2022 Mobile App Development Trends

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The global mobile app market is on a rising trajectory and will continue to boom in the years to come. According to Statista, global revenues from mobile applications will reach $613 billion before 2025, up from $316 billion in 2020.

With this development and projected growth comes plenty of opportunities for developers to optimize their app development efforts by delivering the best to the end-users. As 2022 unfolds, it’s critical to look at trends that will dominate the app development marketplace.

Why Cast Sight into the Future?

Software development personnel play a central role in driving revenues for their companies. Apps that fulfill a specific need, are unique in fulfilling particular goals, and extend a superior user experience will see the highest levels of adoption and retention. Simply, the more the users, the more the revenues.

You need to understand and adopt the latest trends in mobile app development to ensure your app ticks these boxes of usability, adoption, and retention. The better you translate these app trends into your app, the more users your app can attract.

2022 Mobile App Development Trends

2020 is undoubtedly the year that the more fringe applications will become more mainstream – artificial intelligence, 5G, augmented reality, virtual reality VR, and machine learning will see increased adoption to meet the evolving needs of the modern consumer.

As peoples’ lives become increasingly sophisticated, this complexity extends to how they shop, communicate, and access information. Below, we discuss crucial trends that will define the mobile app marketplace in 2022.

1. 5G Technology

5G technology is on track to becoming the gold standard for mobile communication, even though it’s not presently mainstream. The 5G technology market is poised to reach $620 billion by 2030. And with user-friendly benefits like low latency, faster data transfer, and increased performance speeds, the time for your app to support 5G is now. The 5G technology will change the way we build and use apps, efficiency and speed will substantially improve, and here are a few more things to expect:

  • 5G will be up 100 times faster than 4G
  • Latency will reduce from 50 milliseconds to 1 millisecond
  • With less latency, higher resolution, and superior performance – video apps will improve significantly.
  • Data transfer between devices will be faster and more fulfilling
  • 5G will allow developers to build superior features
  • Mobile payments will be more secure because of the faster processing of biometric data

Overall, 5G will make apps smoother, faster, and more efficient in their operation.

2. IoT and Cloud Technology

Mobile-connected endpoint devices and the internet of things (IoT) technology have been there for years, but their market is projected to grow to $1 trillion by 2023. The biggest drivers behind cloud and IoT adoption are security and increased concerns of business continuity processes. Indeed, with over $120 billion spent on IT security in 2019 alone, it’s easy to see why enterprises are looking for cloud and IoT as alternative security solutions. Cloud and IoT have other benefits including; improved efficiency, operational efficiency, and interoperability.

3. Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology has emerged as a powerful force in protecting and safeguarding information, data, and resources. Blockchain is a digitally distributed and decentralized ledger located across a network. Blockchain is immutable, decentralized, and consensual, which means it can achieve faster settlements with enhanced security.

What makes blockchain a forerunner this year is that there has always been a security concern and misuse of data among app developers. Fortunately, blockchain solves security problems with its powerful characteristics – immutability, decentralization, and distribution.

Blockchain allows enterprises and organizations to create decentralized databases; which means that these databases do not need a company or a service provider to act as a gatekeeper. Blockchain solves a long-standing culture of data bureaucracy by bringing data control to the hands of users.

4. Augmented Reality AR and Virtual Reality VR

Pokémon Go was short-lived but it propelled the adoption of AR in mobile app development. Pokémon Go showed the world that we could use virtual reality to offer an immersive experience to viewers.

Today, there are several scenarios of brands using AR and VR to enhance user experience:

  • L’Oréal make-up app allows users to see their make-ups before purchase
  • IKEA uses augmented reality to let users see how furniture will look in their homes before purchasing
  • Lenskart lets buyers virtually experiment with glasses before purchasing them

This year, we will see AR and VR dominating the mobile app market in ways we can never imagine. The AR and VR market will rise from $25 billion in 2018 to $210 billion in 2022. Brands and businesses are expected to see a spike in VR and AR this year.

5. Artificial Intelligence AI and Machine Learning ML

In efforts to deliver personalized experiences to the end users, AI that utilizes predictive analytics algorithms will be an important element to consider. AI is important for speech recognition, navigation, and natural language processing. In addition, behavioral algorithms can improve security by analyzing user behavior and detecting fraud and information breaches.

6. PWAs and Instant Apps

Progressive web apps PWAs are becoming popular because they bridge the gap left by native web pages and apps. Benefits like faster loading time, reduced dependency on internet connections, and automatic updates make PWAs a darling to both consumers and brands.

In addition, instant apps are gaining popularity because they allow users to test the app before downloading it. While it appears that designing a simple app experience may reduce users’ app loyalty, it appears the opposite is true. Instant apps have a higher conversion rate and different testing requirements than native apps.

7. Mobile Commerce

Years ago, platforms like eBay and Amazon took precedence in the mobile commerce marketplace. But with exciting developments, the e-commerce trend has been phased out and substituted by mobile commerce.

As more shoppers prefer online shopping, retailers are adopting progressive web apps PWA (native apps) to improve user experiences. The mobile commerce marketplace is projected to hit $23 billion by the end of 2022 simply because many B2C and B2B companies have seen an increase in user engagement, revenue growth, and conversion rates after building an app for their business.

8. Wearable App Integration

According to Statista, there will be 1.1 billion wearables by 2022, and the most common connections made using connected wearable devices. Wearable app integration is another way to bring convenience to users, with users receiving updates, notifications, and messages about their health and wellbeing.

According to research, the ability to receive messages and notifications is the highest-ranking function of wearables in the United States. In the wearable market, fitness tracking has seen remarkable growth with the rise in health wellness among the general population. So, wearable app integration is likely to dominate most mobile applications as 2022 unfolds.

9. Beacon Technology

Since its inception in 2013, Beacons are gaining relevance among retailers and wholesalers alike. For consumers, Beacon transmitters connect and transmit data to connected devices, making interaction and location-based searching faster and more accurate. The convenience of mobile apps has accelerated the adoption of Beacon technology, making it a win-win for consumers and retailers. For businesses, beacon technology allows them to understand shopping habits – turning this data into a personalized shopping experience.

NS804 – Spearheading Your Mobile App Transformation

With the Covid-19 pandemic accelerating the need for consumers to move online, there is a new demand to deliver personalized and intuitive user experiences to customers. The 2022 mobile app development trends reflect this trajectory and increasingly focus on user satisfaction. Incorporating these trends in your mobile app roadmap will enable you to succeed now and beyond.

Cost to Develop an Apple Watch App

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Apple Watch sales over the last couple of years have risen to surpass the company’s sales from iPad and Mac. The Apple Watch is eating into the luxury watch market by combining a sense of style with functionality. It’s in functionality that developers can build apps targeting niche Apple Watch users.

