Are you also bored with using a poorly designed app? Maybe it was slow or difficult to use or it didn’t have advanced features. You know the saying there’s an app for everything? Well, it’s true! As per the business of apps, there are around 3.3 million apps available on the Google Play Store for Android, and the Apple app store has nearly 2.2 million apps. Not only this, a report from Grand View Research predicts that by 2030 year, revenue from mobile apps across diverse sectors will hit about $567.19 billion. Here is a complete guide to you about all the necessary points of how much does it cost to develop an app in 2024.
The app market is big, with several apps competing to grab user’s attention. There is a golden opportunity for you to transform a creative idea into reality.
However, before developing an app, understanding the financial side of things is important. Today we rely on everything from ordering food to managing money. If you are thinking about creating your app, you might wonder how much does it cost to develop an app. The cost can vary a lot on many factors like the app’s features, complexity, functionality, development team, timeframe, and many more.
This guide will help you answer all the questions running in your mind. It’ll provide you with detailed insight into the factors that affect app development procedures and tips for saving money on your mobile app development.
Key Factors Influencing App Development Cost
Developing a successful app requires a clear plan, skilled professional developers, and a pre-planned budget. But how much does it cost to develop an app? This section will help you to break down the main points that directly affect the cost of making your own app.
-
App’s Complexity
Are you surprised to know the complexity of an app really affects its development cost? This is true! Simple apps with basic features & functions, like do lists or note-taking tools are affordable and budget-friendly. When you create an app with advanced features it will be costly compared to the app with basic features & designs. Let’s explore the different levels of app complexity.
Simple Apps
These apps focus on doing one thing well that is easy to use for the audience. Examples include basic calculators, flashlight apps, and voice recorders. Creating these apps mainly involves a few screens and functions, a simple user interface (UI) design, and minimal backend needs.
Cost Estimate: – Generally, creating a simple app may cost between $10,000 – $30,000.
Medium Complexity Apps
These apps offer more features but still pay close attention to user experience. Examples include weather apps with basic forecasts, expense trackers with categorization, or social media apps with limited features. Creating these apps may involve more interactive UI elements with animations or transitions, integration with existing services (like weather data APIs), and user authentication and data storage solutions.
Cost Estimation: – Developing these medium-complexity apps may range between $30,000 – $75,000. Moreover, customization needs can impact how much does it cost to develop an app.
High Complexity Apps (Highly Complex)
These apps are highly advanced apps that push mobile technology boundaries. They usually include features like Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR) experiences, Real-time data synchronization across multiple devices, Complex social features with user profiles and connections, advanced security measures and data encryption, etc.
Cost Estimation: – Developing a high-complexity app generally costs $75,000. It totally depends on your preferences as well as budget which you are fine with it.
-
Platform Choice: (iOS, Android, or Cross-Platform)
The platform you choose for mobile app development affects the app’s cost. Check out three main options: –
Native Development
This means building separate apps for each operating system by using a specific programming language (Swift for iOS, Java/Kotlin for Android). This offers a number of benefits that mainly include the best performance and user experience for each OS. Users can have full access to all native features. But it includes high cost because you need to develop two separate apps. It also requires more maintenance for the latest updates on both platforms. The platform choice plays a great role in determining how much does it cost to develop an app.
Cost Estimation: – For native Android app development, the cost of development may range between $25,000 – $45,000. For Native iPhone app development, the cost will be $30,000 – $50,000.
Cross Platform Development
This uses frameworks like React Native app development or Flutter App Development to create one code base for both on IOS and Android platforms by using the specific programming language. This saves time and money compared to native development. The apps are easier to maintain with just one codebase in this framework. The user experience might not be as flawless or smooth as native apps.
Cost Estimation: – Creating an app to work on cross platforms may range between $20,000 – $40,000.
-
App’s features
Choosing the right feature is also essential for user engagement, the app’s success, and budget. Each feature adds to development time and resources as well. Here’s the breakdown to manage it.
Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
You can launch a basic version of the app to gather user feedback, and reviews and validate your app idea. This approach helps save money initially while refining your app based on early user input.
Prioritize Wisely
Instead of including everything at one time, you should select the factors based on what users require and what will attract them. You can add advanced features in future updates to maintain user’s interest.
Focus on Core Functions
Try to start with basic features that offer the most value, like user log in, real-time notification, and in-app purchases to make lots of money.
-
The Development Team
Choosing the right team helps to build your dream app within your budget. Here we have 4 main options to choose from! Which will you choose between In-House, Outsourced, or Freelance?
In-House Development:
This means hiring skilled developers, designers, and project managers directly. The in-house developers provide complete control over development and communication. Also, this allows a better alignment with company culture and goals.
Outsourced Development:
This means hiring a team or agency from a different location for app development. It potentially includes the low cost that using a local team, especially in places where developers charge less. You can access a wide range of skilled professionals.
Freelance Developers:
You can hire freelance developers on a project basis or at hourly rates which can be cost-effective for small projects. However, it requires significant effort in project management to maintain quality and clear communication.
