Top 9 High-Demand iOS Programming Languages in 2025

Are you someone new to iOS? Do you also wonder which iOS programming language is used in a particular app? The best thing about iOS is that almost all devices, including iPhones, iPads,  or iPod touch, can run the same apps. So you can have a seamless experience on all devices.  Before hiring an iPhone app development company or developing an app yourself, you first need to understand the different types of programming languages for iOS. Additionally, using iOS emulators can be a great way to test your app across various devices and ensure compatibility before launch.

What Programming Language Does iOS Use?

When it comes to iOS app development, a common question arises, ” What programming language does iOS use?” There are many iOS programming languages used in app development. Here are some of the popular ones:

• Swift
• Objective-C
• Flutter
• React Native
• Kotlin
• Java
• HTML5
• C#
• Dart

If you’re wondering how to make an iOS app, you can check out our blog to find a detailed guide.

Top 9 iOS Programming Languages in 2025

There are multiple programming languages in the app development industry that are making innovations. According to Statista, the Apple app store has become the second-largest mobile marketplace, with over 8.4 billion downloads in 2024.  If you’re wondering what programming language does iOS use, here are the most common ones used for the iOS platform:

1. Swift

Swift is known as the primary iOS programming language, catering to iPad, mac, iWatch, and tvOS app development. It was launched in 2014 with the aim to be fast, safe, and expressive, ensuring productivity and performance.  Most of the developers prefer Swift as it is quicker and simpler to learn than others. It is mostly used for building command-line tools, web services and server-side applications. If you’re planning to create a cross-platform app, it is an excellent choice that requires strong integration with Apple hardware.  If you’re thinking about how much it cost to build an app like Uber using Swift language, check out our blog to find detailed features and costs. Here are some of the pros and cons of Swift programming language for iOS:

Pros

• Swift offers a clean and modern syntax that is easy for you to read and write. 
• It uses strong programming concepts to improve code safety and prevent common errors, such as null pointer dereferencing and buffer overflows.
• You can get features like lightweight syntax and optimized memory management.
• It is compatible with Objective-C and allows you to use present Objective-C code in projects.
• In 2015, Swift became an open-source project, which enabled it to work on other platforms, such as Linux and Windows. 

Cons

• Swift’s Application binary interface is not stabilized, making it difficult to be fully compatible with different versions.
• Their tools and functionalities may not be as mature or extensive as other programming languages.
• Swift has longer compile times than other programming languages, especially for larger projects.

2. Objective-C

Objective-C is an extension of the C programming language for iOS, introducing object-oriented features. It was originally the main language of development for macOS and iOS before being superseded by Swift. This supports three major principles of object-oriented programming: encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. It provides the facility to create classes, objects, and methods with which the code becomes modular, reusable as well as maintainable. Here are some of the pros and cons Objective-C offers:

Pros

• Objective-C is a mature ecosystem that offers libraries, frameworks, and refined tools. 
• It is fully compatible with the Cocoa and Cocoa Touch frameworks, which means you can use existing Objective-C codebases and libraries.
• Objective-C supports complex messaging, which allows objects to send messages to each other at runtime. 
• There are many well-known apps that have used Objective-C for the mobile app development process.

Cons

• The syntax of Objective-C can be challenging and less readable, which can slow down the development process.
• Since Objective-C uses manual memory management, you can face issues like memory leaks or crashes.
• It has limited safety features that are found in modern programming languages.
• There are less development of new features and progress for Objective-C.

3. Flutter

Flutter is not a programming language, but a UI software development solution by Google. It uses the Dart programming language to build native apps for iOS, Android, web and desktop from a single codebase.  It helps you write code once and deploy it to reduce platform-specific code and development efforts. To learn more about the Flutter, here are the major pros and cons it entails:

Pros

• You can build apps for multiple platforms from a single codebase to reduce time and costs.
• Hot reload is one of the standout features, allowing you to see the impact of changes immediately without having to restart the entire app. 
• You can create custom widgets or use existing ones.
• It is compiled into native ARM code, granting you high performance and smooth animations. 

