Objective-C, the object-oriented programming language that was the backbone of Apple’s iOS and macOS applications before Swift’s introduction, continues to hold a significant role in app development, especially for maintaining legacy code or building new applications on platforms that require compatibility with older technologies. While Swift is now the preferred language for many iOS developers, Objective-C remains an essential skill for certain projects, and hiring the right developer for the job is crucial. If you are considering hiring Objective-C developers, it’s important to understand the costs, time considerations, and the factors that will impact the success of your project.

Why Hire Objective-C Developers?

Objective-C developers are highly specialized professionals with in-depth knowledge of Apple’s development ecosystem. Although Swift is gaining popularity, Objective-C is still widely used in industries where legacy code and compatibility are vital. Here are a few reasons why you may still need to hire Objective-C developers:

1. Legacy Code Maintenance

Many businesses rely on applications built years ago using Objective-C. These apps are still functional and require ongoing maintenance. If your company has an existing app, the need for Objective-C developers becomes crucial for its continued success.

2. Compatibility with Older Devices

Some older Apple devices, particularly those with older versions of iOS, may not support newer Swift applications. Objective-C remains a reliable option for developing or maintaining apps that need compatibility across different iOS versions, including older ones.

3. Complexity and Flexibility

Objective-C offers extensive functionality, including dynamic typing and message sending, which provides greater flexibility in handling complex app logic. While Swift has become the go-to language for many iOS developers, Objective-C’s intricate nature still makes it suitable for certain types of applications.

4. Cross-Platform Projects

In some cases, you may need Objective-C developers for cross-platform development. Certain projects may require Objective-C in conjunction with other platforms or frameworks, such as integrating with Android through JNI (Java Native Interface) or building for both iOS and macOS using a shared codebase.

Given these factors, it is clear that Objective-C remains a relevant skill, and knowing what to expect when hiring developers with this expertise is essential for getting the best results for your business.

Cost Considerations When Hiring Objective-C Developers

The cost of hiring Objective-C developers can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, experience, and the complexity of the project. Let’s break down the various cost considerations:

1. Location and Hourly Rates

One of the biggest factors affecting the cost of hiring Objective-C developers is location. Developers based in different regions will have varying hourly rates. For instance:

• United States & Canada: Developers in North America tend to command higher rates, ranging from $50 to $150 per hour, with experienced developers or those located in major cities like San Francisco or New York charging the upper end of that range.

• Europe: Developers in countries like the UK, Germany, or France might charge between $40 and $100 per hour. Developers in Eastern Europe, including countries like Ukraine and Poland, offer more affordable rates, ranging from $30 to $75 per hour, while still providing high-quality work.

• Asia & Latin America: In countries like India, Brazil, and Argentina, hourly rates for Objective-C developers can range from $15 to $50 per hour, depending on experience and skill level. This region is increasingly popular for outsourcing due to the lower costs and vast pool of developers with advanced technical skills.

2. Experience Level

The cost of hiring an Objective-C developer will also depend on their level of experience. Here’s a breakdown:

• Junior Developers: Developers with less than two years of experience will charge the lowest rates, but they may require more oversight and have a steeper learning curve. Expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $50 per hour for a junior developer.

• Mid-Level Developers: Developers with three to five years of experience can command higher rates and may have a solid understanding of both the Objective-C language and Apple’s development environment. Rates typically range from $50 to $100 per hour.

• Senior Developers: Senior Objective-C developers with over five years of experience, a deep understanding of iOS/macOS ecosystems, and a proven track record can charge from $100 to $150+ per hour, depending on their expertise.

3. Project Scope and Complexity

The complexity of the project will also play a significant role in determining the cost. Simple tasks like fixing bugs or performing small updates to an existing app might only require a few hours of work, whereas developing an entire application or implementing major new features will require more time and expertise.

For example:

• Small-Scale Projects: If you only need to add a few features or update legacy code, you might be looking at a project that costs $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity and length of the work.

• Mid-Scale Projects: For a full-fledged app that requires integrating APIs, implementing new functionality, and testing, expect the cost to range between $10,000 and $50,000 or more.

• Large-Scale Projects: Complex projects with multi-platform support, extensive backend integration, and a large codebase can run into the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.

4. Contract Type

The type of contract you enter with your developer will also influence the overall cost:

• Freelancers: Hiring freelance Objective-C developers can offer more flexibility and typically lower costs. Freelancers are often hired on an hourly or project basis.
• Development Agencies: While agencies may charge more due to overhead costs and the inclusion of project managers, designers, and additional team members, they can provide a more complete package with higher-end support.
• Full-Time Hires: If your project is ongoing and you need long-term development support, hiring a full-time developer may be a more economical option, depending on their salary expectations.

Time Considerations When Hiring Objective-C Developers

Time is often just as important as cost when planning a development project. Understanding the time factors involved in hiring Objective-C developers will help you better manage expectations and plan your project accordingly.

1. Project Timeline

The timeline of your project will largely depend on its scope and complexity. Here’s a rough breakdown of what you might expect:

• Small Projects: Simple bug fixes or updates to existing apps could take between one and four weeks.
• Medium Projects: Developing new features or building a moderately complex app may take two to four months.
• Large Projects: Full-scale app development or major system overhauls can take six months or longer, depending on the complexity.

2. Availability and Hiring Speed

Hiring an Objective-C developer doesn’t always happen overnight. It may take time to find the right candidate, conduct interviews, and negotiate terms. If you are working with an agency, they might already have a developer ready for the project, reducing the hiring time. Freelancers can often start sooner, but they might be juggling multiple projects, potentially leading to delays in the start of your project.

3. Development Phases

Your project will go through various phases, including:

• Planning: Defining the project’s requirements and understanding the scope of work. This phase could take anywhere from one to two weeks.
• Design and Development: Building the app or implementing new features, which can take months.
• Testing and QA: This phase ensures the app works smoothly and is bug-free. Testing can take several weeks.
• Deployment and Maintenance: After the app is launched, ongoing maintenance will be required, especially if new features or updates are needed.

4. Communication and Project Management

Effective communication can significantly impact the speed of your project. Frequent check-ins, clear expectations, and a collaborative working relationship between you and your Objective-C developer will lead to faster development times and fewer misunderstandings.

Key Skills to Look for When Hiring Objective-C Developers

When hiring Objective-C developers, certain technical and soft skills are essential to ensure your project’s success:

• Strong Knowledge of iOS/macOS Development: Objective-C developers must be well-versed in the development environment provided by Apple, including Xcode, Interface Builder, and the iOS/macOS SDK.
• Experience with Apple’s Design Guidelines: Developers should have experience following Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines to ensure your app provides a seamless user experience.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Objective-C developers must be adept at troubleshooting and resolving issues, particularly in legacy code.
• Version Control: Familiarity with Git is a must for managing the codebase and collaborating with other developers.
• Good Communication: Developers should be able to explain their process and offer insights into the development cycle.

Conclusion

Hiring Objective-C developers requires careful planning, understanding of costs, and a clear timeline to ensure your project is completed successfully. By considering location, experience, project scope, and communication needs, you can find developers who fit your requirements and budget. Whether you are maintaining legacy applications or embarking on new development projects, knowing what to expect will help you make informed decisions and ultimately achieve your goals. If you're looking to hire Objective-C developers, keep these considerations in mind to set yourself up for success and get the most out of your investment.