5 Best iOS App Programming Languages for 2025

• Which iOS app programming language should you choose to create an effective, easy-to-maintain iOS app?
• Which programming language will make the development process smoother and not require many resources?

In this article we’ll answer the questions in detail by exploring the top 5 iOS app programming languages of 2025:

• We’ll zero in on their use cases, strengths, and weaknesses, and break down how they stack up in different types of iOS app development projects
• By the end, you will have a clear idea about which language is suitable for your iOS app development goals

What is an iOS App Programming Language?

• An iOS app programming language is used to develop applications for Apple devices and the iOS operating system
• Apps developed with these programming languages can run on iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, iWatches, and other Apple devices

The most popular and preferred programming language with the best safety features, clean syntax, and modern capabilities for iOS app development is Swift:

• Swift is a programming language created by Apple so it has always been the go-to choice for developing native iOS apps
• Now, other languages like Objective-C, C#, Xamarin, JavaScript, React Native, etc., are being used more and more by iOS developers for various reasons

Why Choose an iOS App Programming Language?

• The iOS app store is the 2nd biggest application store in the world with over 2 million apps
• There are 1+ billion iOS users worldwide
•  iOS app users spend 7-times more on apps than Android users
• iOS app users account for over 68% of all consumer spending on mobile apps (Android users account for only 31%)

These figures prove that iOS app development is one of the most lucrative fields to enter for businesses:

• This massive user base (of 1+ billion users) makes iOS an appealing platform for developers and companies alike
• Since there are so many iOS app programming languages available right now, businesses can find different ways to engage with their target users and outcompete other apps

All apps developed for the Apple App Store are subject to super-strict review processes:

• Only top-quality apps make it to the store
• If you can leverage the right language and create a unique app, you can instantly boost your brand’s visibility and credibility
• Tapping into the iOS app space also means drastically boosting your brand’s revenue potential
• You can create a user base that is highly likely to engage in in-app purchases and subscriptions

Best iOS App Programming Languages

• Knowing what the most popular languages are and why they are so popular can boost your own iOS app development process
• The popularity of an iOS app programming language directly impacts developer costs
• The more popular a language, the easier it is to find skilled developers specializing in that language
• Plus, a larger community means more resources, libraries, and support – all of which will greatly enhance your app development process

So, without any further ado, here are the top 5 iOS app programming languages that are currently dominating the iOS app market:

1. Swift

Best for Developing Native iOS Apps

• Swift is a powerful programming language developed by Apple for building applications across its iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS platforms
• It was introduced in 2014 to replace Objective-C as the primary language for iOS app development
• Swift has a modern syntax and way better safety features than its predecessors

Decoding the iOS App Programming Language

Swift is a high-level, multi-paradigm compiled programming language that emphasizes performance and safety:

• It takes a lot of concepts from Objective-C, Rust, Python, and other programming languages
• But, unlike those languages, Swift’s syntax is clean and expressive which allows developers to write easy-to-read code

Swift’s strong type system enforces type checking at compile time:

• All type-related errors are caught before the code is run
• Swift’s protocol-oriented programming (POP) paradigm allows for easy code reuse and better abstraction
• POP allows developers to define behaviors and functionalities through protocols rather than relying on class inheritance (which allows only single inheritance)
• This flexibility enables more modular and reusable code

Why is This iOS App Programming Language So Popular?

Swift is by far the most popular iOS app programming language because:

• It is an open-source language
• Its concise syntax makes it more accessible to new developers compared to Objective-C
• Swift is optimized to minimize common programming errors
• Swift is also optimized for speed and it outperforms Objective-C in speed-related benchmarks
• Swift has a growing community that contributes to free resources for learning
• Perfect for teams looking to rapidly develop and iterate on their products as Swift’s syntax allows for faster coding cycles and easier debugging

Strengths

• Swift allows for faster coding due to its expressive syntax and features like type inference
• It can seamlessly integrate with existing Objective-C codebases
• Swift benefits greatly from Apple’s continuous updates which keep it compatible with the latest iOS features

Weaknesses

• It is relatively new (introduced in 2014) and experienced developers may find it less sophisticated than older languages (like Objective-C)
• Swift’s ecosystem of third-party libraries is smaller compared to more established languages
• Frequent updates from Apple can lead to compatibility challenges if you are developing apps for older versions of iOS

What Type of Project Is This iOS App Programming Language Suitable For?

