In the realm of mobile technology, iOS stands as a titan, firmly rooted in the echelons of our digital lives. Since its inception in 2007, iOS has been the foundation for a deluge of innovative mobile applications, designed to enrich, entertain, and inform our day-to-day activities. So, when the time comes to engage the services of an iOS app developer, it is of paramount importance to approach this with diligence and discernment. To that end, there are ten pivotal inquiries to be made prior to moving ahead with a developer.

• What is your proficiency level with Swift and Objective-C?

  Swift and Objective-C are the pillars that hold up every iOS application. Swift, a multi-paradigm language developed by Apple Inc., is recognized for its usability and sophisticated functionality, whereas Objective-C, an older superset of the C language, was the de facto language for iOS until the advent of Swift. Given the centrality of these languages to iOS, it is critical to assess the developer's mastery of both.

• How familiar are you with Apple's Human Interface Guidelines?

  Apple's Human Interface Guidelines (HIG) provide the schema for the user experience in iOS applications. Adherence to these guidelines ensures consistency, usability, and accessibility across the iOS platform. As such, a developer's familiarity with HIG is a direct reflection of their ability to create an application that is consistent with Apple's ethos of simplicity, elegance, and user-centric design.

• Can you share examples of your past iOS app developments?

  A portfolio serves as a tangible manifestation of a developer's capabilities, giving you an insight into their technical prowess, creativity, and experience. It allows you to gauge their ability to deliver an application that aligns with your expectations.

• How do you handle app testing?

  Testing is a vital stage in the app development lifecycle, where each function and feature is evaluated to ascertain its performance. There are different types of testing, including unit testing, integration testing, and UI testing. A developer's ability to handle these testing processes effectively can significantly reduce potential issues post-launch.

• What is your approach to security?

  With data breaches on the rise, it's imperative that your iOS application adheres to stringent security protocols. An app developer must have a comprehensive understanding of encryption algorithms, secure coding practices, and network security to ensure that sensitive user data remains protected.

• How do you manage app updates and maintenance?

  Post-launch maintenance is a critical aspect of the app lifecycle, where bugs are fixed, new features are added, and the app is kept up to date with evolving iOS standards. Therefore, the developer's approach to ongoing updates and maintenance is a key consideration.

• How do you handle the app submission process?

  The app submission process to the App Store may be convoluted, with a host of guidelines to adhere to, and a review process which is stringent. Having a developer who is adept at navigating this process can expedite the app's journey to the App Store.

• What are your pricing structures and payment terms?

  Financial considerations should never be overlooked. The developer's pricing structure, whether it's a fixed price or hourly rate, and their payment terms, such as advance payment or milestones payment, should all be clarified upfront.

• How will you communicate during the development process?

  The success of any development project hinges on effective communication. Therefore, understanding the developer's preferred mode of communication, frequency, and their responsiveness is vital in maintaining a harmonious working relationship.

• What is your backup plan if the project veers off course?

  Even with the most meticulous planning, unforeseen circumstances can arise. Having contingency measures in place can help mitigate potential setbacks, keeping your project on track.

In conclusion, the depth and breadth of your inquiry prior to hiring an iOS app developer set the stage for a successful venture. By ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their technical acuity, adherence to Apple's guidelines, and their approach to communication, testing, security, updates, pricing, and contingency plans, you set the foundation for a relationship that is steeped in mutual understanding, respect, and shared vision. Remember, it is the synergy between your vision and the developer's expertise that will ultimately yield an app that resonates with your audience.