Ever wondered about the cost to develop an app like Apple Pay?
Developing such an advanced eWallet app requires careful planning, the right technology stack, and a skilled team.
Typically, the cost ranges between $50,000 to $300,000, depending on features, platform, and complexity.
Let’s dive deeper into understanding what it takes to create an app like Apple Pay.
Understanding Apple Pay
Apple Pay revolutionized how we make transactions by offering a seamless, secure, and efficient payment method.
It functions as a digital wallet, allowing users to store card details, make purchases online, in-app, or in-store, and even send money to friends, all with just a few taps.
With over 507 million global users as of 2024 and a projected market value of $12 trillion by 2030, creating an app like Apple Pay can position your business in a highly lucrative domain.
The app integrates near-field communication (NFC), biometric authentication, and tokenization for unparalleled security, making it a leading choice among modern consumers.
Essential Features for an Apple Pay-Like App
If you’re planning to build an ewallet app like Apple Pay, here are 15 must-have eWallet app features:
- User Registration & Authentication – Easy sign-up with multi-factor authentication.
- Card Management – Add, remove, and manage multiple payment methods.
- NFC Payment Integration – For contactless payments.
- Tokenization – Ensure secure transactions by replacing card details with tokens.
- Biometric Security – Facial recognition or fingerprint authentication.
- Transaction History – Detailed breakdowns of past payments.
- QR Code Payments – Enable payments by scanning QR codes.
- Push Notifications – Instant alerts for transactions and updates.
- Peer-to-Peer Transfers – Send or receive money from contacts.
- Merchant Dashboard – Dedicated platform for sellers to manage payments.
- Geo-Fencing – Personalized offers based on location.
- Multi-Currency Support – Accept payments in different currencies.
- AI-Powered Insights – Analyze spending patterns.
- Customer Support Integration – 24/7 assistance through chat or call.
- PCI Compliance – Adherence to payment industry regulations for security.
Reasons to Create an App Like Apple Pay in 2025
Why should you consider building an ewallet app like Apple Pay in 2025? Here are three compelling reasons, supported by recent statistics:
1. Surging eWallet Adoption Worldwide
Digital wallets are no longer just a convenience, they’re becoming the standard for payments.
By 2025, it’s projected that 4.4 billion people globally will use eWallets for transactions, accounting for over 51% of global e-commerce payments.
This widespread adoption reflects the shift toward cashless economies and the growing trust in secure, app-based payment systems.
2. Unprecedented Market Growth
The eWallet market continues to expand at an impressive rate, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 23.2% from 2023 to 2030.
By the end of this decade, the market size is expected to exceed $12 trillion.
Investing in an app like Apple Pay allows businesses to tap into this booming sector and claim their share of the digital payment pie.
3. Growing Demand for Contactless Payments
The pandemic accelerated the demand for contactless payment methods, a trend that shows no signs of slowing.
Recent studies reveal that 90% of users prefer eWallet apps with contactless options, citing security and convenience as top benefits.
By creating an app like Apple Pay, you can meet this demand head-on and deliver a solution that resonates with tech-savvy users.
Developing an app like Apple Pay in 2025 positions your business at the forefront of innovation while meeting the needs of a rapidly growing customer base.
Average Cost to Develop an App Like Apple Pay: $50,000 to $300,000
When considering the cost to develop an app like Apple Pay, you must account for factors like app complexity, platform, and the development team’s expertise.
Typically, the cost ranges from $50,000 to $300,000, depending on your unique requirements.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the eWallet app development cost ranges:
| Feature Set | Estimated Cost ($) |
| Basic Functionality | 50,000 – 80,000 |
| Advanced Features | 100,000 – 200,000 |
| Complete Solution | 200,000 – 300,000 |
In any case, if you are looking for a more accurate development cost, it’s highly recommended that you consult an app development company.
This estimate excludes additional cost-influencing factors, which we’ll explore in detail in the next section.
Factors That Affect the Cost to Develop an App Like Apple Pay
Creating an app like Apple Pay is a complex process influenced by various factors.
Each factor impacts the final development cost differently, depending on your requirements.
Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Platform Choice: iOS, Android, or Both
The platform you choose plays a crucial role in determining the overall cost.
Developing for a single platform, either iOS or Android, is more cost-effective.
However, targeting both platforms ensures a broader user base, which could justify the additional expense.
| Platform | Estimated Cost ($) |
| iOS Only | 30,000 – 50,000 |
| Android Only | 30,000 – 50,000 |
| Both Platforms | 60,000 – 100,000 |
Opting for cross-platform development with tools like Flutter or React Native may reduce costs while maintaining functionality.
If your audience spans multiple device ecosystems, building an app like Apple Pay for both platforms becomes essential.
2. Features and Functionalities
The complexity and number of features heavily influence the cost to create an app like Apple Pay.
While basic features are less expensive, advanced capabilities such as biometric authentication or AI-powered analytics significantly increase development expenses.
| Feature Set | Estimated Cost ($) |
| Basic Features | 20,000 – 40,000 |
| Advanced Features | 40,000 – 80,000 |
For instance, incorporating NFC payments or tokenization, a hallmark of apps like Apple Pay, can elevate the app’s functionality and security, making it more attractive to users.