When designing an app for the Apple Watch, developers must decide whether it’s a standalone application or one that depends on an iOS version installed on an iPhone.

Development Process of an Apple Watch App

The biggest cost of development is in putting together a team. Normally, you’ll need at least one UI/UX specialist and a programmer to code the core functionalities of the app. These engineers charge at least $100/hour.

The build process can take anywhere between 3-6 months, including the testing phase. This depends on the level of customization needed for the app. The needs of the app determine the technology stack required and the hourly rate the engineers will charge. The costs could vary between $30,000-$150,000. If you do not know about putting a team together, you can approach an agency or software company, such as NS804, to help with the development process. Taking a professional approach guarantees deadlines will be honored and all deliverables are checked.

Once the first version of the app is ready for release, the team will keep working to fix bugs and improve the user experience. App development has taken a continuous improvement approach whereby the team is continually working to add features. The app must also work with newer versions of the Apple Watch OS.

An Apple Watch app can be a great way to let your customers continually interact with your business. A paid app can generate significant revenue from niche users. If you need a partner to help build your app, NS804 can help you write a business case and go through the development process.  

 

How Much Does It Cost To Build An App Like Waze

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Nowadays, many drivers plan their daily routes using apps such as Waze. And it’s easy to see why that is, considering how much it enhances the driving experience. A few of Waze’s features include enhanced Google Assistant integration, lane suggestions, and traffic notifications. All these give drivers an accurate visual representation of their trip, how long it will take, and when they’ll encounter traffic.

If you’re considering a real-time navigation app as your next project, Waze can serve as inspiration. But developing such an app is also complex and costly, which we’ll cover in more detail below.

A Brief History Of Waze

Waze has roots dating back to 2006 as a community project known as FreeMap Israel. The project introduced a free-to-use digital database and map of Israel. And its enthusiastic and growing community of users contributed significantly to its early success. In 2008, Waze was established as a company to commercialize the project.

The company then raised $25 million in 2010 and $35 million in 2011. And after updating the app, it presented users with curated points of interest in real-time. And in 2012, Waze offered advertisers and resellers the opportunity to advertise via a web interface. It also extended this opportunity to news networks in the US and Brazil.

All that hard work and growth did not go unnoticed. In 2013, the GSM Association awarded Waze the Best Overall Mobile App. But the good fortunes of the company didn’t end there. In June 2013, Google acquired Waze for the princely sum of $966 million. 

The acquisition drew attention from the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) due to the similarities between Waze and Google Maps. However, the FTC did not challenge the acquisition, and it went through successfully. 

Key Features Of Waze

What makes Waze stand out is its effective collection and dissemination of crowdsourced information. However, it doesn’t rely solely on the information provided by users but also from the relevant state agencies. 

So what type of information is reported to Waze? Usually, information about construction work and traffic events, likely to hinder travel. In some cases, users may report the locations of traffic monitoring cameras to warn other drivers. Furthermore, registered users may alter map data using the app’s built-in editor. 

But the range of features has grown significantly over the years. It’s possible to choose a navigation app voice from celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, DJ Khaled, and Kevin Darnell Hart, to name a few. Users can also record their voices to serve as navigation prompts. 

Moreover, Waze introduced trip suggestions, lane guidance, and specialized routes. The app isn’t limited to car drivers but also accommodates motorcyclists and those using carpools. 

More importantly, Waze has partnered with popular apps, media networks, and services. Users enjoy additional functionality due to Waze’s integration with the following: 

  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Deezer
  • Google Assistant
  • iHeartRadio
  • NPR One
  • Pandora
  • Scribd
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • TuneIn
  • YouTube Music

Similarities And Differences To Google Maps

Google Maps and Waze are both owned by Google and may seem very similar. But given the strong branding and market positioning of Google Maps, most users will opt for this particular navigation app. However, we need to look at both apps in more detail to appreciate what makes each unique.

  • Advertising: Waze displays banner ads every time drivers come to a stop. These ads tend to distract and not to everyone’s tastes. Alternatively, Google Maps takes a more subtle approach by displaying small square icons on the map of businesses that have paid to advertise. 
  • Data collection: Both apps collect a plethora of data about road conditions and traffic events. But Waze relies on user-submitted information, whereas Google Maps taps into a wider pool of information, including historical data.
  • Navigation: Waze always tries to find the most efficient and quickest route to the destination. Alternatively, Google Maps will suggest the most eco-friendly and safest route instead.
  • Public transportation: Waze caters to drivers and not those using public transport. On the other hand, Google Maps greatly helps public transport users, cyclists, hikers, and pedestrians.
  • Road hazard and traffic notifications: An area where Waze truly shines is notifying drivers about upcoming road hazards and traffic. As long as enough users have reported these incidents, Waze will find the best route around them. However, Google Maps seldom provides a similarly time-saving route.
  • User interface (UI) design: Since both apps are Google products, they have good UI design. Waze has a cartoony appearance with a simple UI since it’s aimed primarily at drivers. Google Map’s UI is a bit more complex as it doesn’t only cater to drivers but also businesses. 

Cost Of Development

It’s possible to start creating a compelling navigation app with several core features and the right development partner, such as NS804. Here’s what features you’ll need to have basic functionality:

  • Authorization and user profile: It’s crucial to allow users to log in via their emails and social media accounts. Thus, it’s necessary to implement an integration pipeline with the Facebook SDK and Twitter Kit, at the very least.
  • Camera functionality: The app must work flawlessly with the cameras and file systems on both Android and iOS. Users will want to take photos of traffic incidents and store them on their devices or share them with other users.
  • Chat and user reviews features: Users will want to chat with other users, leave reviews and ratings about rides, and share road trip information with others on social media. All these features will require backend development to store and retrieve data on a server. Additionally, further social media integrations will be necessary.  
  • Geolocation mapping and navigation: Geolocation determines a user’s location, while navigation allows the user to pick the destination. It’s essential to integrate with Apple Maps (iOS only), Google Maps, and Mapbox Maps SDK to make this work.
  • Voice assistant: It’s potentially dangerous for drivers to look at the navigation map while driving. Therefore, it’s better to offer navigation coordinates by voice with API.AI, Google Cloud API, and Google Maps Directions API.

The cost of a basic navigation app with the above features will range between $40,000 and $60,000 and take four to six weeks to develop. But you’ll likely need additional features such as machine learning (ML), ridesharing, planned driver, Spotify, and ad integrations in the long run. As you add these features, expect development costs to reach $150,000 and beyond.

Development And Maintenance Considerations

Developing and maintaining a navigation app is a massive undertaking. After all, it relies heavily on data collection and sharing relevant data in real-time. And it must allow users to post photos of traffic jams and other road incidents. But it must also integrate with social media and a wide range of apps to increase its functionality. 

