At Fora Soft, we’ve rolled out iOS automated testing on all kinds of projects, from simple apps to complex systems that ship constant updates. That hands-on work showed us what really delivers value and what slows teams down. 

In this article, you’ll get the straight facts about iOS automated testing: what it is, when it makes sense to invest, and when you can skip it without hurting your product. We’ll also cover the best tools to use in 2025 and give you practical ways to make your app testing smoother and more efficient. Let’s dive in!

‍

Key Takeaways

  • Automated testing for iOS delivers clear benefits: faster releases, fewer errors, and long-term savings, especially for startups that add new features without wanting to break old ones. 
  • Tools like Appium offer flexibility across platforms, while Apple’s own XCUITest provides tight, reliable integration. 
  • The catch is that setup takes real work upfront, so it’s not ideal for tiny or short-lived apps. But for complex, evolving products, automation is quickly becoming essential. 
  • With market adoption rising fast, now’s the right time to integrate it, starting with critical paths where the payoff shows up immediately.

Understanding iOS Automated Testing

So, what exactly is iOS automated testing? At its core, it’s software that mimics how real users interact with your app, running predefined scripts without human oversight. Imagine it automatically handling a subscription purchase, filling out a form, or tapping through buttons. 

For iOS apps, this shines because it allows you to check consistency across devices and iOS versions without repeating the same manual steps. Once scripts are in place, tools can run them again and again, freeing your QA team to focus on more complex problems instead of repetitive tasks.

Today, more companies are building native iOS versions of their apps to capture a bigger slice of the growing mobile market. Downloads keep rising, and the pressure to release faster is stronger than ever. Automated testing helps teams ship quicker updates while keeping bugs down, which in turn keeps users loyal. 

The global test automation market is expected to reach about 41.67 billion dollars in 2025 and could climb to 169.33 billion by 2034 at a steady growth rate of 16.9 percent. That kind of growth shows how much businesses everywhere rely on automation to speed up development while boosting reliability.

Benefits of Automated Testing

The biggest advantage is scale. Automated tests can run on several devices at the same time, massively increasing coverage per release. 

For example, regression testing ensures that a new feature doesn’t break existing functionality. This improves stability, reduces testing time, and saves money while lifting overall quality. 

Human error also goes down since the scripts run exactly the same way every time. Another hidden win is documentation – scripts stay even when testers leave, doubling as training material for new team members.

In 2025, AI-driven automation is on the rise, with around 16% adoption already in practice. AI helps predict where defects may occur, further reducing manual effort. For startups, that means spotting regressions earlier and keeping the app stable as you grow, without hiring a large QA team.When you don’t need automated testing?

Drawbacks to Consider

That said, automation isn’t perfect. When Apple rolls out a new iOS version, some testing tools lag behind, which can slow down releases. Setting up initial scripts takes both time and money, though the payoff grows with reuse. 

Flaky tests are another headache: they sometimes fail due to timing or network issues rather than actual bugs, which means extra debugging. On iOS, execution speed can lag compared to Android, and not every framework gets regular updates, leaving you to cover gaps yourself. 

Testing on real devices also adds complexity, since managing hardware and simulators requires ongoing effort. If your app depends on advanced gestures or multi-touch, some tools may not cover them fully, leaving blind spots in your test suite.

‍

When to Use Automated Testing

Automation makes the most sense when your iOS app has many features and you plan on supporting it long term. Every new addition risks breaking existing functionality, and manually checking everything is time-consuming and prone to misses. 

Automated regression testing reduces that risk and frees your team to focus only on the issues flagged. SaaS owners in particular benefit from shorter testing cycles and lower costs with each release. A smart approach is to start small by automating core flows like login or payments, then expand coverage as your product grows.

It also helps when you update regularly to stay in step with new iOS versions. Even small changes from Apple can quietly break existing features. With automation, you can run checks immediately and know exactly what failed, saving valuable time. 

