When does native iOS development make more sense than React Native or Flutter?

Native iOS development (Swift/SwiftUI) is the better choice when: you need access to the latest iOS features and APIs before they're available in cross-platform frameworks; your app requires deep integration with iOS system capabilities (ARKit, HealthKit, Core ML, widgets, live activities); you have performance requirements where JavaScript bridge overhead matters; or you're building exclusively for Apple platforms and cross-platform development adds complexity without benefit. For apps targeting both iOS and Android with similar feature sets, React Native or Flutter often makes more sense economically. We'll give you an honest assessment during scoping.

How do you handle App Store review and submission?

App Store review is a routine part of our delivery process, not an afterthought at the end of the project. We design with App Store guidelines in mind from the start -- privacy nutrition labels, required permissions with usage descriptions, in-app purchase integration if needed, and the human interface guidelines that reviewers check. We submit the initial build and manage the review process, including responding to any rejection feedback. For businesses with existing App Store accounts, we work within your developer account. For new products, we guide the account setup.

Can you integrate with our existing backend or build one alongside the app?

Yes to both. Most iOS apps need a backend -- for user authentication, data persistence, push notifications, and business logic. Where you have an existing API, we build the iOS app to integrate with it. Where you need a new backend, we scope and build it alongside the iOS app as part of the same engagement. The backend scope is assessed during discovery based on what the app needs to do and what existing infrastructure you have.

What does iOS app development cost?

A focused iOS app -- a single use case, clean UI, and standard integrations -- typically runs $25,000 to $60,000. A more complex app with custom UI components, multiple user roles, real-time features, and backend development typically runs $60,000 to $150,000. Fixed cost agreed before development starts. We scope every project before pricing it.

When does native iOS development make more sense than React Native or Flutter?

Native iOS development (Swift/SwiftUI) is the better choice when: you need access to the latest iOS features and APIs before they're available in cross-platform frameworks; your app requires deep integration with iOS system capabilities (ARKit, HealthKit, Core ML, widgets, live activities); you have performance requirements where JavaScript bridge overhead matters; or you're building exclusively for Apple platforms and cross-platform development adds complexity without benefit. For apps targeting both iOS and Android with similar feature sets, React Native or Flutter often makes more sense economically. We'll give you an honest assessment during scoping.

How do you handle App Store review and submission?

App Store review is a routine part of our delivery process, not an afterthought at the end of the project. We design with App Store guidelines in mind from the start -- privacy nutrition labels, required permissions with usage descriptions, in-app purchase integration if needed, and the human interface guidelines that reviewers check. We submit the initial build and manage the review process, including responding to any rejection feedback. For businesses with existing App Store accounts, we work within your developer account. For new products, we guide the account setup.

Can you integrate with our existing backend or build one alongside the app?

Yes to both. Most iOS apps need a backend -- for user authentication, data persistence, push notifications, and business logic. Where you have an existing API, we build the iOS app to integrate with it. Where you need a new backend, we scope and build it alongside the iOS app as part of the same engagement. The backend scope is assessed during discovery based on what the app needs to do and what existing infrastructure you have.

What does iOS app development cost?

A focused iOS app -- a single use case, clean UI, and standard integrations -- typically runs $25,000 to $60,000. A more complex app with custom UI components, multiple user roles, real-time features, and backend development typically runs $60,000 to $150,000. Fixed cost agreed before development starts. We scope every project before pricing it.

Need an iOS app but unsure whether to build native or cross-platform -- and what the trade-offs actually are?
Had a previous iOS project stall because the team didn't understand App Store review requirements until submission?

iOS App Development

Custom iOS applications built in Swift and SwiftUI for businesses that need more than an off-the-shelf mobile product -- consumer apps, enterprise tools, and industry-specific platforms designed for the iPhone and iPad experience.
We handle the full iOS build: architecture, UI, backend integration, App Store submission, and the ongoing release cycle. You own the code.

Native Swift and SwiftUI -- no cross-platform compromises
App Store submission and review navigation included
Backend API development alongside the iOS app where needed
Fixed cost, working app every two weeks

RaftLabs builds custom iOS applications in Swift and SwiftUI for businesses that need a native iPhone and iPad experience -- consumer apps, enterprise mobile tools, and industry-specific platforms. We handle architecture, UI, App Store submission, and the full release cycle. Fixed cost agreed before development starts.

Native iOS development means building for the platform as Apple designed it -- not adapting a web codebase or cross-platform runtime. The result is an app that behaves like an iOS app, uses iOS-native interactions, and accesses the full range of iOS capabilities without workarounds.

For businesses that need an app that feels native to iPhone and iPad users, that integrates deeply with iOS system features, or that needs to stay current with new iOS releases, native Swift development is the right choice.

