Does Apple Use Scala: Insights and Analysis

As of my last update in August 2023, Apple does not publicly disclose the full range of programming languages used in its internal development processes. However, it is widely known that Apple primarily uses languages like Swift, Objective-C, and C/C for its software development, especially for iOS and macOS applications. Scala is not one of the primary languages associated with Apple's development practices, but it is possible that some teams or projects within the company might use it for specific purposes, particularly in data processing or backend services. Given Scala's interoperability with Java and its functional programming features, this is not entirely surprising. However, this would not be representative of Apple's overall technology stack.

Despite the rarity of Scala in Apple's main development processes, it does appear to play a role in some of its job postings. According to various job listings on Apple's careers website, Scala is listed as a required or preferred skill in around 600 job openings. These positions range from roles like Siri Data Engineer and Sr. Software Engineer Apple Gift Card Engineering to more specialized roles such as Maps Platform Java Software Engineer and Software Engineer - Java Scala backend development.

Despite these mentions, Scala remains a relatively uncommon language in Apple's ecosystem. Apple has approximately 116,000 employees, making up less than half a percent of job listings that involve Scala. This low frequency suggests that while Scala might be useful for certain projects, it is not a primary language of choice for most of Apple's development processes. Therefore, individuals looking to learn programming languages for a career at Apple would be better off focusing on Swift, Objective-C, C, or C .

For those interested in Scala, the language still plays a role in backend services and data processing. Companies like Apple recognize the benefits of functional programming and the Java ecosystem, and Scala provides a bridge to achieve these goals. Moreover, having Scala experience can be a valuable asset when landing a job that requires a combination of functional programming and JVM expertise.

The importance of Scala can be further underscored by personal anecdotes. I have an old college friend who works as a Senior Engineering Manager at Apple. When discussing Scala with him, he suggested connecting me with a team at Apple he thought I might be a good fit for. This indicates that while rare, there is a need for Scala skills in certain areas of the company.

Another interesting job posting that emphasizes Apple's use of Scala and the Play Framework is worth noting. This posting indicates that Apple does use Scala for their service groups, highlighting its importance in specific areas of the company's operations.

Overall, while Apple primarily relies on Swift, Objective-C, and C/C for its software development, Scala does have a place in certain specialized roles and projects. Understanding the company's overall technology stack can help individuals make informed decisions about which languages to learn for a career at Apple.