App Type and Category
A lot of factors influence mobile app development cost, but application type is one of the significant factors in it. Mobile app categories or types are applications that represent certain industries, such as E-commerce, social media and others.
Every app category follows a different approach, tech stack and features which is why their cost are different. For example, E-commerce applications can cost around $50,000 to $150,000 and more based on various factors. Similarly, gaming apps also range from $50,000 to $250,000 or more.
To understand the average app development cost, learn about the type of app you want to build, and you can find a rough estimate of the development cost.
Operating System and Device Compatibility
The development platforms affect the cost of building a mobile app. There are two major operating systems in the market, Android and iOS. Apart from that, we also need to consider device compatibility as we need to optimize the app for mobile, tablet and others.
While both Android and iOS are the only OS options for now, the development process is a bit different, which can affect the cost. We can break down the app development cost into the hourly rate, complexity, time spent and design.
While the hourly rate for Android development is a bit affordable, iOS can win the race with design and complexity. Make sure to understand every factor of the operating system and device combability before moving forward with development.
Development Complexity
We can divide the complexity into three parts, basic, medium and complex. The basics are low-cost mobile app development that starts from $5,000 that includes standard design and MVP-level functions. While medium-complexity apps have more features, better designs and options. A medium complex app development costs between $40,000 to $100,000.
Lastly, highly complex apps integrate emerging technologies such as AI, VR or blockchain. They also have a custom design, complex backend infrastructure and other features. These apps require more time and expertise, which affects the cost of app development. Their development cost can start from $100,000 to $250,000 or above.
Technology Stack and Development Approach
Tech stack refers to various technology and tools used in the mobile app development process. Based on the app type and complexity, developers choose the tech stack, which affects the app development cost. To understand the difference, we can learn about development approaches such as native, hybrid or cross-platform development.
Native development utilizes native programing language and tools to build high-quality applications, which is a bit costlier. Hybrid app development combines the benefits of native and web app development, using WebView technology to create apps that work seamlessly on both iOS and Android platforms. Cross-platform development is a framework where developers write the code once and deploy it on both platforms.
Native apps win the race in terms of performance, but cross-platform app development is more affordable.
Features and Functionalities
Every app is defined by its features and functionalities, and that’s why we always aim to provide better options in the app. However, features can also add up to the overall cost of mobile app development, from simple logins and sign-up features to device-based features that use cameras or microphones.
The cost can be varied based on the complexity of the features and the duration of the development. Every additional feature requires design, development, testing, and maintenance, all of which contribute to the overall expense. It’s important to prioritize and plan features based on user needs and core app objectives to control costs.
By focusing on essential functionalities first and adding advanced features later, you can help keep costs in check.
Design and User Experience
The design of an app is important for both user experience and development costs. Simple and easy-to-use designs usually require less development time and are more budget friendly. However, designs with custom animations or complex user interfaces that are visually appealing and detailed can be more time-consuming and expensive.
Finding a balance between aesthetics, functionality, and user experience is essential to optimize development costs. A good design can improve the user experience, encourage engagement, and differentiate the app from competitors in the market.
To create an effective and visually appealing app that meets business goals, it’s important to prioritize user-centric design and involve designers in collaboration with developers throughout the development process. This approach can lead to a cost-effective yet impressive app that resonates with users.
Backend Infrastructure
When it comes to developing mobile apps, the backend infrastructure refers to the components and architecture that support the app’s functionality and data processing on the server side. It’s responsible for managing data storage and retrieval, including tasks such as setting up databases, designing data schemas, and implementing efficient data retrieval mechanisms.
A well-designed database and optimized queries can lead to faster app performance and reduce server load. It’s important to note that the backend infrastructure directly impacts the development costs for a mobile app.
Developing a scalable and robust backend can take significant time and effort from experienced backend developers. Also, cloud-based solutions may require ongoing subscription fees based on resource consumption and usage.
Testing and QA
When developing a mobile app, it is crucial to have proper testing and quality assurance (QA) phases in place. These steps ensure that the app functions properly, is easy to use, and is reliable. Testing helps identify and fix bugs, errors, or usability issues before the app is released, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free user experience.
A comprehensive testing strategy is essential to deliver a high-quality app and minimize post-launch issues and negative user feedback. While testing may result in added development costs, it is a necessary investment towards delivering a reliable and successful mobile app that meets user expectations and drives user satisfaction.
Development Timeline
Most development projects rely on hourly rates and are based on the development duration; it can significantly affect the development cost. Every aspect of the development process has a timeline and duration if we make changes, the durations change, ultimately affecting the overall cost of the development.
To avoid additional charges, it is important to keep in mind that extending or shortening the timeline will affect the total cost of mobile app development. The deadline is determined by the combined hours required for every stage, feature, design, and other aspects. That’s why it is advisable to establish a clear and firm timeline and maintain open communication to avoid any potential delays.
Maintenance and Updates
The app development doesn’t end at launch; we need to maintain the app and continuously provide updates. Most companies include these services in the initial consultation, but if we ignore them today, we may have to pay extra in the future.
How often and how much maintenance and updates are needed for a mobile app depends on factors such as user feedback, app complexity, market trends, and competition. To ensure the app stays up-to-date and effective, it’s essential to regularly communicate with users, analyze app usage data, and keep track of industry developments.
Maintenance and update include many activities, such as UI/UX updates, content updates, security patches, bug fixes and more. It’s important to consider this at the beginning to avoid extra charges.
Experience and Expertise in Development Team
The mobile application development cost greatly depends on the team you choose. It’s important to find skilled and qualified developers, but on the other hand, it costs more than usual. However, if we choose to go with cheaper options, we might end up with a less-than-optimal product.
While we can compare the hourly rate of experts and intermediates, the amount of experience they bring is priceless. A mobile app development team with years of experience in a similar industry will build a better application.
They understand and predict every challenge and easily navigate out of it. Find a mobile app development team that has a combination of skills and experience and offers a cost-effective budget.