How To Effectively Offshore iOS App Development

Businesses across industries are releasing iOS applications to better reach their consumers, improving accessibility and increasing the touchpoints for consumer relationship management and revenue generation.

This has driven up the demand for mobile app developers who can transform services into high-quality iOS apps, leading to greater competition for skilled talent in this field.

However, there is a flexible and cost-effective alternative to hiring local developers: iOS offshore development provides you with access to talent with specialized skills, cost savings, and flexibility. With a clear strategy and understanding of the process, you can create high-quality apps more efficiently and gain a competitive edge. 

This guide will explore what services you can outsource, considerations for hiring offshore developers, and essential tips for selecting the right partner.

What iOS App Development Services Can You Offshore?

Identifying what you need to outsource is the first step to finding a mobile developer or firm that can create an app that fits your customers’ needs.

Here are the iOS app development services most commonly outsourced to offshore locations.

iOS native app development

Offshore experts for native iOS app creation can build applications specifically for Apple’s ecosystem. They’re able to streamline performance, use devices’ hardware capabilities efficiently, and create user interfaces that align with iOS users’ expectations.

Third-party integrations

Development professionals in offshore locations can also manage integrations with third-party services like payment gateways, analytics, and CRMs, further enhancing your app’s functionality.

Quality assurance and testing

Quality assurance (QA) is crucial for any app. Offshore software developers can run various tests to detect and resolve issues before launch, including user testing, performance testing, and compliance checks.

Maintenance and support

An offshore iOS developer can handle post-launch support and updates, ensuring the app stays relevant and optimized for future OS versions.

UI/UX design

iOS apps require a sleek and intuitive design. Hiring UI/UX professionals from offshore regions ensures the app meets both aesthetic and usability standards, creating a better user experience.

Cross-platform development

Outsourcing cross-platform development allows you to reach iOS and Android users from a single codebase, cutting development time and costs.

iOS game development

If you’re seeking to build iOS games, specialized game developers can provide the required graphics, interactivity, and performance optimization required for Apple’s platform.

App store optimization (ASO)

Outsourced experts can enhance your app’s visibility through ASO, using tactics like keyword optimization, user engagement tracking, and targeted marketing strategies.

Where Can You Outsource iOS App Developers?

Factors like proximity, language, cultural alignment, and technical expertise play a major role in selecting the right offshore location for your development project. Here’s a list of the best places to outsource iOS app development. 

Argentina

Argentina has a growing tech ecosystem with an impressive talent pool and expertise in iOS offshore development. Its location allows for overlapping work hours with the US, making real-time collaboration easier. 

With competitive rates and a strong emphasis on technical education, Argentina is an ideal choice for companies seeking affordable, skilled remote developers in Latin America (LatAm).

Philippines

The Philippines is well regarded for its large, English-speaking workforce and affordable service rates. Its BPO services sector has many professionals proficient in mobile app development. 

For US companies, outsourcing to the Philippines involves a significant time zone difference, but many of the country’s providers have adopted 24/7 schedules to align with clients’ business hours.

Poland

Poland boasts one of the most advanced tech markets in Eastern Europe, with a reputation for high-quality software development. 

Competitive rates, combined with high levels of technical expertise, make Poland a valuable destination for app development. Its EU membership also ensures strong compliance with data protection standards, which is critical for businesses prioritizing security.

Mexico

Mexico offers proximity, convenient time zones, and a strong tech talent pool, making it ideal for nearshore software development outsourcing. With a high level of technical skill in app development, Mexican developers are proficient in iOS platforms.

All of this makes Mexico one of the top choices for US companies looking for efficient, affordable iOS development solutions.

Ukraine

Ukraine is another prominent outsourcing destination known for its highly skilled developers and affordability.

The country has a strong culture of tech education, producing some of the world’s top developers. Today, Ukraine’s IT sector remains resilient and continues to be a key player in offshore iOS development.

Romania

Romania’s iOS developers are known for their technical skills and attention to detail. The country’s membership in the EU ensures high standards for data protection and compliance, making it attractive for companies with strict security needs. 

Romania also offers competitive pricing and high levels of English proficiency, making it suitable for businesses looking for reliable iOS developers.

Brazil

Brazil’s large development talent pool, combined with convenient business hours for US companies, makes it a popular nearshore destination for iOS development.

Although rates are slightly higher than in some other LatAm countries, Brazil’s tech talent and work-hour alignment with the US make it a popular option among companies looking to outsource iOS developers.

Hungary

Hungary has a strong reputation for its professionals’ tech skills and is recognized for its high standards in software development. Known for providing cost-effective services, Hungary’s developers offer expertise in iOS and a business culture that aligns well with US practices. 

With high levels of English proficiency, Hungary is an appealing choice for US companies seeking reliable, cost-efficient iOS development.

When Should You Outsource to an Offshore iOS App Developer?

Here are some reasons to consider outsourcing iOS app development:

• You lack in-house expertise: When your internal staff doesn’t have the specific skills needed for iOS development, such as in-depth knowledge of programming languages like Swift or Objective-C, outsourcing can be an effective solution for creating high-quality apps.
• You need rapid development: If you’re looking to fast-track the launch of your app, you can rely on outsourcing teams to work quickly and efficiently.
• You have budget constraints: The cost to outsource iOS app development is often lower than hiring an in-house team. You can achieve high-quality outcomes without the high overhead costs associated with full-time in-house developers.

