Top 6 Companies for Outsourcing iOS App Development

With Apple, everything feels easy and intuitive, that is, until you need to build an iOS app from scratch.

Building an in-house team takes time and money, especially when you need specialized expertise for Swift, Objective-C, or Apple’s forever-evolving frameworks. 

That’s why many companies turn to outsourcing app development as a smarter, more efficient solution.

Outsourcing allows businesses to tap into top-tier iOS developers, keep costs in check, and accelerate product timelines, all without the overhead of full-time hires.

But finding the right partner? That’s another challenge. In this guide, we’ll break down key factors to consider, explain how to find a reliable partner, and present a handpicked list of outsourcing companies that can help bring your app vision to life.

Key Factors to Consider Before Outsourcing iOS App Development

With over 2 million apps on the App Store, a great idea alone isn’t enough. Execution, expertise, and strategy separate successful apps from the ones that get lost in the crowd.

Defining project requirements

Get your requirements on paper before talking to any development partners. A well-defined budget, timeline, and technical scope help avoid costly revisions. 

Will the app integrate Apple Pay, sync with HealthKit, or require ARKit for immersive experiences? Knowing the answers to questions like these will impact development timelines, skill requirements, and ultimately, where and with who you choose to outsource.

iOS apps cover a wide range of categories, from e-commerce platforms with seamless checkout flows to fintech apps with bank-grade security. So, choosing a team with industry-specific experience minimizes risks and means smoother execution.

Choosing between nearshore, offshore, and onshore outsourcing

Your outsourcing model affects cost, efficiency, and collaboration:

• Onshore: US-based developers offer seamless communication but come with the highest costs.
• Nearshore: Nearby developers provide strong talent, time zone alignment, and cost savings compared to US rates while working during your working hours.
• Offshore: The most budget-friendly option, but requires careful vetting to manage time zone differences and communication challenges.

We are seeing many US companies nearshoring their app development to Latin America for a balance of quality and affordability and to fuel growth.

Maintaining security and compliance

Security isn’t optional in any digital domain, and this is especially true of apps handling payments, personal health data, or sensitive user information.

You need:

• NDAs and strong contracts to protect intellectual property.
• Compliance with GDPR, CCPA, and Apple’s App Store policies to prevent regulatory issues.
• Secure coding, biometric authentication, and end-to-end encryption to keep user data safe.

With users increasingly concerned about privacy, account hacking, and data tracking, security isn’t optional. If your software development company delivers an app with security vulnerabilities, you’re risking your reputation and user trust, and potentially facing regulatory fines. This isn’t an area where you can afford to cut corners. Additionally, cloud-based macOS ensures that outsourced teams compile on Apple infrastructure, meeting security requirements.

How to Choose the Right iOS App Development Outsourcing Company

When outsourcing iOS development, you need a skilled team that lives and breathes Apple’s ecosystem. From following Human Interface Guidelines (HIG) to optimizing performance with Metal, the right partner means your app doesn’t just work but feels like it was built for iOS.

1. Look for strong communication skills and time zone compatibility

When evaluating potential partners, prioritize those who demonstrate clear communication during the sales process. Great code means nothing if you can’t effectively collaborate with the team building it.

Misaligned time zones can turn a one-day fix into a three-day delay, so if real-time collaboration matters, consider nearshore teams in nearby countries like Mexico or Colombia over distant offshore options like India.

2. Assess technical expertise and technology stack

A great iOS development team knows more than Swift and Objective-C. They should also be well-versed in:

• SwiftUI vs. UIKit: SwiftUI streamlines UI development, but UIKit is still essential for legacy app support.
• ARKit, CoreML, and Metal: For AI-driven apps, augmented reality experiences, or high-performance gaming.
• HIG compliance: Apple’s strict UI/UX standards make sure that apps look and feel right across devices.
• App Store Optimization (ASO): An underrated skill that helps boost visibility and downloads.

3. Consider pricing models and contracts

Fixed-price contracts are ideal for projects with clear deliverables, while hourly models work best for flexibility.

When evaluating the cost to outsource iOS development, watch for hidden fees as some iPhone app development firms charge extra for post-launch support, App Store submission, or scalability adjustments.

4. Watch out for red flags

• Vague pricing or missing client reviews: A sign of inexperience.
• Unrealistic timelines: Be wary of promises to deliver in record time. Rushing development leads to cut corners and quality issues that will get flagged during Apple’s App Review Process.
• Jack-of-all-trades agencies: Be cautious of firms claiming equal expertise across every platform. True iOS specialists should demonstrate deep knowledge of Apple’s ecosystem rather than treating iOS as just another platform alongside Android, React Native, or web development. Look for portfolios showing sophisticated iOS-specific features.

The pressure to make a quick decision is real, especially when you’re eager to get your app to market.

