How much does app development cost? Tips and explanations

Are you building an application and confused about the required budget! Delivering Android and iOS mobile apps for different business industries, we can provide you with an accurate estimate.

The major factors involved for deciding mobile app development cost depends upon complexity of the project, technologies used, and platform or operating system.

Simple apps can cost around €5,000 to €15,000, while complex apps can easily exceed €50,000. Development time also depends on complexity, ranging from 1-3 months for simple apps to 6 months or more for complex ones.

The usual cost of an app lies in the following range:

• Simple apps: €5,000 – €20,000
• Moderately complex apps: €25,000 – €50,000
• Highly complex apps: €50,000+
• Native apps (iOS or Android): €10,000 – €200,000
• Hybrid apps: €15,000 – €100,000. 

Implementing a Strategic App Development Process

The app making costs is largely influenced by your business needs and the number of functional features. Building a simple mobile app with just a few functional features tends to cost less. However, building a large scale custom mobile app development cost several times higher.

Here’s a more detailed process for having an app made 

1. Ideation and Research

Clearly articulate what problem the app will solve or what needs it will fulfill. You need to research the target audience, competition, and market trends to identify opportunities and validate the app’s potential. 

2. Planning and Strategy

Outline the essential features and functionalities of the app. Select an appropriate development method (native, cross-platform, or hybrid) based on factors like performance requirements and scalability. Establish clear milestones and deadlines for the development process. 

• Simpele app: 1-3 months.
• Moderately complex apps : 3-6 months.
• Highly complex apps: 6 months – 1 year+. 

Complex apps have various advanced functionalities  which means more development time increases the cost of the applications.

3. Design

Designers create visual layouts (wireframes) and plan the user experience (UX) to ensure a smooth and intuitive flow for the user. They design the user interface (UI) and create interactive prototypes to visualize the app’s look and feel.  The final designs for the app itself  should be friendly and must offer a great user experience.  

4. Writing Application Code

Your app agency builds the features and functionalities using the chosen programming languages and frameworks. The mobile app code is built with appropriate technologies.

5. Testing and Quality Assurance

The app QA team conducts various types of testing strategies for bug fixes and ensures it meets quality standards. Some of the testing methods are:

• Functional testing 
• Performance testing 
• Security testing
• Usability testing

6. Deployment and Launch

The team prepares the app for submission to the relevant app stores 

• Google Play Store for Android app
• Apple App Store for iPhone app.

You need to release the app to the public and implement a marketing strategy that attracts users. 

7. Post-Launch Monitoring and Updates

Continuously monitor the app’s performance and gather user feedback to identify areas for improvement. Regularly release updates to address bugs, add new features, and improve the overall app experience.

Type of App You Are Building

There are mainly three types of apps you can launch for the business. Reading the Native apps vs web apps vs hybride apps can help you decide the best choice for your business.

Native apps

• Have an iOS app made with Swift programming language and other technologies.
• Have an Android app made with Java or Kotlin Programming language and Android Studio.

Hybrid apps

Hybrid app development can help you save money and build apps that run on both iOS and Android platforms. This means you can launch a custom app on multiple platforms at the cost of one. 

Web Apps

You can have a web app development made that is much like a website but is more interactive and runs on all platforms. Website laten maken kosten is many times lower than building a native app.

Tips to Save App Development Cost 

To reduce app development costs, focus on clear requirements. You need to prioritize essential features and follow a minimum viable product approach with the focus on the main functionality. Additionally use open-source tools, and choose a professional development team strategically. Also, implement a robust testing plan and consider cross-platform development frameworks.

Hybrid development: Consider using frameworks like React Native or Flutter to write code once and deploy it on multiple platforms. 

Open-source tools and frameworks: Utilize open-source solutions to save on licensing fees. 

Consider low-code platforms: Explore low-code or no-code platforms for quicker development and reduced costs. 

Leverage dedicated teams: Hire dedicated teams for cost-effective solutions. Hiring professionals who will work solely on your project can help to fast track the development process.

Conclusion

More features and functionality lead to higher costs. Similarly, developing for both iOS and Android or hybrid impacts the cost. Experienced programmers and a good collaboration strategy with Zedrox can help you reduce the app development cost.