How Much Does It Cost to Make an App in 2024?

Creating a custom mobile app entails careful consideration of several factors. When it comes to custom app pricing, many factors come into play, including the complexity of features and design, the type of app, integrations, and platforms, among others. In this article, we will guide you through the different factors that affect the cost of developing a custom app and provide useful tips on how to choose the right app development partner.

Application Development Costs In Each Phase

Understanding the different phases of mobile app development is crucial not just for budgeting but also for proper resource allocation and planning. Here's a breakdown of the key stages:

Business Analysis and Research

Average Estimate: $5,000 - $25,000

The initial phase of app development involves thorough business analysis and research. This stage is critical for defining the app's purpose, identifying the target audience, and conducting comprehensive market research. 

Understanding user needs and market trends lays the foundation for the entire project, ensuring that development efforts are aligned with business goals and user expectations. Clear objectives established during this phase guide subsequent decisions in design, development, and marketing strategies, ultimately contributing to the app's success.

UX/UI Stage

Average Estimate: $5,000 - $50,000

During the UX/UI stage, the focus shifts to creating a user-friendly and visually appealing interface. User experience (UX) design emphasizes ease of navigation, intuitive interactions, and seamless flow throughout the app. 

User interface (UI) design complements UX by enhancing aesthetics, incorporating branding elements, and ensuring consistency across different screens and devices. Iterative prototyping and user testing refine design concepts, aiming to optimize user satisfaction and engagement. Well-executed UX/UI design not only enhances usability but also contributes significantly to user adoption and retention rates.

App Development

Average Estimate: $5,000 - $75,000

App development is the phase where conceptual designs and planned functionalities are transformed into fully functional applications. This stage involves writing code, integrating backend systems, implementing features, and ensuring compatibility across various platforms and devices.

Development methodologies such as Agile or Scrum facilitate iterative development cycles, allowing for flexibility in adapting to changing requirements and addressing technical challenges. Collaboration between developers, designers, and stakeholders is crucial to maintaining project timelines and delivering a high-quality app that meets user expectations.

Testing and Deployment

Average Estimate: $5,000 - $10,000

Testing and deployment ensure that the app meets quality standards and is ready for release. Rigorous testing processes, including functional testing, usability testing, performance testing, and security testing, identify and address any bugs or issues that could affect user experience or app performance. 

Beta testing with a select group of users provides valuable feedback for further improvements. Once testing is complete and any issues resolved, the app is prepared for deployment to app stores or enterprise distribution channels, following guidelines and procedures specific to each platform.

Support and Maintenance

Average Estimate: $120 - $2,500 (varies on app)

The support and maintenance phase involves ongoing efforts to ensure the app's continued functionality, security, and performance. Regular updates address bug fixes, compatibility issues with new OS versions, and enhancements based on user feedback or market trends. 

Monitoring analytics and user behavior helps identify areas for improvement and opportunities for feature expansion. Proactive maintenance efforts not only sustain user satisfaction and retention but also uphold the app's relevance in a competitive market landscape, contributing to long-term success and profitability.

What Factors Determine The Final Cost?

The Operating System

iOS

Cost Considerations: Developing for iOS can be slightly more expensive due to Apple's stricter development guidelines, high-quality standards, and rigorous approval process. The need for high-quality design and adherence to Apple's Human Interface Guidelines often requires more time and specialized expertise.

Advantages: iOS users tend to have higher in-app purchase rates, spend more on apps, and exhibit higher brand loyalty, which can translate into higher revenue for apps targeting this platform.

Disadvantages: The stringent App Store review process, higher development costs, limited customization options, device optimization requirements, and an annual developer fee can pose challenges for iOS app development.

Android

Cost Considerations: Android development can be more affordable due to a larger pool of developers and a more flexible development environment. However, the wide variety of devices and screen sizes can increase testing and optimization efforts, potentially balancing out the initial cost advantage.

Advantages: Android has a larger global market share, offering a wider reach, especially in emerging markets. This can be advantageous for apps aiming for a broad user base.

Disadvantages: Android's diversity in devices and screen sizes necessitates extensive testing and optimization efforts, potentially offsetting the initial affordability advantage of development.

