Best Mobile App Development Courses to Learn iOS & Android

Key Features

• Building iOS, Android, and cross-platform apps using React Native and Flutter frameworks.
• Hands-on projects to learn how to use Xcode, Android Studio and PhoneGap.
• Develop a deep understanding of programming languages (e.g., JavaScript, Swift, and Dart).
• An app developer commands an average salary of $121,716.

Mobile app development is a growing industry that combines creativity and technology. As millions depend upon their favourite apps for work, playing and the very basics of everyday life, passionate developers are in short supply. Proficiency in mobile app development yields a wide range of exciting career prospects. Courses provide learners with “tools and frameworks” to develop user-friendly, practical apps, which are essential in the digital-first age.

What are Mobile App Development Courses?

Mobile application development courses provide a strong understanding of developing software for smartphones and tablets. Learners explore programming languages, frameworks, and design principles. These courses include hands-on activities, applied work, and industry applications. Targeted at beginners and professionals, they facilitate learning of tools such as Flutter and React Native, enabling developers to build creative, user-friendly apps for the technology-enabled world of tomorrow.

Top Mobile App Development Courses to Build iOS & Android Apps: A Quick Overview

Best Courses for Learning React Native, Flutter & More

1. CS50’ Mobile App Development with React Native by Harvard – [edX]

• • Cost: Free (Certification $90–$300)
  • Duration: 13 weeks (6–9 hours per week)
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Instructors: David J. Malan, Jordan Hayashi
  • Key Topics:
    1. JavaScript and modern ES6/ES7 concepts
    2. JSX for creating interfaces
    3. Debugging, components, views, and state management
    4. App architecture and user input handling
    5. Redux, data comprehension, and performance enhancement
  • Prerequisites:
    1. Basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
    2. Prior completion of CS50 or similar foundational courses
  • Scope:
    1. Develop expertise in React Native for cross-platform app development
    2. Build professional-grade apps with advanced JavaScript frameworks
    3. Prepare for high-demand roles in mobile and web development
  • Cons:
    1. Requires a strong foundation in JavaScript and web technologies
    2. Limited support for complete beginners

This HarvardX course focuses on React Native, enabling developers to create cross-platform apps. The hands-on approach and modern concepts prepare learners to excel in mobile app development.

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2. Android App Development Specialization by Vanderbilt University – [Coursera]

• • Cost: Subscription-based (~$39/month)
  • Duration: Approx. 5 months
  • Level: Beginner
  • Instructors: Dr. Jules White, Dr. Jerry Roth, Dr. Julie L. Johnson, Dr. Douglas C. Schmidt, and Michael Walker
  • Key Topics:
    1. Core Java programming and software testing
    2. Android Studio and app lifecycle management
    3. Object-oriented programming and concurrent computing
  • Prerequisites:
    1. Basic computer skills
    2. No prior coding experience is required
  • Scope:
    1. Build robust Android apps from scratch
    2. Understand Android development lifecycle and Java fundamentals
    3. Gain industry-recognized certification to enhance employability
  • Cons:
    1. Assignments may not cater to varied coding styles
    2. Challenging for absolute beginners without additional support

This Coursera specialization introduces Android development using Java. Through hands-on projects, learners gain practical skills to design and deploy Android applications.

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3. Flutter & Dart – The Complete Flutter App Development Course – [Udemy]

• • Cost: $14.99
  • Duration: 25.5 hours (on-demand video)
  • Level: Beginner
  • Instructors: Paulo Dichone
  • Key Topics:
    1. Dart programming fundamentals
    2. Cross-platform app development using Flutter
    3. Building comprehensive iOS and Android apps
  • Prerequisites:
    1. A computer (Mac or PC)
    2. No prior programming experience is needed
  • Scope:
    1. Create cross-platform apps with a single codebase
    2. Gain proficiency in Google’s Flutter framework
    3. Develop applications for startups or freelance projects
  • Cons: Some content may be outdated post-Flutter 2 release

This beginner-friendly course on Udemy helps learners master Flutter and Dart, making it easy to create stunning cross-platform apps.

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4. Build iOS Apps with React Native – [Pluralsight]

• • Cost: $45/month (10-day free trial available)
  • Duration: 1 hour, 59 minutes
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Instructors: Hendrik Swanepoel
  • Key Topics:
    1. React Native basics and components
    2. Designing native iOS apps
    3. Using existing web development skills for mobile apps
  • Prerequisites:
    1. Basic programming knowledge
    2. Familiarity with web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
  • Scope:
    1. Extend web development skills to iOS app creation
    2. Build native apps indistinguishable from Objective-C or Swift projects
    3. Learn frameworks widely used in the industry
  • Cons:
    1. Short duration; lacks in-depth exploration
    2. Course content might feel dated

This course is tailored for web developers looking to transition into iOS app development using React Native.

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5. Mobile App Development with PhoneGap – [Udemy]

• • Cost: $13.99
  • Duration: 5.5 hours (on-demand video)
  • Level: Beginner
  • Instructors: SkillSprints Inc.
  • Key Topics:
    1. Creating apps using HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS
    2. PhoneGap environment setup and app testing
    3. Integration with device hardware like accelerometers and GPS
  • Prerequisites:
    1. Basic knowledge of HTML, JavaScript, and CSS
    2. Access to a Mac or PC
  • Scope:
    1. Build cross-platform apps without learning multiple programming languages
    2. Work with device hardware and APIs
    3. Create user-friendly, multi-platform mobile apps
  • Cons:
    1. The audio quality could be better
    2. Some outdated course sections

This Udemy course simplifies cross-platform app development, enabling learners to build functional apps using familiar web technologies.

