What Is an iPhone App Maker?
An iPhone app creator is a platform that enables anyone to build native iOS applications without traditional programming knowledge. These iOS app maker software tools have evolved dramatically, now offering AI-powered development, visual drag-and-drop builders, and one-click App Store publishing.
With over 1.56 billion active iPhone users and the App Store generating $138 billion in revenue in 2025, the opportunity to create iPhone applicationshas never been more accessible or profitable. Modern no-code app builders make this possible for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and creators worldwide.
Traditional iOS Development vs No-Code iPhone App Makers
- Learn Swift programming (6-12+ months)
- Requires Mac hardware ($999-$3,000+)
- Manage certificates, provisioning profiles
- Development cost: $50,000-$300,000+
- Describe your app in plain English
- Build from any computer (Windows/Mac/Linux)
- Cloud handles signing and certificates
- Cost: $5-$125/month + $99/year Apple fee
How to Create an iPhone App Without Coding
Building iOS applications no longer requires deep knowledge of Swift, Xcode, or provisioning profiles. In 2026, the best app creator for iOS platforms allow founders, designers, and entrepreneurs to build high-quality mobile applications through visual components, workflow builders, and AI-assisted systems.
1. Describe Your App Idea
Modern AI-powered platforms like Natively let you describe your iPhone app in plain English. The AI understands your requirements and generates a complete app structure, screens, and logic automatically.
2. Design Visually with Drag-and-Drop
Use visual builders to customize your app interface. Add buttons, forms, images, and navigation without touching code. Platforms provide iOS-native components that look and feel like real iPhone apps.
3. Connect Data and Backend
Integrate databases, APIs, user authentication, and third-party services through visual configuration. Most platforms include built-in backends with Supabase, Firebase, or proprietary solutions.
4. Build in the Cloud
Cloud services compile your app into native iOS code. Tools like Expo EAS Build handle signing, certificates, and App Store requirements automatically—no Mac required.
5. Publish to the App Store
Submit directly to TestFlight for beta testing, then to the App Store with one-click deployment. The platform handles App Store Connect integration and submission.
Best iOS App Maker Software 2026
We researched and compared the leading apps to create apps for iPhone. Each platform offers different trade-offs between ease of use, customization, code ownership, and pricing. Data sourced from Zapier, Adalo, and Emergent.
| Platform | Best For | Starting Price | Code Export | Native iOS | Mac Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natively | AI-powered, full code ownership | $5/month | Yes (React Native) | No | |
| Adalo | Quick MVPs, beginners | $36/month | No | No | |
| FlutterFlow | Developers, complex apps | $24/user/month | Yes (Flutter) | No | |
| Thunkable | Education, prototypes | $13/month | No | No | |
| GoodBarber | High-design apps | $25/month | No | No | |
| Appy Pie | Budget-friendly | $80/month (iOS) | No | No |
Pricing as of January 2026. All platforms require separate Apple Developer Account ($99/year) for App Store publishing.
Natively
AI-PoweredDescribe your iPhone app in plain English, and AI generates complete React Native code. Full source code ownership with GitHub export. True native performance on iOS and Android.
Adalo
Drag-and-DropOne of the most intuitive no-code platforms for beginners. Canvas-based building with pre-built components. Great for MVPs and quick validation. Integrates with Xano for backend.
FlutterFlow
Low-CodeBuilt on Google Flutter framework. Best for developers who want visual building with code export. Steeper learning curve but highly customizable for complex applications.
Thunkable
Block-BasedUses block-based visual programming similar to Scratch. Perfect for educators, students, and rapid prototypers. Accessible entry point with cross-platform output.
App Store Publishing Requirements
Understanding Apple's requirements is crucial before you create an iPhone application. Here is what you need to know based on the latest Apple Developer requirements.
Apple Developer Account
- $99/year annual membership fee
- D-U-N-S Number required for organizations
- Fee waivers available for nonprofits and educators
Source: Apple Developer Program
SDK Requirements
- Current: iOS 18 SDK required (2025)
- April 2026: iOS 26 SDK required
- No-code platforms handle SDK updates automatically
Source: Apple Upcoming Requirements
App Review Guidelines
- Privacy policy required for all apps
- Privacy Nutrition Labels mandatory
- Content must comply with age ratings
Source: App Store Guidelines
EU Digital Services Act
- Trader status required for EU distribution
- Applies to app updates in the EU
- Business verification documentation needed
No-Code Platforms Handle the Technical Stuff
One of the biggest advantages of using an iPhone app creator like Natively is that SDK versions, signing certificates, provisioning profiles, and App Store Connect integration are all managed automatically. You focus on building your app—the platform handles Apple's technical requirements.
Do You Need a Mac to Build iPhone Apps?
No, a Mac is not required to build iPhone apps when using no-code platforms. Thanks to cloud-based build services like Expo EAS Build, iOS apps can be compiled entirely in the cloud. This democratizes iOS app development for Windows and Linux users.