• Swift is ideal for apps that require deep integration with iOS features as it allows developers to leverage Apple’s native hardware and software ecosystems fully
• Apple is constantly updating it so it is also ideal for projects that need to use the latest iOS capabilities or UI designs
• The language’s built-in features also support rapid prototyping and iterative development which are essential requirements for modern-day app development projects
• Swift is also useful for enhancing existing Objective-C apps due to its interoperability; devs can transition legacy Objective-C codebases into Swift without needing complete rewrites

Our Review

Swift is Apple’s preferred programming language and rightfully so. Modern syntax, amazing safety features, interoperability with Objective-C codebases – it offers everything you need to build native iOS apps in rapid development cycles.

LinkedIn, Lyft, Airbnb, Fitbit, Medium, and Pandora are some of the many popular iOS apps that are built using Swift. While it gives developers some challenges because it is such a new language, its strengths far outweigh the weaknesses.

2. C# + Xamarin

Cross-Platform Powerhouses

• C# combined with Xamarin poses a formidable cross-platform mobile app development solution
• This powerful duo allows developers to create native apps for iOS and Android using a single codebase which streamlines the development process and reduces time-to-market
• The capabilities of C# and Xamarin empower devs to share substantial amounts of code across platforms which leads to rapid deployment
• Using this combo is one of the most popular iOS app development trends of recent years

Decoding the iOS App Programming Language and Framework

C# is an object-oriented programming language developed by Microsoft:

• It has gained immense popularity due to its versatility and ease of use
• This language is part of the .NET framework, which provides a rich library ecosystem for application development
• C# supports encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism
• It enforces strict type-checking at compile time which reduces runtime errors
• It offers extensive libraries that facilitate rapid app development

Xamarin, acquired by Microsoft in 2016, is a cross-platform app development framework that enables developers to build applications for multiple platforms using C#

• Xamarin extends C# capabilities by providing tools specifically designed for mobile app development
• It allows developers to write code once and deploy it across iOS, Android, and Windows platforms

Why is This iOS App Programming Language So Popular?

• The popularity of C# + Xamarin can be mainly attributed to its single codebase; developers can share over 90% of their code across platforms which reduces development time and effort
• Xamarin compiles C# code into native binaries which makes apps run smoothly on all devices while maintaining a native look/feel
• As part of the Microsoft ecosystem, Xamarin benefits from having an active community that contributes to its continuous improvement

Strengths

• You get to create apps that run on multiple platforms without needing to rewrite code
• By reusing code across platforms, teams can bring products to market more quickly without sacrificing quality
• Strong community support
• Integration with the Microsoft ecosystem
• App updates can be made in one place and reflected across all platforms simultaneously, saving time and effort
• Xamarin allows developers to use platform-specific features and APIs which gives apps native-like features and functionalities

Weaknesses

• While Xamarin does provide near-native performances, some complex apps may experience slight drops in performance compared to fully-native apps
• Developers unfamiliar with C# or .NET may not be able to transition to Xamarin
• Although Xamarin provides access to many native APIs, certain platform-specific features may require a ton of extra work and custom bindings

What Type of Project Is This iOS App Programming Language Suitable For?

• C# + Xamarin is particularly suitable for enterprise-level apps that need to function consistently across different devices
• It is also suitable for app projects that need regular updates; teams can benefit from Xamarin’s ability to maintain a single codebase
• Startups looking to validate ideas can leverage Xamarin’s rapid development capabilities to create minimum viable products (MVPs) for testing across multiple platforms

Our Review

Combining C# with Xamarin is the most preferred option for developing cross-platform iOS apps. Major brands like FOX Sports, Slack, Pinterest, Alaska Airlines, Storyo, etc. use this combo to create apps that always deliver native-like performances.

