widespread attention and popularity. In short, they attract casual gamers and fuel rapid growth in ad-supported revenue models.

In addition, the convergence of gaming with augmented reality and virtual reality has unlocked new dimensions of interactivity and immersion on IOS devices. AR-enabled games leverage the device’s camera and sensors to overlay digital elements into the real world while VR games transport players into a virtual world, blurring the line between fantasy and reality. Again, these emerging technologies are redefining and reshaping gaming experiences. They’re offering and unlocking new opportunities for engagement and innovation.

Furthermore, the emergence of multiplayer and social gaming experiences underscores the importance of social interaction and community in modern gaming. From competitive battles to cooperative missions, multiplayer games enable players to collaborate, connect, and compete with strangers and friends alike. Thus, they help foster a sense of camaraderie and competition within the virtual space.

2. Social Networking Apps

Another popular mobile app category is social networking apps. Social networking apps have become an integral part of our lives, transforming how we communicate, interact, and share experiences. In addition, these apps transcend physical boundaries, allowing individuals to interact and engage freely and express themselves creatively. From networking with professionals to connecting with old friends, social networking apps have permeated nearly every aspect of our daily lives. Thus, they help shape how we interact with others and how we perceive one another.

Notable Features of Social Networking Apps on IOS

Over the years social networking apps on IOS have undergone a massive transformation, incorporating new features and capabilities to enrich user experiences. These apps have evolved into multi-faceted hubs of social interaction and content consumption. From the integration of multimedia sharing such as photos and videos to the integration of real-time messaging and live-streaming.

In addition, advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning have propelled mobile apps to deliver personalized experiences like user recommendations, targeted advertisements, and curated content that’s tailored to each user’s interests and preferences. In addition, these intelligence algorithms interpret user behavior, social connections, and user preferences. They help enhance content relevance and improve engagement thereby enriching the overall user experiences.

IOS updates and enhancements have played a fundamental role in shaping the evolution of social networking features. These enhacements provide developers with access to APIs, technologies, and frameworks to innovate and iterate on their platforms. Most importantly, Apple’s ecosystem offers a robust foundation for building immersive and engaging social media experiences. From native support to features like notifications and widgets to IOS integration with third parties.

3. Entertainment Apps

Another popular mobile app category is entertainment. Entertainment apps play a pivotal role in delivering a wide array of multimedia content to users. These content range from TV shows to streaming movies, reading books, and playing games. These platforms serve as digital hubs for entertainment, offering on-demand access to an expansive catalog of content across various formats and genres. By leveraging advanced media technology and a high-speed internet connection, entertainment apps transform smartphones and tablets into portable centers of entertainment. Thus, this enables users to enjoy their favorite movies, books, and games, anywhere and anytime. Whether it’s discovering new music, binge-watching a TV series, or immersing oneself in interactive storytelling, entertainment apps cater to a wide range of preferences and interests.

Popular Entertainment Apps Available on IOS in 2024

  • Netflix. Renowned for its vast library of movies, TV shows, and documentaries, Netflix remains a dominant force in the streaming industry. That’s because it offers a seamless viewing experience on IOS devices with features like offline downloads and personalized recommendations.
  • Spotify. With millions of podcasts, songs, and playlists at users’ fingertips, Spotify is a leading music streaming platform on IOS. It provides a curated audio experience tailored to individual tastes and preferences.
  • Kindle. Amazon’s Kindle app allows IOS users to access a vast selection of audiobooks, e-books, and digital magazines. In addition, it helps transform their devices into portable libraries for learning and reading on the go.
  • Twitch. As a premier destination for gaming content and streaming on the go, Twitch enables IOS users to interact and watch their favorite esports channels, games, and sports in real-time. As a result, this helps foster a vibrant community of enthusiasts and creators alike.
  • Apple Arcade. Apple’s subscription gaming services allow and offer a curated collection of premium games for IOS users, fostering a vibrant community of creators and enthusiasts alike.

These entertainment apps exemplify the diverse range of experiences and content available to IOS users, spanning multiple genres, platforms, and algorithms. Whether it’s streaming movies, listening to music, playing games, or reading books, entertainment apps on IOS offer something for everyone. Thus, these apps enrich the digital lifestyle and enhancing the leisure experience in the palm of your hand.

4. Productivity Apps

Another popular mobile app category are productivity apps. In recent years, there has been a shift in using mobile apps as productivity tools. Whether it’s collaborating on projects, managing schedules, or staying organized on the go, smartphones and tablets have become indispensable companies for modern-day students, professionals, and individuals alike. Hence, the increasing portability, versatility, and connectivity of mobile devices empower users to stay productive from virtually anywhere. Additionally, this capability blurs the lines between work and leisure.

Features of Productivity Apps Enhancing Efficiency on iOS

Productivity apps on IOS boast a myriad of features designed to enhance efficiency, optimize work management, and enhance overall efficiency. Most importantly, these features leverage the capabilities of IOS devices, including powerful hardware, intuitive user interface, and seamless integration with other services and apps. As a result, this helps deliver a cohesive and productive user experience.

