Is there a way to highlight text in the iOS apps?
Yes. Select the text and either:
Use the formatting palette-
[attachment=1]IMG_0123.PNG[/attachment]
Or tap the paint tube looking icon in the extended keyboard row which gives you the ability to choose a color-
[attachment=0]IMG_0124.PNG[/attachment]
You can also use either method without selecting text. Your subsequent typing will be highlighted until you disable highlighting.
There is also a keyboard shortcut, which uses the last colour used (yellow by default): Shift-Cmd-H.