What does it cost to develop an app? This is a question that anyone interested in having an app has asked and it’s an answer that’s not very easily identified. The fact that there isn’t a defined fee for mobile app development makes it very tricky to answer this question.
The cost of the development depends on many factors. The price of the app will be determined by your objectives. You cannot expect to create fantastic software for a few dollars.
However, just because you spend a lot of money doesn’t mean you’ll be able to roll out a successful app.
Factors that affect app development costs
Here are 10 considerations that should guide you when working out the average cost that you will incur for your mobile app development.
1. Your priorities, such as speed and quality
You should understand your priorities first before the development starts. Take three qualities: good, quick, and inexpensive. You can have any two of your project’s qualities, but not all three. You can also consider it good, quick, and low-cost. You can have any two of the three for your project, but not all three. A red flag is a development company that claims to be able to create a high-quality app rapidly and on a low budget. What you pay for is what you get. If something appears to be too good to be true, it most likely is.
2. In-house development versus agency development
While each of the above has its benefits, in-house app development can limit you to some extend this is because the amount of expertise at your disposal and the tools may not allow you to create the best app that you need. By working with a reputable agency such as Fueled, you will benefit from their experience and professionalism. However, expect to pay them more for the great quality that they offer.
3. Agile vs. waterfall development methods
The two most popular app development methodologies are waterfall development and agile development, yet they are significantly different. Waterfall development relies on having a well-defined documentation procedure in place before the production process begins and adhering to it. Before beginning development, there was hardly any documentation for agile development. Developers work in sprints of one or two weeks, figuring out code as they go.
4. The billing method
Some companies that specialize in app development bill you for the number of hours that have been spent while working on the app. You agree on a base price, and there is a timer that tracks how many hours the developers take to complete the job that has been agreed upon.
5. The size and complexity of the app
The scale of an app development project will have a significant impact on your budget. A small and simple app will take less time to develop than a large and complex one, so it will cost less.
6. Design considerations
Design is critical to the success of an app, but it can also be costly. If you want a high-end design that looks great and functions well, you’ll have to pay for it. However, you can also get by with a more basic design if you’re on a tight budget.
7. The platform
The two most popular platforms for mobile app development are iOS and Android. If you want your app to work on both platforms, you’ll need to develop two separate apps. If you want to save money, you can choose to develop your app for only one platform.
8. The backend
The backend is the server-side infrastructure that powers the app. It includes the database, API, hosting, and more. It’s important to have a robust backend, but it can also be quite expensive to develop and maintain.
9. Maintenance and support
Once your app is launched, you’ll need to provide ongoing maintenance and support. This can include bug fixes, security updates, new features, and more. Depending on the size and complexity of your app, this can be a significant ongoing cost.
10. App store fees
If you’re planning to launch your app on the App Store or Google Play, you’ll need to pay a one-time fee. For iOS, the fee is $99 per year. For Android, the fee is $25.
Now that you know what factors influence the cost of mobile app development, you can start planning your budget. Keep in mind that the final cost will depend on the specific requirements of your project. If you need help estimating the cost of your project, contact a reputable app development agency. They will be able to give you a more accurate estimate based on your specific needs.