Cost Estimation
- In-House Development: – It typically ranges from $80,000 to $120,000 per year. The exact cost depends on the development team size and project duration.
- Outsourced Development: – Range from $20 to $50, the exact cost varies on location and experience.
- Freelance Developers: – Range from $15 to $100, the cost of hiring developers varies on location and experience.
Note: – Selecting the ideal team structure depends on your budget, project complexity, and how much control you need. You may choose In-house for big and complex projects with long-term plans and enough budget for a dedicated team. Whereas, outsourced I great for medium-sized projects looking for cost-effectiveness. However, hiring freelance developers good for smaller projects with clear goals and a strong management team.
Additional Cost Considerations
Backend Development
Image your app where users interact. However, a simple backend system ensures everything runs smoothly.
- Data Storage: – Your app will likely need to store user data, preferences, and possibly content. Cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Google Cloud Platform (GCP) provide scalable and reliable solutions but they include monthly fees based on usage.
- User Authentication: – If your app requires user logins then secure authentication systems are vital. This may involve integrating with third-party services or developing custom solutions both of which incur costs.
- API Integrations: – Does your app need to connect with external services like social media platforms, payment gateways or weather data providers? Integrating with APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) can add complexity but may require additional fees depending on the service provider. Integrating with APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) can add complexity but may require additional fees depending on the service provider. Integration with APIs also impacts how much does it cost to develop an app.
Cost Estimation: – The cost of the backend depends on your budget and app’s needs. Simple backend with cloud backend with API Integration, the cost will be $1000 per month. For a more advanced backend with API Integrations, the cost will be $1,000+ per month.
The Outgoing Process: App Maintenance and Updates
Testing and maintenance are also a part of how much does it costs to develop an app. Developing an app doesn’t end with the launch. Just like a vehicle your app needs regular maintenance to stay efficient and secure. This involves:-
Bug Fixes: – No app is perfect. Users will find bugs and issues. Fixing them quickly is key to keeping users happy and satisfied. This requires developers’ time and effort as well.
Feature Updates: – To remain competitive and keep users interested, you’ll need to add new features frequently. This means revisiting development and can add extra costs.
Security Updates: – As the digital world changes, new security threats appear. Regular updates to patch vulnerabilities are necessary to protect your app and users.
Budgeting for Maintenance: – It’s wise to set aside 15-20% of your initial development cost for maintenance during the first year.
The App Store Tollbooth (Fees & Revenue)
If your app is ready to launch, then you’ll need to publish it on app stores like the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Submission Fees
- For the Apple store, about a $99 one-time fee.
- For the Google Play Store, the one-time registration fee will be $25.
Revenue Sharing
App stores usually take 15-30% of the revenue in case of in-app purchases or subscriptions.
Note: – Getting to know this submission fee is essential for finding out your total app development costs and potential revenues.
The Most Popular Apps Worldwide and How Much They Cost to Develop
Here we have a few examples that have changed and improved customer experience and become leaders in the app market. We have mentioned their average development costs.
Snapchat
With more than 300 million daily users, Snapchat is leading over all the social media apps. This popular messaging app introduced augmented reality through filters and interactive lenses. It also allows users to share multimedia messages that disappear within 10 seconds. Creating an app like Snapchat can cost between $45,000 and $100,000 for one platform and up to $200,000 for both platforms.
Uber
Uber is a well-known ride-sharing app that links drivers with riders worldwide. Customers can use the app to request a car immediately or schedule one for later. Nearby drivers receive these requests. Developing an app like Uber typically costs between $30,000 and $100,000.
WhatsApp is an app for instant messaging that lets users send messages, make video and audio calls, and share photos and videos. Building a similar messaging app would typically cost between $30,000 and $70,000.
TikTok
This video-sharing app has become incredibly popular and has changed the entertainment world. TikTok lets users lip-sync to dialogues and act out scenes from movies and music videos.
The app includes various filters and effects to improve your videos and photos. Developing an app like TikTok costs about $60,000 to $100,000 for one platform and up to $150,000 for a hybrid version.
Netflix
Netflix is the top media streaming platform in the world. It lets users watch shows and movies whenever they want. Building an app like Netflix typically costs between $25,000 and $200,000.
Overview of Cost for Creating An App Like Netflix
Holafly
Holafly, an innovative eSIM app, offers smooth global connectivity for travelers. Developing a similar eSIM app like Holafly can cost between $30,000 to $300,000 and more, depending on the app’s features, complexity, and the expertise of the development team.
Coursera
Coursera, an e-learning app, has become incredibly popular among students and teachers for its outstanding benefits. It provides a variety of distance learning programs, from skill development courses to university degrees worldwide. Developing a mobile app similar to Coursera could cost between $60,000 and $120,000.
Easy-to-Follow Guide for Starting Mobile App Development
If you’ve decided to develop your own app, then you have to follow the below step-by-step procedure
Research your Audience
If you are creating an app for business purposes, then researching the target audience helps estimate how much does it cost to develop an app accurately. This helps you to overlook how the market works, how consumers interact with brands, and who the main competitors are. Moreover, when looking at the user’s reviews for popular apps then it will help you design a better product.