Then, to drive further engagement, the app may need gamification features. Waze offers a ranking system, incentivizing users to score points and gain a high position on the scoreboard. Thus, users can compare their level and score with their friends and other Waze users.

Since app development is an ongoing process, it won’t be necessary to roll out all features from day one. But it’s crucial to maintain and update the app at a regular cadence for the best results. As we’ve seen with Waze, it was a project that started life over 15 years ago and then gradually introduced new features and partnerships. 

The Bottom Line

Waze is a prime example of how indispensable and life-changing the navigation app is in people’s lives. It’s not cheap to develop and maintain such an app, but it’s a worthwhile endeavor for developers and appreneurs that see the big picture and how lucrative it can be in the long term. Contact NS804 to find out how we can help you develop phenomenal navigation apps that will empower your users.

Enhancing User Acquisition and Retention Strategies

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There’s no doubt that a central tactic for driving mobile app success is achieving user acquisition, engagement and retention. However, without an effective acquisition and retention strategy that keeps active users around, higher rates of downloads won’t yield any lifetime business value.

Mobile app engagement and retention are two critical metrics that give a clear and accurate insight into the success of any mobile app. Lower app retention and engagement rates are a sure-fire recipe for disaster.

App developers, brands, and enterprises must know that achieving sufficient app engagement and retention is difficult. For instance, Statista reports that only 32% of mobile users will return to a mobile app ten times or more after downloading. What’s even surprising is that a whopping 25% of users will abandon an app after one-time use.

Enhancing user acquisition, engagement and retention leads to an active user group that drives leads and sustains growth. The following tips for increasing user acquisition and retention will help you reduce your app churn rate and help your enterprise see the desired ROI and the results it anticipates from your app investment.

Let’s delve right in!

  1.   Efficient Onboarding

While it may seem simple to welcome users to your app, not all apps kick-start an efficient onboarding process. Therefore, it’s advisable to make your onboarding process as simple and as efficient as possible to initiate user acquisition and retention. The more difficult it is to use an app, the more likely new and existing users will abandon it.

Some of the ways to simplify the user onboarding process include:

  • Cut down the number of steps required to set up a new account — and capture multiple registration platforms (Facebook, Google, Twitter, and others)
  • Educate users throughout the onboarding process to launch the app’s functionality, but don’t overload users instantly.
  • Teach and educate through actions and pointers to show the main gestures in the app’s functionality.

An efficient onboarding process equals faster and easier user acquisition and engagement.

  1.   Track Data Early Enough

To accurately evaluate and measure data and improvements, you need to start tracking your app’s data early enough. Early data collection and tracking will give you what you need to evaluate performance. It will also help you fast-track which features and strategies affect engagement and retention.

  1.   Push Notifications Right Away!

Users who experience personalized brand interaction are reportedly more likely to return to a mobile app for ten or more sessions. To put it simply, if you walk into a retail outlet and you aren’t acknowledged, you’d most likely feel disgruntled. Consider app experience the same way.

An app interaction can be as simple as sending a push notification, thus providing valuable information as users leverage the app. Successful mobile applications use this approach to shape the customer’s journey. They’re strategic and thoughtful in how they access and engage new users. For instance, giving relevant retail deals based on user patterns and geo-location are clever approaches to promoting app retention.

  1.   Offer an Incentive Program

If your business model allows you to offer loyalty or a reward program, it’s vital to capitalize on this opportunity. Not only do reward and loyalty programs incentivize users towards the app, but they also make users feel recognized and part of the brand.

Realize that apps that utilize in-app purchases as a monetization approach, especially the quick router set-up (QRS) applications, offer time-sensitive discounts. However, freemium mobile apps can be incentivized with usage-based discounts instead of monetary benefits.

  1.   In-app Messages

The more disposed your app experience is with your users’ needs and preferences, the more likely users will continue using the product. Brands utilizing in-app messaging to communicate with users will see a retention rate within a month.

In-app notifications denote notifications that don’t demand immediate action or response but are altogether crucial in the customer’s engagement journey. These messages can capture notifications or warnings about version upgrades, app issues, or payment failures. Therefore, remember that not every notification you see is relevant to every user. Fragmenting your audience ensures the information you convey is relevant to their needs and expectations.

Contact NS804 to discover how your app can respond to new user acquisition, engagement and retention needs.

 

The Future of Enterprise Mobile App Development

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Enterprise mobile app is a sophisticated software system designed, deployed, and maintained to deal with routine business operations. The app is developed according to the company’s global strategy and makes certain app functions available on mobile devices to streamline business tasks and enterprise operations.

Enterprise mobile app development focuses on developing apps for employees to address their immediate needs and streamline business processes. Thus, these apps serve their core purpose in making your company’s operations results-oriented and focused. The app performs several other crucial but mundane tasks, including tracking sales, invoicing, and inventory tracking.

The future of enterprise mobile app development is bright. Today, enterprise mobile apps are experiencing an upsurge with the rapid adoption of mobile strategies by companies. Small, medium-sized, and large organizations alike are adopting high-end mobile strategies to optimize offline and online marketplaces.

Organizations are also using mobile applications to manage their employees and routine operations remotely. Enterprise mobile app development has become an integral part of every business – from designing and deploying marketing campaigns to managing routine operations. Mobile apps are further leveraged to engage small communities in social platforms to create brand visibility and strengthen brand value.

So, what indicators mark the future of enterprise mobile app development? Let’s dive right in.

  1.   Transaction control and additional payment features

Transaction control and additional payment features are especially valuable for retailers involved with e-commerce payment systems. Having an enterprise mobile app focused exclusively on money management can help you cut spending and improve your money management. The evolving role of enterprise mobile apps in routine money management tasks has made it a frontrunner in the contemporary business landscape.

  1.   Improved data management

Enterprise mobile apps help enterprises to improve their operations related to data processing, analysis, adjustment, and data verification. Routine data management can have a big difference in the overall business efficiency and can positively improve the bottom line. Mobile applications also record users’ data such as product interaction information (likes, loves, impressions, etc), user attitudes, and comments. This data provides actionable insight and improves business decision-making on different fronts like product design, marketing, pricing, and product positioning.

  1.   Eliminating paperwork and the human factor

Human error is to blame for 90% of the workplace and occupational hazards, can cost money, interrupt workplace productivity and create a loss of time. Knowing the different sources of human error can help you learn how best to prevent them. Enterprise mobile applications reduce the amount of paperwork and automate routine tasks. In addition, these apps enable employees and workers to focus on complex problems and mission-critical enterprise operations.

A New Dawn for Enterprise Mobile App Development

Enterprise mobile applications are doing wonders in the contemporary business domain and across various sectors: manufacturing, retail, finance, telecommunication, and logistics. With automation, transaction control, improved data management, and supply chain control, enterprises cannot help but leverage the revamped capabilities of these apps. In addition, enterprise mobile apps are automating employee onboarding and certification processes, and client support.

