You want to have your own custom application, don’t you? Having a custom app can be a game-changer for your business, helping you reach more customers, keep them engaged, and make you dominate in the market realities. Before you jump into quitting your day job and pouring all your resources into app development, it's crucial to ask yourself: how much does it cost for app development?
We get it — the desire to explore the web for the cheapest option is strong. After all, who wouldn't be happy with a price tag that lets you keep your ramen budget untouched? Yet, hold on there. Spoiler alert: prices can be totally different in the US and Europe, and there's no fixed cost for everything.
According to Clutch, the average cost of developing an app in top US companies can range from $10,000 to $300,000 or more. Similarly, the average app development cost in Europe can vary significantly, as the average cost to create an app falls between $5,000 and $250,000. By the conclusion of the article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the budget required to prevent a financial catastrophe and successfully bring your million-dollar idea to realization, without over-the-top costs.
How much does app development cost: calculation techniques
Development companies price their services in two main ways, and understanding these models is key to getting an accurate app estimate for your project. We will analyze the two most prevalent pricing models: fixed cost and time and material.
Fixed Cost
When you choose fixed-cost app development, the project stays on track with the budget you have set. Everything is simple, this means that you have agreed to pay a fixed price divided by milestone payments, that’s all you need for the development process. Unlike other models, you can expect to know exactly how much the project will cost as it goes along.
Did you know that small projects that need less than 500 hours of development work are perfect for fixed-cost application development? All you require is clear and detailed technical specifications, then, we can make sure that everyone knows exactly what needs to be done and there won't be any confusion or changes later on. We are here to lend a hand in figuring out your development issues, making a detailed plan, and estimating how much time and money it will take to get things done.
The advantages? They are clear: it's easy to understand for everyone, you know what to expect, and there are no hidden costs due to sudden changes in the scope of work. This model is perfect for short-term projects that need to figure out how much things cost.
Time and Material
This approach is similar to building an app with Lego blocks. The final cost to build an app can vary depending on the time and resources invested by developers, project managers, or designers working on an app whose development process you have approved.
Is there a favorable feature? It can be highly versatile! What if you need to integrate an additional element into the system? That’s okay - we’ll just specify a deadline and budget. You can also easily submit a technical document to the developers and receive an assessment for your desired functionality.
This structure is more suitable for complex and detailed projects, where it is very challenging to anticipate all the specifications. Feel free to explore: with Time & Material, you also receive a comprehensive outline of the work and the anticipated implementation duration. At Overcode, we consistently provide both the shortest and longest durations to finish the agreed-upon tasks. In most instances (approximately 91%), the reality lies somewhere in between, and our customers receive their desired applications quicker than the maximum time prediction.
Let's take a quick look at the application development costs formula and figure out how to calculate mobile app development costs.
Total Cost = Total Development Time (hours) × Hourly Rate
Top 8 factors that affect your app development cost
Once you grasp the two primary pricing models (fixed cost and time and material), we want to show you the elements that can cause your application development expenses to skyrocket (or remain stable). Here are the factors to consider:
The more features and integrations a software has, the more expensive and time-consuming it becomes to develop and maintain.
The cost of apps changes depending on choosing iOS, Android, or both.
Modern and user-friendly interface designs are more attractive but come with higher expenses.
The expenses associated with hiring a development team can differ based on their geographical location. While cheaper rates may seem appealing, it's important to consider the potential communication challenges and risks that may arise.
Additional features that you would like to add already in the process of application development also affect the price.
Ongoing expenses for updates, bug fixes, and security.
Experienced developers may set higher fees but can often complete projects more efficiently.
Putting money into MVPs at the beginning can save you money in the future by finding and fixing issues early on.
Now, do you see a little picture hiding behind a “simple” app development? It is crucial to strike a balance between functionality, cost, and quality to guarantee the success of your application. Nonetheless, how can we calculate the budget?
How to estimate app development costs?
