SwiftMasters
iOS Architecture
Advanced Level

iOS App Architecture & Design Patterns

Master advanced architectural patterns and best practices for building scalable, maintainable iOS applications. Learn to design robust systems that can evolve with changing requirements.

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Course Overview

Our iOS App Architecture & Design Patterns course is designed for experienced iOS developers who want to take their skills to the next level. Building simple apps is one thing, but creating scalable, maintainable applications that can evolve with changing requirements is the true mark of a senior iOS developer.

Throughout this intensive 10-week program, you'll learn how to design robust iOS application architectures, implement modern design patterns, and apply best practices that are used in production-quality apps. You'll move beyond MVC to explore MVVM, Clean Architecture, Redux, and other architectural patterns, understanding their strengths and appropriate use cases.

By the end of the course, you'll have the knowledge and skills to architect complex iOS applications that are easier to test, maintain, and scale. You'll be able to make informed architectural decisions and implement patterns that solve common development challenges.

What You'll Learn

  • Architectural patterns: MVC, MVVM, MVP, VIPER, Clean Architecture
  • Design patterns: Singleton, Factory, Observer, Builder, Adapter, Coordinator
  • Dependency injection and service locators
  • SOLID principles and clean code practices
  • Reactive programming with Combine
  • Unit testing, integration testing, and test-driven development
  • Modularization and building reusable components
  • Performance optimization and memory management

Course Details

  • Duration: 10 weeks
  • Sessions: 20 (2 per week)
  • Class Size: Maximum 10 students
  • Difficulty Level: Advanced
  • Prerequisites: Swift Programming Fundamentals and UIKit Interface Development
  • Price: €699

Upcoming Cohorts

  • September 1 - November 10, 2025 2 Spots Left
  • January 15 - March 26, 2026 Open
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Key Architecture Patterns

MVVM

Model-View-ViewModel pattern separates your interface from your business logic. ViewModels transform data from Models and expose it in a way that's easy for the View to consume.

// ViewModel
class UserProfileViewModel {
    private let user: User
    private let userService: UserService

    var displayName: String {
        return user.firstName + " " + user.lastName
    }

    var profileImageURL: URL? {
        return URL(string: user.avatarURLString)
    }

    init(user: User, userService: UserService) {
        self.user = user
        self.userService = userService
    }
}

Clean Architecture

Clean Architecture emphasizes separation of concerns, with the domain layer at the center. It creates independence from frameworks, UI, and databases, making your app more testable and maintainable.

// Use Case
protocol FetchUserProfileUseCase {
    func execute(userId: String) -> AnyPublisher<UserProfile, Error>
}

class FetchUserProfileUseCaseImpl: FetchUserProfileUseCase {
    private let userRepository: UserRepository

    init(userRepository: UserRepository) {
        self.userRepository = userRepository
    }

    func execute(userId: String) -> AnyPublisher<UserProfile, Error> {
        return userRepository.fetchUserProfile(userId: userId)
    }
}

VIPER

VIPER (View, Interactor, Presenter, Entity, Router) divides app functionality into distinct roles. It maximizes single responsibility and testability, but comes with higher complexity.

// Presenter
protocol ProfilePresenter: AnyObject {
    func viewDidLoad()
    func editProfileTapped()
}

class ProfilePresenterImpl: ProfilePresenter {
    weak var view: ProfileView?
    let interactor: ProfileInteractor
    let router: ProfileRouter

    func viewDidLoad() {
        interactor.fetchUserProfile()
    }

    func editProfileTapped() {
        router.navigateToEditProfile()
    }
}

Coordinator Pattern

Coordinators handle navigation flow in your app, decoupling view controllers from each other. This creates more modular, reusable view controllers and cleaner navigation logic.

// Coordinator
protocol Coordinator: AnyObject {
    var childCoordinators: [Coordinator] { get set }
    func start()
}

class ProfileCoordinator: Coordinator {
    var childCoordinators: [Coordinator] = []
    private let navigationController: UINavigationController

    init(navigationController: UINavigationController) {
        self.navigationController = navigationController
    }

    func start() {
        let viewController = ProfileViewController()
        viewController.coordinator = self
        navigationController.pushViewController(viewController, animated: true)
    }

    func showEditProfile() {
        let editCoordinator = EditProfileCoordinator(navigationController: navigationController)
        childCoordinators.append(editCoordinator)
        editCoordinator.start()
    }
}

Course Curriculum

Weeks 1-2: Foundations of iOS Architecture

Sessions 1-2: Architectural Principles & MVC

  • Introduction to software architecture and its importance
  • Qualities of good architecture: testability, maintainability, scalability
  • SOLID principles in the context of iOS development
  • Model-View-Controller (MVC) and its limitations
  • Common challenges with MVC in large iOS applications

Sessions 3-4: Introduction to MVVM

  • Model-View-ViewModel (MVVM) architecture pattern
  • Benefits and trade-offs of MVVM
  • Implementing MVVM in iOS applications
  • Data binding techniques
  • Refactoring an MVC app to MVVM

Project

Analyze and refactor a sample iOS application from MVC to MVVM architecture. Implement proper separation of concerns and demonstrate how MVVM improves testability and maintainability.