With NS804, we guide you through deploying the best-of-class enterprise mobile app that responds accordingly to your business and market needs. NS804 expertise and experience in mobile app development help businesses transcend contemporary operational challenges, including invoicing, customer relationship management, accounting, and enterprise resource planning.

Contact NS804 for time-to-value solutions in enterprise mobile app development.

How Much Does it Cost to Update an App?

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You can never fully say that you have a final version of your business app. You have to constantly seek to improve the user experience. This means releasing updates throughout the year. Nowadays, it’s become the norm to release small and frequent updates instead of waiting a whole year before releasing a major update. It has worked well for businesses. In fact, in the App Store, the 100 best-performing apps in terms of gross revenue release updates every 9 days or fewer, on average. This shows that they never stop working to release features or fix bugs.

Understanding Major and Minor Updates

The version number of an app is crucial in understanding how updates work. A version number has 3 digits normally, for instance, 2.4.6. The first digit on the left represents a major version, the middle digit is a minor version, and the third is a revision. Revisions and minor updates are slight changes that occur frequently. A major update takes longer to occur and represents big changes to the look and feel of the app. They might even be targeted at new users.

The Cost of Updating an App

A business should set aside an annual budget for the maintenance and updating of it’s app. Normally, the amount set aside should be a percentage of the initial cost of building the app. The norm is to allocate 20% of the initial development costs.

The actual amount spent will depend on updates being carried out and the reasons for an app update. For instance, if major bugs are causing loss or revenue, a major update might be due. This will require a bigger budget compared to a slight revision. Here are common reasons for updating an app.

Fixing Security Vulnerabilities

Cybercriminals are constantly searching for security loopholes on apps. If your business has an e-commerce app or any other that has valuable data, you must always stay several steps ahead. This quest to improve security through updates should be an unending quest because your business depends on it. A successful attack can deal your business a deadly blow.

In fact, data security is a major concern for users today. Regulatory authorities are now even stricter than perhaps five years ago on the responsibility of businesses to protect user data. No app is 100% fool-proof. However, it’s possible to monitor evolutions in attacks and constantly update the app to withstand them.

To Fix Bugs

A sudden bug on your app might not cause users to abandon the app. They can forgive it once or twice. However, when a bug stays too long without getting fixed, it builds frustration, leading to abandonment. For high user retention purposes, a business should strive to fix bugs as fast as possible. Big companies such as Facebook and Google do not let glitches in their products linger for more than a few hours. It would hurt their brand too much.

Bugs are inevitable in development. They might be caused by a scalability issue or the release of a new feature. The development team has to always stay on standby to fix these and send a message of competence to users.

Rebranding

A major update to your app will be due if your business is seeking to rebrand. You might even end up changing the name of the app. Updates such as these can be meant to appeal to a new market segment or completely change the attitude of customers to the brand. Rebranding could also be meant to give the app a modern feel. This can be achieved using color, fonts, and other elements of typography. Major rebranding of an app happens, sometimes, after a thorough survey of customers’ thoughts and feelings. User experience does not always depend on functionality. Aesthetics matter too.

Releasing New Features

Updates add new functionalities to apps. For instance, a banking app might release a new feature that allows users to request their bank statement to be sent to their email or pay for utilities straight from their bank balance. New features send a message to the customers that the business is seeking to give them more value for having the app. It instills loyalty.

In fact, businesses sometimes hold some features so they can test and release them gradually to keep up the excitement among users.

Specific Costs of Updating Your App

Each year, your app updates costs will be driven by certain activities. First, you will need to constantly monitor your app analytics. This includes looking at the amount of traffic during the different hours of the day, the traffic sources, usage time, and so on. If a certain feature of the app is showing a lot of activity compared to others, you will want to focus and develop it further. If certain features are leading to bugs or exits from the app, an investigation might be due to fix a bug or improve user experience.

App monitoring is also crucial. This includes studying user feedback on social media and the various stores where an app is published. Some apps have communities where users discuss new features, bugs, and upcoming updates. Such a community is great for building loyalty too.

A business will incur costs in keeping the development team on board. If the app is at the heart of the business’s business model, then the development team is likely to be in house. However, if the app is not the core business, then a third party might have been contracted to build and maintain the app. It’s crucial to keep a good relationship with the development because it makes updates cheaper, faster, and more frequent.

Finally, some of the costs will go to marketing the updates. In fact, updates are a great way for your app to stay top of mind for users. Here are a few ways to market your app updates.

Descriptions

Every update should have a description of the changes or improvements. These notes and descriptions can influence the conversation rates on App Stores. For instance, customers who may have abandoned the app may download it again if an update fixes the bug and confirms the same on the description notes. Descriptions are an important part of app store optimization.

Push Notifications After Update on APP

Push notifications prompt app users to download updates for your app. They can also share information on the benefits of newer versions of your app. Notifications can even prompt users to take a walkthrough of new features which increases usage of new and exciting features on your app. w

Ads

Ads on social media and mainstream media can educate the target audience on new features and benefits of an app. In fact, ads can be accompanied by a rewards campaign to encourage them to download and use the app.

Keeping Users Engaged through Updates

Updating your app is a necessary investment to keep your target users engaged. If your competitors are constantly refreshing and improving their apps, you’ll need to do so to keep up with them as well as the latest technology. Users expect the latest features and integrations on apps. The cost of updating your app each year is likely to be 20% of the initial development costs. This will enable you to release minor revisions and version updates and a major update each year.

If your company needs help in developing, maintaining, and updating your app, check out NS804. We are an app development company that helps businesses build and maximize the utility of their apps. 

Android or iOS Development – Which Costs More?

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A report by Top Design Firm states that almost two-thirds of enterprises that developed a mobile app for less than $30,000 (63%) were exclusively for android applications, compared to 41% of companies that developed IOS apps. Top Design Firms surveyed managers and small businesses to determine the cost of developing both the IOS and android applications. The data shows that it is cost-effective and way cheaper to develop for Android than IOS. In addition, it was cheaper to outsource the app development services than to conduct in-house development.

The exact cost of android or IOS app development varies significantly based on each enterprise location and needs. Dawei Lei who’s the outsourcing director for Aloa.com states that developing for android provides massive cost savings while IOS apps have better inclusion in the App Store.

Below we examine why android and IOS app development costs differ and their respective cost drivers.

IOS Development

Apple’s flagship and iconic mobile operating system has inherent benefits. Granted, due to its reputation in the US and across Europe, your business can leverage returns on investment in these regions. The spending habits of this demographic guarantees a higher ROI.