Specify the features, functionalities, and target platforms it will support. This allows a team to learn the project's intricacies and make accurate time estimates for its completion.
Gain an understanding of developer rates based on their location and level of experience (e.g., freelance platforms, agency quotes).
Contact and get estimates from companies that have already realized similar projects. This is the easiest way to understand how much money is needed to create the product and possibly to find a partner with whom you will start future work.
Seek advice from application development companies to gain insights into your project. Overcode offers a precise cost estimate, taking into account your unique needs and their development process. Our discovery phase plays a crucial role here. We'll ensure that the final quote accurately reflects the full scope of your project.
Type of mobile app development technologies
We provided you with development costs, but what about a more exciting process, a technique of applying to build an app? Check out some of them:
Native apps
Native applications are software programs created specifically for a particular platform or operating system, like iOS or Android, and they utilize the device's capabilities to the maximum.
Advantages:
Native applications generally deliver the best performance since they are tailored for the specific platform. For instance, they provide you with quicker load times, seamless animations, and more responsive interactions.
Disadvantages:
Crafting separate codebases for various platforms extends the development time and expense. If you've built an app for iOS, starting from scratch would be necessary to create it for Android.
Hybrid Apps
Hybrid applications are essentially web applications enclosed in a native container, allowing access to device features and enabling operation on various platforms such as iOS and Android through a single codebase developed with web technologies (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript).
Hybrid apps are well-suited for basic applications that do not necessarily require a native user experience.
Advantages:
Instant implementation of app changes without the need for App Store/Google Play approval for minor updates.
One codebase can run on various platforms, leading to reduced development time and cost compared to creating separate native apps.
Deploying a single app across platforms broadens your potential user base.
Disadvantages:
Achieving a fully native look and feel can be difficult with hybrid apps, as they may not perfectly replicate the UI of each platform, limiting access to native features.
Troubleshooting hybrid apps can be complex due to the interaction between web and native components, posing debugging challenges.
Hybrid app developers often integrate third-party solutions like Apache Cordova, as there are no official tools for iOS or Android platforms, leading to a dependency on Third-Party Tools.
Cross-Platform App Development
Cross-platform applications are created with tools and frameworks that enable developers to code once and deploy across different platforms. For example: React Native and Flutter. These technologies enable the creation of interfaces through reusable components, simplify the whole process, and reduce your budget.
Advantages:
Tools for cross-platform development, such as Xamarin, React Native, Flutter, and NativeScript, enable coding in a single language like JavaScript, Dart, or C# and then compiling it into native code for each platform.
Compared to hybrid apps, cross-platform apps can deliver better performance, and a more native look and feel when compared to hybrid apps by utilizing native components.
Disadvantages:
The improvement of frameworks notwithstanding, cross-platform apps sometimes may not reach native apps in terms of speed and responsiveness, especially for complex features or graphics-intensive apps.
The use of a single codebase can make it difficult to achieve a platform-specific look and feel.
| Feature | Native Apps | Hybrid Apps | Cross-Platform Apps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Development Approach | Separate codebases for each platform (iOS, Android) | Single codebase with web technologies (HTML, CSS, JS) | Single codebase with frameworks (React Native, Flutter) |
| Performance | Highest | Moderate | Good (approaches native) |
| User Experience (UX) | Platform-specific, most intuitive | Limited customization | Good, but may not be perfect on all platforms |
| Development Time & Cost | Highest | Lower than native | Lower than native |
| Platform Reach | Limited to chosen platforms (iOS or Android) | Wider reach (iOS & Android) | Wider reach (iOS & Android) |
| App Updates | Requires separate updates for each platform | Faster updates, may not need app store approval | Faster updates than native |
| Device Feature Access | Full access | Limited access | Middle access |
Still not sure which option is best for your project? Contact us for a consultation and we’ll reveal what suits best for your project!
