iOS Developer Job After LIS: Your Guide to Career Success

A career in iOS development is ideal for people who are passionate about coding and developing mobile applications. This career field is thriving, offering competitive salaries and freelance and full-time employment opportunities.

At LIS, we help students gain interdisciplinary skills and practical experience to excel in iOS careers and beyond. 

This guide explores how LIS prepares aspiring iOS developers and what they can expect in the job market. 

Table of Contents

• What Is LIS and How Does It Impact Your iOS Development Career
• Essential Skills and Tools for iOS Developers
• Job Market Insights for iOS Developers After Graduation
• How to Land Your First iOS Developer Job
• Freelancing vs. Full-Time Employment: Which Path Is Right for You?
• Future Trends in iOS Development and Career Growth
• Start Your iOS Developer Journey Today

The London Interdisciplinary School (LIS) specialises in interdisciplinary learning, equipping students with problem-solving skills across various core areas. Whether exploring mobile app development or planning your career path in tech, LIS helps you develop the critical thinking and technical expertise required to thrive.

Rather than delivering specific skills for iOS development, LIS students can gain an understanding of various expertise beyond iOS development. This opportunity allows students to advance their careers in any tech field, not limiting them to development jobs. Graduates gain a wide range of unique, valuable skills, gaining a competitive edge and standing out in the job market. 

Here are a few of the key modules LIS provides for aspiring iOS developers: 

• Quantitative Methods 1a: Thinking Like a Scientist - Learn basic scientific 
• literacy skills and how to use Python and Excel to visualise data. 
• Quantitative Methods 1b: Thinking Through Data - Learn how to draw strategic conclusions from data through data science, statistics and machine learning. 
• Problems 2c: Gain knowledge and skills in independent research, mixed-research methods and professional communication.
• Design Thinking: Learn design principles, empathy mapping, prototyping, ideation, and study key design thinking mindsets and models. 
• Capstone Project: Students can pursue iOS development as part of a research project that tackles a problem they are most passionate about or interested in. 

Succeeding as an iOS developer requires technical expertise and practical knowledge. Whether you want to build iOS device applications or work as a mobile developer, mastering key skills and tools is essential to land a job. 

Technical Skills You Need to Master for iOS Developers 

Whether you study our bachelor's degree or master's degree programme, you'll have opportunities to learn critical skills for iOS development and hone your practical training. 

Here are some of the top technical expertise you must be proficient in for a successful iOS development career: 

• User Experience (UX) Design: Students must understand how to design iOS applications to simplify user experience and ensure user adoption. 
• Debugging: This skill is critical because developers use debugging or troubleshooting to fix issues in coding and applications. 
• Memory Management: Successful iOS developers must know how to manage memory to avoid system disruptions efficiently. 
• Application Programming Interfaces (APIs): Developers must have the expertise to design APIs that support communication between applications. 
• Spatial Ability: Also known as visuospatial ability, this technical skill ensures developers understand and reason about the visual and spatial relationships between objects in programming. 

LIS students develop these skills through hands-on learning, enabling them to tackle complex mobile development problems effectively.

Top Software and Frameworks for iOS Development

The iOS field is constantly evolving. A successful iOS developer must stay ahead with the latest industry-standard tools to stay competitive. These solutions and software include: 

• Swift & Objective-C: These are core programming languages for iOS development.
• Xcode: This is the primary development tool for building, testing, and debugging iOS apps.
• SwiftUI & UIKit: Developers rely on these frameworks to craft engaging user experiences for iOS devices.
• Core Data: This is a framework for efficient data management in mobile apps.
• ARKit & Core ML: iOS developers leverage these solutions to integrate AI and augmented reality in app development. 

Understanding these frameworks and solutions makes securing a job easier after graduation. Employers want to see that developers are proficient in these tools, which are critical to iOS development. 

The tech industry is rapidly evolving, offering many opportunities to aspiring iOS developers. 

Here is an overview of what students can expect when looking for an iOS software engineer job. 