Premium value

With IOS development, you take a bite of that juicy apple and enjoy a western audience. And while you’ll enjoy the value and thrill of a reputable brand, you’ll also be expected to spend substantially more on this inner circle. IOS apps can be written in Objective-C or Swift which both come at a premium cost. In some cases, IOS mobile app development costs can reach 15% more than their java counterparts.

Top minds

In every mobile app development exercise, skills are a must, together with tight app development requirements and considerable restrictions on what you can or cannot add to the IOS environment. Developers will need specialized software such as XCode. Not only does this app come at a premium, it runs exclusively on Mac. App software is such that if you’re looking to develop for iPhones, you will need another piece of technology to support this addition. So, IOS apps are considered well-crafted by highly skilled specialists.

Skilled but manageable condition

IOS has strict operating conditions but is possible to manage. As a first-time developer, you can face redevelopment costs when carrying out app launches due to errors in the production criteria. Missed production criteria can be due to Apple App Store’s tendency to reject applications deemed unusable or irrelevant. The benefit is that there is a limit to the number of software updates. With IOS irregular updates, it’s possible to gain traction with your creations and develop an app that’s relevant for a long time. Apple tends to reject support for old software, meaning that new apps must respond to the emerging needs of new users – nothing archaic!

Limited customization

IOS can present limitations in terms of how many updates it can support and how many features it can add. IOS can also present issues on the ability to customize an application’s interface. In this case, it’s impossible to apply additional features if they need interaction with third-party software. Ultimately, these unwanted limitations can be beneficial, which can shorten development time considerably.

What will you get with IOS app development?

  • Exploring western and US markets – If your business has a special interest in European and the US markets, IOS apps will be a clear winner here.
  • Monetization based on direct charges – IOS device users statistically spend substantially more than android users. If you’re planning to create a paid app or to monetize your app through in-app purchases – IOS is ultimately the winner. App Store’s revenue is much higher than Google Pay even though Google Play triumphs twice in app downloads.

Android Development

Android is the most popular mobile application and it spans the whole world, in any language. Among its most popular markets in Australia, Africa, and Asia. Android allows you to explore a wealth of opportunities worldwide, with flexibility and convenience in the world’s genuinely affordable OS.

Universally affordable

New mobile applications are developed using Kotlin, with Java still famous for carrying out long-running development projects. However, even long-running projects are migrating to Kotlin as transitions are difficult to undertake. With Kotlin, developers are expected to pay a one-time fee of $25.

Average expertise

Expertise is needed in android-supported applications, but without diving into complex projects. The versatility of working with android is thanks to the wide availability of free-to-use information, which keeps cost to a minimum. Google offers an extensive knowledge base to developers, including interactive materials, practical exercises, and the entire training modules for every level of developer.

Highly flexible

Kotlin and Java are versatile programming languages supported by Linux, Windows, and Mac OS. This allows developers to execute Android apps regardless of their machine’s OS. However, as there is a wide range of Android endpoints in circulation, you can encounter compatibility issues for specific technical functions. For example, apps designed with fingerprint scanners may not be featured in the device of end-users.

It’s important to note that this flexibility presents serious issues to some legacy systems. With Android offering support for software versions ranging back to 2012, your application may need adjustments to work with a long list of problematic software versions. This way, the cost of app development may go up as the need for continuous development arises.

Easy customization

Android extends a world of personalization to programs, thanks to market ubiquity. Android changes are due to the multitude of devices using Android. The drawbacks of this are a diverse set of specifications across multiple handset brands. With different screen sizes from different manufacturers, developers must support a list of consumer segments.

What will you get with android app development?

  • Dominates Africa, Australia, and Asia – Android holders outnumber IOS holders worldwide, heavily dominating in Asia, Africa, and Australia.
  • Monetization is based on advertising – Android users have a lesser will to pay for mobile applications, partly because of overall income levels and payability. If you plan to design a free app and you want to monetize your application by advertising – Android is a solution here.

Android vs. IOS – Final Cost Verdict

While IOS offers a sleek development environment replete with rules of engagement, it has far less customization. Precisely, the skill set required raises development expenditure. However, later development stages can lead to lower expenses in the medium term, as the development environment is less prone to complications.

Android app development presents lower entry barriers, unlimited personalization options, and a wealth of development information. These factors are what keep the costs down especially in the immediate term. Where expenses diverge from the IOS, they can emerge in later development phases, involving re-development and testing to attain its substantial user segment.

Ultimately, both operating systems work out to be effectively the same. Each aspect accounts for the labor and time costs involved in developing the application. When looking to optimize costs, consider outlining your app’s objectives early and budgeting your time well. You may not be able to change your IOS or android app but your approach needs to be more proactive and profitable.

 

Average App Development Cost Per Hour

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The average app development cost per hour will vary depending on location, complexity, and industry. It will also depend on how much of the work goes to an external team and how much the entrepreneur handles by themselves.

Business Analysis

App development begins with a market research process to determine a gap to be filled. A business analysis process will establish the profitability of such an opportunity. This will involve writing down the specific monetization strategy. If an external business analyst is hired, they could charge anywhere between $30 to $60 per hour depending on their experience and location too. Analysts in the biggest cities will charge more due to the higher cost of living there.

The process could take even a month. The output will be a clear definition of the app’s features, a projection of costs, identify project gaps, and develop the metrics for success.

App Developer Costs

The bulk of an app’s costs, however, will go towards paying the development team. Depending on the nature and complexity of the app, coding the user interface and the back-end functionality could take anywhere between one month and six months. The number of hours depends on the app’s core functionalities. For instance, app log-in and sign-on features might be billed as 15 hours. Video streaming, push notifications, product catalogs, maps and navigations, and forms are other examples of features that rack up developer hours.

The development cost can vary significantly depending on the team you decide to work with. Working with a freelancer might be cheaper than working with a full-fledged software development agency. The location of your team also matters. Software engineers in North America earn several times more than developers in Asia, which is a major source of engineering talent today. While software engineers in the USA and Canada earn over $100 an hour, those in Asia average about $25 an hour. In Europe, they earn about $70 an hour.

App Platforms

Your app development costs per hour also depend on the platforms where your app will work. Most apps today, however, have an Android and iOS version. Developers who can develop apps for both environments will charge a higher rate on average. The nature of the app is also quite important. Web apps are cheaper to build than native apps because the latter require use of environment-specific coding languages.

Other App Development Costs

 Besides the developers, you might have other people on board during the development process. A project manager will help track deadlines and act as a liaison between the development team and your business. A project manager in North America earns at least $60 an hour. A UI/UX designer will help review the user friendliness and look of the app. A quality assurance professional can help review the final product against project deliverables. They could charge you $30 to $60 depending on their seniority.

To determine the average app development cost per hour for your app, it’s best to first find out the number of professionals you will need. They will give you an hourly rate and a specific number of hours needed to fulfill their scope of work. Working with a team outside North America might help lower down the average development cost per hour.

