How much does mobile app development cost?

The planning phase, which involves accurately describing the business needs (specification creation), is perhaps the most valuable part of mobile app development. Yet, there are misconceptions that this is just unnecessary time-wasting.

The specification articulates business needs, covering aspects such as the precise description of the online purchasing process, integration with other systems, and user management. Without a specification, many ad hoc decisions are made during development, making the process unpredictable.

If the specification is sufficiently detailed, the cost and time required for mobile app development can be estimated more accurately, leading to a more predictable outcome. Preliminary discussions for creating the specification involve key account managers, project managers, consultants, developers, and UX/UI experts from the mobile app development company.

The time (1-2 months) and money (usually 10-15% of the total project cost) invested in creating the specification quickly pay off during the development phase.

For custom mobile app development, costs can vary widely, from a few hundred thousand to tens of millions of forints. The final amount depends on several factors:

The cost varies depending on the complexity and design of the application. SaaS solutions or app builders cater to specific use cases and can cost as little as £1 - £200 per month, but they offer very limited to no customisation. A custom app, if the feature set is simple and the app can be built using a low-code app platform, can cost between £5,000 and £50,000, with the typical amount being £35,000. A custom-built native app with a backend and admin component will cost between £50,000 and £200,000, with a typical project size of £90,000.

Launching a mobile application does not mean that there are no further tasks. The IT environment is constantly changing, whether it’s browsers or card payment systems, not to mention other background systems. Without maintenance, this can cause technological lag within half a year, affecting system operation.

Operational (system administration) and maintenance (support) services are essential for the flawless operation of mobile applications and the continuous development of the business. These services can manage future development and updates of the mobile app, as trends and user needs change, and the target audience will demand new features.

Depending on the expected number of users and traffic, it is worth choosing an infrastructure that can safely handle future growth.

Marketing Costs: Having an app does not mean users will download and use it. Downloads need to be encouraged, which requires a promotional strategy and marketing budget. This includes paid ads, content marketing, email marketing, and influencer collaborations.

App Store Publishing Costs: Completing the app creation is just the start of the mobile app development process, not the end. The next step is to make the app available to users by publishing it in app stores (App Store, Google Play). Access to the apps is through these stores, ensuring security and quality control.

Submitting an app to the Apple App Store or Google Play requires a developer account. A one-time payment of $25 is required to get a developer account for Google Play. The annual fee for the Apple Developer Programme is $99, and the annual fee for the Apple Developer Enterprise Programme is $299. You'll need the latter if you want to develop and deploy proprietary, internal-use apps to your employees, and you want to distribute them privately directly to employees using secure internal systems or through a mobile device management solution. In most cases, the standard App Developer Programme is all you need. There is no specific fee for placing an app on Google Play and the App Store, and you can upload as many apps as you like if you have the accounts described above. However, you will be charged if your app is paid for, or if you offer in-app purchases or subscriptions in your app.

Data Handling: If the app enables video or voice recordings and picture-taking, include cloud-based data storage costs in your budget. The speed of data storage and download can be crucial for some apps, and secure data handling is essential if dealing with confidential information.

The cost of running/maintaining an app depends on the complexity of the app. Standalone apps can cost almost nothing, but real apps with a backend and proper technical support can cost anywhere from a few hundred to £1-2,000. Much of the ongoing cost will also depend on your product roadmap.

Mobile app development services include a wide range of activities such as design, development, testing, and maintenance. Custom mobile app development services are tailored to meet specific business needs, ensuring a unique and optimized user experience.

When choosing a mobile app development company, it's crucial to consider their expertise, portfolio, and client reviews. Leading mobile app development companies often offer comprehensive mobile app development services, including cross-platform solutions and advanced security features.

In today's competitive market, selecting the right mobile app development agency is essential for ensuring the success of your app.