Today, having a mobile app is a key part of growing a successful business. Whether you’re starting something new or expanding what you already have, an iOS app can help you reach high-value users and build strong customer relationships. But if you don’t have a tech background, hiring the right iOS developer can feel confusing or even stressful.
You might wonder, How do I check their skills? What should I look for in a good developer? How can I avoid wasting money on the wrong hire? These are common questions for non-technical founders.
That’s why we created this simple iOS developer hiring guide. It’s made for non-technical people, smart business minds without technical knowledge. This blog will walk you through the full process of how to hire an iOS developer, even if you can’t code.
It covers where to find talent, what to ask during interviews, and how to avoid common mistakes. Whether you are hiring iOS developers for a startup or scaling your product, this guide gives you the tools to hire with confidence.
Before you begin the hiring process, it’s helpful to understand why many startups and businesses choose to build iOS first. As a non-technical founder, this insight will support your hiring decisions and help you choose the right direction when looking to hire an iOS developer.
iOS users are known to spend more money on apps and in-app purchases, making Apple’s platform ideal if your business model depends on direct revenue from the app.
Additionally, iOS devices are widely used in markets such as North America and Western Europe, giving you access to a premium audience early on.
Another major benefit is platform consistency. Apple has fewer devices and screen sizes compared to Android, which makes development and testing easier, faster, and more reliable. It allows developers to create smoother, high-performance apps with fewer bugs, which is a win for users.
Security is also a big plus. Apple offers a secure ecosystem, which builds trust with users, especially important if your app handles payments or sensitive data.
Whether you are just learning how to hire an iOS app developer or preparing to hire iOS developers for a startup, choosing iOS as your launch platform can give you a head start in quality, reach, and revenue.
These are the following key benefits of iOS Apps.
Hiring an iOS app developer can feel like navigating a foreign land, especially when you are not fluent in tech. But with the right structure and a clear understanding of your role as the founder, you can hire smartly and confidently.
Now we will understand a step-by-step process to hire an iOS developer, broken down into stages that even non-technical founders can follow:
Before you begin searching for developers, take time to clarify what you want to build. A great developer can only bring your idea to life if you can clearly explain it. As a non-tech founder, this step is essential; it gives direction to the development process and helps you avoid misunderstandings later.
Start by answering two key questions: What problem does your app solve? And who are your target users? This helps you stay focused and gives developers a clear direction. For example, an app that helps students manage deadlines will look very different from one built for busy parents. Knowing your purpose ensures the developer builds something truly useful.
For example, are you building an app for busy parents, small business owners, or fitness lovers? Being specific about your audience helps developers make better design and feature choices.
Next, make a simple list of the must-have features for your first version (also known as MVP – Minimum Viable Product). Don’t try to add everything at once. Focus on what’s truly needed to launch. Common features might include:
Visualize how users will move through the app from opening it to completing a task. You can sketch this with simple tools like Figma, Balsamiq, or even on paper. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just clear.
Even if you are not from a tech background, knowing the different types of iOS developers can help you make smarter hiring decisions. Each option has its pros and cons depending on your goals, budget, and timeline.
Freelancers are great for MVPs or short-term projects. They are usually more affordable and flexible, making them a popular choice for early-stage startups. However, reliability and long-term support can be an issue.
If you have a long-term tech roadmap, hiring a full-time developer can offer more control and better alignment. You’ll be able to guide product decisions more closely. The downside? It takes time and money to recruit and retain talent.
Agencies are ideal for non-technical founders. They handle everything, such as UI/UX, coding, testing, and even app store submission. While agencies cost more upfront, they offer structure, reliability, and reduced risk for first-time app creators.
You don’t need to be a developer to hire an iOS developer, but knowing a few basics will help you feel more confident during the hiring process.
Understanding the iOS tech stack will also help you ask better questions and spot experienced candidates when you are hiring iOS developers for a startup.
Here is a simple explanation of the essential tools and language used in iOS development.
| Term | What It Means |
| Swift | The main programming language for modern iOS apps is fast, safe, and widely used. |
| Objective-C | An older language, still used in legacy apps, but less common for new projects. |
| Xcode | Apple’s official development tool is used to write, test, and publish iOS apps. |
| UIKit / SwiftUI | Frameworks used to design the app’s user interface and experience. |
| API Integration | How does the app connect with other services (like payment systems or maps) |
This table of essential tools and languages will make your hiring conversations smoother and help you follow along, even without technical knowledge. It’s a helpful part of any iOS developer hiring guide, especially for those learning how to hire an iOS app developer or how a non-tech founder can hire developers.
A well-written job description can help you attract the right developers and save time during the hiring process. As a non-technical founder, this is your chance to clearly explain what you need and show developers why they should work with you.
This step is key in any iOS developer hiring guide, and especially important if you are learning to hire an iOS developer without a tech background.
Here are the main points to include:
For Example,
“iOS App Developer for MVP Launch (Swift + UI/UX Knowledge)”
This title tells developers exactly what you are building and the skills you are looking for.
Share a brief intro about your startup. You can explain it like this: we are an early-stage startup building a solution to simplify daily tasks. Our team values innovation, clarity, and user-first thinking in everything.
These are some of the points to remember.
As an iOS APP developer, you will play a key role in bringing our MVP to life. You will work alongside a small, passionate team to turn our vision into a smooth, high-performing iOS app.
Your focus will be on building clean, scalable code and delivering a user-friendly experience. If you are excited about shaping a product from the ground up, this role is for you.
Your responsibilities will include:
You can define your requirements in clear points according to your needs. For Example, we are looking for a skilled and reliable iOS developer who can take ownership of the app development process. You should be confident working independently, solving problems, and delivering high-quality code. The ideal candidate will have:
In addition to the core requirements, we value developers who bring extra experience that can speed up development and improve app quality. These bonus skills are not mandatory, but will set you apart:
This clear structure helps set expectations and attract the right candidates when you are hiring iOS developers for a startup.