 

How Much Does it Cost to Make an App?

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Spoiler: Want to know what your app idea will cost? Use our Mobile App Cost Calculator

The rising internet penetration rates and increasing mobile phone ownership have accelerated the adoption of mobile applications for personal and business reasons. According to trusted sources, the global internet penetration rate is 59.5%, with Northern Europe ranking first with a 97% internet penetration rate. Additional statistics show that the current number of cell phone users is 6.37 billion, meaning that 80.69% of the world’s population owns a mobile phone.

So, with rising phone ownership and internet penetration rates, mobile applications are finding new users on personal and business fronts. For instance, individuals are using applications for communication, networking, and work-related purposes. Mobile applications like Slack and Messenger provide enhanced communication capabilities. While LinkedIn, Indeed, and Zip Recruiter are classic applications to connect with professionals and experts in diverse fields.

Therefore, with these trends, most people, mostly brand managers and enterprises are exploring opportunities for app development. One of the most important questions by individuals and enterprises is how much it costs to make a mobile app.

In this post, we take a long journey in exploring the mobile app development costs. This exploration will help you make informed decisions when choosing your next mobile app developer.

How Much Does It Cost to Create an App?

Many factors influence the cost of a mobile app development project, and depending on the complexity of the app, at $40 per hour, the average cost of mobile app development will be:

  • Simple app development cost – $40,000 to $60,000
  • Average app development cost – $60,000 to $150,000
  • Complex app development cost – $300,000

The cost of developing a mobile app ranges from $10,000 to $150,000 and depends on app complexity. 

App type Estimate cost Time
Simple app development $40,000 – $60,000 2-3 months
Basic app development $60,000 – $150,000 3-6 months
Complex app development From $300,000 9+ months

Therefore, the answer to how much it costs to develop a mobile app can quickly go overboard, depending on the app features and functionalities. Luckily, there are several options to get a rough estimate of your mobile app development project. The most reliable one is to contact an established mobile app developer. But you can also leverage an app cost calculator.

If you send a formal request to a development studio to estimate the typical cost range of custom mobile app development without the terms of reference and proper documentation, the cost will most likely be approximate. In contrast, a cost calculator needs to capture a wide range of mobile app development services and the required time.

The main factors considered in a mobile app development project include:

  • Design complexity and number of supported screens
  • Development process
  • Quality assurance
  • Number of features and functions
  • Feature complexity
  • Database complexity
  • The complexity of third-party configurations
  • Implementation of security protocols such as HIPAA and GDPR
  • Size, level, and expertise of the development team

At NS804, to determine the cost of a mobile app, we follow and adhere to an iterative estimation process. To get a clear idea of the cost of mobile app development, let’s examine the world’s app development statistics.

Mobile App Development Cost Statistics

The world’s mobile app development market determines the popularity of mobile apps and the cost of development. The total number of apps available for free download in the App Store is over 6 million.

Statistics detail the mobile app development market. Below, you can find some vital figures based on different methodologies and different sources.

  • On average, 100,000 new apps are released by Google Play every month, and 30,000 on the Apple App Store.
  • Free mobile applications dominate the mobile app market. The most effective pricing strategy for open-source mobile applications is free and freemium. For instance, free utilities account for 92% of the total applications.
  • The mobile app development market is expected to grow more than 19% by 2026 and the market is expected to reach $407.31 billion by 2026.
  • The mobile app industry revenue reached $580 billion in 2020. If this pattern does not trend, the industry will reach $1 trillion in 2023.
  • People spend approximately 90% of their time on apps. Soon, people will use their phones 4 hours a day, and 90% of this time will be for activity in the applications.

The cost of mobile app development depends on the primary function of the app and the features it encompasses, with several factors influencing the cost of mobile app development. Below we take a look at several factors that affect the pricing of mobile app development.

Factors that affect mobile app development cost

Before developing a mobile application, you need to determine and analyze your business goals and target audience, understand how to develop the app, and choose a coding platform.

The screens, buttons, and other elements make the mobile app engaging, unique, convenient – but each additional piece affects the overall app budget.

Therefore, it’s essential to pre-develop a prototype and think over the functionality to the smallest details. This investigation of functionality in their smallest details influences a range of factors that affect the price.

How much it costs to develop a mobile app depends on three things:

  • Design and structure
  • App complexity levels
  • The platform on which the application will run
  1. The complexity level of the mobile app development

The smaller and simpler the application, the less time you will need to develop it. When it comes to timing the application development, you need to estimate the scale of the upcoming work.

How many features will be integrated with this product? How many buttons, screens, and functions will it have? How complex will the business logic of the application be?

The complexity levels of the mobile app depend wholly on the features and integrations you select and how to get an application approved.

Types of applications and their complexity levels

  • Simple apps. These apps are created without any added benefits. You will only have essential features with low-tech screens and all the necessary user interface UI solutions.
  • Mid-level apps. Have a lot more complicated features and functionalities to offer. You can access integration with the application programming interface API, more screens, and a custom user interface. You also access features like real-time messaging.
  • Complex apps. These are apps with embedded multi functionalities. You can get complicated and advanced features like real-time synchronization. You also access additional capabilities such as media processing, chatbot, UI animation, and many more.

A simple app has the least complexity because it entails only a few features, an example is a calendar app. A middle app has an average level of complexity with a few roles, data use, and API. An example of a middle app is the EHR platform. A complex app consists of many roles and complex technological solutions; an example is a telehealth mobile app.

  1. The complexity of the application design

Progressing on how much it costs to develop a mobile app, we have delved into the app design stage. The design stage is considered an integral part of the app development process. You cannot separate the two in determining the cost of mobile app development. Designing is much more like the development part, only that you add more features and the cost rises dramatically.

Similarly, in design, when you decide to use more features, templates, and functionalities, the cost estimate will be restrictive but more customizations mean more time and higher costs. When examining the complexity of the app design, there are several features to look at:

  • User experience
  • User interface and user visuals
  • Branding
  • UX writing
  1. The platform on which the app will run

By knowing how much it costs to develop a mobile app depending on design and complexity, it’s time to consider the platform. In determining the platform, you need to consider two things:

  • Design hybrid or cross-platform application. Hybrid here means that the application will run on either android or IOS devices. It is helpful to know your target audience and identify the cost of either IOS app or android applications. Cross-platform applications provide the benefit of smooth operation, easy-fit, and can use platform-specific features. This helps create a better experience and lowers the “how much it cost” questions about app development. The cost of developing a native app is cheaper than the hybrid app for obvious reasons; you require double efforts and double human resources to build two apps simultaneously.
  • Develop a native app. The second option is to develop a native app. In contrast to a hybrid app, a native app runs on a single platform: IOS or android. Thus, if you want to build an app for both android or IOS using native frameworks, you will need to hire two development teams. One team creates an Android version and the other an IOS version. Since you will need to hire different teams for different applications, the cost will certainly double.