Weeks 3-4: Advanced Design Patterns

Sessions 5-6: Creational & Structural Patterns

  • Singleton pattern and its appropriate use cases
  • Factory and Builder patterns for object creation
  • Dependency Injection techniques in iOS
  • Adapter and Facade patterns for interface design
  • Decorator pattern for extending functionality

Sessions 7-8: Behavioral Patterns

  • Observer pattern and notification systems
  • Command pattern for action encapsulation
  • Strategy pattern for algorithm selection
  • Coordinator pattern for navigation flow
  • Chain of responsibility pattern

Project

Implement a library management application that demonstrates the use of multiple design patterns. Create a flexible architecture that allows easy extension and modification, and document how each pattern contributes to the overall design.

Weeks 5-6: Clean Architecture & VIPER

Sessions 9-10: Clean Architecture

  • Understanding Clean Architecture principles
  • Domain, Data, and Presentation layers
  • Use Cases and Repositories
  • Implementing Clean Architecture in iOS
  • Testing strategies for Clean Architecture

Sessions 11-12: VIPER Architecture

  • VIPER architecture components: View, Interactor, Presenter, Entity, Router
  • Separation of concerns in VIPER
  • Implementing VIPER in iOS applications
  • Benefits and challenges of VIPER
  • When to choose VIPER over other patterns

Project

Design and implement a social media client application using Clean Architecture principles. Create a modular design with clear separation between domain logic, data access, and presentation. Compare this approach with VIPER by refactoring one module to use the VIPER pattern.

Weeks 7-8: Reactive Programming & Testing

Sessions 13-14: Reactive Programming with Combine

  • Introduction to reactive programming paradigm
  • Combine framework fundamentals
  • Publishers, Subscribers, and Operators
  • Error handling in Combine
  • Integrating Combine with MVVM architecture

Sessions 15-16: Testing Architectures

  • Unit testing principles and best practices
  • XCTest framework for iOS
  • Mocking and dependency injection for testability
  • Integration testing for architectural components
  • Test-driven development approach

Project

Create a weather forecast application using MVVM architecture with Combine for reactive data flow. Implement comprehensive unit tests for all architectural components, demonstrating how proper architecture facilitates testing. Practice test-driven development by writing tests before implementation.

Weeks 9-10: Advanced Topics & Final Project

Sessions 17-18: Performance & Modularization

  • Performance considerations in architectural design
  • Memory management and retain cycles
  • App modularization strategies
  • Feature modules and internal frameworks
  • Dependency management in modular apps

Sessions 19-20: Final Project Workshop

  • Applying architectural patterns to real-world problems
  • Choosing the right architecture for specific requirements
  • Comparing and evaluating architectural approaches
  • Final project guidance and review
  • Final project presentations and feedback

Final Project

Design and implement a complex iOS application of your choice (e.g., e-commerce app, task management system, social platform) using the architectural patterns and principles learned throughout the course. Your project should demonstrate thoughtful architectural decisions, proper separation of concerns, testability, and maintainability. You'll present your project to the class, explaining your architectural choices and how they address the specific requirements of your application.

Meet Your Instructor

Markopolos Nefertitos

Architecture Expert

12+ years experience
Architecture specialist
Clean Code advocate

Markopolos Nefertitos

Architecture Expert

Markopolos is a software architect with extensive experience in iOS application development. With over 12 years in the industry, he has led development teams at multiple startups and established companies, specializing in designing scalable, maintainable architectures for complex applications.

Before joining SwiftMasters, Markopolos was the lead architect at a financial technology company where he designed and implemented a modular architecture that allowed the team to scale from a small app to a comprehensive financial platform with millions of users. His expertise in architectural patterns and clean code practices has been instrumental in helping teams deliver high-quality software efficiently.

Markopolos is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of iOS developers. His teaching approach combines theoretical foundations with practical, real-world examples, ensuring students understand not just how to implement architectural patterns, but when and why to use them.

