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Which smartphone are you using, iPhone or Android?
The share rate varies greatly from country to country, but the share rate of iPhone in Japan is high compared to major countries in the world, especially the young generation.
Isn't the iPhone app indispensable when using such an iPhone?
By installing an iPhone app with the functions you need, you can use a convenient smartphone more conveniently and comfortably. In addition, from a corporate perspective, in modern society where smartphones have become popular, there are many places that are focusing on developing apps for their own services.
So this time, I will explain in detail the behind the scenes of iPhone app development = iOS app development that I usually use. Please take a look until the end.
In my journey through the world of technology, particularly in system development, app development, and digital transformation, I've come to appreciate the intricacies of iOS apps. iOS, a mobile OS developed by Apple, powers devices like the iPhone, iPad, and even extends its reach to Macs. As an Operating System, or OS, it's the lifeblood of these devices, managing both the hardware and the user's interactions via touchscreen.
But what truly sets iOS apart, and something I've observed gaining explosive popularity since the early 2000s, is its seamless performance and user-friendly interface. These aspects are especially crucial when considering how to develop an iOS app. My experiences have shown that these apps offer functionalities and features that web apps struggle to match, making them a preferred choice for many users.
So, before diving deep into the world of iOS apps, let's first explore the unique functions of mobile apps, and more importantly, how one can develop an iOS app that leverages these functions effectively. In my professional experience in app development, focusing on iOS has been a game-changer, offering not just an understanding of a powerful OS but also insights into creating apps that truly resonate with users.
Here, we will explain the types of mobile apps and the functions unique to mobile apps.
First of all, there are three types of apps.
・Web application
There is no need to install the app, and you can use it on the Internet through a web browser, so you can use it without depending on the device or OS.
・Native app
It is fast and has excellent performance, and by having direct access to the functions of the device (camera, push notifications, GPS, etc.), it is possible to make the most of the functions of each platform.
・Hybrid app
Using web technology (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), it is possible to support multiple platforms in one development, so it is possible to develop with high development efficiency and low cost.
There are many functions unique to mobile apps, but here I would like to list 3 examples that are easy to imagine with the iPhone app you usually use.
・Push notification
A function to send real-time information, events and notifications with pop-up-like notifications to users who have installed the app. It can be sent even if you don't launch the app, which helps to improve user engagement.
・Location information
You can use GPS to obtain user location information, search for nearby stores and facilities, guide routes, arrange car dispatch, etc.
・Camera and photos
Mobile devices have built-in cameras, which are often used especially on iPhones. iPhone apps can use cameras to take photos and videos. Users can process photos and exchange photos with friends on the spot using cloud services and Bluetooth.
iOS and Android each have their own user interface, design, development language, development tools, etc., so the development procedure varies depending on the platform to create the same app. In order to provide a valuable experience for users, it is very important to understand the characteristics of each platform and adopt appropriate development methods. Here, we will summarize the differences between iOS apps and Android apps.
App Store: App Store
High-quality apps are provided based on a strict review process.
Design: Human Interface Guidelines
The standard for iOS app developers to provide users with an easy-to-use, unified and beautiful interface.
Merits
・Because we do software development in-house, we can respond to updates quickly.
・Because there are strict examination standards for security, the security level is high.
・Have high compatibility with other Apple products.
Demerits
・Apple products are often more expensive than other competing products.
・There is no slot for SD card.
・It is necessary to strictly comply with the "Human Interface Guidelines" and the degree of freedom of design may be restricted.
App Store: Google Play Store
Various developers and companies are participating, and apps of a wide range of genres and categories are provided.
Design: Material Design
Provide guidelines and resources to provide users with an intuitive, consistent and simple interface.
Merits
・There is a high customization, and developers can enjoy more free development.
・Support for resources and tools provided by Google is substantial.
・There are many types of devices and a wide range of price ranges.
Demerits
・Because there are various device manufacturers and versions, some devices may not be supported or problems may occur.
・While it is highly customizable, it may be difficult to maintain consistency in design and operability depending on the settings of device manufacturers and users.
The following are the minimum necessary things before preparing the development environment. With the following 4 items, anyone will be able to create an iOS app.
・PC
iOS app development is also possible on Windows, but some parts cannot be developed, so a compatible Mac is recommended. Also, iOS apps need to be through macOS when they are released.
・iPhone
It is necessary to test the developed app on the actual machine and check the user interface and operation.
・Development tools
A comprehensive development environment essential for developing iOS apps.
・AppleID
Apple account registration is mandatory to log in to the Apple Developer Program, submit the app to the App Store, and release the app to the world after review.
Among the things you need for development, there are several options for development tools. You can choose your desired development environment and programming language according to the development content of the product and the developer's skills. We will introduce three representative development tools and development languages.
・xCode
Apple's official integrated development environment (*1), specialized in application development for iOS, iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and supports from development to testing when creating desktop apps and smartphone apps is a major development tool that can be said to be essential. In addition, an iOS simulator is also installed, which allows you to test and simulate apps without having an actual device.