One caveat is skills: testers need at least some coding knowledge to work with tools like XCUITest or cross-platform setups like Appium. If your team lacks that, plan to train them or bring in external help. For businesses, the decision usually comes down to ROI – if your app has frequent releases, automation can cut QA time by half, freeing up resources for development and growth.

When to Skip Automated Testing

On the other hand, automation isn’t worth it for apps that are simple, temporary, or rarely updated. If manual testing covers your entire app quickly and cheaply, investing in automation doesn’t make sense. 

The same goes for short-lived apps tied to one-time events, like a seasonal sports app. Startups that pivot often also shouldn’t bother, since every major change would force you to rewrite large parts of your test suite. In these cases, manual testing offers the flexibility you need without wasting effort.

‍

Top iOS Automated Testing Tools for 2025

So, what are the best iOS automated testing tools in 2025? At Fora Soft, we’ve tested plenty, and a few stand out for real-world use.

XCUITest/XCTest remains Apple’s native choice, built directly into Xcode. It uses Swift or Objective-C, which makes collaboration smooth for developers but harder for non-coders. Its recorder can capture user actions to generate tests, though manual refinements are usually needed. Since it runs in a separate thread with limited access to app state, timing delays can cause occasional failures. Still, for iOS-only projects, it’s fast, stable, and backed by Apple for the long term.

EarlGrey, created by Google, also works with Swift or Objective-C. It’s strong at syncing UI elements and requests, reducing flaky tests. It’s particularly reliable for apps with heavy animations. But since it’s iOS-only, many teams still default to Apple’s own tools unless they need EarlGrey’s extra features.

KIF (Keep It Functional) integrates into your project and simulates real user touches through accessibility labels, making it especially good for UI testing. It’s simple for teams already working with iOS languages, but less ideal if you need deep logic coverage.

Detox is the go-to for React Native or cross-platform apps. Written in JavaScript, it lets you reuse tests for both iOS and Android, cutting duplication. It pairs with EarlGrey under the hood and works on emulators or real devices. For best results, test on real hardware early to catch device-specific issues.

Appium remains the most flexible option, supporting multiple languages including Java, Python, JavaScript, Ruby, and C#. It runs tests without requiring app recompilation and works across iOS and Android. While occasional issues come from being a wrapper over native drivers, its massive community ensures quick fixes. Pairing it with cloud-based services lets you run tests in parallel on multiple devices, speeding up feedback loops.

Other tools worth mentioning include BrowserStack App Automate, which provides cloud-based real-device testing without needing physical hardware, and Waldo, which offers a codeless, visual approach for teams without coding expertise. These options expand coverage or lower the barrier for entry, depending on your needs.

FAQ

How do I start with iOS automated testing if my team is new?

Pick a tool that fits your situation – XCUITest if you’re iOS-only, Appium if you want flexibility. Begin with core scripts for features used most often, then run them in your CI pipeline for checks on every build. Track failures, refine scripts, and build gradually.

What does automated testing cost for a startup app?

It depends on app size and tool choice, but expect setup costs of a few thousand dollars in developer time. Training or outsourcing may add more. Most teams see ROI within months as faster releases reduce bug-related costs.

Can automated testing replace manual testing?

No. Automation handles repetitive checks, but manual testing is still essential for exploratory work and user experience. A balanced approach is best: automate most regression tests, but keep humans in the loop for usability.

How do I choose between native and cross-platform tools?

If your focus is iOS alone, native tools like XCUITest offer speed and reliability. If you need Android support too, cross-platform tools like Appium or Detox save effort by sharing scripts.

What if my tests fail too often?

Frequent failures often come from timing or environment issues. Add waits where needed, use stable devices, and analyze logs to find the cause.

‍

Wrapping Up

In the end, iOS automated testing pays off for complex, evolving apps that need steady updates. Automating core flows like logins or payments saves time, reduces bugs, and accelerates releases. 

The key is choosing the right tools based on your app’s needs and your team’s skills. At Fora Soft, we’ve seen automation transform release cycles for clients.

If you want the same results for your app, reach out or book a consultation today – we’ll start with a quick QA audit to identify gaps and build a clear action plan.

  • Technologies