Hidden App Development Costs

There are some hidden app development costs that you need to know about. Precisely, a few additional costs add to the final quotation of how much it costs to create an effective mobile app:

  • Functional costs. These are fees to third-party integrations. For instance, SMS and push notifications, payment getaways, and geolocations.
  • Administration costs. These costs denote management costs such as content manager salaries and content development costs.
  • Infrastructural costs. These refer to the payment for servers, integrations like Redis and CDN.
  • Support costs. These are additional costs to fix a bug, upgrade or update an application, and make future improvements.

Looking at the details, for example, it costs $75,000 to develop a mobile application. Depending on the load and the number of integrations, it can cost anywhere from $5000 to $20000 per year. Maintaining the application would cost 20% per year of the original app development cost which is $15000. The app marketing costs will range from 50% to 100% per year of the app development costs, that’s $75,000 to $150,000.

What are your options when it comes to mobile app development?

The final point to consider in how much it costs to build a mobile app is the team of technicians you choose. The assumption that the kind of environment one adopts does not matter is an invalid one.

On the contrary, choosing the right team of experts has several advantages. One of them is higher quality projects and lower costs. As a start-up or a mid-level enterprise, the need for a unique product is imperative, but the budget is low.

Therefore, if you want the best bang for your bucks, select the right team. The choice of a team will significantly impact how much it costs to create a mobile. Having the right team will drive down the cost of mobile app development. But the wrong team can be a financial drain, draining your business’s money and your employees’ time.

One tip: Always keep three things in mind when hiring developers for your mobile app solution.

  • Focus exclusively on the product
  • Do not mess up with the design
  • Constant outreach and marketing

Below is a description of each item with more detail and depth.

Option 1 – Hiring a local agency

You can always select a medium-sized enterprise that provides customized mobile app development solutions, including SEO optimization.

  • Cost criteria – To develop the app, the development costs by the local company will be higher. Depending on the nation you are starting your start-up in, the per-hour rates of development for a development team or a local studio range from $150 to $200 per hour per specialist.

There are specific pros and cons to hiring a local development team. There’s no doubt that if you hire a local development team, you can always maintain constant communication. In addition, you will access expert quality and the ability to schedule regular checks and improvements. Lastly, a local development team is responsible and accountable for the project from inception to completion.

To access these specialized services of a local development team, you should be ready to spend $40,000 on average. However, this price quotation is bereft of the edits, maintenance, copywriting, and market analysis. If you run a cost-benefit analysis, you will realize that this option is not worth it. For complicated projects, there’s yet another option.

Option 2 – Building an in-house team

An internal app development team is most suitable for middle-level companies where a full-time IT team can handle the support and development of internal information systems.

  • Cost criteria – If you’re someone who wants full communication, transparency, and a trustworthy solution, hire an in-house development team. However, if you ask how much it costs to develop a mobile app using an in-house development team, the answer is shocking. Here, the cost is even higher than delegating the project to a local development team.

Below is a quick breakdown of the basic costs.

  • Full stack developer – $100,000 per year
  • Designer – $85,000 per year
  • IOS or Android developer – $80,000 per year

However, if the developers work for equity from the onset, the founder could save a significant budget. So, in total, the in-house costs and the maintenance costs are twice as much as hiring a local development agency.

Luckily, one of the benefits of hiring an in-house development team is the constant flow of new ideas. The communication is super smooth, and everyone in the team will be fully engaged and dedicated. With this solution, however, all costs come to your shoulders. Quality, responsibility, budget, and employee welfare are in your hands. With this solution, you are looking up at an extra cost for mobile app development.

Should you go with this option? Well, as a start-up, hiring a team also means finding space to accommodate them. If not, you may want to save up some space for the server and other critical IT infrastructure. So, if you don’t want to get a shocking answer to how much an in-house team can cost, it’s better to consider yet another option.

Option 3 – Work with freelancer developers

If you quickly want to test a hypothesis or try out a small project, work with freelancers. If you choose to work with freelancers, you will need more time to communicate with project managers and contractors.

  • Cost criteria. There are two ways you can get ahead with freelancers. First, you can hire them on a contractual basis, and secondly, you can hire them on an hourly basis. In addition, there are plenty of platforms to find freelancers. Websites like People Per Hour, Freelancer, Upwork, and Fiverr are a few examples.

The hourly rate of a freelancer again depends on which country you are hiring your expert in.

  • United States – $50 per hour
  • Asia – $25 per hour
  • Ukraine – $25 per hour
  • Latin America – $20 per hour

These are the starting rates, and they can hike depending on the experience and expertise of specific freelancers.

Just like other options, there are pros and cons to working with freelancer developers. Hiring a freelancer is not a problem. However, ensuring that the freelancer helps you from the project concept initiation to product completion, and adheres to your specifications can be a problem.

So, we cannot advise going the freelancing way unless and until you have the energy and time to monitor the freelancers continually.

Option 4 – Outsourcing app development

If you have a complex and large-scale project with multiple stages and you’re ready to spend money on the app, it’s easier and more efficient to outsource the mobile app development by outsourcing a mobile app development company.

  • Cost criteria. Countries like Ukraine, Japan, China, and other Asian destinations provide adept design and development teams. These nations ensure a high-quality project and creativity. It boils down to the cost of mobile app development that differs from one country to another. In Ukraine, for example, you will get a local development agency for as low as $30/hour. No freelancers or app development companies charge exorbitant or predatory pricing for app development.

 

There are also pros and cons to outsourcing mobile app development. Outsourcing is a classic option to build a minimum viable product MVP for yourself or your start-up at reasonable prices and with minimal risks. Getting your hands on an excellent agency from another country will earn you a multitude of benefits:

  • Cost-effectiveness
  • High quality
  • Break-free communication
  • Adherence to operating guidelines and compliance requirements
  • No hiccups or fuss
  • Responsible team
  • Accountability
  • Timely delivery

So, besides the low mobile app development cost, you are also getting access to an innovative, functional product.

Should you go for the outsourcing option? Yes, absolutely! Outsourcing app development to a trusted agency will reduce the mobile app development costs. However, before choosing a trusted agency, make sure you leave no stone unturned. Check everything and talk to the app development team. Make sure to check their case studies, past experiences, and references.

In general, the cost of outsourcing a mobile app development project can vary from $30,000 to $50,000. As mentioned above, it all depends on the minimum viable product, operating system, type of app, tools, software, UI/UX design, and applicable features.

What to consider in your mobile app development?

When it comes to mobile app development, you have to consider and analyze several things, including.

