Hiring an iOS app developer is more than just checking technical skills—it’s about finding someone who can turn an idea into a functional, intuitive, and visually appealing app. A well-crafted portfolio is one of the best indicators of a developer’s expertise, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability. But how do you go beyond the surface and truly evaluate what’s inside? Are you looking for clean, scalable code, or do you prioritize UI/UX expertise? Should you be checking for experience in Swift and Objective-C, or is their ability to handle App Store submissions just as crucial?
Whether you’re a startup, an enterprise, or one of the many SaaS companies seeking to expand your mobile presence, assessing a developer’s past work can help you make an informed hiring decision. This guide walks you through key factors to consider when reviewing portfolios to hire an iOS app developer that fits your needs.
Beyond the Code: What a Developer’s Portfolio Reveals About Their Skills
1. Look for a Variety of Apps and Industry Experience
A strong portfolio should showcase a range of applications across different industries. Why does this matter?
Developers who have built apps for e-commerce, healthcare, fintech, or entertainment have experience dealing with diverse challenges—such as integrating payment gateways, handling sensitive data, or designing for high user engagement.
If you’re a SaaS company, look for experience in subscription-based apps. The ability to integrate analytics, user authentication, and cloud services like AWS or Firebase can be crucial. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a game developer, check if they have experience with frameworks like SpriteKit or Unity.
A varied portfolio also shows adaptability. An iOS app developer who has built apps for different screen sizes, device versions, and Apple’s latest UI frameworks (like SwiftUI) demonstrates flexibility, which is essential in an ever-evolving market.
2. Assess the Functionality and Performance of Previous Apps
A beautiful app is great, but if it crashes frequently or loads slowly, it’s a failure. Instead of just looking at screenshots, ask the developer for app store links or test the apps yourself.
Here’s what to evaluate:
- Load Time: Do the apps launch quickly? Slow apps frustrate users.
- Navigation: Is the user experience smooth? A confusing interface can lead to high drop-off rates.
- Stability: Frequent crashes indicate poor code quality.
- Offline Functionality: Can the app function without an internet connection when necessary?
If you’re part of a SaaS company, you’ll also want to check if the apps integrate well with cloud-based services, allowing real-time data sync and scalability. A skilled iOS developer ensures the app runs efficiently, even under heavy user loads.
3. Check for Customization and Problem-Solving Skills
No two apps should look identical. A common mistake businesses make when they hire an iOS app developer is failing to assess their ability to create customized solutions. If every app in the portfolio looks similar, it may indicate that the developer relies too heavily on templates rather than building tailored solutions.
Here’s what to look for:
- Unique UI/UX Design: Does each app reflect its industry and target audience?
- Custom Features: Look for apps that demonstrate advanced functionalities like ARKit, Core ML (machine learning), or complex animations.
- Problem-Solving Examples: Ask about specific challenges faced during development and how they were resolved. Did they optimize an app’s loading speed? Improve accessibility features? Overcome App Store approval issues?
SaaS companies often require high customization for user dashboards, APIs, and integrations with third-party tools. Ensure the developer has experience in these areas.
4. Evaluate Their Mastery of iOS-Specific Technologies
Being proficient in Swift or Objective-C isn’t enough. An exceptional iOS developer is well-versed in Apple’s ecosystem, including:
- SwiftUI and UIKit – Essential for building iOS apps with Apple’s design standards.
- Core Data & CloudKit – For managing app data efficiently.
- ARKit & RealityKit – If your app involves augmented reality experiences.
- HealthKit & HomeKit – For health and IoT integrations.
Check if their portfolio includes apps using these technologies. If you’re planning to build an app with advanced AI capabilities, ensure they have experience integrating machine learning models with Core ML.
5. Read Reviews and User Feedback
A great portfolio isn’t just about aesthetics and functionality; user feedback is equally important. Search for reviews on the App Store and see what real users have to say about the developer’s past projects.
What to look for:
- High Ratings: A well-built app typically has positive ratings (4+ stars).
- User Engagement: Are users actively using and reviewing the app?
- Common Complaints: Are there recurring issues like crashes, poor updates, or bad customer support?
If you’re a SaaS company, customer retention is key. Look for evidence that the developer knows how to build apps that keep users engaged long-term.
6. Analyze Their App Store Optimization (ASO) Skills
Building an app is only half the battle—getting it noticed is the other. A skilled iOS developer understands App Store Optimization (ASO), which includes:
- Keyword Optimization: Does the app rank well for relevant search terms?
- Compelling Descriptions: Is the app’s store page well-written with clear benefits?
- Screenshots & Videos: Does the app store listing showcase the app’s best features?
When you hire an iOS app developer, ask if they have experience with ASO strategies. Developers who understand how to improve app visibility can significantly boost downloads.
7. Consider Their Collaboration and Communication Skills
Even the most talented developer can be difficult to work with if they lack good communication skills. When hiring, evaluate how they:
- Explain technical concepts in simple terms.
- Accept feedback and make revisions.
- Provide realistic timelines and meet deadlines.
For SaaS companies, collaboration is essential, as developers often work with multiple teams, including UI/UX designers, marketers, and backend engineers. Ensure they can integrate well into your existing team.
8. Ask About Post-Launch Support and Updates
App development doesn’t end at launch. Apple frequently updates iOS, and apps need regular maintenance to remain functional.
When hiring, ask:
- Do you offer post-launch support?
- How do you handle bug fixes and updates?
- What’s your approach to adding new features based on user feedback?
A reliable iOS developer should be available for long-term collaboration, ensuring your app remains competitive and up-to-date.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right developer can mean the difference between a successful app and one that fails to gain traction. When you hire an iOS app developer, take the time to analyze their portfolio thoroughly, focusing on functionality, problem-solving skills, and real-world user feedback.
For SaaS companies, a scalable and well-optimized app can drive subscriptions, user engagement, and business growth. By following this checklist, you can ensure that your next hire is a perfect fit for your project.