The Type of App

Native Apps: Built specifically for a particular operating system (iOS or Android) using platform-specific programming languages (Swift/Objective-C for iOS and Java/Kotlin for Android).

• Implications: Native apps offer the best performance, seamless user experience, and full access to device features. However, they are the most expensive to develop due to the need for distinct codebases for each platform.
• Advantages/Disadvantages: Superior performance and user experience, but higher development and maintenance costs.
• Approximate Price: The most expensive option due to the need for separate development efforts for each platform.

Hybrid Apps: Combine native and web technologies (e.g., HTML5, CSS, JavaScript) and are typically built using frameworks like React Native or Flutter.

• Implications: Hybrid apps provide a balance between functionality and development speed, allowing for code reuse across platforms while still accessing some native features.
• Advantages/Disadvantages: Reduced development time and costs compared to native apps, but potentially lower performance and limited access to some platform-specific features.
• Approximate Price: Mid-range cost as they leverage a single codebase for multiple platforms.

Web Apps: Run entirely within a web browser and are built using standard web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript). They do not require app store approval.

• Implications: Web apps are the most affordable to develop and maintain but may have limitations in functionality and performance compared to native and hybrid apps.
• Advantages/Disadvantages: Easiest to maintain and deploy across platforms, but may not offer the same level of user experience or access to device features as native or hybrid apps.
• Approximate Price: The least expensive option due to the simplicity and ease of development.

Overall Considerations:

• Complexity and Features: More complex apps with advanced features, such as integration with third-party services, advanced security measures, or real-time updates, will increase development costs.
• Design and User Experience: High-quality, custom app designs and a focus on user experience can add to the cost but are crucial for user engagement and satisfaction.
• Maintenance and Updates: Ongoing maintenance, updates, and app testing are essential for any app and contribute to its total cost of ownership over time.

Average Development Costs by App Type: 6 Examples

The cost of building a custom mobile app can vary widely, ranging from $10,000 to over $400,000.

One of the key factors influencing the final price is the type of application being developed. Below is a list of some of the most popular types of apps and their average development costs:

1. Basic Startup Apps

Basic startup apps serve as the foundation for new businesses and entrepreneurs to establish a digital presence. These simple apps typically focus on essential functionalities, such as information display and basic user interaction, enabling startups to validate their ideas and gather initial user feedback without significant investment. They are often the starting point for more complex applications as the business grows.

Typical Features:

Information Display:

• Static or dynamic content presentation, such as business information, product descriptions, and news updates.
• User-friendly interfaces for easy navigation and readability.

Basic User Interaction:

• Simple forms of engagement like contact forms, feedback forms, or clickable buttons and links.
• Basic interactive elements such as likes, shares, or basic comment sections.

Authentication:

• Basic user authentication and registration processes.
• Login via email/password and potentially social media accounts.

Push Notifications:

• Simple push notification systems to keep users informed about updates or promotions.
• Personalized notifications based on user preferences or behaviors.

Minimal Design:

• Clean, user-friendly interface focusing on essential navigation elements.
• Consistent design patterns to ensure a smooth user experience.

App Idea Examples:

• Simple Catalog Apps: Displaying products or services without complex e-commerce functionalities.
• Content Aggregation Apps: Providing users with curated news, articles, or blog posts.
• Event Listing Apps: Showcasing events, schedules, and related details.
• Contact/Directory Apps: Offering contact information for businesses or professionals.

Application Development Cost Considerations:

• UI/UX Design
• Wireframing and Prototyping
• Front-End Development
• Back-End Development
• Manual and Automated Testing 
• App Store Submission
• Marketing and Promotion 

Average Cost Breakdown: $25,000 - $50,000

2. Gaming Apps 

Gaming apps span a wide spectrum, from simple casual games to complex, high-graphics, multiplayer online games (MMOs). The development process varies significantly depending on the game's complexity, required graphics, interactivity, and platform choice. Consequently, the costs can range widely, reflecting the diverse nature of gaming apps.

Typical Features:

Simple Casual Games: (Puzzle games, endless runners, and arcade games)

• Basic games with simple mechanics, designed for quick play sessions.
• Basic graphics, straightforward gameplay mechanics, minimal backend infrastructure.