Once you have defined your project and written a solid job description, the next step is finding the right talent. As a non-technical founder, choosing the right platform can save you time, money, and stress.
Whether you are looking for freelancers, full-time developers, or a
development agency, here are the best places to start your search:
Perfect for short-term projects or MVPs. These platforms offer access to a large pool of iOS developers with flexible pricing options.
These are places where developers share work, solve problems, and look for opportunities.
Best for non-technical founders who want full-cycle development support.
Even if you can’t read or write code, you can still make smart, confident hiring decisions. When you are using this iOS developer hiring guide as a non-technical founder, focus on what you can assess: past work, communication, problem-solving, and professionalism.
Here’s how to evaluate candidates effectively:
One of the easiest and most effective ways to evaluate an iOS developer is by reviewing their past work. You don’t need to understand the code; just look at what they have already built. Ask for live app links (on the App Store) or screenshots of previous projects.
A strong portfolio not only showcases their technical skills but also gives you a sense of their design taste, user experience focus, and project relevance.
As a non-technical founder, you don’t need to dive into code to understand a developer’s ability; just ask about how they work. Focus on process-oriented questions that reveal their approach to development, problem-solving, and quality control.
For example: “How do you handle testing?”, “Can you describe your development workflow?”, or “What do you do when bugs or delays happen?” The answers will give you insight into their experience level, how organized they are, and whether they follow a structured,
professional approach. A seasoned developer will confidently explain each step, showing that they have done it before and can do it again for your project.
Technical skill is important, but great communication is what makes a smooth partnership, especially when you don’t speak the tech language. Choose someone who can explain technical topics in simple terms, without jargon.
They should be able to set clear expectations, outline timelines, and tell you what they need from you to move forward. Most importantly, they should keep you regularly updated and be open to questions. Good communication builds trust and keeps your project on track; it’s just as valuable as clean code.
If you’re unsure about a candidate, assign a small paid test project before making a full commitment. This could be building a simple screen, a basic feature, or even fixing a small bug. The goal is not just to test their coding skills, but also to see how they work under real conditions.
Pay attention to how quickly they deliver, the quality of their work, how they handle feedback, and how well they communicate during the task. A short test project can help you avoid bigger mistakes down the line, especially when you are hiring iOS developers for a startup or MVP.
When you are hiring an iOS developer for a startup, especially as a non-technical founder, it’s just as important to know what not to ignore. Some warning signs can save you from delays, wasted money, or a failed product. Keep an eye out for the following red flags during interviews and early discussions:
If a developer can’t show past work or give unclear responses about their experience, it’s a major concern. A strong developer will proudly share real examples and explain what they did.
If they’re hesitant to sign a non-disclosure agreement, it may signal a lack of professionalism or reliability. Protecting your ideas should be a shared priority.
Be cautious if someone promises to build a full app in an unrealistically short time. Reliable developers give honest, realistic timelines even if it’s not what you want to hear.
If you struggle to understand each other early on, it will only get harder during the project. Good communication is essential for smooth collaboration.
If they don’t follow a clear process such as planning, testing, and communication, your project could quickly become disorganized and difficult to manage.
Typical Cost Ranges (USD)
| Type | Hourly Rate | Total Project (MVP) |
| Freelancers | $25–$75/hr | $5,000–$20,000 |
| Mid-tier Agencies | $40–$150/hr | $15,000–$50,000 |
| Top-tier Agencies | $100–$250/hr | $50,000+ |
Factors That Influence Cost
When you hire an iOS developer, the cost can vary widely depending on your app’s requirements. Understanding what drives pricing will help you plan your budget and avoid surprises. Here are the main factors that influence the cost of iOS app development:
As a non-technical founder, it’s crucial to protect your app idea and ensure you retain full ownership of the work. Even if you are just learning how to hire an iOS app developer, legal safeguards can give you peace of mind and help avoid future conflicts. Here’s how to keep your vision secure throughout the hiring process:
Hiring an iOS developer isn’t the end; you need to stay involved to keep the project on track. Even without coding skills, you can manage progress with simple tools and clear communication. These are the following tools to stay organized.
Have a short meeting or message exchange covering:
Staying involved ensures better results, and smoother collaboration is a must when hiring iOS developers for a startup.
Launching your app is an exciting milestone, but it requires careful planning. From final testing to App Store submission and ongoing maintenance, every step matters to ensure a smooth release.
Test the app on real devices such as iPhones and iPads to catch any bugs. Use tools such as Jira or Bugherd to track and fix issues.
The Apple review process usually takes 1–3 days. Make sure your App Store listing is optimized, such as the title, description, and screenshots, all of which matter (ASO).
These are the following crucial points to plan for what happens after launch:
You don’t need to write code to build a great app. As a non-technical founder, your true strength lies in vision, clarity, and leadership. By learning how to hire an iOS app developer, asking the right questions, and staying involved, you can turn your idea into a real product even without a tech background.
This iOS developer hiring guide is designed to help you move forward with confidence. Whether you are hiring iOS developers for a startup or scaling an existing product, understanding the basics and focusing on communication will lead you to the right talent.
The key lies in preparation, trust-building, and setting clear milestones. With the right approach and the right developer, your dream app is well within reach and ready to make an impact.
Technical Content Writer
Kavita has a strong background in technology and writes about cybersecurity, software development, and digital marketing. She makes complex topics simple and easy to understand. Her content helps businesses, developers, and marketers learn about cybersecurity threats, best practices, software development, and digital strategies to stay informed and succeed online.
