Hiring the right iOS development agency is critical for your app’s success. To avoid costly mistakes, you need to interview iOS developers and agencies thoroughly. This guide covers the 10 must-ask questions to assess expertise, reliability, and fit for your project.
This guide covers:
✅ Key questions to assess expertise (portfolio, tech stack, client references)
✅ Critical process factors (development workflow, UI/UX, security compliance)
✅ Post-launch considerations (support, maintenance, ASO)
✅ Agency differentiation (pricing, communication, competitive edge)
Contents
1. What Is Your Experience with iOS Development?
Why It Matters
Choosing an agency with deep iOS expertise ensures your app is built with best practices, stays future-proof, and avoids costly rework. Key aspects to evaluate:
| Aspect | What to Look For | Red Flags |
| Programming Languages | Proficiency in Swift (preferred), Objective-C (for legacy apps). | Reliance on outdated tools or languages. |
| Frameworks & Tools | Experience with SwiftUI, ARKit, Core ML, Combine, and Xcode. | No mention of modern frameworks. |
| App Store Releases | Published apps in the App Store (check their portfolio for live examples). | Only demo projects or no published apps. |
| Industry Specialization | Experience in your niche (e.g., healthcare, fintech, e-commerce). | Generic apps with no relevant case studies. |
Follow-Up Questions
1. Can you share case studies or portfolio apps?
- Ask for:
- Screenshots/videos of past work.
- Download links to live apps (check ratings/reviews).
- Metrics like user retention, downloads, or client ROI (if available).
2. Have you worked on apps similar to mine?
- Compare:
- Complexity (e.g., real-time features, backend integration).
- Regulatory needs (e.g., HIPAA for healthcare apps).
- Design standards (e.g., Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines).
3. How do you stay updated with iOS trends?
- Ideal answer includes:
- Team certifications (e.g., Apple Developer Program).
- Beta testing for new iOS versions.
- Blogs/conferences (e.g., WWDC participation).
2025-Specific Considerations
- AI/ML Integration: Ask if they’ve used Core ML or Create ML for smart features.
- Vision Pro Development: For AR/VR apps, inquire about RealityKit or ARKit 6.
- Cross-Platform Synergy: If you need macOS/watchOS integration, ask about SwiftUI shared codebase.
Example Table: Agency Experience Assessment
| Criteria | Agency A (Strong) | Agency B (Weak) |
| Portfolio | 10+ live apps (4.5+ avg. App Store rating). | Only 2 demo projects, no live apps. |
| Tech Stack | SwiftUI, Core Data, Firebase, Core ML. | Objective-C, no modern frameworks. |
| Industry Fit | 3 apps in your niche (e-commerce). | No relevant experience. |
2. Can You Provide References or Client Testimonials?
Why It Matters
Client feedback is the best indicator of an agency’s reliability. It reveals:
- Real-world performance (not just promises).
- Problem-solving ability under deadlines.
- Long-term client relationships (loyalty = quality).
What to Look For (+Table)
| Aspect | Ideal Response | Red Flags |
| Testimonials | Detailed quotes with project outcomes (e.g., “Boosted user retention by 30%”). | Generic praise (“Great team!”). |
| Case Studies | Breakdowns of challenges, solutions, and results. | No documented success stories. |
| Client References | Willingness to connect you with past clients (not just curated quotes). | Refusal to share contacts. |
| Response to Crises | Examples of how they handled missed deadlines, bugs, or scope changes. | Vague answers like “We adapt quickly.” |
Follow-Up Questions & How to Analyze Answers
1. Can I speak directly with past clients?
- Why ask? Verifies authenticity of testimonials.
- What to request:
- Contact for a client with a similar project (size/industry).
- Ask about collaboration style, adherence to deadlines, and post-launch support.
2. Have you handled any challenging situations in past projects?
- Listen for:
- Specific examples (e.g., “App rejected by App Store; we fixed compliance issues in 48 hours”).
- Process improvements (e.g., “Now we conduct pre-submission security audits“).
- Warning signs:
- Blaming clients (“The client kept changing requirements”).
- No examples provided.