Cons

• Although Flutter can access many native device features through plugins, it may not always provide out-of-the-box access to every native functionality. 
• It creates large app binaries compared to natively developed apps.
• The Flutter platform is smaller compared to native development platforms like Android (Java/Kotlin) or iOS (Swift/Objective-C).
• While Flutter supports web and desktop applications, some advanced features and integrations for these platforms may be less mature than those for mobile counterparts. 

4. React Native

React Native is an open-source framework developed by Facebook for cross-platform applications. It means that using a single codebase, one can create applications running on iOS, Android, and other platforms without having to write specific code for each platform. In 2015, it has become a popular choice to build native-like mobile apps in the fastest possible way. Are you thinking about creating apps like Snapchat using React Native? You can take inspiration from popular blogs to make your mark. Before getting started on React Native, make sure you’re aware of React Native app development mistakes. If you’re interested in learning the pros and cons of the best programming language for iOS, here are the following features:

Pros

• React Native is super helpful for startups and businesses with limited budgets. You can develop on both iOS and Android using a single codebase. 
• You have access to change the code and see the result without restarting the entire application. 
• You can focus on building features instead of reinventing the wheel. This leads to faster deployment times and more maintainable code.
• React Native can easily be added to existing native apps, so you can make changes without a full rebuild. 

Cons

• React Native provides access to many native device functionalities through plugins but may not always support the latest or most advanced features.
• While React Native covers most use cases, platform fragmentation can still be challenging. 
• Some React Native apps consume more memory and drain battery life faster than native applications. 
• Debugging React Native apps can sometimes be more complex than debugging purely native apps. 

5. Kotlin

Kotlin is a modern iOS app programming language that runs on the JVM while being fully compatible with Java. Since its inception, the system was created to overcome some issues in Java and provide safer and more expressive syntax.  It has gained popularity in Android development and is now considered the most preferred language. Google has officially supported it since 2017.  Are you ready to learn more about the Kotlin platform? Here are the following pros and cons of this iOS programming language:

Pros

• Kotlin’s full compatibility with Java allows you to integrate it easily into existing Java projects. 
• The syntax is more concise and expressive than the Java one. Type inference, destructuring declarations, and extension functions make Kotlin code easier to read and write.
• Kotlin reduces the chances of runtime crashes, leading to more stable and reliable applications.
• Kotlin’s use in Android Studio, as well as its robust documentation and support from Google, makes it a first-class choice for Android app development.

Cons

• Kotlin’s compilation speed, especially in Android projects, can be slower than Java’s, especially in large codebases. 
• This language is not as mature as other cross-platform solutions like React Native or Flutter. 
• Many developers are well-versed in Java, so the Android development community has a smaller talent pool. 

6. Java

Java is an object-oriented iOS application programming language developed by Sun Microsystems and now owned by Oracle. It uses the “write once, run anywhere” approach, which means that compiled code can run on any platform that supports Java without needing recompilation.  Java is known for its robustness, scalability, and portability and is best for building enterprise-level apps, Android apps, web servers, and cloud-based services. Here are the following pros and cons of this iOS apps programming language:

Pros

• Java’s portability makes it easy to deploy applications across diverse environments without modifications.
• The automatic garbage collection simplifies memory management, reducing the likelihood of memory leaks or crashes. 
• It has built-in security features, such as cryptography libraries, secure socket layer (SSL) support, and advanced access control mechanisms.
• Java’s native support for multithreading improves performance in concurrent applications, such as web servers, gaming engines, and financial applications.

Cons

• Java needs a lot of boilerplate code compared to modern languages like Kotlin or Python.
• It is slower than languages like C or C++ due to its reliance on the JVM and garbage collection.
• Managing threads in Java can become complicated for complex applications. You must be mindful of race conditions, deadlocks, and concurrency issues. 
• Java’s older syntax and codebases can be cumbersome when transitioning to more modern programming practices. 

7. HTML5

HTML5 is the current version of HTML for structuring and presenting content on the World Wide Web. It presents a major advancement from previous HTML versions that support modern web apps, multimedia, and other interactive content without additional plugins like Flash or Silverlight.  It is a significant evolution from previous HTML versions, with features that support modern web applications, multimedia, and other dynamic content without requiring additional plugins like Flash or Silverlight. You can work easily with CSS3 and JavaScript to support responsive web design that adapts to different screen sizes. If you’re interested in learning more about this iOS programming language, here are the following pros and cons:

Pros

• It is platform-independent, which means you can work across different browsers and devices.
• HTML5 natively supports multimedia elements like video, audio, and animations. So, you don’t need third-party plugins.
• Using semantic tags in HTML5 makes it easier for you to maintain code and enhance SEO.
• It has features like local storage and application cache, where you can store data locally. This makes it easier for you to access content offline.