But don’t sacrifice quality for a slightly lower price or faster start date. The difference between a mediocre iOS development company and a great one isn’t just about the code they write. It shows in user reviews, app stability, and long-term maintenance costs.

The extra time spent vetting partners typically pays for itself many times over.

In the end, your App Store rating will thank you.

Consider Hiring a Dedicated iOS Developer Instead of Outsourcing to an Agency

Before choosing an outsourcing company, it's worth considering whether hiring a dedicated iOS developer might be a better fit for your project.

While traditional outsourcing agencies handle entire projects externally, hiring your own dedicated iOS developer gives you direct control while still accessing top talent at competitive rates.

The case for dedicated developers over agencies

When you work with an outsourcing agency, you're essentially renting access to their developers. The relationship runs through project managers and account executives, which can slow down communication and decision-making. Your project also competes for attention with their other clients' work.

With a dedicated iOS developer, you get:

• Direct communication with the person actually writing your code
• Full control over priorities, timelines, and feature decisions
• Consistent focus on your project without competing priorities
• Long-term relationship building rather than transactional project work
• Cultural integration as a true team member who understands your business

When dedicated developers make more sense

Consider hiring a dedicated iOS developer when:

• You have ongoing development needs beyond a single project
• You want to build internal iOS expertise and knowledge
• Your app requires deep understanding of your business logic
• You're planning multiple app iterations or a product roadmap

The nearshore advantage for dedicated hires

If you're considering a dedicated developer, nearshore hiring from Latin America offers compelling advantages over traditional offshore regions.

LatAm developers work during US business hours, have strong English proficiency, and understand US business culture—making them feel like local team members rather than distant contractors.

The cost benefits are significant too. You can hire senior iOS developers from Argentina, Colombia, or Brazil for 30–70% less than US salaries while getting the same level of expertise and commitment.

This is exactly why forward-thinking CTOs are turning to LatAm to build better engineering teams—they're moving beyond short-term outsourcing relationships to build dedicated, integrated teams that grow with their products.

Making the right choice for your situation

Both approaches can work well, depending on your specific needs:

• Choose an agency if you need a complete team for a defined project with a clear end date
• Choose a dedicated developer if you want ongoing iOS development capability and direct control over your product roadmap

The key is being honest about what you're optimizing for: speed to market with a one-time project, or building sustainable development capability for the long term.

‍

Top 6 Companies for Outsourcing iOS App Development

The iOS development partner you choose can make or break your app’s success. 

While the list isn’t ranked, each provider offers reliable solutions for outsourcing iOS development, whether you are looking for full-service app development companies or a staffing or recruitment partner to scale your dev team efficiently.

1. Near

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

Our personalized, comprehensive recruiting services make it easy to have the top-tier iOS developers you need within 21 days. 

Unlike traditional development agencies that handle entire projects, we help you hire iOS developers who work remotely as part of your team. This approach gives you direct control over your developers while still benefiting from costs that are typically 30–70% lower than US-based salaries.

We focus exclusively on LatAm talent. This regional specialization means deeper on-the-ground networks, better understanding of local tech ecosystems, and stronger relationships with top developers across Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, and other LatAm tech hubs.

If you’re looking to scale your existing team or build an offshore iOS development team, Near can help.

Key features

• Pre-vetted talent: Our rigorous screening process means you have access to highly skilled iOS developers proficient in Swift, Objective-C, and the latest iOS frameworks and can make a hire in under 21 days.
• Real-time collaboration: By sourcing from Latin America, your developers share at least 3–8 hours of overlap with US business hours, enabling real-time collaboration without late-night meetings.
• Pricing: One-time recruitment fee or monthly fee per hire if we handle payroll and compliance for you. No upfront fees. Only pay once you make a hire. Transparent contracts mean you’ll know exactly what your hire makes.

Client review: “It was our first global hire, and it was a success. Near’s team guided us at every step. They connected us with highly qualified candidates, supported us throughout the whole process, and we made a hire in under three weeks.” — Doug Dyer, CFO/COO at Chapter One

2. Pixel Crayons

PixelCrayons is an Indian offshore iPhone app development outsourcing company that provides end-to-end iOS app development services, covering everything from UI/UX design to deployment and ongoing maintenance. 

With a dedicated team of iOS developers averaging 6+ years of experience, it works with startups, enterprises, and agencies to deliver scalable and high-performing iOS applications.

Key features

• Full-stack iOS development: Expertise in Cocoa Touch, CoreData, and OpenGL ES for advanced app functionality.
• Enterprise iOS solutions: Custom-built applications designed for business model integration and cloud scalability.
• Flexible engagement models: Pricing is determined on a per-client basis, with set packages available.

Client review: “I was highly impressed by the knowledge of the vendor. The company is certified and a well-known name in the market. They have a high success rate and provide customer satisfaction.” — Rukhsar Parveen, Digital Marketing Executive, Aryson Technologies (via Clutch)

3. Appinventiv

With a global presence, including the US, Appinventiv is an iOS app development outsourcing company with a team of 400+ skilled developers and over 900 apps delivered across industries. 

