How Does The Modern Tester Differ From The Traditional Tester?

Software testing is evolving with each passing day and so is the role of a software tester. To launch the applications quickly, companies usually put constant pressure on testers to complete the testing of applications as quickly as possible. Further, software testers are also expected to upgrade their skill sets, know about coding, and understand the different functionalities of business.

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Therefore, software testers are also expected to evolve.

To understand the importance of software testing, let’s take a scenario. While purchasing a new smartphone, we usually ensure that the phone is in absolute perfect condition. We definitely do not want our smartphone to have any scratch on the screen. Further, we also expect it to have a screen, a battery, a keypad and any other important component that is required for its best functioning.

Similarly, it should fulfill requirements such as the minimum required battery backup, specified megapixel of camera, processor performance and other specifications as given in the manual. Further, the package must also contain documentation specifying that the pre-sales checks have been completed.

In other words, the specification details provided must justifiably be fulfilled or else we will feel aggrieved. If the smartphone does not meet the given specifications then chances are that the testing of the smartphone is not done properly. Software testing is a process that verifies that the software works as per the requirements specified by the client.

With the new technological developments and more companies entering into software testing, software testers are now able to keep track of different testing processes, quantify and optimize these processes at each level of testing. Most software testing companies are now following modern way of testing.

The modern tester dominates the testing arena as compared to a traditional tester. In a traditional way of testing, the software testing takes place only after the build and execution phases. Whereas, in case of a modern way of testing, software testing is conducted at each stage of software development and installation, that is, at requirement stage, at design stage, at build and execution stage, at test stage, at installation stage and at maintenance stage.

Let’s understand how a modern tester differs from a traditional tester.

  • Role: Traditional testers use a single test strategy in all situations. They follow a single method of testing and are usually kept out of code bases. Unlike developers, they are not given many opportunities to enhance the existing processes. On the other hand, a modern tester not only enjoys as a member of the testing team but also participates in all the important phases of software development and testing.

Modern testers work with the software development team, customer support team and user interface design team. The main objective is to work in coordination with all these teams from the beginning of the software development so that at each phase of development, the software can be tested and rectified thereby eliminating time and cost involved in rectifying the bugs in the later phase of development.

  • Expertise: The expertise of a traditional tester is simply limited to testing and they are not required to get into the details of how to use their testing knowledge in each process of project development. Whereas, a modern tester plays an important role at every stage of project development. A modern tester forms different and unique testing strategies as per the project, observes different processes of business and how these processes work with applications and analyzes how the application can benefit the product owner.

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The modern tester need not be a programmer but has technical knowledge.

  • Tools: A traditional tester works with the tools provided by the company and often the tools are less advanced. Such tools include HPQuality Center(QC) and spreadsheets to report testing bugs. The incentive offered to a traditional tester is also quite less. A traditional tester often finds it difficult to adapt new testing tools, approaches and processes.

​​​​On the contrary, a modern tester is always curious to learn and explore different methods, strategies and approaches of testing. He or she explores the latest testing tools and test management software. A modern tester follows test-first and continuous delivery approaches.

  • Goals: A traditional tester is often under tremendous pressure and is primarily concerned with meeting deadlines and business goals. They are usually unaware of the bigger picture and this leads to indecisiveness. A modern tester, on the other hand, is aware of the bigger picture and directly contributes in making high-quality software keeping in mind the business needs and the end user requirements. Testing software becomes a team problem rather than the sole responsibility of the modern tester.
  • Skills: A traditional tester must have the following skills:
    1. Analytical, critical and logical thinking
    2. Rational conclusion
    3. Intellectual curiosity
    4. Skill to recognize and apply basic knowledge

Apart from the above-mentioned skills, a modern tester must have some additional skills, which are as follows:

  • Reading, analyzing and writing code
  • Understanding the bigger picture
  • Identifying and addressing design issues
  • Communicating and understanding technical and business requirements
  • Recognizing different use cases for manual testing

The traditional way of testing software fails to meet the testing challenges of the ever-growing rapid development environment. Therefore, a modern tester is considered more skillful at handling testing challenges in comparison to a traditional tester.

