3–5 days
HIG review and goals
We review the app against Apple Human Interface Guidelines and agree the user flows and devices in scope.
iOS app design services
iOS app design services that feel native on iPhone and iPad
Our iOS app design services build interfaces on Apple's Human Interface Guidelines, test them with real users and hand them to your developers ready to build.
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In shortiOS app design services create the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) of iPhone and iPad apps that follow Apple Human Interface Guidelines (HIG), map to native SwiftUI views and include a design review of the first TestFlight build. Our iOS app design takes 4–8 weeks, costs $25,000–$60,000, and ends with SwiftUI-ready specs for developers.
Definition
What is iOS app design?
iOS app design is the process of designing iPhone and iPad app interfaces that follow Apple Human Interface Guidelines and use native iOS components. Designers apply the SF Pro typeface, SF Symbols, Dynamic Type and a minimum hit target of 44×44 pt (about 7 mm).
iOS app design differs from mobile app UI UX design services in scope: iOS app design targets Apple devices only, so every screen uses native patterns, for example a tab bar, a navigation stack and sheets. iPhone app design and iPad app design share one component library and differ in layout.
- Timeline
- 4–8 weeks
- Investment
- $25,000–$60,000
- Deliverables
- 6 included
What's included
What does iOS app design include?
Our iOS app design services include 6 deliverables: a HIG review, user flows, an iPhone prototype, iPad and Apple Watch layouts, an accessibility spec and SwiftUI-ready specs.
HIG review
The current app or concept is checked against Apple Human Interface Guidelines, for example navigation, modality and the 44×44 pt hit target. Our guide to iOS design guidelines explains what changed for iOS 27, Liquid Glass and iPhone Duo.
User flows
Diagrams of every path through the app, for example onboarding, Sign in with Apple and in-app purchase.
iPhone prototype
A clickable Figma prototype for iPhone screen sizes, for example the 4.7-inch and 6.9-inch displays.
iPad and Apple Watch layouts
Adapted layouts for iPadOS and watchOS, for example split view on iPad and a complication on Apple Watch.
Accessibility spec
Rules for Dynamic Type, VoiceOver labels and dark mode, for example body text that scales across every Dynamic Type size.
SwiftUI-ready specs
Annotated Figma files that map each component to SwiftUI views, for example List, NavigationStack and TabView.
Process
How does the iOS app design process work?
The iOS app design process takes 4–8 weeks (20–40 working days) and runs in 5 steps, from HIG review to SwiftUI handoff.
5–10 days
Flows and wireframes
Designers map user flows and wireframe iPhone screens with native patterns, for example tab bars and sheets.
5–10 days
Prototype and user testing
A clickable iPhone prototype is tested with 5 users per round in moderated sessions.
5–10 days
Visual design and iPad layouts
Designers apply SF Pro, SF Symbols and the brand colours, then adapt screens for iPadOS and watchOS.
2–5 days
SwiftUI handoff
We hand over SwiftUI-ready specs and review the first TestFlight build against the design.
Benefits
What are the benefits of iOS app design?
iOS app design has 4 benefits: it increases retention, improves accessibility, reduces development time and develops an iOS component library.
Increases retention
Native navigation and short onboarding increase the share of users who open the app again after the first session.
Improves accessibility
Dynamic Type, VoiceOver labels and 4.5:1 text contrast improve the app for users with low vision.
Reduces development time
SwiftUI-ready specs map each screen to native views, so developers write fewer custom components.
Develops an iOS component library
Each release adds SwiftUI-mapped components to one Figma library, so the iOS component library develops release by release.
Comparison
iOS app design vs mobile app UI UX design
iOS app design covers Apple devices in depth; mobile app UI UX design covers iOS and Android in one project. Teams that ship to the App Store only choose iOS app design.
| Criterion | iOS app design | Mobile app UI UX design |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch | iOS and Android phones |
| Guidelines | Apple HIG | Apple HIG and Material Design 3 |
| Handoff target | SwiftUI-ready specs | Specs for Swift, Kotlin, React Native or Flutter |
| Timeline | 4–8 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
| Price on this site | $25,000–$60,000 | $25,000–$60,000 |
Related:mobile app UI UX design servicesinteraction design agency
Pricing
How much does iOS app design cost?
iOS app design costs $25,000–$60,000 and takes 4–8 weeks. The price depends on 4 factors: the number of user flows, the number of Apple devices, the number of test rounds and the depth of the accessibility spec.
An iPhone app design with 4–5 flows and 1 test round sits near $25,000. An iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch app with 12–15 flows, 3 test rounds and a full VoiceOver spec sits near $60,000. Apps that need a full component library continue with design system services.
Typical investment$25,000–$60,0004–8 weeks
- HIG review
- User flows
- iPhone prototype
- iPad and Apple Watch layouts
When to hire
When should an iPhone app team hire iOS app design services?
An iPhone app team should hire iOS app design services in 5 situations:
- A native iPhone app is planned, if the team builds in SwiftUI.
- App Store reviews mention confusing navigation, if the app uses web-style menus.
- An iPad version is planned, if the iPhone layout only stretches to the larger screen.
- An accessibility requirement applies, if the app does not support Dynamic Type or VoiceOver.
- A cross-platform app feels foreign on iPhone, if the design copies Android patterns.
Not sure where your design problems actually start?
Book a 45-minute UX audit session. We review your product and identify the top three friction points.
Book a UX auditiOS app design services by industry
We design UI and UX for Startups and E-commerce products.
Ready to launch faster and convert more users?
Send us your project. A design lead reviews it and schedules a call within one business day. We sign an NDA before the first technical discussion if you prefer.
FAQ
iOS app design FAQs
These answers cover the 5 questions buyers ask most about iOS app design services.
Still have a question?
A design lead answers every message within one business day.
Talk to a design leadDo you follow Apple Human Interface Guidelines?
Yes. Every iOS app design follows Apple Human Interface Guidelines for navigation, typography, hit targets and accessibility.
Can you design an iPad app from an iPhone app?
Yes. iPad app design reuses the iPhone component library and adds iPadOS layouts, for example split view and sidebar navigation.
Do iOS app designers write SwiftUI code?
No. iOS app designers deliver SwiftUI-ready specs that map each component to a SwiftUI view, and developers write the SwiftUI code.
Is iOS app design different from Android app design?
Yes. iOS app design follows Apple HIG and Android app design follows Material Design 3, so navigation, controls and typography differ.
How long does iOS app design take?
iOS app design takes 4–8 weeks, which equals 20–40 working days, from HIG review to SwiftUI handoff.
