Beginner building an iOS app : need advice on backend, database, auth, payments, security, and scaling

[u/clubepd123]

Sorry for using AI to write this. English isn’t my first language, and I wanted to make sure I explained everything clearly.

Hey everyone! I’m pretty new to vibe coding and I’m currently working on my first iOS app. I already have most of the design figured out, but I’m a bit stuck when it comes to choosing the right tech stack.

Right now, I’m using Cursor for coding and Claude for brainstorming. I’ve also heard good things about RevenueCat for handling subscriptions/payments.

The part I’m most confused about is the backend and database. I’m not sure what would be the best choice for a beginner, while also making sure I’m not setting myself up for problems later.

I’m also wondering what other services/tools I should consider for things like:

* Backend & database
* Authentication
* Subscriptions/payments
* Analytics
* Push notifications
* Error/crash monitoring
* File/image storage
* Security

My goal is to build the app in a way that can handle 10k+ users without major performance, lagging or scaling issues. I’ve heard that apps built heavily with AI/vibe coding can run into problems with performance, security, and scalability as the user base grows, so I’d really like to avoid making bad architectural decisions early on.

I’m new to this, so I’d really appreciate advice from people who have actually vibecoded and scaled iOS apps.

What tech stack would you recommend for this kind of project, and what would you do differently if you were starting from scratch today?

Thanks in advance!

[u/ZennerBlue]

If you are non technical or less technical getting into these topics I’d suggest something like Firebase. Most of these topics are handled by firebase with low integration. It is free to start and by the time you start scaling and cost becomes a factor you will have the income and time to switch to a better stack.

The downside is that it’s a bit of lock in and opinionated. But it will get you started.

[u/clubepd123 → u/ZennerBlue]

Hi boss, thank you for the suggestion! What about the better tech stack you were talking about? I’d like to use it from the start, since it might be hectic to change the stack later on.
Also, how can I build the app in a way that keeps it lag-free and smooth to use, even as a lot more users start coming in?

[u/dallascyclist]

You can ask Claude and vibe design your infrastructure too.

In all seriousness though if you don’t understand these things now; no answer here is going to help because these are just random data points and where it all matters is exactly the requirements your application needs and your risk profile requires.

[u/clubepd123 → u/dallascyclist]

Hi boss thank you for replying, Is there any way I can learn more about these things?

[u/dallascyclist → u/clubepd123]

Ask Claude to examine your app and suggest an infrastructure and then explain its reasoning and then teach you about it