8 iOS Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Shawn Welch draws on his extensive experience as an iOS developer and former senior media editor at Pearson Education to guide you through the deeper capabilities of iOS 5. The book goes beyond basics, teaching you how to integrate Core Data and iCloud for seamless data syncing, utilize Twitter APIs with OAuth support, and implement Location Services like reverse geolocation and region notifications. It also covers multimedia integration with Core Image filters and Newsstand for delivering periodical content. If you're looking to harness iOS 5's core frameworks to create more dynamic, connected apps, this book offers detailed explanations and practical code examples to get you there.

Avi Tsadok draws from over a decade of hands-on experience in iOS development to craft a guide that goes beyond coding basics, focusing on mastering the interview process itself. You’ll explore over 100 real interview questions covering Swift, key frameworks like UIKit and SwiftUI, and complex app architecture challenges, designed to sharpen your problem-solving and communication skills. This book also dives into building a developer brand, teaching you how to present your expertise effectively to potential employers. Whether you’re a junior or seasoned developer, it equips you with the specific insights needed to navigate demanding interviews and stand out from the competition.

This tailored book explores the full spectrum of iOS programming, focusing on your unique background, skill level, and objectives. It covers essential concepts like Swift language fundamentals, app architecture, user interface design, data management, and advanced development techniques. Through a personalized lens, it examines each stage of iOS development, from initial setup to deployment, ensuring you engage deeply with topics that matter most to you. This approach transforms the vast iOS ecosystem into a focused, accessible learning path. By aligning expert knowledge with your specific goals, the book offers a tailored journey that matches your interests and accelerates mastery.

Drawing from his extensive experience as a senior instructor at Big Nerd Ranch, Christian Keur teams up with Aaron Hillegass and Joe Conway to deliver a thorough guide to iOS development. This book walks you through mastering Xcode, Interface Builder, and key iOS features like Auto Layout, Core Data, and gesture handling, helping you build apps that align with iOS 7 design principles. You gain not just coding skills but a solid grasp of the platform’s architecture and best practices, empowering you to tackle your own projects confidently. It’s especially suited for developers ready to deepen their practical knowledge beyond basics and understand the rationale behind iOS frameworks.

David Pogue's decades as a tech journalist and bestselling author led him to craft a guide that moves beyond the typical user manual. In "iPhone Unlocked," you learn to navigate iOS 14’s complex landscape, from mastering Home-screen widgets to exploring the new Translate app, all explained with clarity and a touch of humor. The book’s 300 full-color illustrations and focused chapters on settings and apps make it approachable whether you’re new to iPhones or an experienced user looking to deepen your understanding. You’ll find practical insights on optimizing FaceTime, Search, and the App Library that make your iPhone feel more personal and powerful. If you want a thorough, readable manual that respects your time and intelligence, this book suits you well.

Jon Reid, an early adopter of Test-Driven Development on Apple platforms since 2001, offers a focused exploration of unit testing for iOS developers using Swift and XCTest. This book digs into practical strategies for testing beyond model classes, especially tackling the challenge of UIViewControllers, a core part of iOS apps often neglected in tests. You will learn techniques for isolating dependencies in legacy code and employing code coverage metrics to identify testing gaps. The book empowers you to refactor boldly and confidently, turning fears of breaking code into opportunities for cleaner design.

This tailored book explores a focused roadmap for quickly developing and deploying your first iOS app. It covers essential steps from initial concept through design, coding with Swift and Xcode, testing, and finally publishing on the App Store. The content is crafted to match your background and skill level, addressing your specific goals for rapid app launch. By concentrating on your interests, it reveals efficient techniques and practical development practices that accelerate the learning curve. With personalized guidance, this book helps you navigate the complexities of iOS app creation, making the process clearer and more accessible than generic resources.

Drawing from his extensive experience as a trainer and consultant for macOS and iOS development, Ahmad Sahar crafted this guide to help programmers new to Swift and iOS dive into app creation with confidence. You’ll gain hands-on understanding of Swift 5.3 and Xcode 12, learning to build user interfaces with storyboards and implement features like widgets and App Clips introduced in iOS 14. The book walks you through converting iPad apps for Apple Silicon Macs and introduces SwiftUI for modern app design. If you have programming experience but are starting fresh with iOS, this book offers clear pathways to developing and publishing your own apps.

Ahmad Sahar's extensive experience as a trainer and consultant for macOS and iOS development led to this detailed guide for newcomers. You learn foundational Swift 5.5 programming alongside Xcode 13, gaining practical skills to design, prototype, and publish iOS apps. Key chapters cover integrating new iOS 15 features like Swift Concurrency, SharePlay, and Mac Catalyst, giving you tools to build modern applications. This book suits anyone with basic programming knowledge eager to master iOS app creation from start to finish.

John Halbert's decades of engineering experience at Apple shines through in this guide tailored for seniors grappling with the iPhone 13. He recognizes that older adults learn differently and adapts his approach accordingly, breaking down setup steps, app navigation, and even photography basics into manageable, clear instructions. Chapters like setting up payment methods and optimizing social media use are designed with patience and clarity, ensuring you don’t feel overwhelmed. This book suits anyone less comfortable with tech who wants a straightforward, no-frills path to mastering iOS on a modern device.