Demand for iOS Developers in 2025 and Beyond

With over 1.5 billion active Apple devices worldwide, the need for innovative iOS applications continues to grow. This expansion is driven by the popularity of iOS devices and high user engagement, making iOS development a promising career path.

Moreover, mobile app developers' revenue is expected to reach £28.3 billion in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.9%. This growth translates into continuous demand for skilled developers to create, maintain, and innovate apps on the iOS platform across various sectors.

Average Salaries and Growth Opportunities

Aspiring iOS developers can expect competitive salaries that reflect their specialised skills. The average salary for an iOS developer in the UK is £54,120 annually. Developers can find the most lucrative jobs in Bristol, followed by Leeds, London, and Sheffield. In cities such as Machester, Glasglow, Cambridge, Nottingham, and Edinburgh, professionals can earn between £40,000 and £50,000 yearly.

While these are average figures for an iOS developer's earning potential, learning new technologies and refining your skillset can secure more lucrative jobs. Students must stay updated with job postings, iOS technology updates, and market trends to ensure they find the perfect position. 

Best Companies and Industries Hiring iOS Developers

iOS developers are sought after in various industries. With more people using iPhones and iOS technology, companies across every sector need professionals who understand the fundamentals of this software. 

These are the top industries and companies hiring iOS developers. 

• Technology: It's no surprise that tech companies are at the forefront of mobile app development, offering numerous opportunities for iOS developers. Students can look for jobs at major tech companies or pursue work at bustling startups. 
• E-commerce: With the rise of online shopping, e-commerce platforms invest heavily in mobile applications to enhance user experience. 
• Healthcare: The healthcare sector is increasingly adopting mobile solutions for patient management and telemedicine, creating a demand for specialised apps.
• Finance: Financial institutions are developing mobile banking and investment apps, requiring secure and user-friendly iOS applications.
  

Breaking into the iOS development industry can be challenging, but you can secure a role in this high-demand field with the right approach. The key to success is a strong resume, an impressive portfolio, and the ability to ace technical interviews. 

Here is how to launch your new career as an iOS developer. 

Crafting a Standout Resume and Portfolio

Your resume and portfolio are the first things recruiters and hiring managers will review. To stand out in a competitive job market, ensure you:

• Highlight iOS development skills, including Swift, Objective-C, and React Native.
• Showcase projects that demonstrate your ability to write code efficiently and solve real-world problems.
• Emphasise knowledge of data structures and algorithms essential for optimising iOS applications.
• Include GitHub links or a personal website with sample projects demonstrating your expertise in mobile development.

A well-organised portfolio should feature iOS applications that you've developed, detailing the technologies used, the challenges solved, and your contributions. Employers value hands-on experience, so showcasing even small projects can make a significant impact.

Acing the iOS Developer Interview Process

Technical interviews for iOS developer roles typically involve multiple stages, testing your theoretical and practical skills. Here's an overview of the different stages of standard iOS developer interviews:

1. Applicant Screening: A recruiter evaluates your background and interest in the role.
2. Technical Interviews:  Expect coding challenges where you must write code to solve algorithmic problems or build small iOS applications. Familiarise yourself with data structures like arrays, linked lists, and hash tables.
3. Live Coding & System Design: You may be asked to develop a minor feature using Swift or React Native while explaining your approach.
4. Behavioural Interview: Companies assess how well you communicate and fit within their team.

While preparing for these multiple stages may seem overwhelming, LIS provides students with all the resources they need to thrive after graduation. In addition, having the required skills and putting your expertise to the test helps you gain the confidence and understanding you need to progress through these interviews.

Where to Find the Best iOS Job Opportunities

There are numerous platforms and websites where you can discover more jobs in iOS development. Here are a few of the top places to get started: 

• LinkedIn: Optimise your LinkedIn profile to attract recruiters and stay updated on job postings.
• Company Career Pages: Tech giants like Apple, Google, and Amazon frequently post iOS developer roles.
• Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Stack Overflow Jobs list open positions for iOS developers.
• Networking Events & Meetups: Attending industry events can help you connect with hiring managers and discover unadvertised opportunities.