Top 10 Software Testing Skills Required For Success in 2020

There are certain Software testing skills that every recruiter looks for apart from work experience when it comes to software testing jobs. In 2020, it is expected that there is going to be a boom in jobs related software testing. However, to top the race you need to counter check the skills you have is the same companies are looking for. 
Such skills include,

  1. Logical and analytical thinking
  2. A sense of creativity and an inquisitive mind
  3. A global as well as local approach
  4. The right application of knowledge
  5. Skills related to project management
  6. Documentation and communication
  7. Social networking skills
  8. A better understanding of coding
  9. Evidence gathering
  10. Being Rational

1. Logical and Analytical Thinking
Logical and Analytical Thinking
This is, perhaps, the most basic requirement of a tester. Many times, many of the bugs are related to logic’s applied in the code.
Analytical thinking ensures that you are capable of thinking out of the box.
It should result in the creation of various test cases. Logical thinking plays a vital role when you test as an end-user and apply all sorts of probabilities you can think of. 
Creating situations which help in making the product strong, can be done faster by the one who has strong analytical skills.
2. A Sense of Creativity and an Inquisitive Mind
A Sense of Creativity and an Inquisitive Mind
Be curious about everything you test. Unlike a popular belief that testing is a mundane and boring job, it is actually a test of your creativity and eagerness to know the product as deep as you can.
The more you explore, the more bugs you will come up with, resulting in excellent testing skills.
Ask questions as it will increase your knowledge about the product. There are various methodologies of testing which will help you to test in many test scenarios. 
This way, you will be able to contribute a lot to the development process of the product.
3. A Global as Well as Local Approach
A Global as Well as Local Approach
These days, products have become very complex. A good tester should know all about the business situations and should be able to interact well with third parties to ensure the requirements are clear.
You will surely go a long way if you are able to see the software as an outsider. At the same time, he should have deep know how of how the product is operating internally.
4. The Right Application of Knowledge
A smart tester should be able to use the knowledge attained with the domain, mistakes, and successes in his testing. He should come up with quick solutions as well.
5. Skills Related to Project Management
Skills Related to Project Management
Having only testing skills might not help you much in the long run. You should have good knowledge of the business process and overall project details. Strong problem-solving skills and project management strategies will help you when the going is tough.
6. Documentation and Communication
Documentation and Communication
Some testing process requires hours and hours of tiring work and monitoring. To keep you in the loop and for better tracking, you have to have good documentation skills and not only that you need to communicate continuously with your team lead/manager so that the whole software testing process can happen seamlessly.
7. Social Networking Skills
Social Networking Skills
Why would a software testing professional require social media skills? you might think. But to know more about the latest happenings and take part in forums that can help you in solving the problem that you were stuck for days.
8. A Better Understanding of Coding
A Better Understanding of Coding
Understanding coding will definitely give an upper hand to testers when it comes to handling the process. Even if it’s most modern tools, the programming language is essential when it comes to executing the test.
9. Evidence Gathering
Evidence Gathering
Documenting bugs might not be enough when you look at the problem from a client perspective. You have to gain evidence and record it properly to present it before the client. Queries raised by the client should be 
10. Being Rational
Being Rational
Testing a software alone might not be enough when it comes to quality analysis of a product. A tester have to study the requirement sheer of the app thoroughly and has to keep in mind while analyzing the app. If there is anything that’s left behind by the developer, the tester has to ask a question regarding its absence and what’s the reason behind it.
Conclusion
These skills are always considered as excellent when it comes to selecting candidates for software testing jobs. However, it is indeed true that freshers won’t be having these skill in its finest form and they should be provided with time and atmosphere to develop such. in short, look out for the grasping power as well as receptive power of freshers rather than directly seeking these skills which is not logically possible.

5 Top Elements in Website Usability Testing [Infographic]

Website usability testing is vital to improve the performance of your website. If you own a website, you can’t say when your website traffic will disappear. Since Internet is a mixed hub of information, news, entertainment etc, you’ve to face very high competition to survive.app testing

Website usability testing services can help businesses to get more leads via improving the usability of their website. But, before hiring an agency you should know some aspects on usability testing.

Here is an infographic illustrating top 5 elements in website usability testing.