Pick the Best Platform
The app you decided to develop should be perfect for both Android and IOS platforms. If you want to make an app within your budget then just choose a platform between Android and IOS apps. After that, you can enhance your service to work on other platforms as well.
Find an App Development Company
Choosing the authorized and reliable eWallet app development company will make sure to implement all the best features and functions within the time frame. Also, skilled app developers make sure to make your app attractive so that it maximizes user engagement. At eBizneeds, you will find professional app developers, UI/UX Designers, market specialists, and project managers. This helps you to advice and always keep your ideas in mind. We also use the latest technology and have expert knowledge.
Create a Basic Version
If you need to test your app without spending huge time and money then think about creating a minimum viable product (MVP). To make a successful MVP, ask your developers to find out basic features and unique selling points and prepare an app based on those.
Test Your App
Testing is also an important part of mobile app development. It’s essential for both business growth and generating revenue. Check everything like how the app is performing, how easy it is to use, and its speed. Hiring good quality analysts can save both time and money. Find the issues, and bugs and fix them to make your app perform well.
Submit to App Stores
After testing, if you’re happy with your app then you can launch it to the Play Store or Apple’s app store. However, you must follow Apple’s and Google’s rules. Make sure your way of making money with the app fits their guidelines.
Launch and Monitor Results
After launching the app into the app store, use the in-app analytics tools you set up during development to monitor its performance. Update the app to boost user engagement and respond to user feedback and concerns.
Note: – This was the basic procedure to start app development. Now, let’s understand how your app can make money in this competitive market.
How Do Apps Make Money?
Nowadays, there are lots of ways to make money. Here in this paragraph, we’ll discuss the famous revenue channels that help generate money through the app and also increase customer value. You can use the methods mentioned below:-
Advertising
The first way to make money through the app is advertising. This plan involves advertising products or services from other companies in your app and earning money through shared revenue or cost-per-click agreements.
Subscription
In this method, users need to purchase a subscription to use the app’s most popular features. You can choose from many options like yearly, monthly, or daily subscriptions. Many big platforms like Apple and Google let users handle their subscriptions through them.
Sponsorship
The sponsorship model means finding a sponsor in your field and agreeing on how they’ll support you. They’ll pay for the services and in return, your app advertises their brand, promotes their product, or sends users to their website. Till now we have covered the mobile app development costs and discussed many ways to promote reducing the budget.
Freemium
This is another way of making money from apps where users can use basic features without paying money. If they want advanced features they’ll have to pay. Freemium also allows app makers to make extra money via ads running on the app.
How Can You Reduce Your Mobile App Development Costs?
Thankfully, business owners and entrepreneurs can lower mobile app development expenses by using industry best practices and strategies. Here we have mentioned steps that companies can take to cut down on custom app development costs.
- Before starting to build an app select the features that you need to add to your app. Start by focusing on the essential functions that will bring business value quickly.
- Include quality assurance early in the process to catch bugs and issues before they become costly problems during development. This proactive approach can save you time and money.
- Plan for the future of your app. Your MVP might change based on customer feedback or market shifts. It’s important to consider both short-term goals and long-term vision to avoid expensive revisions.
- Choose between in-house developers or outsourced hiring for your project. The selection will impact your budget, workflow, and on-going maintenance. Sourcing can provide access to skilled teams while minimizing overall costs.
- Next, think about cross-platform development. Rather than choosing between Android and IOS, choose to develop an app that works smoothly on both platforms by using technologies like Flutter App Development or React Native App Development.
Note: – For more useful tips on reducing the cost of app development, you can visit our website. Whether you’re starting a new business or an established business, the eBizneeds team can provide you solution that meets your needs.
How eBizneeds can Assist you in Estimating Mobile App Development Costs?
Wondering how much it costs to develop an app? No worries we’re here to assist you! It’s clear that assuming the cost of app development is a pretty hard task. App makers need to consider all the factors that influence costs. This helps you to a real estimation for transforming your dream into reality. It’s challenging to calculate the final cost of mobile app development in the US, UK, Dubai, and Australia.
However, you can take advice from our trusted app development companies like eBizneeds. They offer excellent mobile app development services like nobody else. Their expert’s specialists in creating and launching innovative apps with advanced features and functions. eBizneeds has successfully built apps for major global brands. So whether you’re looking to create cutting-edge mobile apps or need an estimate for creating an app for your business, reach out to our experts for assistance.
FAQs
What factors influence the app development costs?
A lot of factors influence the cost of app development. This mainly includes features, design, complexity, code, timeframe, development team size, experience of developers, and location. All these factors impact the Flutter app development cost.
How long does it take to create an app?
Usually, an app with basic features takes 3 to 9 months or more, depending on complexity and project.
How much does it cost to develop a successful app?
If we estimate costs for a custom mobile app development, then here we have the rough costs.
- To create an app with basic features it will cost between $5,000 to $50,000.
- For medium-complexity apps, it ranges from $50,000 to $100,000.
- For advanced app, it will cost from $5,000 to $50,000
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.