3. What’s your client retention rate?
- Good sign: High repeat business (e.g., “70% of clients hire us for updates”).
- Bad sign: Only one-off projects.
3. What Is Your Development Process?
Why It Matters
A clear development process reduces risks and ensures:
✅ On-time delivery (no endless revisions)
✅ Budget control (avoids scope creep)
✅ High-quality output (structured testing & reviews)
A clear development process like Agile ensures timely delivery, quality control, and shorter release cycles—especially when using mobile CI/CD pipelines, as demonstrated in real-world DevOps case studies.
Key Methodologies Compared (+Table)
| Method | Best For | Pros | Cons | Red Flags |
| Agile/Scrum | Complex projects with evolving requirements | Flexible, regular client check-ins | Requires active client involvement | No sprint planning or backlog grooming |
| Kanban | Maintenance projects or small teams | Visual workflow, no fixed iterations | Less structured for large projects | No defined milestones |
| Waterfall | Projects with fixed scope (e.g., MVP) | Clear timeline, predictable costs | Hard to change requirements | No client feedback until late stages |
Ideal Answer: “We use Agile with 2-week sprints, daily stand-ups, and client demos after each iteration.”
Follow-Up Questions
1. How do you handle feedback and iterations?
What to Listen For:
- Feedback loops: Weekly syncs? Dedicated Slack channel?
- Change management: Is there a formal process for scope changes?
- Tools: Jira, Trello, or Asana for tracking requests?
Warning Signs:
- “We’ll accommodate all changes” (risk of scope creep).
- No tool for tracking feedback.
2. What’s your timeline and milestone breakdown?
Expected Answer:
- Phases like:
- Discovery (1-2 weeks) → UI/UX (3-4 weeks) → Development (8-12 weeks) → QA & Launch (2 weeks)
- Clear deliverables per phase (e.g., “You’ll approve prototypes by Week 3”).
Red Flags:
- Vague timelines (“It depends on complexity”).
- No QA/testing phase.
4. How Do You Ensure App Security and Compliance?
Why It Matters
A single security breach or compliance violation can lead to:
🔴 App Store rejection (costly delays)
🔴 Data leaks (fines, reputation damage)
🔴 Legal liability (GDPR/CCPA penalties up to 4% of global revenue)
Recent research confirms that mobile app security under GDPR and CCPA requires encryption, regular audits, and consent protocols to protect user data and avoid legal penalties.
Security & Compliance (+Table)
| Requirement | What to Look For | Red Flags |
| Data Encryption | At-rest & in-transit (AES-256, TLS 1.2+) for databases, APIs, local storage. | “We use basic HTTPS.” (No specifics) |
| Authentication | OAuth 2.0, Biometrics (FaceID/TouchID), or JWT with short expiry. | Plain text passwords or hardcoded keys. |
| API Security | Rate limiting, input validation, and certificate pinning. | No API security audits performed. |
| Penetration Tests | Annual third-party pentests (e.g., using Burp Suite) + remediation reports. | “We test internally.” (No proof) |
| Compliance Docs | Privacy Policy, DPA (Data Processing Agreement), and cookie consent. | No GDPR/CCPA readiness documentation. |
Follow-Up Questions & Analysis
1. Do you implement encryption, secure APIs, and OAuth?
Ideal Answer:
- “Yes, we use:
- AES-256 for local data (Keychain/SQLite).
- OAuth 2.0 for social logins (never store raw tokens).
- API gateways with rate limiting and IP whitelisting.”
Red Flags:
- “We rely on Apple’s default security.” (No extra measures)
- No mention of certificate pinning (critical for MITM attacks).
2. How do you handle penetration testing?
What to Demand:
- Third-party tests (e.g., from HackerOne or Cure53).
- Remediation proof (e.g., “Fixed 5 critical bugs post-test”).
- Automated scans (e.g., SonarQube, OWASP ZAP).
Warning Signs:
- “Our developers test security.” (No independent audits)
- No past reports shared.
3. How do you comply with GDPR/CCPA?
Key Proof Points:
- Data mapping (where user data is stored/processed).