View Architecture Course

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Swift Fundamentals and UIKit courses prerequisites?

Yes, this advanced course builds on the knowledge and skills covered in both the Swift Fundamentals and UIKit Interface Development courses. You should have a solid understanding of Swift programming and UIKit before enrolling. If you have equivalent experience from elsewhere, please contact us to discuss your eligibility. We may ask you to complete a short assessment to ensure you have the necessary background knowledge.

How will this course help my career as an iOS developer?

Architecture and design patterns are what separate junior developers from senior developers and architects. This course will give you the knowledge and skills to design robust, maintainable applications—a critical skill for career advancement. Many companies specifically look for developers who understand architectural patterns and can make informed design decisions. Our graduates often report promotions, higher salaries, and more interesting job opportunities after completing this course.

What types of projects will I build during this course?

Throughout the course, you'll work on increasingly complex iOS applications that demonstrate various architectural patterns. Projects include a library management system, a social media client, a weather application with reactive architecture, and a final project of your choosing. Each project is designed to reinforce specific architectural concepts and provide you with practical experience implementing different patterns. By the end of the course, you'll have a portfolio of well-architected applications to showcase your skills.

How much time should I dedicate outside of class?

This is our most advanced and intensive course, requiring significant dedication. In addition to the 4 hours of weekly class time, we recommend dedicating at least 10-12 hours per week to practicing, completing assignments, and working on projects. The concepts taught in this course require deep thinking and practice to master, and the more time you invest, the more value you'll get from the course.

Does this course cover SwiftUI architecture?

While this course focuses primarily on UIKit-based applications, the architectural principles and patterns taught are largely applicable to SwiftUI as well. We do discuss how certain patterns like MVVM work particularly well with SwiftUI, and how the architectural landscape is evolving with SwiftUI. However, if you're specifically interested in SwiftUI-focused architecture, we offer a separate advanced course on SwiftUI and Combine architecture.

Will I receive ongoing support after the course?

Yes, all our architecture course graduates gain access to our alumni community, which includes a private forum where you can ask questions, share ideas, and get feedback on your architectural approaches. Additionally, we offer monthly online meetups where we discuss advanced topics and new architectural trends in iOS development. We're committed to supporting your continued growth as an iOS architect beyond the duration of the course.

Ready to Master iOS Architecture?

Take your iOS development skills to the highest level with our advanced architecture course.

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Mastering iOS Architecture & Design Patterns in Cyprus

In the competitive landscape of mobile app development, understanding iOS architecture and design patterns has become a critical differentiator for developers seeking to build robust, scalable applications. Our comprehensive iOS App Architecture & Design Patterns course in Cyprus addresses this growing need by providing experienced iOS developers with the advanced knowledge and practical skills required to design and implement sophisticated architectural solutions. As mobile applications grow increasingly complex, the ability to create maintainable codebases that can evolve with changing requirements is no longer optional—it's essential for professional iOS development.

The course curriculum has been meticulously designed to cover the full spectrum of architectural patterns and design principles relevant to modern iOS development. Beginning with fundamental concepts like SOLID principles and MVC architecture, the course progresses to more advanced patterns like MVVM, Clean Architecture, and VIPER. Each module combines theoretical foundations with hands-on implementation, ensuring that participants not only understand architectural concepts but can apply them effectively in real-world scenarios. The emphasis on practical application is reinforced through comprehensive projects that simulate the complexity and constraints of production environments, preparing developers for the challenges they'll face in their professional careers.

For iOS developers in Cyprus, this specialized training opens doors to higher-level positions and more complex projects. Companies are increasingly seeking developers who can think architecturally and make informed design decisions that support long-term business goals. Our graduates report significant career advancement, with many moving into senior developer or iOS architect roles within months of completing the course. The skills gained aren't limited to specific frameworks or technologies but represent a deeper understanding of software engineering principles that remain valuable even as the iOS ecosystem evolves.

Under the expert guidance of Markos Neofytou, a seasoned software architect with extensive industry experience, participants benefit from insights and best practices that go far beyond what's found in documentation or online tutorials. Markos brings real-world case studies and lessons learned from large-scale applications, providing context and nuance that's often missing from more theoretical treatments of architecture. The small class size ensures personalized attention and creates a collaborative environment where complex ideas can be discussed and explored in depth. For serious iOS developers in Cyprus looking to master the craft of application architecture, this course represents an unparalleled opportunity to join the elite ranks of iOS architects capable of designing and implementing world-class mobile applications.