What are the job roles and responsibilities of an Mobile Developer?

Mobile developers are a type of software developer. They specialise in mobile technology such as building apps for Google’s Android, Apple’s iOS and Microsoft’s Windows Phone platforms. For this reason job titles for this type of role also include Android developer and iOS developer. Mobile developers learn the programming languages and software development environment for their chosen platform. Currently, there are a handful of major mobile platforms, each with its own core language(s) and development environment (eg Java for Android, Objective-C for iOS and C# for Windows Phone), but this is in a state of constant change to keep up with the pace of new technology.

Demand for mobile developers across platforms has never been stronger as the industry tries to keep up with surging demand. In 2016, mobile and tablet devices accounted for a higher percentage of internet usage than desktop.*

The typical responsibilities of mobile developers include:

discussing the client’s requirements and the proposed solution with colleagues

developing application programming interfaces (APIs) to support mobile functionality

keeping up to date with the terminology, concepts and best practices for coding mobile apps

using and adapting existing web applications for apps

working closely with colleagues to constantly innovate app functionality and design

Typical employers of mobile developers

Android and iOS app development companies

Android and iOS platform development companies

Software companies

Retailers

The healthcare sector

Travel and tourism industry

Entertainment industry

Financial services

Media organisations

Jobs are advertised online, by careers services and by recruitment agencies.

View our graduate IT and technology vacancies.

Qualifications and training required

There are routes into mobile development for both graduates and school leavers. The job is typically open to graduates in computer science or software related degrees.

There are also apprenticeships available in mobile app development, many of which involve on-the-job training for qualifications. To find out about the school leaver route (eg an apprenticeship or school leaver training programme) see the IT section of TARGETcareers, our website for school leavers.

Key skills for mobile developers

Programming languages such as C#, Java, Objective-C

Strong organisational skills

Mathematical aptitude

Drive to keep up to date with developments and trends in the tech and modern media world

The ability to learn quickly

The ability to interpret and follow technical plans

Problem-solving skills

Strong communication skills