If you are looking for a mobile application development cost means you have already decided on getting one. So, we won’t need any build-up or convincing on why to get the mobile app for your business. However, the mobile app development cost is something that turns off the mood of every business that needs the application. Why?
It isn’t because of the high pricing, but the lack of information on factors affecting the mobile app development cost. So, after a quick introduction to what mobile app development is, we will move ahead with its cost and the factors affecting it. Stay tuned till the end, we have added case studies of famous mobile app development costs.
What is mobile app development?
Mobile app development is the process of developing an application that will run on mobile phones. It has unique features that work with the network connection on your device.
Mobile app development has become one of the important parts of any business. It helps people connect with your brand easily and can browse through your products or services.
How much does mobile app development cost?
As many companies and mobile app developers might have told you, the mobile app development cost depends on the type of mobile application you want. Whether it is simple, basic, or complex the cost will add up as you move up.
This is due to the heavy coding and integration required to make the mobile applications run smoothly. There are various figures in the market. However, on average:
- Simple mobile app development costs somewhere between $25,000 to $50,000.
- Basic mobile app development costs somewhere between $50,000 to $100,000.
- Complex mobile app development costs will be more than $100,000.
Now the question arising in your mind would be, why so high costing. Well, as I said in the introduction it is the factors that determine the mobile app development cost.
Factors affecting mobile app development cost:
No matter whether you are getting a mobile app developed or a house built, the cost of both will depend on the factors affecting the development. Didn’t get it? Read this section and you will get an idea of what we mean to say.
1. Type of application
There are different types of mobile applications and each needs different coding. The two types of mobile applications are Native and cross-platform apps. So, what’s the difference between them?
A native mobile application is specifically built for a particular operating system like Objective C for iOS and Java for Android. Whereas, Cross-platform mobile application is an app developed to work on multiple operating systems.
You don’t have to worry if you have a target audience that is spread across different operating systems, get a cross-platform app to unify them.
Editors’ Tip: Cross-platform mobile application is the best option for any business nowadays when there are multiple operating systems ruling the mobile device industry.
2. Features requirements for an app
Apart from what type of application you want, another factor affecting your prices is the features you need in an application. The complex features needed in an application are equal to the rise in its cost.
Let’s say, if you need a simple application that allows people to browse through the content, it won’t cost that much. But the mobile application with multiple buttons, in-app purchases, and user engagement features will take its price to a higher level.
The reason behind that is the time spent in coding that feature, integration of third-party apps, scrum masters, developers, and the team required to fulfill the project requirements.
Editors’ Tip: Don’t consider costing while finalizing the features instead focus on the customer satisfaction and requirements for the application. It will be worth it!
3. Time Needed
The mobile app development cost also depends on the time needed to complete the development of your mobile application. After you decide on the type of application and features you need, the next factor that affects the cost is the time required to develop it.
The app development is priced based on the hours needed to complete the project and the number of people or teams working on it.
Editors’ Tip: Let’s say your application with medium complexity features needs a team of 5, and 150 hours with a $50 per hour charge on average, the cost of your mobile application will be $37,500. It is just a rough calculation to give you an idea of how the time needed affects the cost.
4. Team Working
The team setup plays another vital role in finalizing the final cost of mobile app development. Generally, mobile app development needs a team of 1 scrum master, 1 Q/A engineer, 2 android developers, 2 iOS developers, and 1 product owner (which will be from your side).
In addition to that, some might need business analysts and UX designers. These two are optional, but we recommend having them for a smooth procedure. Now every profession has different pricing per hour that affects the project cost.
There is no need to focus on bigger teams and quicker results but on better teams and better results. So, if your mobile application requires a business analyst, hire one, and it doesn’t need 4 developers to reduce it.
Editors’ Tip: A business analyst will ensure that the development team is working on the plan you have decided for your mobile application. And make the mobile app development hassle-free for both you and developers.
5. Geographical location
The geographical location also affects the mobile application development cost. Yes, that’s true. The mobile app developers per hour cost will be much higher in the United States than in India.