Sign up for alerts to stay ahead of job postings on these sites and platforms. This will make it easier to find job opportunities. 

Choosing between freelancing and full-time employment as an iOS developer in the UK involves evaluating various factors, including income stability, flexibility, and career development opportunities.

Freelancing

Freelancing as an iOS developer offers excellent flexibility. Professionals can often determine their working hours and conditions. In the UK, freelance iOS developers typically charge between £60 and £120 per hour, varying rates based on experience and project complexity.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. These are the benefits and advantages of freelancing as an iOS developer. 

Pros:

• Flexibility: Freelancers can schedule and select projects that align with their interests and expertise.
• Diverse Experience: Working with multiple clients across industries can enhance your skill set and portfolio.
• Income Potential: Freelance websites allow you to find job opportunities worldwide, allowing you to find the most lucrative position. 

Cons:

• Income Variability: Freelancers may experience fluctuations in income due to the inconsistent nature of project-based work.
• Self-Employment Responsibilities: Managing taxes, healthcare, and retirement planning falls solely on the freelancer.
• Communication: Interacting with companies internationally can be tricky in terms of communication, as freelancers often operate in various time zones. 

Full-Time Employment

Unlike freelance work, full-time employment is much more structured and offers long-term reliability. Here is a glance at the advantages and disadvantages of working as a full-time iOS developer. 

Pros:

• Job Security: Full-time positions offer a steady income and benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, and paid leave.
• Structured Career Progression: Employees often have access to professional development resources and clear advancement pathways within a company.
• Reliable Income: iOS developers in full-time employment can expect the same salary paid every month, making it easier to make financial decisions. 

Cons:

• Less Autonomy: Full-time roles may come with rigid schedules and less control over project selection.
• Potential for Monotony: Working on long-term projects for a single employer might limit exposure to diverse challenges.
• Micro Managing: Full-time employees are often heavily micro-managed, which may not be ideal for some iOS developers. 

Making the Decision

When choosing between freelance or full-time iOS developer jobs, consider your personal preferences, financial goals, and desired work-life balance. Some professionals opt for a hybrid approach, maintaining a full-time job while taking on freelance projects to diversify their experience and income streams.

The iOS development landscape in the UK is dynamic, with several emerging trends shaping the industry's future. These are a few top future trends in the iOS job market. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Integration

Integrating AI and ML into iOS applications enhances user experiences through personalised content and predictive analytics. Developers leverage frameworks like Core ML to implement features like image recognition and natural language processing.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Applications

AR and VR technologies are gaining traction, particularly in retail, education, and gaming. With tools like ARKit, iOS developers can create immersive experiences that blend digital content with the physical world.

Internet of Things (IoT) Integration

The rise of IoT devices presents opportunities for iOS developers to create applications that interact seamlessly with smart home technologies and wearables, enhancing user convenience and connectivity.

Emphasis on App Security and Privacy

With increasing concerns over data privacy, there is a heightened focus on implementing robust security measures within iOS applications. Developers are prioritising user data protection to comply with regulations and build trust.

Adoption of Swift 6 and SwiftUI

The release of Swift 6 and advancements in SwiftUI are streamlining the development process, enabling developers to build more efficient and user-friendly applications. These tools offer improved performance and enhanced capabilities for creating dynamic user interfaces.

Through interdisciplinary learning and a wide range of career and wellbeing resources, LIS ensures aspiring iOS developers are well-equipped to secure a job after graduation. Students will learn various problem-solving and critical thinking skills and practical training to prepare for what iOS developer jobs entail.

As iOS developer jobs are growing, with many companies in diverse sectors hiring professionals, developers can choose between freelance or full-time employment. Regardless of your choice, LIS will guide you in gaining the skills you need to become job-ready.

Want to kickstart your iOS developer career? Contact us today.