The Top 5 backend services for iOS apps

Are you looking for a iOS backend service to develop your next application? If so, this article is for you and explore the best five providers.

The use of smartphones is rapidly increasing among people. According to a report by eMarketer, adult Americans spend more than 4 hours on their smartphones.

Hereof, they consume 88% of their mobile time on different mobile applications. If we talk about iOS applications only, around 2.22 million iOS apps are available on the Apple Store.

These reports demonstrate the increment in the use of iOS apps among users that also enhances the demand for iOS backend development.

So, this guide initiates sharing one of the best mobile app backends for iOS applications with their features and pricing structures.

What is Backend?

The component of an application, website or software program invisible to the end-users is known as the backend in the programming world.

Backend basically contradicts the client-side or user interface and is also known as server-side. In simple words, every operation that occurs behind the scene before the live display of an app or website is known as the backend.

File handling, processing page requests, networking, database management, running scripts and encryption data are all examples of backend operations.

What Are the Core Features of a Backend Provider?

It is not easy to find an appropriate backend provider with limited information in hand. That is why we are sharing one of the core backend provider’s features that you must consider while choosing the right vendor.

Virtual Servers

Virtual servers are one of the significant features of backend providers that attract businesses. These virtual servers don’t only have the edge over physical servers when it comes to dealing with multiple instances, but it is also cost-efficient. Indeed, virtual servers lower the maintenance, hardware and energy costs.

By the same token, virtual servers make it seamless to accommodate dynamic workloads and reassign resources. Development teams just need the internet to operate these virtual servers anytime, anywhere.

Yes, virtual servers permit remote access whether you need to build, deploy, launch or test the iOS apps. It also enables affordable web hosting.

Dynamic Scaling

Backend providers offer a very scalable environment to developers to extend or reduce resources quickly. These backend vendors confer both kinds of scaling: horizontal and vertical.

With horizontal scaling property, programming teams can extend the virtual machines anytime. Similarly, developers can enhance resources like CPU, bandwidth and memory through vertical scaling.

Pay-as-you-go pricing models of popular backend vendors like AWS also aid businesses to choose, reduce and increase VMs and resources within clicks with minimum cost. Yes, you just have to pay for used resources under this pricing structure.

Database

Backend providers also facilitate their clients with real-time databases. These databases don’t only help to gather all of the users’ data, but it is also easy to sync and access information with this feature.

Likewise, Back4App assists in querying and storing relational data objects conveniently. Similarly, Firebase offers 2 major databases that work in real-time and even sync data when the app user goes offline.

APIs

The role of APIs is crucial in server-side development. Yes, these are application programming interfaces (APIs) that facilitate the development teams to connect and deal with server-side functionalities. In this regard, backend providers offer 2 kinds of public and open APIs.

Private APIs could be used within an organization’s development teams to conduct internal operations. However, Open APIs or public APIs are available to everyone. Yes, you can get these APIs for free because they are open-source. Mainly, startups can benefit from Open APIs to interact with backend operations. The dominating APIs that renowned backend providers grant are REST, GraphQL and SOAP APIs.

Notifications

Timely and appropriate notifications also play a significant role in the success of an application. Notifications are also one of the essential features that backend service providers offer. These notifications could be an email that apps send to users to confirm their email addresses or enhance their knowledge about their upcoming features.

This feature also includes in-app messaging, push, email, and SMS notifications. All in all, the major purpose of notifications is to enhance user engagement and retain potential customers.

What is iOS?

An operating system that Apple devices use is known as iOS. iPhone Operating System is the full form of iOS, and Apple Inc. initially launched it in January 2007. It is the second most used operating system that works for devices including iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Mac.

Smartphone users from developed countries love to use iOS because of its excellent security, interface, gaming features, picture quality and multi-language support. However, iOS is a little expensive when we compare it with Android.

Benefits of Using iOS for a Mobile App?

Here we are discussing the significant benefits of using iOS for a mobile app:

Enhanced Security

Security is a significant concern of every business. They want to protect both server-side data and users’ information effectively. Hereof, iOS devices own a built-in AES crypto engine that advances the safety of stored data and speeds up the encryption process. Undoubtedly, with the security of this operating system, developers don’t need to worry about their app’s safety.

On the contrary, if we compare iOS with Android, then it is also invulnerable. Yes, Android upgrades its Android Security Bulletin monthly, and it is the will of users whether they want to update their device or not. Withal, iOS doesn’t work in this way. It is hard for iOS users to avoid its security updates because it constantly sends them to users. Even you can say iOS users must accept security updates.

By the same token, Apple Store also strictly examines the security functions of an app that comes for approval. In simple words, if you are launching an app with poor security, Apple Store will reject it. So, always keep security your primary concern.

Filtered Audience

If you want to target a customized audience, then iOS should be your preference. Only limited iOS versions of Apple devices are available in the market compared to Android. That is why you can approach potential customers only.

