The Best BaaS For Your iOS App
Do you want to develop an app for the iOS platform? You should consider using Mobile Backend-as-a-Service (mBaaS.) Many developers around the world now use mBaaS because of the many benefits they are enjoying. Three of the vital advantages of using an MBaaS are:
- Expedite development time.
- Make savings on development costs.
- Allow developers to focus on core programming tasks.
Contents
Why iOS?
Why would you want to use MBaaS to develop an app for the iOS platform?
IOS is the operating system that powers Apple products such as iPhone, iPads, and Apple TV, and enjoys a 20% share of the global mobile market. While the iOS market share is impressive, there are more inspiring facts about the iOS userbase. The owners of iOS devices have higher earning power and are willing to buy apps for the top dollar if it provides the value they desire.
Now that you have good idea of the value MBaaS has to offer. Let’s consider the leading mobile backend-as-a-service providers in the world today. Here are the leading five MBaaS platforms you can use to create your next iOS app.
1. Back4App
Back4App provides developers with an easy to use open-source framework for performing development tasks. This platform is straightforward; both experienced and new developers can start using back4 apps for development projects without many hassles. Besides, this platform is also very flexible and also scalable. Back4app offers you the privilege to select only the service you need to enhance cost-efficiency. You can always choose additional services when the need arises. They also offer top-notch support for their customers. Backforapp is excellent for both personal, hobby, and professional development projects.
Summary
Free Tier: Available
Paid Plans: Starting from $5/mo
Hosting Services: Available
Main Features: GraphQL API, CMS dashboard, GUI Database, and many more.
Click here for a complete list of Back4App features.
2. Parse
Parse is another excellent MBaaS for developers of iOS apps. The project came to the limelight in 2013 when Parse collaborated with Facebook to develop the platform. However, Facebook pulled out of the project in 2016. Since that time, the opensource community took over the project and has enjoyed outstanding success since that time. So Parse users can access massive resources through the Parse blog and other community platforms. It is an excellent MBaaS for developers.
Free Tier: Free to download.
Hosting Services: No.
Main Features: GraphQL API, CMS dashboard, GUI Database, and many more.
3. Apple CloudKit
The Apple CloudKit differs from other Backend-as-a-Service providers because if developed exclusively for the iPhone. The platform allows iPhone users to transfer their data from an iPhone device to a cloud container kit. After that, the user can access the data from any other mobile device by syncing the data automatically. CloudKit also allows the user to share the data with specific people or make it public.
Free Tier: Available
Paid Plans: See the pricing page.
Hosting Services: Available
Main Features: simple sharing, Automatic syncing, management dashboard, etc.
4. AWS Amplify
AWS Amplify is an opensource MBaaS framework that is powered by Amazon Web Services AWS Cloud. The developers can also download the framework and host it on any cloud service of their choice. The framework has many libraries for performing various iOS development functions. Below is the summary of what AWS Amplify has to offer:
Free Tier: Available. The developer can download the framework for free.
Paid Plans: Flexible payment plans. See the pricing page here.
Hosting Services: Yes
Main Features: Datastore, authentication, AR & VR, Notifications, API, Offline sync, and more.
5. Firebase
Firebase is one of the leading Backend-as-a-Service providers that is powered by Google. The Search Engine Giant acquired the company and has been investing in creating more value for developers. The features of Firebase include analytics, machine learning, and many other useful functions.
Free Tier: Available
Paid Plans: @25/month / other flexible payment plans
Hosting Services: Available
Main Features: Cloud hosting, analytics, real-time database, useful APIs, file storage, and many more
iOS BaaS Comparison Table
| Framework | Pricing | Hosting | Features | |
| Back4app | Open-Source | Free $5/mo | Shared Dedicated | – Database – GraphQL – CDN |
| Parse | Open-Source | Free to Download | Self-Hosting | – |
| CloudKit | Proprietary | Free $100 for 10 req/s | Shared | – Storage – Automatic Syncing – Sharing |
| Amplify | Open-Source | Pay as you go | Shared | – Data Store – AR & VR – API |
| Firebase | Proprietary | Free Pay as you go | Shared | – Realtime – ML – Analytics |
For a detailed BaaS comparison please refer to the BaaS Comparison Matrix.
Conclusion
These five platforms provide useful functions for the development of apps on iOS. You can select the ones that suit your iOS mobile app development objectives.
Want to know more about BaaS platforms? Please read BaaS | Backend as a Service.
General FAQ
What are the BaaS benefits for you iOS app?
The main benefits of using a backend as a service platform are:
– Expedite development time.
– Make savings on development costs.
– Allow developers to focus on core programming tasks.
To know more, please read BaaS | Backend as a Service.
Why choosing iOS operating system?
IOS is the O/S that powers Apple products and enjoys a 20% share of the global mobile market. The owners of iOS devices have higher earning power and are willing to buy apps for the top dollar.
What are the best iOS BaaS providers?
The best backend as a service providers for iOS are:
– Back4App
– Parse
– Cloudkit
– AWS Amplify
– Firebase
To know more, please read To know more, please read BaaS | Backend as a Service.
