I'm sure you're aware of the explosion of popularity for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad applications. Even if you don't have one of these devices, you've probably seen one of Apple's commercials showing how incredibly fun or useful all your applications are.
Businesses go thousands of applications. Not only are new businesses being created to create applications, but many existing companies are creating their own applications, either as an additional source of revenue or simply as a way to build their brand.
In fact, many companies are starting to think of applications like the new web page: every business should have one!
Here's something to think about: who really builds all these applications?
There is currently a huge difference between supply and demand in terms of iOS development. The iOS platform didn't even exist 3 years ago, and suddenly there are tens of thousands of companies and individuals desperately looking for people to create their applications.
It's a good time to be an acmarket iOS. Of course, new application companies need developers, but even large established companies need people. You do not have to search hard to find places you are looking for and you can also do a good job as a consultant or freelancer. Many companies do not try to create an application internally if application development is not a central part of their business.
Wherever you are in the world, there is probably not much outsourcing for iOS development. It is a platform for new. Off-shore development stores like to focus on large, established platforms for which certifications are available. That's why other Microsoft platforms are so big in the outsourcing world, while open source platforms are relatively limited. The iOS platform is only a few years old, and Apple has yet to create an official certification program.
I hope this claim will only continue, at least in the short term, over the next few years. The iPhone is still very popular and continues to be added to new carriers, which means new users. The growth of the iPad has been huge, even in the relatively short time it has been available.
Another aspect that should not be ruled out is the Mac App Store. I hope it only gets more popular as it gets even more integrated with Mac OS X Lion. If you are an iOS developer, creating applications for Mac is just a very short leap.
Learning to develop applications does not have to be difficult, although Object-C language is new to most people, there is a lot of documentation available, whether from the Apple website, books, courses or online tutorials. Even if you are currently employed, having a back pocket is a great skill.