Mainly, if your audience is tech-savvy professionals, business executives and tier-1 countries of the world, then you must go with iOS. Moreover, most iOS applications are the premium ones, so if you offer a paid app on iOS, there are more chances to engage the targeted audiences.

Better Customer Experience

iOS provides an exemplary user experience. Whether you compare its design, user interface, primary navigation of different applications or even typography. You will find iOS is always better than Android devices. Furthermore, appealing floating buttons in UX design, selection controls and call-to-action dominate it among other mobile operating systems.

Howbeit, it is also important to follow Apple guidelines to provide a better customer experience through iOS apps. Right content formatting, text size, high resolution etc., are the keys to achieving this goal.

Top 5 Backends for an iOS App

Here are five of the best backend services for an iOS application.

1. Back4App

Back4App has been supporting iOS backend development since 2015. This mobile app backend provider plays a crucial role in overcoming time to market by enhancing development speed. Furthermore, this platform makes it simple to store data, so you can access it whenever you want.

Developers can focus on core tasks and client-side development with this backend vendor. Besides, Back4app makes it inspiring to perform the most intricate queries through an intuitive interface. The platform makes it easy for you to start with the right guidance at your disposal.

So, this resource is an open-source backend that you can scale to your level of requirements.

Features

Boost Feasibility Progress

Developers will no longer have to take hold of app infrastructures. This resource lets you create the most relevant app models to let you test the feasibility of your actual application. This process is straightforward and engaging, enabling you to risk-free app development.

Hassle-Free Integration

It is incredibly convenient to access your app data with Back4App quickly. You will cherish the versatility of web 3.0. It permits you to secure data in your desired Blockchain. Therefore, the processing of data integration becomes easier than ever.

Update Your Subscribers

Back4app offers real-time updated query support to update your potential subscribers. This lets you avoid monotonic queries that can ingrain disinterest in your subscribers. Therefore, this service will help you stay on top of everything.

SDKs Support Extensive Platforms

If you wish to pursue a wider audience from different ecosystems, Back4app brings great credibility. You can create powerful applications complying with all devices that you ought to select. Indeed, Parse makes it simple for you to engage applications for various possible platforms.

Pricing

Back4app makes it seamless to navigate your backend app development process. This resource begins with a free plan that is healthy for practicing before you take on actual concepts. Furthermore, this website offers a shared plan reliable for quick app launches starting from 25 USD/month.

Then, this source exhibits a dedicated plan which makes it flawless to create apps with specific requirements. It will help by providing dedicated resources to create impeccable apps. This plan starts at 250 USD/month.

2. Parse

Parse is undoubtedly the most growing open-source framework in application backend development. This platform was introduced in 2011 and was later acquired by Facebook in 2013. This source lets developers create applications using file and object storage.

Application backend development demands a hefty budget, but Parse does it in an affordable budget bracket. You no longer will have to hire and fund backend engineers using this resource for your iOS backend service. Moreover, you can now create almost all types of applications using Parse technology continuity.

However, Parse might reduce flexibility in your dedicated application development compared to available custom backend resources.

Features

Effective Data Models

It is now effortless to model/organize data for most developers using Parse technology. The interface keeps things orderly, making it easy to interact with the passage of time. You can confidently name the date and access it within seconds.

Effective Notification Cycle

Parse technology enables sending push-notifications when the app doesn’t open for a while. This helps continuously build the interest between the users and the application itself. Hence, it is one of the promising marketing tactics that Parse lets developers to feature in their applications.

Back Files with Maximum Safety

This phenomenal resource enables developers to back and secure their data in an effective way. So, they can have their data in safe storage across various promising service providers like Google Cloud.

Community Support

Parse owns a big and friendly community where startups and novices can ask anything. Even its official website has a forum page. You will also find open-source resources regarding the Parse platform on GitHub. Similarly, you can also find any informative thread on Stack Overflow about Parse. However, you will have to use targeted tags or keywords to find such details.

Pricing

Parse is a free-to-use platform. However, some charges could be applied when you use it with other backend vendors.

3. CloudKit

CloudKit is your ultimate gateway to building efficient iOS apps using secure iCloud storage functionality. This authentic resource was launched back in 2014, which brought great versatility and the power of backend creativity simultaneously. Moreover, this resource promotes secure data models for redefined safety.

This platform promotes seamless conjunction between all Apple devices bringing up a robust ecosystem. The automation development process makes this resource a life-saving option for most developers. Besides, it has superior privacy protection functionality, letting you innovate with peace of mind.

In addition, CloudKit brings intuitive controls that let you monitor the app development process. Therefore, CloudKit is likely to be the best backend for iOS apps.

Features

Data Protection

CloudKit keeps your data in a safe slot with strong data encryption. Data encryption does let your app data intermingle with other data slots in the cloud. In addition, this resource fosters privacy protection, so developers can perform operations without having to reveal their personal details.

Performance Analysis

This platform brings worthy performance charts of your application across all user’s devices. Also, this aids developers in making steady speculations about their applications. The platform does encompass an engaging interface promising smooth operations at the end of the day.

