Swift remains the leading choice for iOS app programming in 2025.
Objective-C is still relevant for legacy projects.
Cross-platform tools, written in languages like JavaScript and Dart, are also in high demand.
Developing applications for iPhones and iPads has become a leading skill in the technology sector. With millions of apps available on the App Store, the demand for iOS developers is exceptionally high. According to Statista, Apple’s App Store generated over $86 billion in revenue in 2024, highlighting the importance of iOS applications in the mobile industry.
The best iOS programming languages are those that strike a balance between speed, stability, and community support. For programmers, choosing the correct programming language is critical. Some languages are faster, others simplify development, and a few allow flexibility across platforms.
This article presents the top programming languages for iOS app development in 2025. Check them below:
Swift is Apple’s official programming language for the iOS platform. This language emerged in 2014, after which it quickly became the preferred choice for many developers, with Swift being considered a fast, secure, and easy-to-read language suitable for both beginners and professionals.
Why Developers Choose Swift:
Clean and beginner-friendly syntax.
Supported directly by Apple.
Works seamlessly with Xcode.
Strong performance for iOS, watchOS, and macOS apps.
Backed by a growing developer community.
Also Read: 10 Programming Languages Web3 Developers Must Learn
Objective-C for iOS apps remains relevant for maintaining older projects and legacy codebases. Before Swift, Objective-C was the traditional approach to Apple's programming paradigm design. Many existing apps still use Objective-C-dependent deployment systems. Companies handling legacy programs require personnel familiar with Objective-C.
Why Objective-C Still Matters:
Long history with the Apple ecosystem.
Strong support for large, existing codebases.
Compatible with Swift, making migration possible.
Essential for updating older iOS applications.
JavaScript for iOS development enables developers to create cross-platform apps using popular frameworks. JavaScript remains the world's most popular programming language. With React Native and other frameworks, developers can build cross-platform apps that run simultaneously on both iOS and Android.
Why JavaScript is Useful for iOS Apps:
Cross-platform support reduces development time.
A large community and plenty of libraries.
Easy integration with existing web apps.
Cost-effective for startups and small teams.
Flutter, being a Dart-based framework, is selling exceptionally well in the mobile application development arena. Dart is neither native nor is it like Swift, but the language allows programmers to write one codebase that compiles into beautiful apps.
Why Dart + Flutter Stand Out:
Quick development with the ability to hot reload.
One codebase for both Android and iOS.
Powerful tools for UI modification.
Google-backed and extensively used.
Python is a non native iOS language. Developers use Python to make iOS apps by implementing tools such as Kivy and BeeWare. This language is well-suited for data-driven, AI-centered apps.
Rationale behind Developers using Python for iOS Apps:
Easy and readable syntax.
Extensive libraries for machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Ability to prototype quickly.
Helping startups focused on AI capabilities.
Also Read: Best Programming Languages to Build AI Apps in 2025
The core programming languages for iOS offer developers flexibility tailored to their objectives. Swift remains the preferred language for new apps, while Objective-C is quintessential for legacy projects. JavaScript, combined with React Native and Dart using Flutter, is a great choice for startups or cross-platform applications. Python adds value for AI-driven applications.
Anyone wishing to forge a career in app development should master Swift for iOS development, alongside at least one cross-platform option to broaden job opportunities. iOS app development in 2025 can be competitive; however, the correct programming language can significantly alleviate the workload.