Apple is really trying its best to make it as easy as possible for developers to get into the iOS development game – until now their developer resources needed the user to access the developer portal. Now anyone can get an idea of what is involved in iOS development by just accessing “Start Developing iOS Apps Today”, without signing up for anything. Google also recently improved their Android design guidelines that is available online, through their Android Design page, so it is good to see Apple also doing the same.

The guide is particularly great for anyone who has no idea of what goes into developing a mobile app, including the programming languages used, tools that need to be downloaded, and of course the dreaded vetting process by Apple to decide whether your app is up to standard for the iPhone, iPad or iPod.

Apple pays extra attention to the Human Interface Design portion, with additional new guides (“Design with the User in Mind“) which introduce the developer to the ideas and metaphors that Apple wants to see in iOS apps. These include:

• Aesthetic integrity.
• Consistency.
• Direct manipulation.
• Feedback.
• Metaphors.
• User control.

Even if you are a developer that is well-versed in these matters, its a great guide to introduce clients to what is involved in iOS development.

Check it out here.  Also check out Google’s Android Design page.