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Why Security Testing is Emerging as a Trend Before The New Year?

Now that New Year is just a month away, security testing services have started emerging as a popular trend. Several research reports can be found that claim how security testing services are going to be the buzzword in the coming year. It is not surprising to find out so many research reports flooding the market because of the increasing cyber-crimes. To eliminate these cyber-crimes and security threats, the security testing of applications, database and different networks has become the top priority for most companies. So, let’s first understand the different aspects of security testing services that are in focus now.

app testing

Following are the different aspects of security testing services that are making news:

  • Application Services: You can see several application services being introduced in the market. This include setting up of enterprise, Web, mobile and cloud configurations. Further, the work culture is also shifting because of the increasing demand for freelance employees. This has encouraged Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), work from home culture, and also the hiring of remote and offshore freelance employees. Reports suggest that in the coming years, almost 40% of the total workforce will be freelance employees. In such a case, security is a major concern as chances are that the security of the confidential information of the organisation might get compromised.

  • Application Tools and Methodology: Based on the goals of a business, the tools used for security testing services can be code review tools, automated testing tools and Web testing tools. Note that these testing tools must be periodically upgraded as and when to deal with cyber-crimes and cyber threats. Similarly different organisations must devise their own plans to deal with the cyber threats by using different evaluation methodologies such as performing security tests on a quarterly, semi-annually or annual basis. All over the world, organisations are ready to increase their budgets for performing security tests of their applications and networks in order to eliminate and minimize security threats and also reduce damages as far as possible even under some worst situations.

  • Industries: Now the million dollar question is which industries are looking for security testing services? In fact, every industry will try to secure its confidential business data and aim at increasing its market share.

Be it an e-commerce, retail, government establishments, healthcare, or telecom industry, the top focus will be to add technological innovations in its business. This will, however, also lead to vulnerability. Therefore, security testing must be done to eliminate any possibility of security threats.

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Most business organisations have been able to increase their revenues by including security testing services in their business models and securing business applications. To get the real advantages of applications, organisations must be ready with security features in their applications and this can be done by appointing security testing services to perform security testing. Security testing companies use the latest methodologies, testing tools and mobile devices to provide high-quality application.

Why Ignoring iPhone App Testing Services Will Cost You Time and Sales

These days, iPhone applications are gaining popularity and there are several businesses that are showing their interest in these applications. Businesses with unique ideas have their own unique requirements. Therefore, development of iPhone applications must take into account all these diverse requirements without affecting performance.

app testing

To ensure that these applications are bug-free and are able to fulfill these diverse requirements, you must perform a thorough testing of these applications and provide your user with the best user experience and optimum application performance.

This is the point at which you must have a good experienced QA team who have expertise in testing iPhone apps and are able to raise quality assurance issues. It is a daunting task to get approval of your iPhone app from Apple store if you do not have qualified iPhone app testers. Therefore, it is essential to have qualified and experienced iPhone app testers, without whom it is difficult for your app to get a place in Apple store.

During the iPhone app development life cycle, it is essential to test the app at each phase of the development process to ensure that it is bug-free and provides the best user experience to its users.

iPhone app testing services offer full proof testing of iPhone apps. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you must hire an iPhone app testing service provider before launching your app in Apple store. These testing services follow the best testing strategies and practices to ensure quality output and need least updates for your app after it gets published.

If an iPhone app is not tested properly, this has direct impact on time and sales. Today, smartphones are used by almost every end-user segment. It has become a part and parcel of our daily lives. Most users now prefer to buy products online by browsing different products and placing orders directly using the app.

Further, sales through apps are estimated to go high especially during holidays. Apps enable users to place orders even when the users are on the go.

Using apps, you can increase sales by sending push notification to users in order to promote a product or to notify the customers about latest offers, deals, or discounts. These apps act as promotional channel to market your products. Further, your mobile app will help users to post a link about your business on their social networking sites. This further helps to drive sales. If your business is a restaurant business then through your app, reservations can be made. This will help in boosting sales.

Similarly, page loading time also affects the sales tremendously. Your page loading time defines the kind of user experience you are providing to your user. Mobile users are more concerned about speed rather than the look and feel of your app. If takes too much time to load a page, users tend to quickly lose interest in your app.