Cons

• Although HTML5 is widely supported, not all features work consistently across all browsers.
• There are a few security risks, such as cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities and issues with client-side storage (localStorage). 
• There are some performance limitations in more resource-intensive applications, such as complex games or real-time 3D rendering.

8. C#

C# is Microsoft’s most recent iOS programming language created as a part of its .NET initiative. Its purpose was to merge the power and flexibility of C++ with the simplicity and security of Java. No doubt, it’s a great tool for you! Key features in C# are encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism, which produce reusable, maintainable, and modular code.  Here are the following pros and cons of C#:

Pros

• Microsoft supports C#, which means you receive regular updates, new features, and extensive documentation. 
• The combo of .NET framework and Visual Studio offers an extensive range of tools, libraries, and APIs to streamline the development process.
• It’s strict type-checking and error detection at compile time ensure that common bugs are caught early.
• C# is best for building large, scalable applications and systems, such as ERP, CRM, and other cloud-based solutions.

Cons

• For beginners, it can be more difficult to learn compared to simpler languages like Python and JavaScript.
• C# is resource-intensive compared to lightweight languages like JavaScript or Python.
• C# applications, especially large-scale ones, have longer compilation times than dynamically typed languages like Python or interpreted languages like JavaScript. 

9. Dart Dart is a great iOS apps programming language initially released to build scalable, high-performance applications. The syntax is similar to C, C++, and Java, making it easier for those already familiar. It is recognized as the language behind the popular Flutter framework. Dart is widely used for cross-platform and web applications.  To learn more about the Dart programming language for iOS, here are the following pros and cons:

Pros

• Developers can easily write a single codebase that runs on multiple platforms, such as Android, iOS, web, and desktop.
• It provides real-time code updates, which speed up the development cycle by adding instant changes.
• Dart supports AOT compilation that delivers fast startup times and high performance in production apps.
• Dart’s null safety feature reduces the likelihood of null reference errors, making applications more reliable and less prone to crashes. 

Cons

• The dart community is saturated compared to Java, JavaScript, and Python.
• The use of Dart outside of the Flutter is quite limited. Without Flutter, there are fewer options and support for building apps directly in Dart.
• Dart is not as mature and widely adopted in backend development compared to languages like Java, Python, or Node.js. 

Why You Should Choose iOS App Development

Before getting into mobile app development, choosing the right platform is important for success. Apple has become one of the most preferred platforms due to its growing demand worldwide. Here’s why you should choose iOS for mobile app development:

1. Great Demand in First World Countries

While Android stands as a larger global market share, iOS is dominating in major areas like North America, Western Europe, and Australia, where purchasing power is higher.  This makes iOS an excellent option for businesses targeting wealthy markets or places where iPhones are highly popular. 

2. Find Great Tools for Greater Performance!

Apple is known for maintaining strict guidelines that guarantee a high-quality user experience on all devices. iOS apps must meet high standards of design, functionality, and performance before being published on the Apple Store.  With smooth navigation, fast load times, and a user-friendly interface, you can gain user trust and loyalty.  If this phrase, “I have an app idea,” is constantly nudging your mind,  go to our recent blog and get a comprehensive guide.

3. Your Privacy Matters!

Security is a top priority for iOS, which offers top-notch protection through features like sandboxing, data encryption, and regular updates.  This makes iOS a trusted choice for businesses handling sensitive data, such as finance or healthcare. 

4. A Great Earning Potential

iOS offers better earning opportunities, and iPhone users spend more on apps compared to Android users. You can find strong revenue opportunities through paid apps, in-app purchases, or subscriptions. Apple’s secure and reliable payment infrastructure further confirms smooth transactions and provides user experience when purchasing. 

