7 SwiftUI Books for Beginners to Build Strong Foundations

Experts Michele Fadda, J.D. Gauchat, and Arpit Kulsreshtha recommend these beginner-friendly SwiftUI books to jumpstart your app development journey

Updated on June 24, 2025
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Starting your SwiftUI journey can feel daunting, but the beauty of this framework is how it invites beginners to progressively build skills without feeling overwhelmed. SwiftUI's declarative syntax lets you craft beautiful interfaces with less code, making it accessible for newcomers eager to create real apps. Whether you’re new to coding or transitioning from UIKit, the right resources can make all the difference.

Experts like Michele Fadda, author of An iOS Developer's Guide to SwiftUI, bring decades of software development experience to teaching SwiftUI’s modern architecture. J.D. Gauchat, with a background spanning biology to AI programming, offers a clear path through Swift and SwiftUI essentials in SwiftUI for Masterminds. Arpit Kulsreshtha, a senior engineer at Samsung Research, shares practical approaches in iOS 15 Application Development for Beginners, blending Swift programming with real-world app features.

While these beginner-friendly books provide excellent foundations, readers seeking content tailored exactly to their learning pace and goals might consider creating a personalized SwiftUI book that meets them exactly where they are. This approach helps solidify your skills efficiently and confidently.

Dennis Howard's book offers a unique and accessible introduction to coding iOS 14 applications using SwiftUI and Xcode. Tailored for newcomers, it breaks down the Swift 5.3 language essentials before guiding you through app creation with the latest Xcode 12 tools. This approach helps you build foundational knowledge while quickly moving into practical skills for iOS, watchOS, and tvOS development. If you’re looking for a straightforward, step-by-step guide that keeps things simple yet thorough, this book provides a reliable starting point for your SwiftUI journey.
2020·159 pages·SwiftUI, Swift, Programming, Software Development, Xcode

The methods Dennis Howard developed while writing this guide offer a clear pathway for first-time learners eager to master iOS 14 app development using SwiftUI and Xcode. He begins with the fundamentals of Swift 5.3 programming, helping you understand core concepts before advancing to practical app-building techniques with Xcode 12. For example, the chapters transition smoothly from basic Swift syntax to creating watchOS and tvOS applications, making it a versatile resource. This book suits beginners who want a straightforward introduction without overwhelming jargon and also benefits developers familiar with Swift basics who want to deepen their knowledge of Apple's latest tools.

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Best for practical iOS app novices
Arpit Kulsreshtha, a Senior Chief Engineer at Samsung Research with over a decade of experience in mobile app development, brings a wealth of expertise to this book. His background in software architecture and machine learning informs a teaching style that eases beginners into complex topics like SwiftUI and Core ML. This book reflects his passion for building practical skills for aspiring iOS developers, making it an accessible gateway to mastering Apple’s development ecosystem.
2021·356 pages·iOS Development, SwiftUI, Xcode, Swift, Mobile Architecture

The methods Arpit Kulsreshtha developed while leading mobile application teams at Samsung Research shape this book’s practical approach to iOS development. You’ll learn Swift programming fundamentals, SwiftUI interface design, and essential tools like Xcode and Core ML through clear examples, including GPS tracking with MapKit and image handling. This book guides you from basic syntax to integrating machine learning features, making it a solid starting point if you want to build functional, modern iPhone apps. If you're new to programming or transitioning from another language, this book offers a manageable path without overwhelming jargon or assumptions.

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Best for custom learning pace
This AI-created book on SwiftUI basics is crafted to fit your experience and learning preferences perfectly. You share your current skills, interests, and goals, and the book is created to focus only on what you need to build confidence steadily. This personalized approach helps remove the stress and complexity that can come with learning a new framework by presenting content that matches your pace and comfort level.
2025·50-300 pages·SwiftUI, SwiftUI Fundamentals, Declarative Syntax, App Layouts, State Management

This tailored book offers a carefully paced introduction to SwiftUI fundamentals, designed to match your background and confidence level. It explores SwiftUI’s core concepts, helping you build practical app skills step by step without feeling overwhelmed. Each chapter focuses on foundational elements, guiding you through the process of creating simple interfaces and understanding SwiftUI’s declarative syntax. The personalized content addresses your specific goals, ensuring that every topic is relevant to your learning journey. By concentrating on your interests and skill level, this book makes mastering SwiftUI basics an achievable and engaging experience.