The page loading time plays a key role in terms of search engine rankings. A mobile user usually does not have the patience to wait for a page to load.

When the page response time is slow, this contributes to page abandonment. So what are the problems that a user faces when using a shopping app? The app crashes or encounters an error, formatting problems that lead to difficulty in reading, failing to function as expected and slow loading of a website through an app.

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Therefore, when a bug is encountered using an app, the user will find it difficult to place a sales order resulting in diminished sales. Further, due to a bad user experience, the user will not think of using the same app to purchase a product. He or she will go for a better shopping app. So, here you not only lose an existing customer base but also lose future sales.

A well-qualified testing team will ensure that the iPhone app launched in Apple store is completely bug-free and provides a great user experience. This will ultimately drive sales and will save you the time to fix the bugs later on when the app is about to be launched in Apple store.

10 Best Android App Testing Frameworks – Infographics

There is a remarkable increase in the number of Android App Testing Services for the past couple of years. As more users demand quality apps, app vendors have to depend on testing services to meet their business goals.

Testing services use several frameworks to deliver high quality apps. In order to get your automated process right you have to choose the right Android App Testing frameworks

Here is an infographics illustrating the benefits of using the right Android App Testing Frameworks.

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6 Factors You Should Consider When Choosing a Software Testing Services Company

There are a variety of quality assurance companies cropping up around the world. You have plenty of available options to test your mobile app or other software. So, you might be naturally confused to make a choice for your project. Here are a few tips to help you out.

Specialization

First of all, see if the software testing services company you are looking at is a specialized team of testers with both experienced and skilled testers. There are lots of companies which do testing as a make-shift business. Their developers might double up as testers. Which is not an ideal scenario.

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You can look at the client list and see if the agency has worked with businesses similar to yours. A specialized QA company will have a bankable clientele who can vouch for them. So, if possible, try to contact couple of their previous clients.

Such companies would also incorporate a variety of testing options with both manual and automation methods

Read Also : 4 Smart Ideas to Get the Best from Your Software Testing Service Team

Testing Platform

It is quite important that you understand which testing platform quality assurance recruitment agencies employ. Some agencies vary their testing platforms according to your application requirements. There are also a number of services that make use of cloud environment to ensure secure and easily accessible testing environment.

Early Release Testing Options

In certain cases, testers get used to the software they test so much that they do not see a number of defects any longer. In such cases, beta testing or other early release testing options on the web would ensure that your consumers get the best software. Employing beta users to report on bugs is also a low-cost method of testing for testing services companies

Communication

Whichever business you are working in, communication is significantly important. Clear, on-time communication means they get a clear idea of your test objectives. One easy way to identify such companies is by looking at their clientele. If they have numerous long-term clients, they are clearly good at communication. Also, they are definitely providing good testing service.

Recommended Read : 10 Must-have Tools for Software Testing Services

Business Aspects

What are the types of business models your vendor offers and does any of them suit your work requirements? Also, see if the company capable of managing sudden and dynamic technology changes. If they require team resizing, can your QA company handle it efficiently?

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And above all, check if their management style suits your working style. If they are a company with CMMI Level 5 certification, and your company is not, there is a high probability of frequent communication issues.

Information Security

Your business software or app might have unique features that make it special. So, you should be protected against the leakage of protected data with proper documents. There should be essential non-disclosure agreements signed-off between you and the software testing services company.

Having highly secure premises are an added advantage as it will provide additional security to your valuable data.

5 Unavoidable Aspects For All Android App Testing Services

So, you have developed your brilliant idea into a fantastic app. Now, you are sending it to an android app testing services firm for ensuring your app quality. But for that to happen in the best way, there are a few aspects that are unavoidable. Let’s see what they are.

1: Know your customers

The foremost aspect in building a good brand in the mobile app world is user expectations.

The fact is that mobile users expect much more from mobile devices and mobile apps than from other devices such as the desktop.

Hence, knowing your clients become of paramount importance.

