Freelance Contract Essentials for iOS Developers: 7 Must-Have Clauses
Carl Bailey
Freelance Contract Essentials for iOS Developers: 7 Must-Have Clauses
Clause 1: Scope of Work and Deliverables
Defining the Project in Detail
What's Not Included
Clause 2: Payment Terms and Schedule
Rate and Total Amount
Payment Schedule and Invoicing
Late Payment Penalties
Clause 3: Intellectual Property (IP) Ownership
Defining Ownership Transfer
Retaining Rights to Pre-existing Code
Clause 4: Revisions and Scope Creep
Limiting the Number of Revisions
Defining a Process for Additional Work
Clause 5: Confidentiality
Protecting Client Information
Protecting Your Processes
Clause 6: Termination
Conditions for Termination
Payment for Work Completed
Clause 7: Independent Contractor Status
Defining the Relationship
Non-Exclusivity
Bringing It All Together
References
Freelance Contract Essentials for iOS Developers: 7 Must-Have Clauses
Starting a new iOS development project without a solid contract is like building an app without testing it first. Sure, it might work out fine, but why take the risk? Whether you're one of the top iOS developers on Contra or just starting your freelance journey, a well-crafted contract protects both you and your client from misunderstandings, payment delays, and those dreaded scope creep situations.
After choosing the right pricing model for your project, your next critical step is getting these legal protections in place. Think of your contract as the foundation of your professional relationship. It sets clear expectations, defines boundaries, and ensures everyone's on the same page from day one. Plus, having proper contracts in place is essential for managing your business finances responsibly, something we dive deeper into in our U.S. freelancer's guide to taxes.
Let's break down the seven essential clauses that should be in every iOS developer's freelance contract. These aren't just legal formalities – they're practical tools that help you run a smoother, more professional business.
Clause 1: Scope of Work and Deliverables
This is your contract's MVP. Without a clear scope of work, you're basically agreeing to build "an app" without knowing if the client expects Instagram or a simple calculator. The scope clause protects you from those Friday afternoon emails asking if you can "just add one more feature real quick."
Defining the Project in Detail
Get specific. Really specific. Instead of writing "develop iOS app," spell out exactly what you're building. Are you creating an iPhone-only app or does it need iPad support too? Will it work on iOS 16 and up, or do you need to support older versions?
List every major feature and functionality. If you're building a fitness app, specify whether it includes workout tracking, social features, Apple Watch integration, or push notifications. Don't assume anything is obvious. What seems clear to you might be completely different in your client's mind.
Here's a pro tip: include mockups or wireframes as attachments to your contract. Visual references eliminate a ton of confusion down the road. When the client says they wanted a different layout, you can point to the agreed-upon designs.
What's Not Included
This section is just as important as what you will do. Explicitly state what's outside your scope. Common exclusions for iOS developers include:
Backend development and server setup often catch clients by surprise. They assume their iOS developer will handle everything. Make it clear if you're only responsible for the frontend app development.
App Store submission and management is another gray area. Some clients expect you to handle the entire submission process, including writing descriptions and creating screenshots. If that's not included in your rate, say so.
Ongoing maintenance and updates after launch should be addressed separately. Your contract might cover development through initial release, but bug fixes and iOS updates are typically billed separately.
Marketing materials, app icons, and graphic design work often fall into assumption territory too. Unless you're also a designer, clarify that professional graphics aren't included.
Clause 2: Payment Terms and Schedule
Money talks can be awkward, but unclear payment terms lead to even more awkward conversations later. This clause eliminates the guesswork and keeps your cash flow healthy.
Rate and Total Amount
State your rate clearly, whether it's hourly or project-based. For hourly work, specify your rate and estimated hours. Include language about what happens if the project exceeds estimates. Something like "Additional hours beyond the 80-hour estimate will be billed at the same hourly rate with client approval."
For fixed-price projects, break down the total cost and what it includes. If you're charging $15,000 for the project, specify that this covers the features listed in the scope section and the agreed number of revisions.
Don't forget to mention how you track time for hourly projects. Will you use time-tracking software? How often will you share reports? Transparency here builds trust and prevents billing disputes.
Payment Schedule and Invoicing
The best payment schedule protects both parties. A common approach for larger projects is:
25-50% upfront before work begins
25% at a major milestone (like design approval)
Final payment upon project completion
For ongoing hourly work, consider weekly or bi-weekly invoicing. This keeps payments manageable for clients while ensuring you're not floating too much unpaid work.
