This is my 10th year as an iOS engineer. Over the past decade, the field of iOS development has transformed dramatically. The journey to becoming an iOS engineer in 2024 presents both greater challenges and opportunities compared to 2014. This article explores the evolving landscape, technological advancements, and the increasing complexity of the skill set required, illustrating how the path to becoming an iOS engineer has become more demanding yet rewarding.
1. Technological Landscape: Then and Now
In 2014, iOS development was centered around Objective-C, a language that, while powerful, had a steep learning curve and a syntax that many found cumbersome. The tools available were also less sophisticated. Xcode was robust but lacked many of the features and refinements that we take for granted today.
Fast forward to 2024, the introduction of Swift in 2014 has revolutionized iOS development. Swift’s modern syntax, safety features, and ease of use have made it the language of choice for iOS development. However, while Swift has lowered the barrier to entry in terms of syntax and learning curve, the language has evolved significantly, and mastering it in its current form requires a deep understanding of advanced programming concepts.
Moreover, the iOS ecosystem has expanded far beyond iPhones and iPads to include Apple Watch, Apple TV, and other devices. Each platform has its own set of APIs and development considerations, adding layers of complexity to the role of an iOS engineer.
2. Skill Set Requirements
In 2014, an iOS engineer needed to be proficient in Objective-C, understand basic iOS SDKs, and have a good grasp of the MVC (Model-View-Controller) design pattern. While this skill set was by no means simple to acquire, it was fairly focused.
By 2024, the required skill set has broadened considerably. Today’s iOS engineers are expected to be proficient not just in Swift but also in modern design patterns such as MVVM (Model-View-ViewModel), reactive programming with frameworks like Combine, and dependency injection. Knowledge of SwiftUI, Apple’s declarative UI framework introduced in 2019, is increasingly important.
Additionally, an understanding of backend development, cloud services (e.g., Firebase), and RESTful APIs is often expected, as iOS engineers are more frequently required to build full-stack applications. Moreover, familiarity with AI and machine learning, especially with frameworks like Core ML, is becoming a valuable asset as apps become more intelligent and personalized.
3. Educational and Professional Pathways
In 2014, there were relatively few formal educational pathways specifically tailored to mobile development. Most iOS engineers were self-taught, relying on online resources, blogs, and trial and error. Bootcamps were just beginning to emerge, but the primary route into iOS development was through computer science degrees or related fields.
By 2024, the landscape of education has changed significantly. Numerous universities now offer specialized courses in mobile development, and bootcamps dedicated to iOS development are well-established and widely respected. However, this has also led to increased competition. Simply attending a bootcamp or obtaining a degree is no longer sufficient to stand out. Employers increasingly seek candidates with a strong portfolio, experience in live projects, and a deep understanding of the latest technologies.
4. Community and Resources
The iOS developer community has always been a vital resource for new and experienced developers alike. In 2014, resources were more fragmented. Developers relied heavily on Stack Overflow, a handful of popular blogs, and WWDC videos, which were less accessible than they are today.
In 2024, the community is larger, more diverse, and better organized. Platforms like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and Medium have exploded with high-quality content, and Apple’s own resources, including an improved documentation system and more accessible WWDC sessions, have made learning more structured. However, the abundance of information can be overwhelming, and filtering through it to find the most relevant and accurate resources is a skill in itself.
5. Job Market and Career Prospects
The job market for iOS engineers has evolved from a niche field to a highly competitive and saturated market. In 2014, iOS development was still relatively new, and demand for skilled engineers often outpaced supply. As a result, even developers with relatively little experience could find lucrative positions.
In contrast, by 2024, the market is much more mature. The number of iOS engineers has grown significantly, and while the demand for skilled professionals remains high, so does the competition. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates with specialized skills, such as experience with AR/VR using ARKit or expertise in accessibility and internationalization.
Additionally, the rise of remote work has expanded the talent pool, allowing companies to recruit globally, which has intensified the competition for top positions. However, for those with the right skills and experience, the opportunities are vast, particularly in emerging fields like wearables, health tech, and smart home devices.
6. Conclusion
Becoming an iOS engineer in 2024 is undeniably more challenging than it was in 2014. The technological landscape is more complex, the required skill set broader, and the job market more competitive. However, the rewards are also greater. The tools and resources available today allow for the creation of more sophisticated and impactful applications, and the potential for career growth in this field remains strong.
Aspiring iOS engineers today must be prepared to commit to continuous learning, adapt to new technologies, and build a diverse skill set. While the path may be more difficult, those who succeed will find themselves at the forefront of one of the most dynamic and exciting fields in technology.