Mid-Level Games: (Strategy games, card games, and mid-level RPGs)

• Games with more advanced mechanics and improved graphics, possibly including in-app purchases or ads.
• Enhanced graphics, engaging gameplay mechanics, user accounts, and possibly a backend for in-app purchases and ads.

Complex Games and MMOs: (First-person shooters, massive multiplayer online games, and high-graphic RPGs)

• High-end games with advanced graphics, rich storylines, and multiplayer capabilities.
• Advanced 3D graphics, real-time multiplayer capabilities, complex game logic, and robust backend infrastructure for player data management and matchmaking.

Key Features:

Graphics and Animation:

• Visual elements ranging from simple 2D sprites to intricate 3D models and animations.
• Integration of game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, character and environment design, and animation.

Gameplay Mechanics:

• Core rules and interactions that define the game experience.
• Physics engines, AI for non-player characters, level design, and user interaction.

Sound and Music:

• Background music, sound effects, and voiceovers that enhance the gaming experience.
• Custom soundtracks, sound effect libraries, and voice acting.

Multiplayer Functionality:

• Features enabling multiple players to interact within the game.
• Real-time networking, matchmaking systems, and communication tools like chat and voice.

User Profiles and Progress Saving:

• Allows users to create profiles, save progress, and customize their experience.
• Cloud saving, user authentication, and profile management.

In-App Purchases and Monetization:

• Mechanisms for generating revenue through in-game purchases, ads, or subscriptions.
• Integration with payment gateways, ad networks, and virtual currency systems.

Leaderboards and Achievements:

• Competitive elements to enhance player engagement.
• Global and friend leaderboards, achievement tracking, and reward systems.

Analytics and Reporting:

• Tools to track player behavior, game performance, and other key metrics.
• Integration with analytics platforms, custom reporting tools, and dashboards.

Application Development Cost Considerations:

• UI/UX Design
• Wireframing and Prototyping
• Front-End Development 
• Back-End Development
• API Integrations
• 2D/3D Art and Animation
• Manual and Automated Testing
• App Store Submission
• Marketing and Promotion
• Maintenance and Updates

Average Cost Breakdown: $10,000 - $600,000 (varies depending on game type)

3. Augmented Reality (AR) Apps 

Augmented Reality (AR) apps enhance the real-world environment by overlaying digital information onto physical objects using smartphones, tablets, or AR glasses. These apps are increasingly popular across various industries for applications ranging from retail and gaming to education and enterprise solutions. Developing AR apps involves complex integrations, sophisticated graphics, security measures, and custom workflows to meet specific business needs.

Typical Features:

AR Integration:

• Utilizes device cameras and sensors to overlay digital content in the real world.
• AR SDKs (e.g., ARKit for iOS, ARCore for Android), advanced image and object recognition, and 3D model rendering.

User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Design:

• Intuitive and engaging interfaces that ensure seamless interaction between the user and the AR content.
• Custom UI elements, interactive designs, and user-friendly navigation.

3D Modeling and Animation:

• High-quality 3D models and animations that interact with the real-world environment.
• 3D design tools, expertise in animation, and optimization for mobile performance.

Real-Time Data Processing:

• Immediate processing of visual data to provide a responsive AR experience.
• Efficient algorithms for real-time tracking and rendering, low-latency data processing.

Integration with Backend Systems:

• Connects AR applications to existing business systems for data synchronization and workflow automation.
• API development, database integration, and secure data transfer protocols.

Security Measures:

• Ensures the protection of sensitive business data and user privacy.
• Data encryption, secure user authentication, and compliance with industry standards (e.g., GDPR).

Custom Workflows:

• Tailored functionalities to meet specific business needs, such as training simulations, remote assistance, or inventory management.
  
  
• Workflow automation tools, integration with enterprise software (e.g., ERP, CRM), and custom feature development.

Testing and Quality Assurance:

• Comprehensive testing to ensure functionality, performance, and user experience.
• Manual and automated testing, usability testing, and performance optimization.

App Idea Examples:

• Virtual Interior Design: Using AR, users can visualize furniture, decorations, and paint colors in their homes in real-time. This can help them make informed decisions before purchasing items.
  
