Taking a step back, I thought I’d post up a brief overview article for those that are looking to get into iOS development.
First off, its desirable that you have some kind of coding experience. If you have worked with Objective C then there will be an easy transition. The next best bet would be if you have worked with languages like C++ or C, C#, Java or even PHP.
If you don’t have experience in any of these languages then its not the end of the world, its just that you should expect slower progress as you get your head around the syntax.
The next thing you will need is a computer running a Macintosh operating system OSX. The easiest way to do this if you are transitioning form windows would be to source a good second hand mac mini (with Intel processor, not PowerPC) and reuse your existing monitor/mouse/keyboard.
Next you will need XCode. XCode is a set of tools that help you develop applications for iPhone and iPad.
They can be downloaded for free from Apple here: http://developer.apple.com/xcode/
Working with XCode, Objective C and iOS isn’t easy. I came from a background in enterprise Java and large scale PHP applications, on a background of solid C++ work and I still struggle sometimes. If you set yourself small goals along the way, e.g. get a webview working, then maybe a tab bar, over time you will be an accomplished developer. With this kind of work its not the success, its the struggle that makes you a good developer.
The best resource to get started with iPhone development is the guide from Apple themselves. This covers quite a bit about iOS development whilst guiding you through your first app: http://developer.apple.com/library/ios/#documentation/iphone/conceptual/iPhone101/Articles/00_Introduction.html
Upon completing your app you can run the app on your computer through the iOS Simulator – this emulates an iOS device on your desktop.
When the time comes that your app is all ready to be listed up on the app store you will then need to register with apple and pay a $AUD120 fee. This fee basically covers the costs of putting your app through the approval process to go on the iTunes store.