- User consent flows (opt-in/opt-out for tracking).
- Right to be forgotten (automatic data deletion workflows).
5. What’s Your Approach to UI/UX Design?
Why It Matters
A poor UI/UX leads to:
📉 High uninstall rates (23% of users abandon apps after one use)
🚫 App Store rejection (for violating Apple’s HIG)
💸 Lost revenue (clunky checkout = abandoned carts)
Empirical research confirms that accessible, consistent UX patterns (especially for underrepresented groups) enhance mobile app usability and retention.
UI/UX Design (+Table)
| Key Principle | Apple’s HIG Standard | Red Flags |
| Clarity | Text legible at 11pt+, icons follow SF Symbols, ample padding. | Tiny text, cramped buttons. |
| Consistency | Native iOS patterns (e.g., back swipe, tab bars). | Custom gestures that break conventions. |
| Feedback | Visual/haptic responses for actions (e.g., button presses). | Static interfaces with no feedback. |
| Accessibility | Dynamic Type support, VoiceOver, high-contrast modes. | No accessibility testing. |
| Performance | 60fps animations, lazy loading to prevent lag. | Janky transitions or slow load times. |
Follow-Up Questions & Analysis
1. Do you conduct usability testing?
What to Look For:
- Methods:
- Moderated tests (live user sessions via Zoom).
- Unmoderated tests (tools like UserTesting.com).
- A/B tests (e.g., comparing button placements).
- Metrics Tracked:
- Task success rate (e.g., “Can users checkout in <1 minute?”).
- Heatmaps (where users tap/scroll).
Warning Signs:
- “We rely on our designers intuition.”
- No testing with real target users (e.g., only internal team feedback).
2. Can you show examples of well-designed iOS apps?
What to Demand:
- Live App Store links (check ratings/reviews).
- Before/After case studies (e.g., “Reduced checkout steps from 5 → 2”).
- HIG adherence proof:
- SF Symbols usage.
- Dark Mode screenshots.
- VoiceOver demo videos.
Red Flags:
- Only Behance/Dribbble mockups (no shipped apps).
- Apps with low ratings (<4.0) for “ease of use.”
6. How Do You Handle Post-Launch Support & Maintenance?
Why It Matters
🚀 Post-launch support directly impacts:
- App store rankings (regular updates boost visibility)
- User retention (buggy apps lose 80% of users within 90 days)
- Security (unpatched apps are vulnerable to exploits)
Post-Launch Support (+Table)
| Key Aspect | Industry Standard | Red Flags |
| Maintenance Packages | Tiered plans (e.g., Basic: bug fixes, Premium: feature updates + 24/7 support). | “We don’t offer packages.” |
| Bug Response Time | Critical: <24 hrs, Major: 72 hrs, Minor: 1-2 weeks. | No SLA or vague timelines. |
| Update Frequency | Quarterly feature updates + monthly patches (aligns with iOS releases). | No planned roadmap. |
| Scalability | Server/DB upgrades to handle 10x user growth. | “We’ll cross that bridge later.” |
| Cost Transparency | Clear pricing (e.g., $1.5K/month for 20 dev hours). | Hidden fees or hourly surprises. |
Follow-Up Questions & Analysis
1. Do you offer maintenance packages?
What to Demand:
- Tiered Options (Example):
- Basic ($500/month): Bug fixes, minor iOS compatibility updates.
- Premium ($2K/month): New features, performance optimization, 24/7 support.
- Inclusions:
- Number of development hours/month.
- Priority level guarantees (e.g., critical bugs jump the queue).
Red Flags:
- “We bill hourly with no cap.” (Risk of runaway costs)
- No documentation of what’s covered.
2. What’s your response time for critical bugs?
Ideal Answer:
- “Critical bugs (e.g., app crash): 12-hour fix with interim hotfix in 4 hrs.
Major bugs (e.g., checkout failure): 3-day resolution.”
Verify With:
- SLA in contract (e.g., “95% of critical tickets resolved in 24 hrs”).
- Incident reports from past clients (how outages were handled).
3. How do you handle iOS version updates?
Look For:
- Proactive testing on iOS betas (before public release).