With No-Code Platforms
- Build from Windows, Mac, or Linux
- Cloud services compile iOS apps remotely
- Test on physical iPhone via Expo Go
- Direct submission to App Store
Traditional Development
- Xcode only runs on macOS
- Mac required for iOS Simulator
- Local builds need macOS hardware
- Workarounds: cloud Mac services ($20-100/mo)
How Expo EAS Build Works Without a Mac
According to Expo documentation: "Building with EAS is the easiest way to build your native app, as it requires no native build tools on your side. The builds happen on the EAS servers, which makes it possible to trigger iOS builds from non-macOS platforms."
Platforms like Natively leverage these cloud build services, allowing you to develop, test, and publish iOS apps entirely from a Windows PC or Chromebook.
Step-by-Step: Create Your iPhone App
Follow this guide to create an iPhone applicationfrom scratch using a no-code platform.
Set Up Your Apple Developer Account
1-14 daysEnroll at developer.apple.com for $99/year. For organizations, obtain a D-U-N-S Number first (takes 1-2 weeks). This is required before publishing any app.
Choose Your iPhone App Maker Platform
1 daySelect a platform based on your needs: Natively for AI-powered development with code ownership, Adalo for simple drag-and-drop, or FlutterFlow for more technical control.
Design and Build Your App
1-7 daysDescribe your app in plain English (AI platforms) or use visual builders to create screens, add components, configure navigation, and set up data models.
Connect Backend and APIs
1-3 daysSet up authentication, database, storage, and any third-party integrations. Most platforms include built-in backends or easy integrations with Supabase/Firebase.
Test on Real Devices
2-7 daysInstall your app on a physical iPhone using Expo Go or TestFlight. Test all features, fix bugs, and iterate based on feedback.
Submit to the App Store
1-7 days (review)Prepare app metadata, screenshots, privacy policy, and App Privacy details. Submit through your platform's one-click deployment or App Store Connect.
Cost Breakdown: iPhone App Development
Understanding the true cost to create apps for iPhonehelps you budget appropriately. Here is a complete breakdown comparing no-code to traditional development.
| Cost Item | No-Code (Natively) | Traditional Development |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Developer Account | $99/year | $99/year |
| Platform/Development Cost | $5-125/month | $50,000-$300,000+ (agency) |
| Hardware (Mac) | $0 (not required) | $999-$3,000+ |
| Learning/Training | Hours (intuitive) | 6-12+ months (Swift) |
| Ongoing Maintenance | Platform handles updates | $5,000-$20,000/year |
| First Year Total | $159-$1,599 | $51,000-$303,000+ |
*Costs vary based on app complexity. Sources: iCoderz Solutions, NextNative
Save 95-99% with No-Code
For a typical mobile app, no-code development can save $50,000-$300,000 compared to traditional agency development. This makes iPhone app creation accessible to startups, small businesses, and individual entrepreneurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I create an iPhone app without coding?
You can create an iPhone app without coding using no-code platforms like Natively, Adalo, Thunkable, or FlutterFlow. These platforms use visual drag-and-drop interfaces or AI-powered natural language prompts to build functional iOS apps. Simply describe your app idea, design screens visually, connect data sources, and publish directly to the App Store. Modern AI-powered builders like Natively can generate complete React Native apps from text descriptions.
What are the requirements for publishing to the App Store?
To publish an iPhone app to the App Store, you need: 1) An Apple Developer Account ($99/year), 2) Apps must be built with the latest iOS SDK (iOS 18 SDK required as of 2025, iOS 26 SDK required from April 2026), 3) Your app must comply with Apple App Store Review Guidelines, 4) Privacy policy and data handling disclosures are mandatory, 5) For organizations, a D-U-N-S Number is required for business verification. No-code platforms handle most technical requirements automatically.
Which no-code platforms support iOS development?
Top no-code platforms supporting iOS development include: Natively (AI-powered, React Native, code export, from $5/month), Adalo (drag-and-drop, native apps, from $36/month), FlutterFlow (Flutter-based, code export, from $24/month), Thunkable (block-based, beginner-friendly, from $13/month), GoodBarber (high-design apps, from $25/month), and Appy Pie (budget-friendly, from $80/month for iOS). Each platform offers different trade-offs between ease of use, customization, and pricing.
Do I need a Mac to build iPhone apps?
No, you do not need a Mac to build iPhone apps when using no-code platforms. Cloud-based services like Expo EAS Build compile iOS apps on remote servers, eliminating the need for local macOS hardware. Platforms like Natively, Adalo, and Thunkable handle all iOS compilation in the cloud. You can develop, test (using Expo Go on a physical iPhone), and publish iOS apps entirely from Windows or Linux. However, having a Mac can make testing more convenient with iOS Simulator access.
How much does it cost to create and publish an iPhone app?
The total cost to create and publish an iPhone app without coding ranges from $104 to $500+ annually. This includes: Apple Developer Account ($99/year required for App Store publishing) plus a no-code platform subscription ($5-$125/month depending on features). Compare this to traditional iOS development which costs $50,000-$300,000+ for custom app development. No-code platforms dramatically reduce costs while maintaining professional quality.