  
• Interactive Educational Tools: Create AR apps that overlay educational content, such as 3D models of planets, historical artifacts, or biological organisms, onto the real world. This makes learning more engaging and interactive.
  
  
• AR Navigation: Build an app that uses AR to provide real-time directions and information about surroundings as users navigate unfamiliar places. This could include highlighting points of interest or displaying helpful tips.
  
  
• Virtual Try-On for Fashion: Enable users to virtually try on clothes, shoes, and accessories using AR. This helps online shoppers visualize how items will look and fit before making a purchase.
  
  
• AR Gaming: Create immersive AR games in which users interact with virtual characters or objects overlayed onto their physical environment. These games can range from scavenger hunts to complex multiplayer experiences.

Application Development Cost Considerations:

• UI/UX Design
• Wireframing and Prototyping
• Front-End Development
• Back-End Development
• API Integrations
• AR Integration and 3D Modeling
• Manual and Automated Testing
• App Store Submission
• Marketing and Promotion
• Maintenance and Updates

Average Cost Breakdown: $50,000 - $300,000 (This varies depending on the app’s complexity)

4. Social Media Apps

Social media apps are platforms that facilitate user interaction, content sharing, and community building. Apps like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat enable users to create profiles, connect with others, share media, and communicate in real-time. Given the complexity and feature set, developing a social media app can be a significant investment, but it offers substantial potential for user engagement and monetization.

Typical Features:

User Profiles:

• Allow users to create and customize their profiles with personal information, photos, and activity feeds.
• Easy-to-use interface for profile creation and management, privacy settings, and security features.

Social Interactions:

• Features such as likes, comments, and shares enable user engagement and interaction with content.
• Real-time updates, notifications, and the ability to moderate interactions to maintain a positive community.

Content Sharing:

• Users can post various types of content, including text updates, photos, videos, and links.
• Robust media handling capabilities, editing tools, and content discovery features like hashtags and trending topics.

Real-Time Messaging:

• Instant messaging capabilities, including text, voice, and video chat.
• Secure and reliable messaging infrastructure, group chats, and multimedia support.

News Feed:

• A personalized feed displaying content from friends, followed pages, or groups.
• Algorithms for personalized content delivery, ability to sort and filter content, and engagement tracking.

Notifications:

• Real-time alerts for activities such as likes, comments, messages, and friend requests.
• Customizable notification settings, push notifications, and in-app alerts.

Privacy and Security:

• Robust settings to control profile visibility, data privacy, and user security.
• Data encryption, secure authentication methods, and compliance with privacy laws and regulations.

Search and Discovery:

• Tools to search for other users, hashtags, topics, and content.
• Advanced search algorithms, filtering options, and discovery features to enhance user engagement.

Analytics and Insights:

• Metrics for users and admins to track engagement and content performance.
• Integration with analytics platforms, custom reporting tools, and easy-to-read dashboards.

Advertisement Integration:

• Support for various ad formats, targeting, and analytics for revenue generation.
• Ad management tools, integration with ad networks, and performance tracking.

Application Development Cost Considerations:

• UI/UX Design
• Wireframing and Prototyping
• Front-End Development
• Back-End Development
• API Integrations
• Manual and Automated Testing
• App Store Submission
• Marketing and Promotion
• Maintenance and Updates

Average Cost Breakdown: $50,000 - $300,000

5. E-Commerce Apps 

Building an e-commerce platform from scratch is a comprehensive and complex task that involves numerous components to ensure a seamless shopping experience for users. These apps must support a variety of features, such as product listings, shopping carts, payment gateways, and user profiles, while also being scalable, secure, and user-friendly.

Typical Features:

Product Listings:

• Detailed pages showcasing products with images, descriptions, prices, reviews, and ratings.
• A user-friendly interface for browsing and searching products, categorization, and filtering options.

Shopping Carts:

• Allows users to add products to a virtual cart, view selected items, and proceed to checkout.
• Real-time updates saved carts for logged-in users and the ability to apply discount codes or promotions.

Payment Gateways:

• Secure processing of payments through various methods like credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers.
• Integration with multiple payment providers (e.g., PayPal, Stripe), PCI compliance, and fraud detection mechanisms.

User Profiles:

• User accounts with personal information, order history, saved addresses, and payment methods.
• Secure login and authentication, account management, and personalized recommendations based on user behavior.