Just collect information of your clients regarding their:

  1. age

  2. gender

  3. monthly income

  4. mobile usage habits

  5. geographical location

These information will help you get usage patterns helping your efforts in mobile testing. Such data allows you to find out the specific devices your audience engage with, allowing you to downsize the number of devices for testing, on account of its usbility to the customers as well.

Special efforts should be taken by way of interviewing customers, conduct market research, etc to collect such data.

Read Also : 10 Best Android App Testing Frameworks

2: Create device groups

The mobile app testers can create mobile device groups aiding to downsize testing efforts.

3: Don’t skimp on standard test methods

As an experienced professional, you might be familiar with the technological meanings and implications of the words like boundary values, different coverage types,equivalence classes, and acceptance criteria. All these also applies to mobile testing as well.

4: Test on various data networks

Testing in various types of data networks also forms as one of the most important aspect while testing mobile apps.

Your app, when connected to the Internet, would encounter different data networks as well.

Performance of your app when connected to fast data network technologies such as 3G, LTE, and even your home or office Wi-Fi would differ from slower networks like EDGE and GPRS for that matter.

You should ensure that as a Mobile app tester, your app works with different network speeds, handling network transitions such as from LTE to EDGE.

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5: Test in different languages

If your mobile app is used in different countries, the app will need to support different languages. In this situation, you should test the app against the various languages it supports.

You should remember that testing the language assumes importance as every language has different sizes and characters.

Read Also : 3 Reasons Android App Testing is Important

You should also test the product against all major hardware features as mobile devices have powerful hardware and sensors interacting with users and their environment such as:

  • Proximity sensors

  • Acceleration sensors

  • Gyroscope sensors

  • Magnetic sensors

  • Ambient light sensors

  • Location sensors

  • Touchless sensors

The mobile app should be tested against different hardware features such as display, camera, storage, microphone, etc of various devices.

You must note that these features will have a huge impact to the mobile app in the context of mobile app taking a picture, processing it, and upload it to a server.

It should also be borne in mind that before submitting a mobile app to an app store, you should test it’s installation and update processes.

Things to Look for While Hiring iPad App Testing Services

The launch of Tablets has declined the sales of PCs and Notebooks for the past couple of years. There is a tight competition between companies providing a variety of devices in the market. Among the competitors, Apple’s iPad remains head and shoulders above the rest.

Many businesses started to publish iPad apps owing to its growing demand. Unfortunately, much of the apps get rejected in the app store because of the stringent policies involved in the Apple App Store Review process.

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Lack of proper testing has led to the failure of apps. Businesses begin to realize the importance of testing services. This has increased the number of ipad app testing services, of late.

Testing services can help you to make your app popular among the iPad users across the globe. It’s the easiest way to find your potential customers. But you should know more about iPad App Testing Services before hiring one.

Here are some things to look for while hiring iPad App Testing Services

  1. Look for their recent works

Portfolio reveals the quality of services offered by a testing company. Go through their portfolio and download some of their apps. Install it on various iPad devices and check its performance.

Recommended Read : Why you Should Hire Specialist iPad App Testing Services

If their apps can give you a quality user experience, then they are the best in streamlining iPad apps according to your business needs. If possible, contact some of their clients and ask them whether the testing company is capable of offering quality services.

  1. Effective communication matters

When you work with a testing company, make sure that they keep a flawless contact with you. Effective communication is crucial for the success of joint ventures. Ensure that your testing company replies to your emails and queries within 24 hours. If they fail to do so never hire that company. When it comes to business your commitment is important.

So, work with teams which manage to keep regular communication with you.

  1. Readiness to teach and offer support

As you might know, iPad App Testing is challenging and a bit complex process. It’s important to know about the factors that speed up the approval of your app in the Apple App Store.

Never hesitate to clear your doubts. You should ask the testing company to explain more about Apple App store review guidelines and all. Remember, everyone was a newbie at some point, including popular iOS App Development companies. To know more about Apple store review guidelines, see our blog 5 Factors to Test before Uploading an iPhone App to the App Store

A skillful testing team will suggest their ideas for your app and recommends adjustments if needed. Their team members should find time to explain everything to you related to testing, including complex terminologies and technical details.

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So, look for a team which can teach and offer assistance to you any time.