Tailored Guide
Progressive Learning
3,000+ Books Created
Best for learning Swift and SwiftUI basics
Gaurang Ratnaparkhi brings over ten years of experience in iOS development, including leadership roles at Cognizant IT solutions and hands-on work from Objective C to Swift 5.0. His passion for teaching and deep knowledge of Swift and app design shape this approachable guide, created to help beginners confidently build iOS apps in just a month. Ratnaparkhi’s experience with diverse applications, from aviation to restaurant domains, informs this practical introduction that bridges theory with real-world development tools like Xcode and SwiftUI.
2021·264 pages·Swift, SwiftUI, iOS Development, Xcode, User Interface

What happens when a seasoned iOS developer distills years of experience into a guided learning path? Gaurang Ratnaparkhi, with over a decade in app development and leadership roles, crafted this book to lower the barrier for newcomers eager to master Swift and SwiftUI. You get hands-on exposure to writing Swift syntax, understanding core programming concepts, and building user interfaces with Xcode and SwiftUI—all paced across four weeks. The chapters on debugging, design patterns, and protocols deepen your skills beyond basics, making it especially fit for students and early-career coders who want a clear, structured introduction without drowning in theory.

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Best for developers new to SwiftUI architecture
Michele Fadda is an Italian software developer with over 30 years experience spanning telematics, medical, banking, and financial sectors. Starting programming at 14, he has contributed to complex projects including medical device apps and enterprise solutions. His pioneering work on software patterns and system architecture gives him a unique perspective to teach SwiftUI effectively. This background informs his clear, structured approach in this book, making it a smart choice for developers looking to master SwiftUI’s modern paradigms.
2024·446 pages·iOS Development, SwiftUI, Swift, iOS, App Architecture

Unlike most SwiftUI guides that skim the surface, Michele Fadda dives into the nuts and bolts of building efficient iOS apps with minimal code. He unpacks how to structure maintainable architectures and master asynchronous programming within SwiftUI’s declarative style, with clear examples on integrating UIKit and testing your apps. You’ll find detailed chapters on animations, custom graphics, and modern concurrency techniques—tools that move you beyond basics into building robust, responsive applications. This book suits experienced iOS developers transitioning to SwiftUI as well as newcomers with Swift knowledge eager to deepen their skills in professional app design.

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Best for aspiring Apple platform developers
J.D. Gauchat is a freelance programmer and writer whose background spans biology, genetics, artificial intelligence, and psychology. This broad expertise informs his teaching approach, making complex Swift and SwiftUI concepts accessible to newcomers. His book is designed to help you progress from foundational programming principles to mastering advanced app development for Apple platforms, providing a solid start for anyone serious about creating polished, functional applications.
2024·824 pages·Mac App Development, SwiftUI, Swift, Software Development, Swift Programming

This book offers a clear pathway for first-time learners eager to build professional apps on Apple devices. Author J.D. Gauchat, drawing from his diverse expertise in biology, genetics, AI, and programming, guides you through Swift and SwiftUI fundamentals into advanced topics like concurrency, data handling, and UI design. You’ll explore practical examples covering everything from custom layouts and animations to cloud integration and device-specific features like camera and notifications. If you want an approachable yet thorough resource to develop skills for iPhone, iPad, and Mac app creation, this book delivers a structured learning experience without overwhelming jargon.

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Best for steady skill building
This personalized AI book about SwiftUI fundamentals is created after you share your programming background, current skill level, and which SwiftUI topics you want to focus on. You also specify your learning goals, and the book is then crafted to fit your pace and interests. By focusing on your individual needs, it helps prevent overwhelm and builds your understanding step-by-step. This makes learning SwiftUI more comfortable and effective, tailored for your unique journey into app development.
2025·50-300 pages·SwiftUI, SwiftUI Basics, Declarative Syntax, State Management, Layouts

This tailored SwiftUI book offers a focused exploration of core concepts designed to build your confidence and skills progressively. It covers essential SwiftUI principles, from declarative syntax to layout and state management, matching your background and learning pace. By concentrating on foundational topics that align with your specific interests and goals, it removes the overwhelm often faced by beginners. The learning experience is crafted to help you grasp SwiftUI’s building blocks comfortably and effectively, creating a solid base for further development. This personalized approach ensures that the material suits your unique needs, enabling steady progress as you become proficient in SwiftUI.