Reliable Ecosystem

CloudKit makes it undeniably easy to sync across the entire Apple ecosystem. Therefore, it is just a perfect option when you are trying to pursue an iOS backend service for the iOS app in your domain.

Development Automation

The platform brings unique and empowering tools for automating the development process. App development automation is incredibly potent for carrying out integration tests. It just makes the entire backend iOS app development process simple.

Gain Experience Beforehand

There are various sample development projects available on GitHub. So you can directly learn before you start the real process.

Pricing

You get a reasonable storage capacity with the CloudKit for free, but you can also go for the paid plan. Therefore, most startups go for the free tier plan. It gives them freedom for creativity and privacy protection at the same time.

And eventually, users will have to pay for the paid developer account as it grows. Therefore, the pricing is variable to the measure of ongoing development processes. Yes, its paid tier follows a pay-as-you-go policy and costs $0.03/GB for storage and $0.1/GB for transfer.

4. Firebase

The Firebase Platform accelerates your backend application development process that’s built upon trust. This platform started in 2011 and offered easy backend infrastructure management, unlike other platforms. That makes it a really compelling platform for most starters in app development.

Moreover, this backend resource has trustworthy user-engaging techniques to improve analytics. You are in complete control of creating some of the most powerful apps using Firebase. There are intuitive controls to manifest the best applications for as many purposes as you can imagine.

Anyhow, developers can fully rely on Google growth tools. So developers can achieve impeccable growth using this platform.

Features

Value User Experience

Firebase lets you achieve high-end goals regarding your application user experience. In addition, this platform aids developers through complex challenges in optimizing app experience. This helps in improving user engagements for better growth at the end of the day.

Quicken Development Process

This resource boasts a superior backend app development process. It is backed by a manageable development infrastructure, promoting a quick development process. Developers no longer have to put in extra effort when they choose Firebase.

Valuable Analytics

It is invaluable to constantly observe your application performance. This also lets you specify the stability of your application with engaging controls and authentic reports. Therefore, developers can make certain amendments in the development process to feed the right user experience.

Engage Users the Right Way

The right user engagement process can bind users with your application product. Firebase exhibits empowering analytics in reaching out to more users overall. Besides, this source supports the user’s growth through useful messaging campaigns.

Extensive Integration

Firebase exhibits SDKs supporting app integration to Android, web and iOS building a substantial impact. Businesses can quickly integrate their iOS app with Slack, Jira, BigQuery, Data Studio, Google Ads and much more.

Pricing

Firebase lets everyone start their backend app development journey for free. This backend development platform offers starter support, so developers can first establish and pay afterwards. So, it has two plans: Spark Plan and Blaze Plan. Spark plan is absolutely free of cost for starters.

However, the Blaze plan requires payment depending upon applications at scale. Therefore, the pricing is variable that depends upon many possible factors. These factors can include stored data, cloud functions, and hosting.

5. AWS Amplify

Creating professional web and mobile apps is simple with AWS Amplify. AWS Amplify began in November 2018 and instantly became popular. This platform does not just focus on building appealing app backends, but it supports growth later. So AWS Amplify will lead a developer’s process of app development to its deployment.

In addition, this platform features extensive tools for building a better quality backend. AWS Amplify offers fast integration of mobile applications with new AWS resources. Besides, developers can take advantage of Amplify studio to ingrain striking visual effects in building the full-stack app.

Lastly, this platform is extremely helpful in building crucial data slots for your development process.

Features

Efficient Data Models

The platform features Amplify libraries in creating an efficient flow of data. It lets you stack backend using cross-platform related to your application in development. However, you can access this data even when you are offline. Thus, you can always stay on top of your development process.

Amplify Studio

AWS exhibits Amplify visual studio providing a unique environment for your ongoing app development. This life-saving tool lets you design the app front-to-end without extensive coding. So it gives you life-saving controls over your app backend.

Access AWS Services

AWS lets you access its services in order to ingrain more growth when it comes to your app backends. These services include many practical user cases in helping developers achieve success by engaging users correctly.

User Authentication

The Amplify Studio helps you set up authentication controls within the app. Its user authentication enables email configuration or multi-factor authentication simultaneously. Also, this comes in great value whenever a user recovers a password. In addition, developers can have absolute control over the user directories.

Pricing

There are two ways when you start working on AWS. Firstly, the platform offers a free usage tier that lets you start for free. Besides, the platform does offer to build, deploy and host where the build & deploy price is 0.01$ per minute. Also, the price for every served GB is 0.15$.

Conclusion

Although iOS is the second most used and installed operating system after Android but still the majority of smartphone users love to have it.

Consequently, the demand for mobile app backends for iOS is not coming slow. However, it is still complicated to shortlist a mobile backend provider for an iOS app.

Therefore, this article presents one of the leading iOS backend providers with all the necessary details. Hopefully, these details will help the businesses and developers to choose the suitable backend provider for their projects.