Appinventiv specializes in custom iPhone and iPad applications and offshore iPhone app development services from UI/UX design to full-scale development and deployment. Recognized by Clutch, CIO Review, and AppFutura, it caters to both startups and enterprises (like Ikea and Google).

Key features

• End-to-end iOS development: Covers everything from product discovery and UX design to development and post-launch support.
• Diverse technology expertise: Works with React Native, AI/ML, Blockchain, and IoT to build advanced applications.
• Flexible pricing: Cost is determined per client, with rates starting at $25 per hour.

Client review: “The team’s responsiveness and openness to feedback made the entire process smooth and collaborative.” — Paige Walker, Founder, Plandid (via Clutch)

4. IntellectSoft

US-based Intellectsoft specializes in enterprise-grade iOS application development, offering custom solutions for iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Apple TVs. 

It provides industry-specific apps for finance, healthcare, retail, and construction, integrating AR, AI, and IoT to enhance functionality. 

Its proprietary mobile platform streamlines development, meaning cost-effective and scalable iOS solutions.

Key features

• Multi-platform iOS development: Builds apps for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV, tailored to business needs.
• Industry-specific solutions: Expertise in fintech, healthcare, retail, travel, and IoT integration.
• Custom pricing: Pricing is determined based on consultation and project scope.

Client review: “They’re a very knowledgeable and pleasant staff. We’ve worked with designers and engineers from Intellectsoft, and everyone is always very respectful. If we ask for pushback, they’re willing to give it and walk us through their reasoning. They’ve been great to work with.” — Mi Rialiti, CEO (via Clutch)

5. Value Coders

ValueCoders specializes in custom iOS app development for startups and enterprises, offering UI/UX design, integration, and enterprise solutions. 

It is located in India with an office in Texas, and has experience in Objective-C, Swift, and Apple’s latest frameworks. 

It provides scalable iPhone applications tailored to business needs. Their app development team follows agile development practices to maintain flexibility and rapid iteration. 

Key features

• End-to-end iOS development: Services include consulting, custom app development, and seamless iOS integration.
• Agile and flexible hiring models: Choose from Dedicated Teams, Controlled Agile, or Time & Material contracts based on project needs.
• Enterprise-grade solutions: Experience building secure, high-performance enterprise apps with industry-specific features for large companies like Qatar Airways, Panasonic, and Hitachi.

Client review: “ValueCoders’ team was excellent at meeting deadlines and following the requirements. Their team shared day-to-day user stories and issues and kept us updated.” — Amyra Sheldon, IT Consultant, Freelancer (via Clutch)

6. MojoTrek

Uruguay-based Mojo Trek specializes in iOS talent acquisition and end-to-end app development. 

It provides direct hire, contract-to-hire, and nearshore staffing solutions, offering flexible engagement models. Its network includes US-based, nearshore, and offshore iOS developers, maintaining cost-effective and scalable project execution.

Key features

• Services: Full-cycle iOS development covering strategic planning, UI/UX design, development, and post-launch support and staff augmentation
• Flexible staffing solutions: Offers direct hire, contract-to-hire, and nearshore/offshore staffing for iOS projects
• Pricing: Custom quotes are available after an initial consultation

Client review: “It has been a pleasure to work with them, they’re professional and excellent. I’m satisfied with the results because it’s exactly what I want, so working with them is worth the effort.” — Dmitri Alexeev, AlphaBot CEO (via Clutch)

Final Thoughts

With iOS apps now generating close to $104 billion in revenue in 2024, having a presence in the App Store represents a massive opportunity for businesses in almost every industry. 

But here's what we've learned from helping hundreds of companies build their development capabilities: the partner you choose matters more than the initial cost savings.

Whether you go with a traditional outsourcing agency or hire dedicated developers, success comes down to finding a team that understands your vision, communicates clearly, and delivers quality code that passes Apple's rigorous review process.

The real decision isn't just about outsourcing—it's about building the right development approach for your business.

If you're looking for a one-time project with defined deliverables, a reputable dev shop might be perfect. But if you're building a product that will evolve, need ongoing updates, or want to develop internal iOS expertise, hiring dedicated developers often delivers better long-term value.

And if you're considering the dedicated route, nearshore development offers the sweet spot: access to top-tier talent, real-time collaboration during your business hours, and significant cost savings compared to US hiring—all without the communication hurdles of working with distant offshore teams.

The iOS ecosystem is complex, demanding, and constantly evolving. Your development partner should be too. Take the time to evaluate not just what they can build today, but how they'll help you adapt and grow tomorrow.

Whether you're leaning toward outsourcing or building your own team, the key is starting with the right conversation about your specific needs and long-term goals.Schedule a free, no-commitment consultation call to discuss your project needs and get salary estimates for building your own nearshore development team.