Mobile app development is becoming an increasingly specialized service. App users want more functionality and better user experience, which includes things like load time and interactive features.
These factors drive up the mobile app development costs, but they are by no means the only factors that influence the price.
Factors That Influence The Price of Custom Application Development Services For Mobile Devices
Size is a very important factor in determining the cost of mobile app development services. The simpler the app, the cheaper. The greater the complexity, the more expensive. For example, an estimate of the average cost from small to large apps ranges from $5000 – $300,00 +.
Other factors that influence the cost of app development include the following:
- Type/category
- Service provider
- Complexity level
- Features/functionality/visual
- Location
- Budget
- Ongoing maintenance
- Native or hybrid
- Operating system
- Front and backend Infrastructure
1. App Size
A small app with basic features costs $25,000 – $60,000 and takes four to eleven weeks to complete. For example, calendars and recipes.
A mid-level app with additional features costs $36,000 – $85,000 and takes seven to sixteen weeks to complete. For example, educational resources and QR scanners.
A large, custom mobile app with advanced features and high-end functionality costs $60,000 – $137,000 (or more) and takes 11 – 16 weeks to complete. For example, banking apps and apps with artificial intelligence.
2. App Type
There are several types of mobile apps, each with different functions and features that affect cost.
Authentication And Personal Information
User information that will be shared across the user’s devices are required. For example, digital payment integration and order delivery. Cost ranges from $40,000 – $80,000.
Social Networks
Social networking apps require functions for IMs and image and video sharing for hundreds of thousands of users, who access the app simultaneously 24/7. Cost ranges from $50,000 – $300,000.
E-Commerce
E-commerce apps must provide catalogs (lists of products available), user registration, order documentation, and payment options. Cost ranges from $60,000 – $300,000.
On-Demand
On-demand apps provide real-time services, so there is very little time between request and delivery; for example, Uber. You submit a request for a driver, and a driver arrives within a short space of time. Cost ranges from $70,000 – $150,000.
Database
Database apps access the information stored on a website. For example, a user enters a search query, and the website delivers results based on the matching info in its database.
Utility
Utility apps send you directly to the service you’re looking for. For example, up-to-date weather forecasts and real-time sports results.
Productivity
Productivity apps typically include social media monitoring and similar services. For example, Instagram and Shopify.
Gaming
Gaming apps must provide functionality that enhances user experience and uses advanced technologies to integrate score systems and social media. The more functions, the higher the app costs.
3. App Developer’s Location
The location of your app developer (where they are based) determines the average hourly rates so you can work out an approximate cost for your mobile app development project.
- North America: $60 – $150 per hour
- South America: $40 – $55 per hour
- United Kingdom: $70 per hour
- Central Europe: $40 – $60 per hour
- India: $20 per hour
- Indonesia: $50 per hour
4. App Platforms
There are two app platforms, Android and iOS. They are usually mutually exclusive because they have different development requirements. You can develop an app for a single platform, or you can use a cross-platform app developer that meets the requirements of both mobile platforms.
5. App Design
Broadly speaking, there are two types of app design:
Simple Design
Simple apps offer the bare bones in terms of features, function, and looks. Typically, they have a maximum of four screens and don’t store any data whatsoever. They do what is required and no more.
This suits start-ups, small family businesses, and niche product or service providers.
Custom Design
Customized apps can be as simple or complex as you like, however, the more complex (the more custom elements) and detailed the design, the higher the cost. Developers may use tools like third-party app integrations, frameworks, and libraries to meet your needs.
Mid- to large-scale businesses tend to go with custom app designs.
5. App Maintenance
App maintenance includes annual costs, like web hosting and domain registration fees, and sundry costs that arise, like system updates to improve user experience and patches to fix bugs and other vulnerabilities.
6. Hidden Costs
Hidden costs include ongoing costs that tend to fade in the background when first determining your budget and laying out your plan. You may be horrified to know that the estimated value for the hidden costs is $20,000 – $30,000 annually. However, this largely depends on the size, type, and service provider.
For example, simple apps don’t have third-party integrations, which are among the influential factors that add to the expenses.
On the other hand, all apps should have support charges, which cover any situation that spells trouble, and the cost of updates. Support charges are usually 20% of the original development cost.
Custom Application Development Services
You have many options when it comes to choosing a mobile app developer that offers custom app creation services.
Freelancers
You can hire properly qualified mobile app developers on a freelance basis to either manage all or most of the development or to provide a niche service. Freelancers can reduce functional costs.
In-House App Development
This is really only an option for well-established businesses with an excellent turnover that can afford an internal team of developers. Note: These are experts in their field, so you will have to pay expert-aligned salaries.
The great thing about in-house teams is that you have complete control over the mobile app development process.
Dedicated App Development Company
As with freelancers, you can hire a company that specializes in all aspects of mobile application development or one particular aspect, such as social media apps. The advantage over freelancers is that companies usually employ people with various skills, including front-end specialists and security developers.
Laminar Consulting is dedicated to your mobile app development project. Our custom app development services help to streamline your business processes and give you an advantage over your competitors. Call (88) 531-9995 now or complete our onsite contact form and arrange for a consultation or quote.
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