5. A Unified Hub for Apple Gadgets

If you’re considering choosing iOS, you must be aware of its features and the benefits it offers. iOS is known for its smooth connection with a range of Apple products, including iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and MacBooks. You can create iOS apps that operate smoothly on different devices, ensuring a uniform experience on any device you choose.  Features like Handoff, Continuity, and cross-platform development make it easier for you to create immersive, multi-device experiences. 

6. Experience Top-Notch Performance!

iOS apps are known for their low latency and high responsiveness, ensuring streamlined performance. You can easily optimize apps for faster response times and minimal delays.  This level of performance is essential for apps requiring real-time interactions, such as gaming, streaming, or financial services. 

7. Innovation and Modern Technologies 

Apple provides advanced development tools and resources like Xcode, Swift, and ARKit. Swift is a modern, speedy, and user-friendly coding language that enhances iOS app development. These tools help you build efficient apps with fewer errors, guaranteeing a smooth development process. If you’re looking for the best iPhone apps to get inspiration, our blog covers everything you need to know. 

8. An Opportunity to Promote Your Brand

With a loyal global user base, Apple’s App Store provides exposure to a premium market.  Choosing iOS helps businesses reach high-value users. Additionally, iOS’s strict guidelines and high standards ensure apps maintain a polished, professional appearance, reinforcing brand credibility.  This allows businesses to align with Apple’s trusted reputation, enhancing brand recognition.

9. Professional Analytics and Insights Tools

Apple offers innovative tools for analytics and insights, allowing data-driven decisions. With Apple’s integrated analytics platforms, you can easily track user behavior, app performance and key metrics like retention, in-app purchases and engagement.  Moreover, iOS apps benefit from Apple’s privacy-focused data collection, ensuring insights are gathered while maintaining user trust. 

10. Make Your Business Stand Out!

Apple’s reputation for innovation, reliability, and premium user experiences ensures that iOS apps are high quality. With access to a dedicated user base that prioritizes modern technology, iOS experiences greater engagement and revenue potential.  Additionally, iOS offers you advanced tools and technologies to create robust, scalable applications. Are you interested in learning the best Android app development tools? Check out our blog to weigh the pros and cons. 

Partner with Trango Tech for iOS App Development 

iPhone is the most popular market in the US, with over 61% market share. There are numerous benefits in the iOS sector, attracting many businesses now to invest in this domain. From better user experience to higher income possibilities, you can get it all by opting for either of the iOS programming languages mentioned above. Are you looking for a leading mobile app development company? Trango Tech offers professional iOS app development solutions that help you grow your business on a large scale. 

Frequently Asked Questions Related to iOS App Programming Language

Why should businesses invest in iOS app development?

Investing in iOS app development offers businesses access to a highly engaged, loyal, and affluent user base. With Apple’s strong reputation for security, performance, and innovation, iOS apps help enhance data privacy and reliability. In terms of revenue, iOS users are more likely to make in-app purchases and engage with premium services. If you’re struggling between choosing Android vs iOS development, our blog covers detailed comparisons and differences. 

How much does it cost to make an iOS app?

The iOS app development cost is managed by several factors that need to be considered. If you’re planning to create an app, you first need to understand what type of app you’re going for. The online market says a simple app with basic features ranges from $10,000 to $50,000. Moreover, a standard app with advanced features comes between $50,000 and $150,000. Lastly, elite apps with innovative functionalities like AI, AR, and VR range from $150,000 to $500,000.

How long it takes to develop an iOS app?

The time you need to build the app depends on its complexity, features, and overall process. A simple app with basic features takes 3 to 4 months. A mid-level app with more pages and features may take up to 6 months. For complex apps with advanced features, it could take 6 to 12 months. 

What is the most preferred language for iOS?

iOS offers several programming languages that have a bunch of advantages. Swift is the most preferred one due to its power and intuitiveness. You can find clear and concise syntax, which makes it easier for you to write, maintain, and understand.  Also, if you’re searching for the right programming language for Android and iOS, look over the pros and cons before making a decision. 

Are Swift and C++ the same?

Although Swift and C++ are powerful programming languages that share similarities, they’re used for different purposes based on their features. Swift is mainly focused on object-oriented thinking that values safety, performance, and ease of use. Whereas C++ is a multi-paradigm language that puts first procedural and generic programming. Both of them differ in syntax, memory management, and safety features.