3. Objective-C

The Classic Choice for iOS Development

• Objective-C has long been the foundational programming language for Apple’s platforms
• It was the primary language for iOS and macOS development before Swift
• It combines the efficiency of C with the object-oriented capabilities of dynamic languages like Smalltalk
• Despite the emergence of newer languages, Objective-C remains relevant, especially for maintaining legacy apps and supporting older iOS versions

Decoding the iOS App Programming Language

• Objective-C is an object-oriented programming language that expands C by adding features like dynamic typing, message passing, and a rich set of libraries
• It allows developers to define classes, methods, and objects which makes it suitable for building complex apps
• In this language, objects communicate through messages rather than direct method calls, which enables greater flexibility and dynamic behavior in apps
• Objective-C uses two separate files for each class: a header file (.h) for declarations and an implementation file (.m) for definitions.
• As a superset of C, Objective-C can directly use C libraries and code; developers can seamlessly leverage existing C codebases

Why is This iOS App Programming Language So Popular?

• Many existing iOS applications were built using Objective-C
• If you want to support and update those apps, you need to know this language
• That’s why, this language has a robust community of developers
• The Internet is riddled with resources, libraries, and frameworks that facilitate Objective-C app development
• Objective-C seamlessly integrates with Apple’s Cocoa and Cocoa Touch frameworks
• Developers get easy access to a wide range of APIs for building feature-rich iOS apps
• This integration allows for rapid development cycles and efficient use of system resources

Strengths

• Compatibility with older iOS versions makes Objective-C ideal for updating legacy apps
• The availability of numerous third-party libraries and frameworks enhances this classic language’s development capabilities
• The dynamic nature of Objective-C allows for greater flexibility in coding
• Developers can implement major changes without having to extensively rewrite code

Weaknesses

• The syntax of Objective-C can be challenging for new developers to learn (e.g., its use of square brackets)
• As an older language, Objective-C may have major security vulnerabilities that are less rampant in modern languages like Swift
• Objective-C is a two-file language which means that developers have to maintain separate header and implementation files (something that often complicates project organization)

What Type of Project Is This iOS App Programming Language Suitable For?

• Ideal for updating and maintaining existing apps that were originally built in Objective-C
• Enterprise apps that rely on established codebases
• Apps targeting older iOS versions
• Projects requiring direct interaction with C libraries
• Hybrid projects where developers use both Swift and Objective-C

Our Review

Objective-C might be old. But, it is still not obsolete. Its ability to maintain legacy apps and support older devices makes it invaluable for developers.

Older versions of Facebook, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Uber, Flickr, Pinterest, and many other uber-popular apps are still maintained with  Objective-C.

With a rich ecosystem and strong community support, Objective-C remains a classic choice for iOS app developers.

4. Java

The Cross-Platform King of iOS Development

• Java is primarily associated with Android development
• But, with the right frameworks and tools, it can also be used to create iOS apps as well
• Java apps can be compiled into bytecode
• This bytecode can run on any platform with a compatible Java Virtual Machine (JVM)
• Although JVM support is not directly available on iOS devices, developers leverage frameworks like Codename One and RoboVM to bridge this gap and build Java iOS apps

Decoding the iOS App Programming Language

• Java is an object-oriented programming language that operates on the “Write Once, Run Anywhere” (WORA) principle
• Java developers can create apps that can run on any device equipped with a JVM or a framework that performs similar functions
• Java also boasts an extensive collection of libraries that facilitate rapid app development

Why is This iOS App Programming Language So Popular?

• The ability to use Java for both Android and iOS development allows businesses to maintain a single codebase for multiple apps
• Java has the largest online community of developers, extensive resources, libraries, and frameworks
• It has robust security features and it is ideal for apps that require secure connections with cloud services

Strengths

• Java’s WORA capability allows for easy adaptation of existing Android apps for iOS (without needing to manually rewrite code entirely)
• Java’s emphasis on security makes it a strong contender for apps handling sensitive data

Weaknesses

• Apple does not directly support JVM on iOS devices
• Developers have to devise workarounds or use additional frameworks to use Java effectively
• Apps built using Java frameworks are likelier to experience performance issues compared to those written in more native languages like Swift or Objective-C
• Using Java for iOS development involves more steps and tools than using Apple’s native languages

What Type of Project Is This iOS App Programming Language Suitable For?