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6. Developing Android Apps by Google – [Udacity]

• • Cost: $249/month
  • Duration: Approx. 60 hours
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Instructors: Google experts
  • Key Topics:
    1. Android lifecycle and RecyclerView
    2. Content providers and cloud-connected apps
    3. Best practices for Android development
  • Prerequisites:
    1. Basic programming knowledge
    2. Familiarity with object-oriented programming concepts
  • Scope:
    1. Master Android app development with industry-standard tools
    2. Create professional-grade apps using a Google-backed curriculum
    3. Leverage cloud connectivity for advanced app functionality
  • Cons:
    1. High cost compared to other courses
    2. Intermediate-level content may not suit beginners

This Google-developed course provides practical training for Android app development, ensuring learners gain industry-relevant skills.

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7. Unity C# Mobile Game Development – Make 3 Games From Scratch – [Udemy]

• • Cost: $14.99
  • Duration: 6.5 hours (on-demand video)
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Instructors: Rick Davidson, GameDev.TV Team, Nathan Farrer
  • Key Topics:
    1. Building mobile games with Unity
    2. Implementing touch controls and push notifications
    3. Optimizing games for diverse screen resolutions
  • Prerequisites:
    1. Basic understanding of Unity and C#
    2. Familiarity with game development basics
  • Scope:
    1. Create engaging mobile games from scratch
    2. Publish games on Google Play and the App Store
    3. Explore revenue generation through in-app ads
  • Cons: Some sections feel rushed or less detailed.

Ideal for aspiring game developers, this Udemy course teaches the nuances of creating mobile games using Unity and C#.

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8. Introduction to iOS Development, Xcode, and Interface Builder – [Alison]

• • Cost: Free
  • Duration: Self-paced
  • Level: Beginner
  • Instructors: Devslopes
  • Key Topics:
    1. Building adaptive interfaces in Xcode
    2. Adding sound and animation to iOS apps
    3. Basics of iOS app development
  • Prerequisites:
    1. Basic computer skills
    2. Familiarity with high school-level math
  • Scope:
    1. Gain foundational knowledge of iOS development
    2. Learn to create visually appealing and functional apps
    3. Lay the groundwork for advanced iOS development
  • Cons:
    1. Limited support for advanced topics
    2. Practical examples may feel too basic

This free course from Alison is perfect for beginners, offering a comprehensive introduction to iOS app development with hands-on projects.

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Why Learn Mobile App Development? Key Career Benefits

• Growing Demand: Mobile app developers are highly sought after across industries.
• Lucrative Careers: Developers have competitive wages, averaging around $121,716 per year.
• Creative Opportunities: Design user-friendly apps that impact millions of users worldwide.
• Skill Enhancement: Gain expertise in programming, frameworks, and app-building tools.
• Flexibility: Learn independently, with online courses for everyone from novice students to experienced professionals.

Methodology for Selection of Courses: Which Mobile App Development Course is Right for You?

• Expert Consultation: Courses vetted in collaboration with 24 industry experts.
• Comprehensive Reviews: Comprehensively evaluated based on user ratings, faculty expertise, and learning outcomes.
• Content Relevance: Courses focused on next-generation software, such as Flutter and React Native.
• Flexibility: Offers options with self-paced and live modalities for various learner styles.
• Certification: Picked ones that guarantee certification for career progression.
• Accessibility: Selected courses accommodate all skill levels, from beginners to professionals.

Industry Application

• Healthcare: Build telehealth and fitness tracking apps.
• E-commerce: Develop shopping and payment gateway apps for online businesses.
• Gaming: Create interactive mobile games using Unity and C#.
• Education: Design e-learning apps for schools and skill development platforms.
• Entertainment: Craft streaming apps for music, movies, and podcasts.
• Travel & Hospitality: Develop navigation, booking, and itinerary planning apps.
• Finance: Build secure mobile banking and investment management apps.

FAQs: How to Become a Mobile App Developer?

• Who can pursue mobile app development courses?
  Persons interested in technology, regardless of their level of expertise, from novices to expert programmers.
• What are the prerequisites for these courses?
  Fundamental computer programming or computer skills help. However, some courses are set up to use experience with JavaScript, HTML, or CSS.
• Are certifications provided?
  Yes, most courses offer recognized certifications upon completion.
• How long do these courses take?
  Lengths range from a few hours to weeks, based on course and level.
• Are these courses self-paced?
  Self-paced learning is available in some courses, whereas others have live sessions.
• Can I switch careers after completing these courses?
  No, but these courses provide the learners with the necessary skills for app development, freelance, or entrepreneurial careers.
• What programming languages are covered?
  There are courses on the most recently popular programming languages (e.g., JavaScript, Dart, Swift, and Java).

Conclusion

Mobile app development courses provide the ideal entry point into a career in technology. Thanks to their innovative learning modalities, state-of-the-art tools, and the possibility to get certifications, these courses equip users to build impactful applications across various fields to address the growing market need for skilled developers in the current digital world.