  • Project management. Determine the project manager who can design and knit together different stages of the project lifecycle.
  • Business analysis. Analyze your business goals and tie them together in the project development process.
  • Development process. You need to examine the development process from backend to frontend.
  • UX/UI design. Provide an intuitive and interactive user interface to enhance the app’s user experience.
  • App testing. App testing is a critical part of the app development process. After testing, you can identify opportunities to optimize your development process.
  • Deployment. It’s crucial to determine how the app will be deployed, and the necessary deployment requirements and evaluation procedures.
  • App maintenance. The app has to be maintained regularly to detect any upcoming technical issues and adjust to emerging or growing market dynamics.

NS804 – Your Number One Mobile App Developer

NS804 is a trusted mobile app developer with years of experience in mobile (IOS and Android) app development. NS804 ensures that you get the best from your mobile app development, with a customized cost calculator and unmatched expertise in product development.

Contact NS804 to know how much it costs to create your mobile app.

Understanding App Development Cost in 2021 [Full Guide]

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How much does it cost to develop an app from scratch? Perhaps this is the first question that application brands and app ambassadors ask when launching an app development project. Indeed, the app development cost sits at the very bottom of any mobile application development project. Quite often, a business owner finds himself asking this question – how much does it cost to create an app myself, and how much does it cost to hire a professional agency.

Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages. So, to cast an eye on how each impacts an app development costs, let’s review the two.

After several years, an app development agency or company develops industry experience on mobile app development for multiple platforms. This industry experience enables them to overcome several bottlenecks especially when app projects become sophisticated, involving machine learning, artificial intelligence, the internet of things IoT – and other advanced mobile technologies.

Being smart, app development enterprises learn from the mistakes that occur in mobile app development projects. Working with such an experienced team saves you a lot of time and protects you from repeating the same mistakes. In addition, app development is a multi-stage process involving careful planning and an appropriate timeline.

If you choose to design your app in-house, you cut on the app development cost, at least initially. However, in the long-term, going through a bug fixing caused by a lack of experience may lead to costs amounting to the price tag of an app development agency. Therefore, in-house app development is less costly in the short term but costly in the long term. This is due to the lack of specialty and experience by in-house development teams.

How Much Does It Cost to Create an App?

Well, how much precisely may an app development project cost you? The typical price of designing an application of good quality ranges from $60,000 to $300,000 per platform. Without a doubt, factors like app number, app type, functionality, complexity, and app design drive developers to influence the app price, sometimes to $40 per hour.

  • Simple app development costs. The simple app starts from $60,000 for each platform (e.g. Camera, calculators, photos etc.)
  • Basic app price. The basic app starts from $50,000 to $100,000 per platform (e.g. MacDonald’s Loyalty)
  • Complex, multi-feature app type. The complex app starts from $200,000 (e.g. Uber, Facebook, Instagram).

The app development timelines range from 2-4 months for a simple app, 4-6 months for an app with a basic feature set, and 9-months for a complex app which is considered an ongoing project of immense complexity. Luckily, our software development firm provides an app development calculator that gives you several options to select from and provides a cost estimate of your app.

Benefits of the App Cost Calculator

With our calculator, you will be able to:

  • Effectively track and manage your app development budget
  • Reduce app costs by providing a detailed cost breakdown
  • Pay attention to mobile app cost drivers upfront

Benchmarks of App Development Costs

It makes much sense to launch a mobile app these days because a majority of the population uses apps for their day-to-day activities. Statistics show that 90% of the time on mobile is spent on apps. Messaging and social apps consume 12% of time spent on mobile, YouTube takes 3% of our time on mobile phones, and entertainment apps take approximately 17% of our time. Additionally, gaming is accountable for 15% and utilities 8% of the time spent on mobile.

The most reliable and accurate app development studies provided the following breakdown and quotations of app development costs and their respective timelines:

  • The median app development cost is around $170,400 (at a rate of $150/hour), representing 1145 development hours. According to the 2015 Clutch Survey, this margin could even increase to $727,150 in case of complex app functionality implementation.
  • The average minimum app development project is between $5000 and $10,000. But the typical cost of an app is likely to be higher than this according to a 2017 Clutch Survey.
  • The enterprise mobile app development cost is an average of $150,000 based on the VDC 2017 research.
  • The available app cost calculators quote an average of $267,000 to $350,000 for sophisticated, multi-feature apps.
  • Looking at the app development timeline, 80% of apps take 3+ months to develop; 40% of apps are built-in 6+ months according to the Outsystems Survey.

App Development Cost Drivers

Essentially, your app idea, combined with your functional and business necessities, influences your app development costs. However, the most influential factors that determine the final cost of your app include:

  • Vendor type
  • Vendor location
  • Complexity and number of basic app features
  • Back-end infrastructure and any interconnected application interface APIs
  • The complexity of UI/UX design
  • Inclusion of extra branded visual elements
  • Development approach (mobile web, native, hybrid, etc).
  • The number of platforms to be created or developed (web, android, iOS).

How Much It Cost to Build an App in 2021? The Question Remains

Our question is still open: how much does it cost to create an app in 2021? The key finding shows that the cost of an average app ranges from just $10,000 to $400,000 based on up-to-date industry surveys. Our team has also created a detailed investigation on the cost of app development that lists estimates based on design complexity, widely used app features, and software development stages.

Therefore, our findings support the initial finding regarding the cost of developing an app in 2021. An application with a core set of features costs upwards of $60,000, while a sophisticated app development project costs approximately $300,000. The breakdown below provides a range of costs and timelines for app development.

  • Basic app. A basic app with a core feature set and one platform costs between $60,000 and $150,000 with a development timeline of 2-5 months.
  • Full product. A full product app with a basic feature set, a complex design, and one operating platform costs from $150,000 to $300,000; and has a design timeline of 5-10 months.
  • Large apps. A large app with a complex design, integrated support, and development and features more than one platform (android, web, or iOS) costs from $250,000 and takes a timeframe of 9+ months ongoing.

How is an App Development Cost Estimated?

The main app cost driver is the feature. A feature is a special task or activity which an app should perform and give the expected results. The feature can be a sign-up button on the screen or a more sophisticated aspect like music synchronization or video-streaming integration. The number of features and the complexity of design and implementation directly determine the cost of app development. Thus, the formula used to calculate the cost of an app is provided below:

Total Development Time × Hourly Rate = Cost

Before the app development project begins, the software developers usually provide you with a rough mobile app development estimate. This initial quotation is based on the project description, technical specifications, and business requirements. Finally, this information is collected, compiled, and concluded in a preliminary list of product features.

Usually, companies usually estimate your app development cost using primary drivers:

  • Concepts. This represent a sum of features to be accomplished
  • Stories. List all the features necessary to make a particular concept
  • Story points. Show the app development’s complexity and pace

So, are you ready to start your app development project? Do not worry, contact NS804 for any inquiries and get a free quotation and additional product details about your next app development project.