What’s the Cost To Outsource iOS App Development to Offshore Regions?

The cost of offshoring iOS app development varies considerably depending on the region you choose to outsource to. Here are the average annual salaries of iOS and other mobile app developers in the US versus some of the most popular outsourcing locations.

As shown above, developers in Asian countries like the Philippines and India are typically associated with the lowest labor costs.

However, it’s important to consider factors aside from the base price that could affect the value and convenience of your outsourced development operations. For instance, iOS developers in LatAm offer time zone and cultural alignment with US businesses while still allowing you to save over 36% in salary costs.

Here’s how the salaries of iOS developers in Latin America compare to US-based developers:

How To Choose the Right Offshore iOS Developers

Choosing the right offshore provider requires careful assessment of their skills, experience, and approach to iOS development:

• Evaluate expertise and experience: Review the developer’s previous work to ensure they have extensive experience in iOS development, particularly for the type of app you plan to create.
• Review portfolios and case studies: Request case studies and look through portfolios to gauge the provider’s track record, work quality, and alignment with your project goals.
• Conduct interviews: Interviews can help you further assess both the technical abilities of offshore software developers and their compatibility with your team’s working style and project needs.
• Review service-level agreement: A clear service-level agreement outlines expectations, timelines, and responsibilities, helping set standards and prevent misunderstandings throughout the entire project.

Further reading: How to Hire a Great iOS Developer

Top 10 Outsourcing Partners You Can Tap for Offshore iOS Development

It’s crucial to choose a reliable outsourcing provider that specializes in helping businesses offshore iOS development. Here are 10 top outsourcing providers for iOS development, chosen for their ratings on independent sites like G2 and Clutch, client testimonials, and services offered.  

They include a mix of firms that focus on iOS development services and specialist staffing and recruiting firms that can help you hire offshore iOS development talent.

1. Near

Near (Hire With Near) is a full-service staffing and recruiting agency that helps US companies of all sizes hire top-performing remote talent in Latin America across finance, accounting, sales, software engineering, AI, data, marketing, operations, and virtual assistance. 

We connect businesses with skilled iOS developers who understand the nuances of building high-quality mobile applications that meet Apple's strict standards and user expectations.

By hiring LatAm talent through Near, you get real-time collaboration from close time zones, allowing for seamless daily standups, instant feedback loops, and synchronized project timelines.

Key advantages of working with Near:

• Done-for-you hiring process and speed: We handle everything from sourcing to vetting, often completing placements in under 3 weeks
• Access to top-tier LatAm talent: Our developers perform like your best US hires, bringing technical excellence and professional work standards
• No upfront costs: You never pay anything upfront. Once you make a hire, choose between a one-off fee or monthly fee depending on whether you prefer us to handle payroll and compliance
• Proven track record: We maintain a 97% placement success rate, 9.1+ client satisfaction score, and 4.9 out of 5 rating on G2
• Extensive talent network: Our pre-vetted talent pool includes over 45,000 candidates, but we don't limit ourselves to this pool – we find talent that meets your exact requirements and expectations

2. Flatworld Solutions

Flatworld Solutions offers end-to-end iOS development with expertise in custom app development, integration, and support.

3. Mind Studios

Mind Studios is known for its comprehensive approach to mobile app development, including UI/UX, QA, and cross-platform support.

4. Azumo

Azumo provides flexible outsourcing options for iOS, including project-based and extended team models, as well as virtual CTO consulting services.

5. Invensis

Invensis offers custom iOS app development with a focus on scalability and modern tech solutions, ensuring compatibility across Apple’s wide range of devices..

6. N-iX

N-iX is a strong iOS development provider. It delivers customized, complex projects for various industries.

7. Boosty Labs

A dedicated outsourcing company that covers the full development lifecycle, from ideation to deployment, Boosty Labs understands the nuances of developing apps according to App Store policies.

8. Thinkitive

Known for its hiring agility and deep experience, Thinkitive provides rapid solutions for companies seeking iOS expertise, including reliable support during the maintenance phase.

9. iSHIR

iSHIR offers a flexible offshore model with professional experience across multiple app categories, including hybrid app development, Apple Watch app development, and QA and testing services.

10. Uplers

Uplers promises to provide pre-vetted candidates to its clients within 48 hours and focuses on quickly and seamlessly onboarding skilled iOS developers, providing scalable options across project types.

Looking specifically for iOS game developers? See our article on the top companies for outsourcing iOS game development services.

Final Thoughts

The demand for high-quality iOS applications continues to grow as businesses recognize the importance of reaching Apple's premium user base. iOS offshore development provides a strategic solution for companies facing talent shortages, budget constraints, or tight development timelines.

The key to success lies in choosing the right approach and partner. While traditional outsourcing offers cost savings, hiring pre-vetted dedicated iOS developers in Latin America through Near provides the best of both worlds: significant cost savings with the added benefits of full-time dedication, cultural alignment, and real-time collaboration.

Whether you choose to outsource specific iOS projects or hire your own iOS developers, Latin America offers the technical expertise, time zone advantages, and cost efficiency that make it the smart choice for iOS development. The region's developers bring the same quality standards and professionalism you'd expect from US-based talent, but at a fraction of the cost.

To learn more about hiring developers in Latin America is becoming a popular strategy over outsourcing, read Why Forward-Thinking CTOs Are Turning to LatAm to Build Better Engineering Teams. 

Or book your free consultation call today to get your questions answered about hiring iOS developers in Latin America.