※1: What is an integrated development environment?
Also known as IDE (Integrated Development Environment), it is a software that combines the functions necessary for development such as editors, compilers, linkers, and debackers into one.
・Xamarin
Development environment provided by Microsoft. You can use C# to develop apps for different platforms such as iOS, Android, and Windows. It also realizes code reuse and improved development efficiency while providing performance and consistency of native apps.
・Visual Studio
It is an integrated development environment (IDE) provided by Microsoft and supports a wide range of platforms. You can use C# to develop native apps for different platforms such as iOS, Android, and Windows. There is multilingual support, debugging tools, automatic code completion, etc., enabling efficient application development.
・Swift
The most recommended programming language developed by Apple in 2014 and used in the development of OS and Mac applications. It has a simple and intuitive syntax, and has high performance and safety.
・Objective-C
Until Swift was developed, it was used as a recommended language for iOS development, an object-oriented (*2) language that was expanded based on the C language. Compared to Swift, it's complicated and difficult, but compatible.
※2: Object-oriented
It is one of the ways of thinking about the design and implementation of computer programs, defining data and procedures (processing procedures) that are closely related to each other as a single group called "object" (object) and assembling various objects A method of building the whole program together.
・JavaScript
It is a scripting language mainly used on the client side in web development, but it is also used in the development of iOS applications. In particular, by using frameworks such as React Native and Cordova, we can provide a native app-like experience using JavaScript.
The development of iOS apps that focus on providing high usability and a fun user experience can provide apps to a broad user base on the App Store, which may reach millions of users. Here, we will explain the procedure for developing apps with xCode.
Preparation for the development environment
First, prepare the environment necessary for development. The development of iOS apps is basically done on MacOS. Prepare a computer with macOS, such as a MacBook and iMac, and install xCode from the App Store.
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Creation of the project
Launch xCode and create a new project. Select the appropriate template according to the type of app.
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Coding and UI design
Once the project is created, start coding and UI design. Use a predetermined development language and design the UI using design tools.
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Testing and debugging
When development progresses, we will test and debug to ensure the quality of the app. Use the simulator of the iOS device built into xCode to test the app under development. It is also important to register for the Apple Developer Program (*2) and test the operation and performance of the app on the actual iPhone.
※2: What is the apple developer program?
A service that includes tools, resources and support that are essential for developing and distributing applications for the AppStore. In addition, beta software, app services, test tools, App analytics, etc. are also available.
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Submission and review to the App Store
After completing the app, it needs to be submitted and reviewed to the App Store. In order to release the iOS app on the App Store, you need to register for the Apple Developer Program and pay the participation fee. After submission, it will be reviewed by Apple to confirm whether it is in accordance with the guidelines and quality standards.
App development depends on the type and complexity of the functions included, but you can roughly calculate the cost by "labor costs + miscellaneous expenses".
・Labor costs = human month x human month unit x development period
Labor costs are the cost of personnel and man-hours to develop the system, and costs related to the workforce of developers and teams. It is calculated by the developer's man-month (one month of personnel required for development), the development period, and the unit price of man-month.
・Various expenses (server, domain fee, maintenance and operation expenses, etc.)
Includes bug fixes, security patching, user support, server maintenance, etc. Maintenance and operation costs are calculated based on the labor of developers and operation staff, server maintenance costs, and other operational costs.
・Registration fee
The registration fee for the Apple Developer Program required to release on the AppStore is $99 per year for iOS and $299 per year for corporate developers.
・Annual fee
Paid apps and in-app purchases, such as subscription formats and in-store purchases, charge 15% to 30% of the purchase amount. The specific commission rate varies depending on the type of app.
Developers can maximize revenue by fully understanding the nature and target of the app. I will summarize 5 representative examples.
・Paid download
The easiest monetization method for users to pay fees to purchase apps. The first sales become a direct profit.
・In-app purchase
Pay when the user purchases additional content and features in the app. We provide the app for free, and users can choose the content that suits their needs within the app.
・In-app advertisement
Earn money by displaying advertisements. The app can be provided for free, and advertising revenue may increase depending on the number of app downloads and usage.
・Flat-rate billing
Users can pay monthly or annual fees and use the app. It can get stable revenue and provide regular updates and support.
・Sponsored companies
Companies related to the app provide revenue through advertising and partnerships. You can get funds and resources from companies and expand your brand and users.
So far, we have explained what is necessary for development and actual development procedures from the basic part of iOS development.
Because it is an application that has become indispensable with the spread of smartphones, more and more companies are focusing on developing apps for their own services. Especially in Japan, because the share rate of iPhone is high, it is thought that it is necessary to focus on iPhone apps.
JIITAK develops native apps for iOS and Android with strengths in Flutter, as well as mobile app development that makes use of their rich experience in hybrid development that uses unique functions on devices regardless of OS. For your iOS / Apple Devices App development needs, Contact JIITAK.
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