In this article guide, I will clarify all that goes into the cost to develop a mobile app. Although an exact cost estimate is only possible after describing all your requirements in detail to the mobile app development company. By reading this post, it is possible to get an overall idea of a rough cost estimate.
According to Statista, there are over 6 billion users of smartphones worldwide and there are no indications of the mobile app market slowing down. When considering an application, one of the first things to comprehend is the costs associated with developing it. Basic app development cost can range anywhere between $5,000 to $15,000, average app development costs can range between $15,000 to $30,000 and for complex app development costs may go high to $40, 000. You must be thinking, why such a wide gap in pricing? These include:
- App development platforms (Android, iOS, Web)
- UI/UX design
- Complexity of technology
- 3rd party integrations
- Other app cost considerations
Platforms
Each platform you develop the app in will augment the costs, as Android and iOS both exist as different OS, written in different programming languages, and have different native features that can be utilized within the application.
By using the latest technologies like React Native or Flutter, costs can be reduced. Using this technology, developers can use the single codebase to build an app for both platforms (Android & iOS).
UI/UX design
The more effort you put into the design of an application, the more the costs will increase. Generally, a lower-cost app would incorporate only the necessary designs and assets to get the app up and running. A more costly app would have much more detailed designs, including the utilization of app features like gestures and a personalized user experience likely to improve user engagement.
3rd party integrations
Many applications integrate into 3rd party providers to add advanced features to their products. Costs are related, mostly based on the difficulty of integration and the latest features that will be used.
Several applications such as food delivery apps, taxi booking apps, courier & grocery delivery apps use a 3rd party API like Google maps. A simple use case could be rendering a basic map within the app. A more costly use case would be the ability to look up addresses and find directions from point A to B on that map.
Complexity of technology
The more complex features you include in your app, the more expensive it will in general be. Many applications have only feature like signing up with just email and password, but if you were to add social media integration, this would take more time and technology to build, which outcomes in a more costly app.
Adding native features can also increase the costs of building an app, such as multiple payment options, real-time tracking, search option, push notifications, etc.
Advanced technology like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning costs go high to build an app, as it requires developers with specific and unique skill sets. Applications like Uber use these technologies to understand the user more and personalize the experience to connect with the nearest drivers based on user locations.
Other app cost considerations
Once the application is released to the Play Store or App Store, there are ongoing costs associated with keeping it running. These include Play Stores membership fees, backend hosting costs, 3rd party integration fees, maintaining the app, etc.
How much your app idea will cost you?
Understanding the total costs to build an app can be daunting for someone not familiar with the technology. Many app development companies offer a free consultation for any app idea you may have. They can assist you to understand the exact costs and timeline associated with mobile app development.