Order Management:

• Backend functionality for tracking orders, managing inventory, and processing returns or exchanges.
• Real-time order tracking, automated email/SMS notifications, and an admin dashboard for managing orders.

Reviews and Ratings:

• Features that allow customers to leave feedback on products and services.
• Moderation tools, user verification, and the ability to respond to reviews.

Push Notifications:

• Alerts for users about order status, promotions, and new product arrivals.
• Personalized notifications based on user preferences and behavior.

Search Functionality:

• Advanced search options to help users find products quickly.
• Filters, sort options, auto-suggestions, and voice search capabilities.

Security Features:

• Measures to protect user data and transactions.
• Data encryption, SSL certificates, two-factor authentication, and regular security audits.

Analytics and Reporting:

• Tools for tracking sales, user behavior, and other key metrics.
• Integration with analytics platforms like Google Analytics, custom reporting tools, and dashboard views for easy access to data.

App Idea Examples:

• Subscription Box Service: Offers curated subscription boxes for various interests (beauty, snacks, books, etc.).
• Product Discovery: Uses AI and machine learning to suggest new and trending products. This app design includes features like daily deals, flash sales, and personalized recommendations.
• Local Shopping: Connects users with local businesses and shops. Offers features like same-day delivery or in-store pickup.

• Auction Platform: This app allows users to bid on products in real-time auctions. Its design includes features for setting reserve prices, buy-it-now options, and auction timers.
• Grocery Delivery: Focuses on delivering groceries and household essentials. Provides features like recipe suggestions, meal planning, and recurring orders.
• Customizable Products: Offers products that can be customized by the user (e.g., personalized jewelry, custom t-shirts, etc.) Includes a design tool to visualize the final product before purchase.

Application Development Cost Considerations:

• UI/UX Design
• Wireframing and Prototyping
• Front-End Development
• Back-End Development
• API Integrations
• Manual and Automated Testing
• App Store Submission
• Marketing and Promotion
• Maintenance and Updates

Average Cost Breakdown: $60,000 - $300,000

6. On-Demand Service Apps

On-demand service apps have revolutionized various industries by providing users with immediate access to services like ride-sharing (Uber), food delivery (Grubhub), and home services (Thumbtack). These apps require sophisticated features such as GPS integration, payment processing, real-time updates, and user-friendly interfaces to ensure seamless and efficient service delivery.

Typical Features:

GPS and Location Tracking:

• Essential for services like ride-sharing and food delivery, where real-time location tracking is crucial.
• Integration with GPS services, real-time tracking, location-based service matching, and route optimization.

User Profiles:

• Allows users to create accounts with personal information, service preferences, and payment details.
• Secure login and authentication, profile management, and service history tracking.

Service Listings:

• Display available services with details such as descriptions, pricing, and provider information.
• User-friendly interface for browsing and selecting services, detailed service descriptions, and filtering options.

Booking and Scheduling:

• Enables users to book services for immediate or future use.
• Real-time availability checking, scheduling, and booking confirmation notifications.

Payment Integration:

• Secure processing of payments through various methods such as credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers.
• Integration with multiple payment gateways (e.g., Stripe, PayPal), PCI compliance, and secure transaction processing.

Real-Time Updates and Notifications:

• Keeps users informed about their service status through real-time updates and notifications.
• Push notifications, SMS alerts, and in-app notifications for status changes, estimated arrival times, and service completion.

Rating and Reviews:

• Allows users to leave feedback on services and providers.
• Rating and review system, moderation tools, and response capabilities for service providers.

In-App Chat and Support:

• Provides users with the ability to communicate with service providers or customer support.
• Secure messaging, support ticketing system, and real-time chat functionality.

Admin Dashboard:

• Backend interface for administrators to manage services, providers, and users.
• Comprehensive dashboard for monitoring service activities, managing user accounts, processing payments, and handling disputes.

Analytics and Reporting:

• Tools for tracking service usage, user behavior, and other key metrics.
• Integration with analytics platforms, custom reporting tools, and dashboard views for easy access to data.