Some common features of productivity apps include:

  • Cloud synchronization. Many productivity apps offer seamless integration with cloud services such as iCloud, Dropbox, and Google Drive. In addition, these apps allow users to access their data and files across multiple platforms and through different devices, ensuring continuity and collaboration.
  • Task management. From to-do lists and reminders to Kanban boards and project timelines, productivity apps provide robust tools for setting priorities, organizing tasks, and tracking progress. This empowers users to stay focused and on track.
  • Calendar integration. Integration with calendar apps allows users to manage events seamlessly, set deadlines, and schedule appointments. Again, this helps ensure efficient time management and avoid scheduling conflicting appointments.
  • Collaboration tools. Collaboration features like real-time editing, file-sharing, and commenting help facilitate communication and teamwork. Further, this enables remote collaboration and enhancing productivity in group projects.
  • Automation and shortcuts. Customizable shortcuts and automation features enable users to automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and boost productivity. In short, all this is done by reducing manual effort and saving time.

Popular productivity apps in IOS include Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, Trello, Notion, and Evernote. While Evernote is a versatile note-taking app that allows users to capture, organize, and synchronize notes; the Microsoft Office suite encompasses apps like PowerPoint, Excel, and OneDrive.

5. Health and Fitness

A popular mobile app category are health and fitness apps. In recent years, there has been a notable surge in interest and awareness in health and fitness among IOS users, reflecting a broader societal shift in prioritizing wellness. With increasing access to information, resources, and technologies, IOS users are becoming more proactive in managing their health and adopting healthier lifestyles. The growing awareness of health and fitness among IOS users is influenced by a wide range of factors. For instance, these factors include soaring healthcare costs, increased prevalence of chronic, life-threatening conditions, and a growing emphasis on preventative medicine.

Health Tracking Features in IOS Apps

The integration of health tracking features in IOS apps has transformed Apple and iPhone devices into powerful health and fitness companions. Thus, this provides users with comprehensive insights into their sleep patterns, activity levels, and overall well-being. Built-in features such as the Activity App and the Health App allow users to track various health metrics. These metrics include: calories burnt, steps taken, heart rate, and sleep quality. Again, the Apple Watch features like heart rate monitor, blood oxygen sensor, and, ECG sensor provide users with real-time data and alerts. These alerts show the status of cardiovascular conditions. They enable early detection of potential healthcare issues and early detection.

In addition, IOS developers have embraced Apple’s Healthkit Framework. This framework enables them to integrate health and fitness tracking features into their apps. This in turn helps users synchronize data between different apps and devices, allowing for a more holistic view of their health and wellness. Again, these integrated health-tracking features empower iOS users to take control of their health. Whether it’s monitoring nutrition, tracking workouts, or managing stress. They help users make informed decisions to improve the quality of their lives.

6. Education Apps

Another popular mobile app category are education apps. The educational landscape is undergoing a massive transformation, driven by a growing emphasis on digital technology and the increasing accessibility to mobile devices. With the proliferation of smartphone devices and tablets, there has been a notable shift towards mobile learning. For instance, students and learners of different ages are turning to educational apps for skills development, knowledge acquisition, and academic enrichment. This trend is influenced by various factors, including the convenience and flexibility of mobile and online learning. In addition, other facilitators include: the ability to access educational resources anywhere and anytime, and the diverse array of interactive and intuitive multimedia content.

Features of Educational Apps Catering to iOS Users

Educational apps that cater to IOS users offer intuitive features and functionalities designed to enhance learning effectiveness, accessibility, and engagement. Furthermore, these features leverage the advanced capabilities of IOS devices. For example, these advanced features include responsive touch interfaces, high-resolution displays, and augmented reality. They are designed to deliver immersive and intuitive learning experiences.

Some of the key features include:

  • Interactive lessons: Educational apps like Duolingo, Khan Academy, and Coursera offer interactive tutorials and lessons. These lessons cover a diverse range of disciplines and subjects, from mathematics and science to language learning and professional development. Moreover, this allows users to learn at their own pace and track their progress.
  • Personalized learning: Personalized recommendations in mobile apps and adaptive learning algorithms tailor the learning experiences to each user’s individual needs, learning styles, and preferences. Most importantly, this helps learners retain knowledge and ensure optimal engagement.
  • Multimedia content: Educational apps often incorporate multimedia content, including videos, photos, images, pictures, animations, simulations, interactive quizzes, and numbers. Additionally, this provides a rich and engaging learning experience to learners.
  • Collaboration tools: Collaboration features like Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, and Seesaw facilitate collaboration, communication, and group projects among educators and students. This helps foster shared learning and a sense of community.
  • Accessibility features: IOS devices offer a wide range of accessibility features, such as Guided Access, Voice Over, and Speak Screen. Again, these features make educational content more accessible to users with disability. In short, they help ensure equal access to learning opportunities and inclusivity.

Collectively, these features contribute to a highly engaging and effective learning experience.

NS804 – Propelling You to Your Next IOS App

NS804 is a trusted provider of IOS mobile app solutions. Whether you’re looking for an educational app, a wellness or fitness app, or any other type of IOS app, we are available to render our professional services. We offer the best mobile app development services, ensuring excellence and reliability in the apps we create. In addition, we specialize in all categories of mobile apps and we cater to the needs of individuals, small businesses, enterprises, and large corporations.

Contact NS804 to obtain a quotation for your next IOS app.