- Planned compatibility updates (e.g., “We allocate 20 hrs/month for this”).
7. What’s Your Pricing Structure?
Why It Matters
💸 Misaligned pricing leads to:
- Budget overruns (60% of projects exceed initial estimates)
- Scope creep (uncontrolled revisions drain resources)
- Conflict (unclear billing = strained client-agency relationships)
Pricing Models Compared (+Table)
| Model | Best For | Pros | Cons | Red Flags |
| Fixed Price | Projects with clear scope (MVP, simple apps) | Predictable cost, low financial risk | Inflexible to changes, potential quality shortcuts | “We’ll handle everything for $X” (no detailed breakdown) |
| Time & Materials | Complex/long-term projects | Adapts to changes, transparent hours | Hard to cap costs, requires trust | No weekly/monthly hour limits |
| Hybrid | Most projects (balance of flexibility/control) | Milestone-based payments + hourly for extras | Needs rigorous contract terms | Unclear change-order process |
Follow-Up Questions & Analysis
1. Are there additional fees for revisions?
What to Demand:
- Included Revisions:
- “2 rounds of design changes and 3 bug-fix iterations post-launch.”
- Extra Costs:
- Hourly rate ($50–$150/hr) or pre-negotiated change orders.
Red Flags:
- “All revisions are free!” (Likely low-quality or hidden fees later).
- No written policy on scope changes.
2. Do you offer milestone-based payments?
Ideal Payment Schedule:
- 20% at contract signing
- 30% at design approval
- 40% at beta delivery
- 10% post-launch
Warning Signs:
- 50%+ upfront payment.
- No deliverables tied to payments.
8. How Do You Handle Communication & Project Management?
Why It Matters
🚨 Poor communication causes:
- Missed deadlines (47% of projects fail due to bad communication)
- Costly rework (misunderstood requirements = wasted hours)
- Strained relationships (ghosting, vague updates)
Communication & PM Standards (+Table)
| Key Aspect | Industry Best Practice | Red Flags |
| Tools Used | Jira/Asana (tasks), Slack/MS Teams (chat), Zoom (calls) | Email-only updates, no task tracking |
| Meeting Rhythm | Weekly syncs + daily standups for Agile teams | “We’ll contact you when needed” |
| Point of Contact | Dedicated PM (not the CEO/developer) | No single accountable person |
| Reporting | Automated weekly reports (progress, blockers, ETA) | Manual/irregular updates |
| Timezone Overlap | Min. 4 hours for real-time collaboration | “We work async” (no live meetings) |
Follow-Up Questions & Analysis
1. What tools do you use?
Ideal Stack:
- Project Management: Jira (complex apps), Trello (simple), ClickUp (all-in-one)
- Communication: Slack (instant), Zoom (calls), Loom (async video updates)
- Documentation: Confluence, Notion, Google Drive
Red Flags:
- “We email PDF reports.” (No real-time tracking)
- No tool for bug tracking (e.g., no Jira/Linear integration)
2. Who is my main point of contact?
What to Demand:
- One assigned PM (not a salesperson who disappears post-contract).
- Backup contact (e.g., CTO if PM is unavailable).
- Bio/background (e.g., “Meet John, your PM with 5+ years in fintech apps”).
Warning Signs:
- “The team collaborates collectively.” (No accountability)
- High turnover (ask PM’s tenure at the agency).
3. How do you handle urgent requests?
Verify:
- Escalation path (e.g., “Slack our PM + tag @critical”).
- After-hours support (if needed, extra cost?).