3. Third-Party API Integrations
Integrating third-party APIs, such as payment gateways, analytics tools, or location-based services, adds to the cost of development.
These integrations ensure your app functions seamlessly and provides a better user experience.
| Integration Type | Estimated Cost ($) |
| Payment Gateways | 10,000 – 20,000 |
| Analytics Tools | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Location-Based APIs | 5,000 – 15,000 |
For an app like Apple Pay, APIs for payment gateways are non-negotiable as they enable secure and efficient transactions.
Additionally, integrating analytics tools can provide valuable insights into user behavior.
4. UI/UX Design
User interface and experience design are critical to an app’s success.
A simple and intuitive design keeps users engaged, while a more customized, visually striking design increases development costs.
| Design Type | Estimated Cost ($) |
| Standard Design | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Custom Design | 15,000 – 25,000 |
For an eWallet app like Apple Pay, prioritizing a sleek and user-friendly UI/UX is essential.
Features like easy navigation, fast-loading screens, and visually distinct icons enhance the overall user experience.
5. Development Team Expertise
The expertise and location of your development team can significantly impact costs.
Rates vary widely between regions, with North American developers typically charging the most.
Here’s breakdown of cost to hire app developers:
| Region | Hourly Rate ($) | Estimated Cost ($) |
| Asia (India, Vietnam) | 20 – 50 | 40,000 – 80,000 |
| Eastern Europe | 40 – 100 | 60,000 – 150,000 |
| North America | 100 – 200 | 100,000 – 300,000 |
While choosing an offshore team in Asia can reduce expenses, ensure they have experience in creating eWallet apps to maintain quality.
6. Advanced Security Features
eWallet apps like Apple Pay require robust security measures to protect user data and transactions.
Implementing these features can add significantly to the cost.
| Security Measure | Estimated Cost ($) |
| Basic Encryption | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Biometric Authentication | 10,000 – 20,000 |
| Tokenization | 15,000 – 30,000 |
Tokenization, which replaces sensitive payment information with unique codes, is a must for apps like Apple Pay to prevent data breaches.
7. Compliance with Legal Standards
To operate legally and securely, your app must comply with regulations such as PCI-DSS for payment security or GDPR for user data privacy.
Achieving these certifications involves additional costs.
| Compliance Type | Estimated Cost ($) |
| PCI-DSS Certification | 10,000 – 20,000 |
| GDPR Compliance | 10,000 – 15,000 |
Compliance ensures your app meets industry standards, building trust among users.
8. Scalability Options
If you anticipate a growing user base, your app’s infrastructure must be scalable.
Investing in cloud services or advanced back-end architecture increases the cost but ensures smooth performance during peak usage.
| Scalability Option | Estimated Cost ($) |
| Basic Infrastructure | 10,000 – 20,000 |
| Scalable Architecture | 30,000 – 50,000 |
Cloud-based infrastructure, such as AWS or Microsoft Azure, is a common choice for scalable eWallet apps.
9. Testing and Quality Assurance (QA)
Rigorous testing ensures the app performs flawlessly across various devices and scenarios.
Automated testing tools add precision but come at a higher cost.
| Testing Type | Estimated Cost ($) |
| Manual Testing | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Automated Testing | 10,000 – 20,000 |
QA is especially critical for an app like Apple Pay, where even minor glitches can lead to user dissatisfaction or security concerns.
10. Post-Launch Maintenance
Ongoing maintenance includes bug fixes, feature updates, and server management. It’s a recurring cost but essential for keeping the app competitive.
| Maintenance Type | Estimated Cost ($) |
| Basic Support | 5,000 – 10,000/year |
| Full Maintenance | 15,000 – 30,000/year |
An app like Apple Pay needs regular updates to incorporate new technologies and address evolving user needs.
By understanding these cost factors, you can plan your budget effectively and make informed decisions
Steps to Create an App Like Apple Pay
Developing an app like Apple Pay requires a structured approach to ensure quality and functionality.
Here’s a brief overview of the steps involved:
1. Define Objectives and Target Audience
Start by identifying the goals of your app and who it will serve.
Will it focus on contactless payments, peer-to-peer transfers, or something else?
Understanding your audience’s needs helps determine the features and design.
2. Research and Competitor Analysis
Analyze existing eWallet apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Identify their strengths and weaknesses to create a unique value proposition for your app.
Use this research to shape your app’s features and user experience.
3. Select the Right Technology Stack
Choosing the right technologies is critical for building a secure and scalable app. For an eWallet app like Apple Pay, consider:
- Programming Languages: Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android.
- Frameworks: Flutter or React Native for cross-platform development.
- Back-End Technologies: Node.js or Python for server-side operations.
- Database: MongoDB or PostgreSQL for secure and scalable data storage.
4. Create a Wireframe and Prototype
A wireframe serves as a blueprint for your app’s layout, ensuring intuitive navigation.