What we build

Consumer iOS applications

End-user apps for the App Store -- marketplace apps, content platforms, service booking apps, social features, and consumer experiences that need the polished, native feel that iPhone users expect. Onboarding flows, push notification strategy, in-app purchase integration where required, and the App Store presence (screenshots, metadata, ratings prompts) that affects download conversion. The consumer iOS product from concept to live on the App Store.

Enterprise iOS tools

Internal iOS apps for field workers, sales teams, warehouse staff, and any business function where a purpose-built mobile tool replaces paper forms or desktop workflows. Mobile data capture forms with offline support, camera and barcode integration, signature capture, and sync with backend systems. Distributed via Apple Business Manager or MDM rather than the public App Store. The enterprise iOS tool built for the specific workflow rather than a generic mobile platform that your team works around.

iPad-first applications

Applications optimised for iPad's larger screen and multitasking capabilities -- point-of-sale systems, clinical documentation tools, field inspection apps, and content creation interfaces where the iPad form factor provides genuine operational advantage over iPhone or desktop. iPadOS-specific features: Stage Manager support, keyboard shortcuts, Apple Pencil integration, and split-screen layouts. The iPad app that uses the hardware as it was designed rather than scaling up an iPhone layout.

iOS system integrations

Deep integration with iOS system frameworks: HealthKit for health and fitness data, ARKit for augmented reality features, Core ML for on-device machine learning, MapKit for location and navigation, NFC for contactless interactions, and HomeKit for smart home integration. Widgets and live activities for real-time information on the home screen and lock screen. Shortcuts app integration for automation workflows. The integrations that make an iOS app a native part of the device rather than a web page in a wrapper.

App Store launch and optimisation

App Store submission including privacy nutrition labels, required permission usage descriptions, screenshot production, keyword optimisation, and metadata that affects App Store search ranking. App Store Connect setup and TestFlight configuration for beta distribution before launch. Review response management if Apple returns feedback requiring changes. Post-launch monitoring for crash reports, user reviews, and the analytics that inform the next version. The App Store launch process managed end to end rather than handed off at build completion.

iOS app maintenance and evolution

Ongoing iOS app development after initial launch -- new features, iOS version compatibility updates, performance improvements, and the bug fixes that emerge from real-world usage. Swift and SwiftUI version migration when Apple deprecates older APIs. Analytics review and conversion optimisation for consumer apps. Support for new iPhone and iPad hardware capabilities as they are released. The sustained development relationship that keeps an iOS app current rather than a one-time project that ages against a moving platform.

Have an iOS app project?

Tell us what the app needs to do, who uses it, and whether you need a backend alongside it. We'll scope it and give you a fixed cost.

Talk about your iOS project

Mobile App Development -- full mobile development capability overview
Android App Development -- native Android apps in Kotlin and Jetpack Compose
React Native Development -- cross-platform iOS and Android from a shared codebase
Flutter Development -- Flutter apps for iOS and Android

Custom Software Development -- web apps, internal tools, and enterprise platforms
Real-Time App Development -- WebSocket and live data for mobile and web

Frequently asked questions

: Native iOS development (Swift/SwiftUI) is the better choice when: you need access to the latest iOS features and APIs before they're available in cross-platform frameworks; your app requires deep integration with iOS system capabilities (ARKit, HealthKit, Core ML, widgets, live activities); you have performance requirements where JavaScript bridge overhead matters; or you're building exclusively for Apple platforms and cross-platform development adds complexity without benefit. For apps targeting both iOS and Android with similar feature sets, React Native or Flutter often makes more sense economically. We'll give you an honest assessment during scoping.
: App Store review is a routine part of our delivery process, not an afterthought at the end of the project. We design with App Store guidelines in mind from the start -- privacy nutrition labels, required permissions with usage descriptions, in-app purchase integration if needed, and the human interface guidelines that reviewers check. We submit the initial build and manage the review process, including responding to any rejection feedback. For businesses with existing App Store accounts, we work within your developer account. For new products, we guide the account setup.
: Yes to both. Most iOS apps need a backend -- for user authentication, data persistence, push notifications, and business logic. Where you have an existing API, we build the iOS app to integrate with it. Where you need a new backend, we scope and build it alongside the iOS app as part of the same engagement. The backend scope is assessed during discovery based on what the app needs to do and what existing infrastructure you have.
: A focused iOS app -- a single use case, clean UI, and standard integrations -- typically runs $25,000 to $60,000. A more complex app with custom UI components, multiple user roles, real-time features, and backend development typically runs $60,000 to $150,000. Fixed cost agreed before development starts. We scope every project before pricing it.