Specify your payment terms clearly. Net 15 means payment is due 15 days after invoice date. Net 30 gives them a month. Choose what works for your cash flow, but be consistent.
Include details about accepted payment methods. Do you take checks, bank transfers, or credit cards? Each method has different processing times and fees, so plan accordingly.
Late Payment Penalties
Nobody likes chasing payments, but it happens. Include a late fee provision to encourage timely payment. A typical late fee is 1.5% per month on overdue balances. Some developers also include language about pausing work if payments are significantly overdue.
You might write something like: "Invoices not paid within 30 days of the due date will incur a late fee of 1.5% per month. Work may be suspended on accounts more than 45 days past due until payment is received."
Clause 3: Intellectual Property (IP) Ownership
IP ownership is where many freelance relationships hit snags. Both you and your client need clarity on who owns what and when. This isn't just legal protection – it affects how you can use the code in future projects.
Defining Ownership Transfer
The golden rule: ownership transfers when you get paid. This simple principle protects you from clients who might use your work without paying. Your contract should clearly state that all intellectual property rights remain with you until full payment is received.
A typical clause might read: "Upon receipt of full payment for all services rendered, all intellectual property rights in the custom code and designs created specifically for this project will transfer to the Client."
This approach gives you leverage if payment issues arise. The client can't legally use your code in production until they've paid for it. It's like keeping the keys until the check clears.
Retaining Rights to Pre-existing Code
You probably use libraries, frameworks, and code snippets you've developed over years of work. You shouldn't have to hand over ownership of these tools with every project.
Include language that lets you retain ownership of pre-existing code and general methodologies. For example: "Developer retains all rights to pre-existing code, libraries, and tools used in the project. Client receives a non-exclusive license to use these elements as part of the delivered application."
This protects your toolkit while giving the client what they need. They can use your libraries in their app, but they can't sell your custom networking layer to other developers or prevent you from using it in future projects.
Consider listing specific frameworks or libraries you commonly use. This transparency helps clients understand what they're getting and what remains yours.
Clause 4: Revisions and Scope Creep
Scope creep kills profitability faster than any other issue in freelance work. One innocent "small change" leads to another, and suddenly you're doing twice the work for the same pay. This clause sets boundaries that protect your time and sanity.
Limiting the Number of Revisions
Define exactly how many rounds of revisions are included in your project fee. Two rounds usually work well – one for major adjustments and one for fine-tuning. Be specific about what constitutes a revision round.
For example: "The project includes two rounds of revisions. A revision round consists of consolidated feedback provided in writing within 5 business days of deliverable submission. Additional revision rounds will be billed at $150 per hour."
This approach encourages clients to gather comprehensive feedback rather than sending piecemeal changes. It also values your time appropriately when they need extra rounds.
Set time limits for revision requests too. If a client disappears for three months then comes back with changes, that shouldn't fall under the original revision allowance.
Defining a Process for Additional Work
Despite your best scope definition, clients will have new ideas mid-project. That's normal and often good for their business. You just need a process to handle these requests professionally.
Create a change order process. When a client requests something outside the original scope, you provide a written estimate for the additional work. Only proceed once they approve in writing.
Your contract might state: "Any features or functionality not explicitly listed in the Scope of Work require a written change order. Developer will provide a time and cost estimate for additional work. No additional work will begin until the change order is approved in writing by Client."
This process protects both parties. Clients know exactly what extra features will cost before committing. You avoid doing unpaid work based on casual conversations.
Clause 5: Confidentiality
iOS developers often see the inner workings of their clients' businesses. You might access user data, business strategies, or unreleased product plans. A confidentiality clause protects this sensitive information and shows you're a trustworthy professional.
Protecting Client Information
Your confidentiality clause should cover any non-public information you encounter during the project. This includes business plans, user data, financial information, and technical specifications.
A straightforward approach: "Developer agrees not to disclose any confidential information learned during the project, including but not limited to business strategies, user data, financial information, and proprietary technologies. This obligation continues for 3 years after project completion."
Be reasonable with the time frame. While some information stays sensitive forever, most business information becomes less critical over time. Three to five years is typically sufficient.
Also clarify what's not confidential. Information that's already public, independently developed by you, or legally required to be disclosed shouldn't be restricted.
Protecting Your Processes
Confidentiality can work both ways. If you have proprietary development methods, custom tools, or unique approaches, include mutual confidentiality terms.