Read Also : 6 Reasons iPad App Testing Services Should be Done on a Real Device

  1. Ensure they have sufficient workforce

It’s usually seen that testing companies undertake many projects simultaneously without having enough workforce and fail to deliver services on time. Ask your team whether they are working for any other projects currently. Sufficient workforce is vital for committing multiple projects at a time. Ensure they have the time to focus on your project.

So, hire a team with sufficient workforce and commitment.

  1. Check whether they have an innovative approach

A proficient testing company maintains a business analyst in their team. He will analyze the current trends in the iPad App market and discuss the scope of your app with the team members. Check whether their team members are able to understand your business needs.

You can do this by conversing with the testers and programmers in their team. Ask them if they are able to improvise the design to offer a top class user experience.

So, hire the iPad App Testing services possessing an innovative approach.

Working with the right professionals in the industry will speed up your business growth. Consider these 5 things when you hire testing services and give a professional touch to everything you do!

5 Factors to Test before Uploading an iPhone App to the App Store

As everyone knows, Apple follows stringent rules and policies to approve an app in their app ecosystem. Apple has set such standards to provide high quality apps to their users.
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iPhone App Testing Services and developers have to address many challenges because of the stringent policies of Apple‘s App Store review process. Sometimes your app may get rejected due to unexpected reasons. Testing services have to redesign the key features and this will force publishers to push back their launch dates.
Before developing an iPhone app you should know about the factors that may prevent your app from getting approved in iOS app stores.
Here are 5 factors to consider before uploading an iPhone app to the app store.

Must Read: 

7 Reasons to Hire an iPhone App Testing Service

1. Avoid Publishing “beta” Versions (Apple Discourages Unfinished Apps)
As you might know, Google allows you to upload unfinished apps as a part of test launching your services. Unfinished apps are generally prefixed as “beta”. You might have seen such beta versions in Google Play store. Unfortunately, Apple does not entertain unfinished apps. They had famously rejected apps for being labeled as beta or preview. So, avoid publishing beta versions.
2. Loading… Time Matters
No operating system, whether it is Android, iOS and even Windows, compromises in app start up time. When it comes to iOS, they have strict norms regarding app start up time. If your app fails to run within 15 seconds, then the OS will kill it.
Differences in the environment, poor network connections, and slower devices may also slow down your app’s performance during the review process. For instance, your app may load rapidly during your local testing, but fails to pass the review process owing to varying environments. Besides testing on iOS simulators, test your app on some old iPhones as well. This will help you to offer quality user experience in all kind of devices.
Remember, users uninstall apps that take too much time to load…
3. Never Link to Outside Payment Mechanisms (Use iTunes Account)
iTunes in-app payment system is a unique feature of Apple. If you are selling digital content, all your transactions must be done through the iTunes payment gateway. This is applicable to all the digital subscriptions.
If your app is open for any other payment systems other than iTunes account, your app will be blacklisted and attract elimination from the Apple store. That’s why you cannot buy Kindle books via the Amazon app.

There might be Web pages linked to from your app, you should be very careful while linking Web pages. Sometimes Web pages use other mode of payment mechanisms and this will adversely affect your app. You might have heard that the Dropbox app was rejected by Apple owing to a payment mechanism issue.
So, make sure all your business deals go via user’s iTunes account.

You May Also Like: 

7 Must – Know Facts for iPhone App Testing Services

4. Describing other Compatible Platforms (In App Store Descriptions)
Your app may be compatible with all the major platforms such as Android, Windows etc. You should never include the names of rival platforms of Apple in the app store descriptions. No company is going to appreciate their rivals in business. Always advertise the compatibility of your app on your website.
5. Icons and Buttons should be Used Properly
Apple never supports applications with bad user interface (UI). UI should go with the functionality or performance of your app. Before designing UI for your app you should go through with Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines. Make sure your app’s icons and buttons are standardized (consistent) in appearance and functionality.
Apple prefers apps which function in predictable ways. So, do not fix icons and buttons in the UI Button Bar System improperly.

We hope all these 5 factors will help you to develop a winning iPhone app. So, keep in mind all these factors before uploading your app to the Apple App store.

Good luck!