Curious about the secrets behind high-performance iOS apps? 

Well, performance in mobile apps can make all the difference in the success of your product. Users expect fast, responsive, and reliable apps; anything less can lead to negative reviews and uninstalls. 

It may surprise you to know that 79% of users will only give an app another try once or twice if it does not work the first time. Even more strikingly, 25% of users abandon an app if it doesn’t load within just 3 seconds. These statistics highlight the critical importance of optimizing your app for performance.

With over 34.9 billion apps downloaded from the Apple App Store in 2023 alone, the competition is fierce. Ensuring your app runs smoothly and efficiently can make the difference between success and failure.

In this blog post, we will explore the top ten strategies for creating iOS apps with outstanding performance that differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace!

1. Optimize Your Code

A powerful application starts with well-written, effective code.  Avoid unnecessary computations and use appropriate data structures and algorithms. Swift, with its robust performance features, should be your language of choice. Use profiling tools like Xcode Instruments to identify bottlenecks and optimize critical paths.

Actionable Tip:

• Use lazy initialization to load resources only when they are needed.
• Minimize the use of nested loops and complex operations in frequently called methods.

2. Leverage Asynchronous Programming

Offload long-running tasks to background threads to keep your UI responsive. Two great tools for handling concurrency in iOS are Grand Central Dispatch (GCD) and OperationQueue. Async/Await, introduced in Swift 5.5, makes writing asynchronous code more readable and maintainable.

Actionable Tip:

• Perform network calls, database operations, and heavy computations asynchronously to avoid blocking the main thread.

3. Optimize Images and Assets

Large images and unoptimized assets can slow down your app. Use appropriate image formats (JPEG, PNG, HEIF) and compress images to reduce their size without compromising quality. Use vector images (PDFs) for scalable assets.

Actionable Tip:

• Use tools like ImageOptim or TinyPNG to compress images before adding them to your project.
• Leverage the Asset Catalog to manage and optimize image resources efficiently.

4. Use Efficient Data Handling

Loading and parsing large datasets can be slow. Use efficient data formats like JSON, and consider using third-party libraries like SwiftyJSON or Codable to handle JSON parsing. Use Core Data or Realm for efficient database management for local data storage.

Actionable Tip:

• Batch data requests and process data in chunks to avoid overwhelming the app with large amounts of data simultaneously.
• To save data that is accessed often, use caching techniques.

5. Optimize Memory Usage

Memory leaks and excessive memory usage can lead to crashes and poor performance. Use Xcode’s memory debugging tools to identify and fix memory leaks. Adopt ARC (Automatic Reference Counting) to manage memory automatically, but be mindful of retaining cycles.

Actionable Tip:

• To prevent retain cycles, avoid strong references in closures that capture self. Instead, use [weak self] or [unowned self].
• Release unused objects and resources promptly to free up memory.

6. Minimize App Launch Time

First impressions matter. An app that takes too long to launch can frustrate users. Reduce app launch time by deferring non-critical tasks until after the app has loaded.

Actionable Tip:

• Load only essential resources during startup and defer secondary tasks using background threads.
• Pre-warm views and data if possible.

7. Optimize Network Calls

Network latency can significantly impact app performance. Use efficient networking libraries like Alamofire for optimized network requests. Implement caching and use background transfers for large files.

Actionable Tip:

• Use URLSession for network requests and enable HTTP/2 for faster, multiplexed connections.
• Compress data sent over the network and use appropriate caching strategies to minimize network load.

8. Implement Lazy Loading

An object’s initialization is postponed until it is required via lazy loading. This can save resources and improve performance, especially in scenarios involving large data sets or images.

Actionable Tip:

• Use lazy properties in Swift to defer the creation of objects until they are accessed.
• Implement pagination and load more content as the user scrolls.

9. Optimize Scrolling Performance

Smooth scrolling is crucial for a good user experience. Use lightweight views and avoid complex view hierarchies. Use reusable cells in UITableView and UICollectionView to optimize scrolling performance.

Actionable Tip:

• Pre-calculate cell heights and sizes to avoid layout calculations during scrolling.
• Use the willDisplay and didEndDisplaying methods to manage resources efficiently.

10. Monitor and Test Performance Regularly

Regular performance testing helps catch issues early. Use Xcode Instruments to profile your app and identify performance bottlenecks. Automated testing tools like XCTest can help ensure your app remains performant across updates.

Actionable Tip:

• Set up continuous integration (CI) to run performance tests automatically with each build.
• Regularly review and optimize your code based on performance test results.

Some More Proven Best Practices for iOS App Development

Adopt App Thinning

App Thinning allows you to create a customized app package for each user based on their device specifications. This reduces the app’s size and improves installation times.

Test Thoroughly

Conduct extensive testing, including unit tests, UI tests, and beta testing. Continuous testing helps identify and fix performance issues before they reach users.

Follow the iOS Human Interface Guidelines

Adhering to Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines ensures a consistent and intuitive user experience. By adhering to best practices, it not only increases app performance but also improves usability.

Build the Best iOS App with TechRev LLC – Get Started

At TechRev LLC, we are dedicated to helping you build the best iOS apps that meet and exceed user expectations. Our team of experienced developers and designers are experts in the latest iOS technologies and best practices, ensuring your app is optimized for performance, usability, and scalability.

We understand the importance of a seamless user experience and efficient performance in today’s competitive app market. That’s why we offer comprehensive services, from initial concept and design to development, testing, and deployment. Our approach is tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that every aspect of your app is crafted to perfection.

With TechRev LLC, you can expect:

• We stay updated with the latest iOS advancements to incorporate the best features and functionalities into your app.
• Our experts use advanced profiling tools and techniques to ensure your app runs smoothly and efficiently.
• We follow Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines to create intuitive and engaging user experiences.
• We conduct thorough testing to identify and fix performance issues before your app reaches users.

Want a fast, efficient iOS app? Connect for a free consultation!

Conclusion

Superior performance is essential for retention and user happiness. The top ten recommendations mentioned above can help you greatly improve your iOS app’s operation and make it more dependable, fast, and efficient. Every stage, from code optimization and profiling tools to memory management techniques and asynchronous programming, is essential to delivering a flawless user experience.

Staying updated with the latest iOS advancements and continuously refining your app will keep you ahead of the competition. Remember, a well-performing app attracts users and keeps them engaged and satisfied.

At TechRev LLC, we are dedicated to helping you achieve these goals. Our team of experts is here to assist you in building the best iOS app possible. 
Contact us today to upgrade your app’s efficiency and ensure it delivers an exceptional user experience. Get your quote now!