You might add: "Client agrees not to disclose Developer's proprietary methods, tools, and processes learned during the engagement. This includes custom development frameworks, testing procedures, and project management approaches."
This mutual protection creates a professional atmosphere where both parties respect each other's business assets. It also prevents clients from sharing your methods with other developers or bringing them in-house without compensation.
Clause 6: Termination
Sometimes projects need to end early. Maybe the client's priorities changed, funding dried up, or the working relationship isn't clicking. A termination clause provides a professional exit strategy that protects both parties.
Conditions for Termination
Outline specific reasons either party can end the contract. Common termination triggers include:
Material breach of contract happens when one party seriously violates the agreement. For you, this might be consistently missing deadlines. For the client, it's typically non-payment or not providing necessary resources.
Convenience termination lets either party end the relationship with proper notice, even without cause. This provides flexibility when things aren't working out but nobody's technically at fault.
Your clause might read: "Either party may terminate this agreement with 14 days written notice. Immediate termination is allowed for material breach, including non-payment of invoices more than 30 days overdue."
Payment for Work Completed
The most important part: getting paid for work already done. Your termination clause must address compensation for completed work, regardless of who ends the contract.
Include language like: "Upon termination, Client shall pay for all work completed up to the termination date, plus any approved expenses. Developer will deliver all completed work and work-in-progress upon receipt of payment."
This protects you from clients who might try to terminate just before a milestone payment. It also ensures clients receive whatever work you've completed, maintaining fairness on both sides.
Consider addressing what happens to incomplete features. Can the client use partially completed code? Do they need to pay a kill fee for work in progress? Clear answers prevent disputes during an already stressful situation.
Clause 7: Independent Contractor Status
This clause might seem like legal boilerplate, but it has real implications for taxes, benefits, and legal liability. Clearly establishing your freelance status protects both you and your client from misunderstandings and potential legal issues.
Defining the Relationship
State explicitly that you're an independent contractor, not an employee. This distinction affects everything from tax withholding to workers' compensation requirements.
Your contract should include something like: "Developer is an independent contractor, not an employee of Client. Developer is responsible for their own taxes, insurance, benefits, and business expenses. Client will not withhold taxes or provide employment benefits."
This clarity helps avoid misclassification issues that could result in penalties for your client and complications for you. It also sets expectations about benefits and support you won't receive.
Include details about your work arrangement. You control when and where you work. You provide your own equipment and tools. You're free to accept or decline projects. These factors reinforce your independent status.
Non-Exclusivity
Freelancers work with multiple clients – it's part of the business model. Your contract should explicitly state this right while addressing reasonable limitations.
Add language like: "Developer may provide services to other clients during this engagement. Developer agrees not to work for direct competitors or on projects that would create a conflict of interest without Client's written consent."
This balance protects your ability to earn from multiple sources while respecting your client's competitive concerns. It's reasonable for a client to not want you simultaneously building a competing app, but they can't prevent you from taking other iOS projects entirely.
Be prepared to define what constitutes a competitor or conflict of interest. The more specific you are upfront, the fewer disagreements you'll have later.
Bringing It All Together
These seven clauses form the backbone of a professional iOS development contract. They're not about being paranoid or difficult – they're about creating clear expectations that help projects run smoothly.
Remember, a good contract protects both parties. Clients appreciate knowing exactly what they're getting and when. You benefit from clear boundaries and payment terms. When everyone understands the rules, you can focus on what you do best: building great iOS apps.
Don't be afraid to negotiate these terms. Professional clients expect some back-and-forth on contracts. If a client balks at basic protections like payment terms or IP ownership clarity, that's a red flag worth noting.
Consider having a lawyer review your standard contract template. The upfront investment pays for itself the first time a contract clause saves you from a difficult situation. Many bar associations offer reduced-rate consultations for freelancers.
Finally, remember that contracts are living documents. As you gain experience, you'll identify new situations to address. Maybe you need stronger revision limits or clearer communication protocols. Update your template as you learn, and your business will grow stronger with each project.
Your contract is more than legal protection – it's a professional tool that demonstrates your business acumen and sets the stage for successful collaborations. Take the time to get it right, and both you and your clients will benefit from the clarity and professionalism it provides.
References
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Posted Jul 6, 2025
Protect your freelance business with a rock-solid contract. Learn about the 7 essential clauses every iOS developer needs, from scope of work and payment terms to intellectual property.
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