Application Development Cost Considerations:

• UI/UX Design
• Wireframing and Prototyping
• Front-End Development
• Back-End Development
• API Integrations
• Manual and Automated Testing
• App Store Submission
• Marketing and Promotion
• Maintenance and Updates

Average Cost Breakdown: $80,000 - $400,000

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Developer?

Hiring a developer can be a significant investment, whether you opt for an in-house team or outsource to a freelance developer or agency. 

In-house app developers offer the advantage of full-time commitment and closer integration with the company's operations but come with added expenses such as salaries, benefits, and overhead costs. 

Salaries for developers vary widely based on factors like experience level, hourly rate, and geographic location. In the United States, for example, junior developers might command salaries starting around $50,000 annually, while more experienced or specialized developers can earn upwards of $150,000 per year or more in tech hubs like Silicon Valley. 

These costs can escalate further when considering additional expenses such as health benefits, retirement plans, and other incentives needed to attract and retain top talent. 

For businesses looking to minimize costs or seeking specialized expertise, outsourcing to freelance app developers or development agencies in regions with lower labor costs can offer a more flexible and potentially cost-effective solution.

Can I Build An App Myself?

While app-building platforms exist, creating a complex app without coding knowledge is challenging and time-consuming. Learning the ropes takes time, and the final product might lack the quality and functionality of a professionally developed app. Trusting a professional app developer is generally recommended to avoid potential issues down the line.

Tips To Choose An App Development Team

Selecting the right development team is crucial for the success of your app. Here are some key tips to guide you:

Evaluate the Features Your App Requires

Before choosing an app development team, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of the features and functionalities your app needs. Create a detailed list outlining must-have features, user interactions, backend integrations, and any special requirements. 

This will serve as a benchmark to evaluate potential partners' expertise and experience in developing similar applications. An app development company that has successfully implemented comparable features in past projects is more likely to deliver a solution aligned with your vision and business objectives.

Evaluate End-to-End Services 

When selecting an app development team, consider their ability to provide comprehensive services from concept to launch and beyond. Seek a partner capable of handling all stages of app development, including ideation, UI/UX design, frontend and backend development, rigorous testing, deployment to app stores or enterprise channels, and ongoing maintenance and support. 

A holistic approach ensures seamless integration of design and functionality, consistent quality throughout the development lifecycle, and timely delivery of updates and enhancements post-launch.

Check the Developer's Portfolio and Interview them Personally

Reviewing the developer's portfolio is essential to gauge their proficiency and track record in delivering successful projects. Look for evidence of diverse app categories, technological expertise, and innovative solutions. Schedule interviews to discuss your project requirements in detail, assess their communication style, and gain insights into their development process.

Personal interviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the developer's responsiveness, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to understanding your business goals. A collaborative partnership built on mutual trust and clear communication fosters efficient project management and ensures a smooth development experience.

Assess Security and Compliance

Data security and regulatory compliance are critical considerations when choosing an app development team, particularly for apps handling sensitive information or targeting specific industries. Verify that the developer follows industry best practices for data protection, encryption standards, and secure coding practices. 

Depending on your app's functionality and target audience, ensure it complies with relevant regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS. Committing to robust security measures safeguards user data, enhances trustworthiness, and mitigates potential risks associated with data breaches or non-compliance.

Build A Custom Mobile App On Your Fourthwall Site In Minutes

Fourthwall offers a streamlined approach to building a custom mobile app. 

Available for Android and iOS, Fourthwall Mobile Apps offers creators a robust platform to effortlessly build custom mobile applications integrated with their Fourthwall membership sites. This streamlined solution empowers creators to establish fully branded mobile apps without the need for coding skills or navigating through the app store approval process. 

With Fourthwall Mobile Apps, creators can customize their apps with logos, colors, and themes to reflect their Fourthwall site, ensuring a consistent user experience across both web and mobile platforms. Integrated seamlessly with Fourthwall membership sites, these apps enable creators to provide exclusive content and services directly to their members. 

Members can access gated content, participate in discussions, and receive push notifications for updates and announcements, enhancing engagement and community interaction. By leveraging these features, creators can effectively nurture their online communities, drive member retention, and generate revenue within their Fourthwall ecosystem.

So, if you’re looking to give your supporters easy access to your site straight from their phones, join Fourthwall and start creating your custom mobile app today!