Develop a prototype to visualize how the app will function before diving into full-scale development.
5. Develop Core Features
Begin with the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) by implementing essential features like:
- User registration and authentication.
- Secure payment gateway integration.
- Transaction history.
Expand gradually by adding advanced features like biometric authentication or AI-powered analytics.
6. Rigorous Testing
Conduct extensive testing to identify and fix bugs.
Perform both manual and automated testing to ensure the app operates smoothly under all conditions.
Focus on:
- Security testing for encryption and tokenization.
- Compatibility testing across devices and platforms.
7. Launch and Market the App
Once testing is complete, deploy the app on app stores.
Use marketing strategies such as in-app promotions, social media campaigns, and collaborations with merchants to gain traction.
8. Ongoing Maintenance and Updates
Post-launch, monitor user feedback to implement improvements.
Regularly update the app to include new features and maintain compatibility with the latest device operating systems.
App Development Timeline
Creating an app like Apple Pay typically takes 6–12 months, depending on complexity. Here’s an estimated timeline:
| Stage | Time Required |
| Planning and Research | 2–4 weeks |
| Wireframing & Design | 4–6 weeks |
| Development | 4–8 months |
| Testing & Launch | 1–2 months |
Following these steps ensures a streamlined development process and a high-quality end product.
Monetizing Apple Pay App Clone
Building an app like Apple Pay isn’t just about creating a seamless payment solution; it’s also about generating significant revenue.
Here are some effective monetization strategies for a high return on investment (ROI), along with potential revenue estimates for each method:
1. Transaction Fees
Charge merchants a small percentage for every transaction processed through your app. This is a common and lucrative model for eWallet apps like Apple Pay.
- Example: A transaction fee of 2-3% on every purchase.
- Revenue Potential: If your app processes $10 million in transactions monthly, a 2% fee generates $200,000/month.
2. Subscription Plans
Offer premium features such as higher transaction limits, advanced analytics, or exclusive merchant discounts through subscription plans.
| Plan Type | Monthly Fee ($) | Potential Users (%) |
| Basic Plan | 5 | 70 |
| Premium Plan | 15 | 20 |
| Enterprise Plan | 50 | 10 |
- Revenue Potential: With 10,000 users and 20% opting for a $15/month plan, you generate $30,000/month from subscriptions.
3. Affiliate Marketing and Partnerships
Collaborate with brands and merchants to promote their products or services within your app. You earn a commission for every successful referral or transaction.
- Example: Highlight exclusive deals for partnered retailers, earning 5–10% commission on sales.
- Revenue Potential: Partnering with 50 retailers generating $100,000 in combined monthly sales could bring $5,000–10,000/month.
4. In-App Advertisements
Display targeted ads within the app to generate additional income. Ensure the ads are relevant and non-intrusive to maintain user experience.
| Ad Type | Revenue/Impression ($) |
| Banner Ads | 0.10 |
| Video Ads | 0.30 |
| Sponsored Content | Negotiable |
- Revenue Potential: With 500,000 monthly active users and a mix of ad types, you could earn $10,000–30,000/month.
5. Data Monetization (With User Consent)
Analyze anonymized user data to offer insights to businesses or merchants. This must comply with data privacy regulations like GDPR or CCPA.
- Example: Selling insights on spending trends to financial institutions.
- Revenue Potential: Partnerships with data-hungry industries could bring in $50,000 annually.
eBizneeds – Here to Help You
Looking to create an eWallet app like Apple Pay?
At eBizneeds, we specialize in crafting secure, user-friendly, and feature-rich digital wallet solutions tailored to your business goals.
Whether you aim to target a niche audience or compete with industry leaders, we bring years of experience and technical expertise to deliver outstanding results.
As a trusted eWallet app development company, we ensure:
- Comprehensive development support from ideation to launch.
- Integration of cutting-edge technologies like tokenization and biometric security.
- Scalable architecture for seamless growth as your user base expands.
Let us help you transform your app idea into a thriving business! Get in touch today to turn your vision into reality.
Conclusion
Creating an app like Apple Pay is an investment in the future of digital transactions.
With the rising demand for eWallet solutions, this is the perfect time to enter the market.
By understanding the costs, essential features, and potential revenue strategies, you can confidently plan your app’s development journey.
FAQs
The cost ranges between $50,000 and $300,000, depending on features, platform, and team expertise.
Developing an app like Apple Pay typically takes 6–12 months, including planning, development, and testing phases.
Essential features include NFC payments, biometric authentication, tokenization, transaction history, and multi-currency support.
You can generate revenue through transaction fees, subscription plans, affiliate partnerships, in-app advertisements, and data monetization.
Naveen Khanna is the CEO of eBizneeds, a company renowned for its bespoke web and mobile app development. By delivering high-end modern solutions all over the globe, Naveen takes pleasure in sharing his rich experiences and views on emerging technological trends. He has worked in many domains, from education, entertainment, banking, manufacturing, healthcare, and real estate, sharing rich experience in delivering innovative solutions.