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Core Concept Mastery
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for beginners exploring SwiftUI animations
Stephen DeStefano is a seasoned instructor on iOS, macOS, and watchOS development with a talent for guiding beginners to expert level through clear, concise teaching methods. His unique presentation style uses callouts, highlights, and graphics to make complex SwiftUI concepts more approachable and easier to follow. This book reflects his extensive experience and dedication to making SwiftUI accessible, focusing on animations that bring apps to life while building your coding confidence step by step.
2023·478 pages·SwiftUI, iOS Development, iOS, Animation, Declarative Programming

Stephen DeStefano challenges the conventional wisdom that animation in SwiftUI must be complex by breaking down the subject into manageable, practical projects that build your skills progressively. The book guides you from foundational SwiftUI concepts, like declarative programming and animatable properties, to more advanced techniques involving GeometryReader and SpriteKit integration for physics-based animations. You’ll find detailed examples such as animating circles, creating color spectrums with hueRotation, and combining multiple views for dynamic effects, which make learning tangible. This approach suits you if you have a basic understanding of Swift and want to elevate your app interface with engaging, sophisticated animations without getting overwhelmed.

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Best for beginners focused on watchOS apps
The raywenderlich Tutorial Team, known for their expert mobile app development tutorials, brings their extensive teaching experience to this guide on watchOS development with SwiftUI. Alongside Scott Grosch, they focus on empowering developers new to the Apple Watch platform by breaking down complex concepts into manageable projects. Their combined expertise ensures you learn not just theory but how to apply SwiftUI effectively to build engaging and functional watchOS apps.
watchOS With SwiftUI by Tutorials (First Edition): Build Great Apps for the Apple Watch book cover

by raywenderlich Tutorial Team, Scott Grosch··You?

2021·281 pages·SwiftUI, App Development, watchOS, Digital Crown, Watch Connectivity

The methods the raywenderlich Tutorial Team developed while teaching mobile app development shine through in this approachable guide to watchOS programming with SwiftUI. You’ll learn how to structure watchOS projects distinct from iOS, implement the Digital Crown control via a Pong game, and work with Watch Connectivity to transfer data seamlessly between devices. The book also covers notifications, app lifecycles, complications, and integrating HealthKit, giving you a solid toolkit for crafting polished Apple Watch apps. If you’re new to SwiftUI and eager to build watchOS apps without getting overwhelmed, this provides a clear path forward, though seasoned developers might find some basics familiar.

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Conclusion

These seven books collectively emphasize clear explanations and a gradual learning curve, making SwiftUI approachable for beginners. If you’re completely new to app development, starting with Beginners Guide to Programming iOS 14 Using SwiftUI and Xcode or Swift in 30 Days will build your coding confidence with hands-on examples.

For a step-by-step progression, move on to An iOS Developer's Guide to SwiftUI or SwiftUI for Masterminds to deepen your understanding of app architecture and platform-specific features. Those interested in specialized areas like animations or watchOS apps will find focused guidance in Animating SwiftUI Applications and watchOS With SwiftUI by Tutorials.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized SwiftUI book that fits your exact needs, interests, and goals to craft your own tailored learning journey. Remember, building a strong foundation early sets you up for success as you advance in SwiftUI development.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

If you're just starting, consider 'Beginners Guide to Programming iOS 14 Using SwiftUI and Xcode' for a gentle introduction. It covers core concepts clearly, helping you ease into SwiftUI step by step.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to SwiftUI?

No, these selections were chosen for their beginner-friendly approach. For example, 'Swift in 30 Days' is designed to build your skills gradually without assuming prior knowledge.

What's the best order to read these books?

Start with foundational books like 'Beginners Guide to Programming iOS 14 Using SwiftUI and Xcode' or 'Swift in 30 Days.' Then progress to 'An iOS Developer's Guide to SwiftUI' and 'SwiftUI for Masterminds' for deeper insights.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Focus on the book that matches your current skill level and learning style. Newer books often include up-to-date SwiftUI features, but classics like 'watchOS With SwiftUI by Tutorials' remain relevant for specific platforms.

Do I really need any background knowledge before starting?

No prior SwiftUI experience is required, but a basic understanding of Swift helps. These books introduce Swift programming alongside SwiftUI, making them suitable for true beginners.

Can personalized SwiftUI books complement these expert recommendations?

Yes! Personalized SwiftUI books tailor content to your pace and goals, complementing expert insights by focusing on what you need most. Consider creating your own personalized SwiftUI book for a customized learning journey.

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