• For apps that run seamlessly on both Android and iOS
• Organizations that already have a substantial investment in Java may prefer to leverage their existing expertise and codebase when developing new mobile applications for iOS
• If you have an existing Android app written in Java that you want to bring to the iOS platform, using tools like OpenJDK Mobile can expedite the process

Our Review

Java is a viable alternative for many scenarios. If you want to end the Android vs iOS app debate and build an app that performs decently on both platforms, opting for Java is a safe option.

Java is also the most popular general-purpose programming language out there. So, we had to include it in our list.

5. JavaScript + React Native

Web Technology and iOS Apps

• Combining JavaScript and React Native to create high-performance, cross-platform apps is one of the strongest mobile app development trends of the year
• By leveraging the strengths of JavaScript via the React Native framework, you can build efficient, cross-platform apps while maintaining a unified codebase

Decoding the iOS App Programming Language Combination

• JavaScript is a versatile, high-level programming language widely used for web development
• When paired with React Native (a framework developed by Facebook), it allows you to create native mobile apps using familiar web technologies
• React Native enables the use of JavaScript to write components that are rendered as native UI elements on mobile devices
• React Native’s component-based structure enables developers to build reusable UI components
• The use of JavaScript facilitates quick iterations and updates
• React Native provides access to device capabilities such as camera, GPS, and notifications, allowing you to create fully functional iOS apps with JavaScript

Why is This iOS App Programming Language Combination So Popular?

• Since many developers are already proficient in JavaScript, transitioning to iOS app development using React Native is relatively straightforward
• The extensive community surrounding both JavaScript and React Native provides a wealth of resources, libraries, and frameworks
• Major companies like Meta, Instagram, Pinterest, and Uber Eats have successfully utilized this combination for their iOS apps
• The JavaScript + React Native combination allows for a single codebase that can be deployed on multiple platforms
• Developers can write code once and deploy it across both iOS and Android to accelerate the development cycle

Strengths

• Faster development cycles and reduced costs
• There is a vast array of libraries available for JavaScript
• React Native translates JavaScript components into native code which ensures optimal performance on both iOS and Android
• Apps built with this combination maintain a uniform look and feel across all platforms

Weaknesses

• Not as efficient or smooth as fully-native apps built using Swift or Objective-C
• Certain native features may not be fully supported by React Native and may require additional workarounds

What Type of Project Is This iOS App Programming Language Suitable For?

• Ideal for businesses that want to develop apps that function seamlessly on Android and iOS
• Apps that require frequent updates based on user feedback benefit from the rapid iteration capabilities offered by this technology stack
• Projects that involve similar business logic across platforms can benefit from having a unified codebase
• Given its popularity among major social media platforms like Instagram and Meta, this iOS app programming language combo is well-suited for apps in this niche

Our Review

There is a reason why Meta, Instagram, Uber Eats, Bloomberg, Discord, and many other cross-platform apps are built with this combo. The reason is that combining JavaScript with React Native always works.

From strong community support to rapid development capabilities – this technology stack offers everything you need to build high-quality, cross-platform apps.

How to Choose the Right iOS App Programming Language

• Decide between cross-platform for broader reach or native development for high-performance
• Assess the app’s functional and UX requirements to determine which language suits your goals the most
• Choose a language that aligns with your development team’s skills
• The language must support the app’s long-term growth plans
• Opt for a language with strong community resources and a robust ecosystem
• Verify that the chosen language works well with different versions of iOS
• The language you choose must allow you to add advanced techniques like accessibility features, Apple’s design principles, and advanced data privacy measures to your app

Conclusion

With this guide, you are now equipped to choose the right programming language for your next iOS app development project.

For more in-depth and personalized assistance on this topic, reach out to our iOS app development team at Itobuz.

We will be glad to walk you through our iOS app development processes and explain why and when we use specific programming languages!