9. Do You Have Expertise in App Store Optimization (ASO)?
Why It Matters
📈 ASO directly impacts:
- Organic downloads (65% come from App Store searches)
- Conversion rates (polished listings boost installs by 30%+)
- Long-term growth (top-ranking apps get 10x more visibility)
ASO Checklist: What to Demand (+Table)
| Factor | Best Practices | Red Flags |
| Keyword Research | Tools like MobileAction or App Radar + competitor gap analysis. | “We guess relevant keywords.” |
| Title/Subtitle | ≤ 30 chars, priority keywords first (e.g., “Calm: Sleep & Meditation”). | Generic titles (“Awesome App”). |
| Screenshots | A/B tested, localized, with benefit-driven captions. | Plain UI screens with no context. |
| Description | Scannable (first 3 lines matter), highlights USPs, uses bullet points. | Wall of text, no CTA. |
| Ratings/Reviews | Strategy to prompt reviews (e.g., post-purchase popups). | No review management plan. |
| Localization | Metadata + screenshots in top 5 languages (e.g., EN, ES, JA, DE, FR). | English-only listings. |
Follow-Up Questions & Analysis
1. Can you share successful ASO strategies?
What to Look For:
- Case Studies:
- “Boosted travel app downloads by 140% by optimizing for ‘budget flights.”
- A/B Tests:
- Screenshot variants that increased conversions (e.g., lifestyle vs. UI-focused).
- Keyword Wins:
- Ranking for low-competition, high-volume terms (e.g., “plant care app” vs. “gardening”).
Red Flags:
- No data-driven examples.
- Reliance on “industry standards” without customization.
2. Do you help with App Store submission?
Ideal Answer:
- “Yes, we handle:
- Metadata setup (keywords, categories).
- Asset prep (screenshots, promo videos).
- Compliance checks (privacy policies, age ratings).
- Submission + resubmission if rejected.”
Verify With:
- App Store Connect access (do they need your credentials or use Fastlane?).
- Rejection rate (e.g., “Our apps get approved in 1–2 attempts”).
3. How do you track ASO performance?
Metrics Top Agencies Monitor:
- Keyword rankings (daily/weekly tracking).
- Conversion rate (views → installs).
- Competitor gaps (e.g., outranking rivals for “fitness tracker”).
10. What Sets You Apart from Other iOS Development Agencies?
Why It Matters
🔍 The right agency should offer more than just coding—they should be a strategic partner.
- 83% of clients regret hiring based on price alone (Clutch, 2024).
- Unique expertise (e.g., AI, healthcare apps) can accelerate time-to-market by 40%.
Competitive Differentiation Checklist (+Table)
| Factor | What Top Agencies Offer | Red Flags |
| Niche Expertise | Deep industry focus (e.g., fintech compliance, AR gaming). | “We build all types of apps.” |
| Speed | 30% faster delivery via pre-built modules (e.g., auth, payments). | No proof of on-time launches. |
| Post-Launch Success | App marketing/ASO bundled with development. | “We just code—you handle the rest.” |
| Security Focus | PenTest certifications or in-house security team. | No compliance documentation. |
| Transparency | Real-time dashboards (GitHub, Jira) for client access. | “Trust us” with no visibility. |
Follow-Up Questions & Analysis
1. What’s your biggest competitive advantage?
Strong Answers Include:
- “We’ve built 50+ apps for Fortune 500 healthcare clients (HIPAA certified).”
- “Our AI boilerplate cuts development time by half.”
- “We guarantee App Store approval or refund 20%.”
Red Flags:
- Generic claims (“We’re passionate!”).
- No verifiable proof (case studies, client logos).
2. Why should I choose you over others?
Look For:
- Quantifiable Metrics:
- “Clients see 25% higher retention with our UX-first approach.”
- Unique Processes:
- “We assign a dedicated PM + QA engineer from Day 1.”
- Risk Mitigation:
- “Fixed-price projects include 3 free post-launch bug fixes.”
Pro Tip: Ask for a side-by-side comparison
Summary
When choosing an iOS development agency, it’s crucial to evaluate their technical expertise, industry experience, and portfolio of live apps to avoid costly rework and ensure long-term success. Key factors include their proficiency with modern tools like SwiftUI, Core ML, and ARKit, as well as their ability to deliver secure, compliant, and user-friendly apps.
Agencies should offer transparent pricing, structured development processes, and robust post-launch support to keep your app updated and competitive. Equally important are communication practices, project management tools, and proven App Store Optimization (ASO) strategies. Asking the right follow-up questions can reveal whether an agency is truly equipped to bring your app vision to life.