Today, mobile phones are the new trend, as everyone uses devices almost half of the day. To thrive in this digital age, mobile app development remain a key focus, and objective for business growth.
The global mobile application market size was valued at USD 252.89 billion and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.3% in the next five years.
When it comes to getting an app developed by a mobile app development company, perhaps the first question that comes to mind is “What is the cost to develop an app?”. There’s no right answer to this question as mobile app development cost depends on several factors.
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This guide aims to provide the key factors that influence development costs, insights into hidden charges, and tips for effective mobile app development solutions.
Key factors influencing mobile app development cost
The final application development cost depends on several factors such as the type of the app, complexity, features in your app, location of the mobile app development team, and so on. Let’s start with the app platform and the size of your app.
1. App platform and size
Selecting the platform directly affects the cost of the app.
What suits your business category best- a Native app built for a specific platform like Android or iOS, or a hybrid application with a single code-base deployed to multiple platforms?
Choosing the right mobile app platform depends on the complexity and target audience. Understanding these nuances will help you make this decision.
TipiOS app development can be costly due to app store guidelines and high-quality UX design. Android app development varies from compatibility with a range of devices and screen sizes to complex features to add. Hybrid app development involves creating a single app that runs on multiple platforms. This approach is more cost-effective than native app development. However, it may need thorough performance checks and a seamless user experience. |
2. Category of the app
The cost of designing enterprise mobile apps depends on the category of the app to a large extent. Each category has its functionalities, security criteria, etc. For example, if you have an eCommerce app idea like Amazon, it must have all the features that serve millions of users and have a robust system. All these features add to the final cost of the application. Complex categories like games often require more sophisticated graphics and functionalities, thereby increasing the cost.
3. Design and features of the app
Design requirements can affect the budget as it correlates with the efforts invested by the designers. This affects the overall financial aspect of mobile app development. The complexity includes the custom UI/UX design of your app, including the number of screens and user interface intricacies, which directly influence mobile app development costs.
Each added feature introduces complexity, additional design, and testing efforts. Basic features like user log-in, push notifications, and navigation are essential, but remember that the cost increases as you add more complex features like geolocation, in-app purchases, and payment integration.
As the app’s design is the first thing a user sees, these should be appealing and enticing. The user experience should be seamless and less complex.
4. Mobile app development company and location
The app development company you choose plays a key role in influencing the cost of your Android app. Opting for a reliable, experienced team ensures high-quality service and accelerates the development process. While this may increase initial costs, the value of a well-constructed app is well worth the investment.
The size and location of the development team also significantly impact the cost. Larger companies with specialized departments tend to charge more compared to smaller, more agile teams. Additionally, remote development teams from different regions may offer competitive rates, but location can still play a role in pricing. For instance, developers from certain areas may charge more than those based elsewhere. This is why partnering with dedicated remote teams can be an efficient and cost-effective solution, without compromising on quality.
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5. App testing and security
MVP development is a must to understand the first impression of the app. Before that rigorous testing is essential for ensuring the quality and reliability of your app. While QA adds to development costs, it helps avoid expensive issues later.
Security is critical, especially for apps handling sensitive data like customer details and payment records. It’s important to budget for robust security measures, including multi-factor authentication and encryption, to protect user data.
If you’re unsure about the best security approach, hire the best mobile app developers to choose methods that fit your app’s size and user base.
6. Ongoing maintenance post-deployment
Post-launch, ongoing maintenance is essential for your app’s success. This includes regular updates, bug fixes, and upgrading features to keep the app functional and competitive. These ongoing costs ensure your app adapts to new technologies and user needs.
Additionally, promoting the app is key to reaching your target audience in a crowded market, adding to the post-deployment investment. Be sure to account for these expenses in your budget for long-term app success.
Hidden factors contributing to mobile app development cost
Beyond the initial estimate, several hidden costs can impact your mobile app development budget. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Back-end development
While users interact with the app’s front end, the back-end infrastructure is what powers its functionality. If your app relies on server-side logic, databases, or APIs, back-end development can increase costs. This includes server maintenance, data storage, and hosting fees which are essential for the app’s performance. - Integration with third-party services
If your app needs to connect with third-party services like payment gateways, social media APIs, or mapping tools, there could be additional fees. Some services charge based on usage, meaning higher user engagement can lead to increased costs. - SaaS fees
Many apps integrate Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions to speed up development. Services like Chargebee for subscription management or Google Maps for location features come with subscription fees that can scale with your app’s user base. A reliable mobile app development partner will help you estimate these costs upfront. - App marketing
Marketing is key to an app’s success. Expenses related to advertising, app store optimization (ASO), and promotional campaigns should be included in your budget to ensure your app reaches its target audience and stands out in the market.
By keeping these hidden factors in mind, you can better estimate the true cost of developing and maintaining your mobile app.
Budget-Friendly App Development with People10
As a trusted mobile app development partner, People10 understands the unique objectives, target audiences, and technical challenges of each project. Providing accurate development estimates can be challenging without specific project details, as every initiative is distinct. Our skilled full-stack developers and designers bring extensive experience, enabling us to offer strategic guidance tailored to your needs.
We pride ourselves on delivering cost-effective solutions without compromising quality. If you have a project concept in mind, reach out to us. We’re here to provide accurate estimates and help you bring your app vision to life.
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Author
Shrutha Sekharaiah brings over 13 years of experience in delivering innovative, scalable solutions. His broad expertise in technology and focus on collaboration and mentorship drive the creation of robust systems enhancing efficiency and performance.