So, if you want to cut down the cost of mobile app development, you might want to outsource to countries like India, China, or Eastern European countries.
Based on a report from Accelerance.com in 2022, here are the hourly costs for the team members needed to develop an app in different regions:
Editors’ Tip: Pick one of the best mobile app development companies in India, they have the finest developers, scrum masters, and business analysts to cater to your application needs.
6. Mobile Application Maintenance
Development of a mobile application isn’t the end of the process, you have to think about its maintenance. Check whether the company is providing the after-sales service, i.e., will it help you out if a problem arises after the launch of the application.
Normally mobile app development companies do look after everything technical, whether it is working smoothly, are there any bugs, and other necessary things before and after the launch.
Also, if you think the mobile app development cost is only till you get it ready, then you are wrong there my friend. The mobile app maintenance cost per year is nearly 10% to 15% of the original cost.
Editors’ Tip: Maintenance is necessary to run anything smoothly be it website, application, your vehicle. So, don’t hesitate to pay up the mobile app maintenance cost.
See if the foundation is strong, everything made on it will be the strongest only. Hence, keep these factors and our editors’ tips in mind before finalizing the project!
Example of cost of famous mobile applications:
Now that you know all the factors affecting the mobile app development cost, it’s time to check out some live examples of a few top mobile apps. Let’s get going:
-
Tinder
You all might know about the famous dating app Tinder. Since its debut in the market, many other brands have tried to create an app like that. After the launch of Tinder, the phrase swipe right and left started. It raised $485,000 in the seed round after its appearance in 2012.
The basic functionality of the Tinder app is swiping right if you like the person and swiping left if you don’t. Then, if that person likes you too, he/she will swipe right and it creates a match and enables the chat option. Now, let’s see the features of the app:
- Matching functionality,
- GPS location,
- User authorization,
- Push notification,
- User profile creation,
- Communication,
- And 3rd party integration.
The development of a mobile application like Tinder requires 1000 hours and costs start at $70,000.
-
Uber
Uber is a taxi app that allows you to hail a taxi near you and drop you off at your location. With the launch of Uber, transportation has become easier for many of us out there. The UI is easy to understand and we love using it.
But what you don’t know is the complexity of the Uber app. First thing, it has three different applications, one for passengers, one for drivers, and another is a web admin panel. Hence, the cost of an Uber-like app will be thrice as much as a single mobile app.
Uber raised $200 million as seed funding for the implementation of its idea to make transportation easier. Let’s see what are the features we need to integrate for an Uber-like mobile app:
- Geolocating,
- Routing,
- Advanced route to reach the destination,
- Wallet and Payment gateway integration,
- Push notifications,
- SMS notification,
- In-app calling feature,
- User profile,
- And other 3rd-party integrations
The development of a mobile application like Uber requires 1,200 hours and the cost starts at $50,000 for one app.
-
Instagram
Instagram, now owned by Meta, is a well-known social media application. Users have been increasing exponentially since the application’s launch. It is one-stop for all your socializing needs. You can scroll through the videos and learn things, inquire about someone, share images, chat, video call, and much more.
The recent major update was the reels. After the ban of Tik Tok in many regions of the world, Meta decided to add a reels section on Instagram and help people, businesses, and influencers grow. You can shop things from Instagram as well.
This small yet complicated app has unlimited features will try to add as much as possible:
- Push notifications,
- Creating an account and saving passwords,
- Security,
- Image and video sharing,
- Authorization,
- Profile editing,
- Photo and video editing,
- Geolocation,
- Search,
- Messaging and commenting,
- And 3rd-party integrations
The development of mobile applications like Instagram requires nearly 3000 hours (17 months) and the cost starts at $131,200.
Final Words on Mobile App Development Cost
So, these were the factors affecting the mobile app development cost and case studies on the three best mobile applications of all time. Now, you understand why mobile app development costs so much. Don’t worry, and move ahead with the best team and features for your application, it will all be worth it.
If I have missed anything in the article, feel free to comment down and stay tuned to DTechunt for more interesting information on cutting-edge technologies out there!
