← Back to all posts

How to Build Your First iOS App With No Experience

Building an iOS app might seem intimidating, but with SwiftUI and modern tooling, it’s more accessible than ever. Here’s your roadmap from zero to the App Store.

What You Need

  • A Mac (any recent model works)
  • Xcode (free from the App Store)
  • An Apple Developer account ($99/year for App Store publishing)
  • Patience and curiosity

Step 1: Learn Swift Basics

Swift is Apple’s programming language, and it’s designed to be beginner-friendly. Start with:

  • Swift Playgrounds (iPad/Mac app) — gamified learning
  • 100 Days of SwiftUI by Paul Hudson — the gold standard free course
  • Apple’s official tutorials at developer.apple.com

Spend 2-3 weeks on basics: variables, functions, structs, and optionals.

Step 2: Understand SwiftUI

SwiftUI is Apple’s modern UI framework. It uses a declarative syntax that reads almost like English:

struct ContentView: View {
    var body: some View {
        VStack {
            Text("Hello, World!")
                .font(.title)
            Button("Tap Me") {
                print("Button tapped!")
            }
        }
    }
}

The live preview in Xcode means you see changes instantly — no waiting for builds.

Step 3: Build Something Simple

Don’t start with your dream app. Build something small first:

  • A to-do list
  • A unit converter
  • A tip calculator
  • A simple quiz game

The goal is to understand the build cycle: code → preview → test → iterate.

Step 4: Learn Data Persistence

Most apps need to save data. Start with:

  • UserDefaults for simple settings
  • SwiftData (Apple’s newest framework) for structured data
  • CloudKit for syncing across devices

Step 5: Polish and Ship

Before submitting to the App Store:

  • Test on a real device (not just the simulator)
  • Add an app icon and launch screen
  • Write a clear App Store description
  • Take good screenshots
  • Submit for review (usually takes 24-48 hours)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Overscoping your first app — keep it simple
  2. Skipping the fundamentals — learn Swift properly before diving into frameworks
  3. Not testing on real devices — simulator ≠ reality
  4. Ignoring Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines — they exist for a reason

Timeline Expectations

  • Week 1-3: Swift basics
  • Week 4-6: SwiftUI fundamentals
  • Week 7-10: Build your first app
  • Week 11-12: Polish and submit

Three months from zero to the App Store is realistic if you put in an hour a day.

Ready to start? Download Xcode and write your first line of Swift today.