Platform selection
It’s nice to have an understanding of various development technologies, but there is a question: what’s the most suitable platform for you to showcase your future masterpiece? There are basically two main competitors in the smartphone market:
Android Platform
Android, the brainchild of Google. This platform is the most widely used mobile operating system worldwide, as it takes, imagine, 70% of the whole market share. This open-source platform offers flexibility and customization for developers, which makes it a nice solution to begin with.
Pros and Cons of Android App Development
Advantages:
Many people have Android devices, and that allows you to potentially attract a larger audience.
Android app development costs are usually lower because it is an open-source platform and there are many developers to work with.
Android platform is kind of one-fit-answer, there are many affordable phones, as well as top flagship models.
Disadvantages:
An assortment of Android devices can lead to compatibility issues and require additional QA during the development process.
Android's open nature is more vulnerable to malware compared to other systems like iOS.
Android users are usually less interested in purchases inside the app compared to iOS users.
iOS Platform
Since 2007, iOS has tried to be the leading operating system in the mobile market. It’s known to many people for its intuitive and stable user experience with stable iPhone app development costs. There are still pros like a more controlled environment, but also cons like higher iOS app development costs.
Pros and Cons of iOS app development
Advantages:
iOS users are more open-minded to in-app purchases.
Xcode is Apple's all-in-one tool, which helps developers in creating amazing apps for different Apple devices.
Apple’s App Store approval process certifies a higher level of security for users.
Disadvantages:
Unfortunately, you will have a more limited market reach compared to Android, which may kind of limit your audience.
Creating apps for iOS can be more expensive than other platforms because you may have to pay higher fees and adhere to stricter app store guidelines.
Regardless of the platform you select, our skilled developers have a deep understanding of both Android and iOS development. Get in touch with Overcode today for an intro call to know all your mobile app development costs and let's begin crafting your app masterpiece.
Features & functionality
The empire of mobile applications is expansive and constantly changing. However, beneath the flashy designs and trendy features, lie essential functionalities that refer to the varied needs of different users with variable costs for app development. Let's take a closer look at some frequently used application types, along with their approximate costs, development timelines, and practical examples:
| App Type | Basic Functions | Development Cost Range | Time Required Range | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple To-Do List | Add, edit, and delete tasks | $30,000 - $90,000 | 3 - 6 months | Todoist, TickTick |
| Social Networking | Create a profile, connect with friends, share posts | $50,000 - $200,000+ | 6 - 12 months+ | Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) |
| Healthcare app | Communication between doctors and patient, creating treatment plans | $75,000 - $250,000+ | 12+ months | Teladoc, Doxy.me |
| Travel & Lifestyle | Find hotels, flights, restaurants, itinerary planning | $40,000 - $120,000 | 6 - 12 months | Airbnb Experiences, Booking.com, Wanderlog |
| AI-enhanced app | Interact with the app using natural language | $50,000 - $300,000 | 12+ months | ChatGPT, Apple Intelligence |
| IoT-connected app | Control and interact with smart devices remotely | $25,000 - $50,000+ | 6 months | Philips Hue App |
| eCommerce platform | Organize products by categories, customer buying process | $40,000 - $120,000+ | 6 - 12+ months | Apple's website |
| Educational | Provide learning materials, quizzes, and interactive elements | $60,000 - $150,000+ | 6 - 12 months | Duolingo, Udemy, Coursera |
| Real Estate | Find the property for purchase/rental; Property management software | $50,000 - $120,000+ | 12+ months | Zillow, AppFolio, Buildium |
| Logistics and transport | Transportation and logistics, Geo tracking | $60,000 - $250,000+ | 18+ months | Onfleet, Omio, Uber |
| FinTech | Track income and expenses, set budgets, receive interactive reports | $80,000 - $300,000+ | 9+ months | Quickbooks, Wave, Revolut |
| CRM | Store and organize customer information, including contact details, interactions, and preferences | $30,000 - $300,000+ | 6 - 12 months+ | Hubspot, Pipedrive |
After familiarising yourself with the different types of applications, let's delve into the various feature groups within the common application, their estimated budget allocation, and the potential price range you might encounter:
| Feature Group | Description and development steps | Budget Range (%) | Development Cost Range (USD) | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| User Interface (UI) & User Experience (UX) Design | The look and feel of your app is crucial for user engagement and intuitiveness. - User research & Competitor analysis - Information architecture & Wireframing - User flow diagram - Prototyping | 15% - 25% | $3,750 - $75,000+ | Visual representation of your product in Figma (Layouts, UI Kit) |
| Front-End Development | Converting designs into code: client-side user interface, responsive design for different devices, animations implementation | 20 - 35% | $10,000 - $70,000 | Authentication logic, product page, interactive elements |
| Back-End Development | The server-side logic that powers your app, handling tasks like data storage and processing. - Database selection and setup - API development for data access and manipulation | 15% - 25% | $3,750 - $75,000+ | Databases, APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), Infrastructure setup |
| Push Notifications & Real-Time Features | Enhance user engagement by delivering updates and enabling real-time interaction. - Push notification server integration - Real-time data synchronization protocols | 5% - 15% | $1,250 - $37,500+ | Price alerts and live charts on Cryptocurrency Exchange, Chat functionality in a social media app |
| Payments & Security | Securely handle in-app purchases and protect user data. - Payment gateway integration - Data encryption implementation - Security protocol implementation | 5% - 10% | $1,250 - $25,000+ | Integration with Stripe |
| Analytics & Reporting | Track user behavior and measure app performance to optimize future updates. - Integration with analytics platforms - Data visualization dashboard creation - Reporting tool implementation | 2% - 5% | $680 - $3,750 | Integrations with Google Analytics, Segment, custom tracers setup |
App login & sign-on
Let's shift our attention to a vital (and obvious) component of any app – user authentication. Here are the different ways you can set up your login system, how long it might take to develop, and some important factors to keep in mind:
| Login Option | Description | Development Hours | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Username & Password | The classic login method requires users to create a username and password for your app. | 20-50 hours | Simple to implement, familiar to users. | Less secure, vulnerable to brute-force attacks. |
| Email & Password | Similar to username & password, but uses a user's email address for login. | 25-60 hours | More commonly, allows for password reset via email. | Still susceptible to brute-force attacks, requires an additional email verification process. |
| Social Login (e.g., Facebook, Google) | Leverages existing social media accounts for login, reducing signup friction. | 30-80 hours | Convenient for users, and reduces auth steps. | Relies on third-party platforms, user data might be shared with social media companies. |
| Two-factor authentication (2FA) | Adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, like a code sent to the user's phone. | 40-100 hours | Significantly improves security, and safeguards against unauthorized access. | Increases in login complexity might deter some users. |
| Passwordless Login (e.g., Magic Link, Biometrics) | Eliminates the need for passwords, using methods like a magic link sent to email or fingerprint recognition. | 50-120 hours | Enhanced security, convenient for users. | Newer technology might require additional hardware support (fingerprint scanner). |
Alternatively, we recommend using third-party services (Auth0, Amazon Cognito, Firebase / Supabase Auth) for authorization and user management, which speed up development time and guarantee security in such an important issue. We know how to develop authorization from scratch (for example, using popular solutions on JWT tokens.
If you need a piece of advice on what type and methods of authorization would work best for your product, feel free to leave a request to Overcode!
In-app features
Yeah, it's great to have login options but don’t forget about the core of your application – the in-app features that bring your concept to life! Here are different categories of in-app features and the possible ways to implement them, along with the estimated time it would take to develop each feature:
| Feature Category | Description | Possible Implementation Options | Development Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| User Profiles | Allow users to create and manage personal profiles. | 1. Basic profile with username, bio, and avatar; 2. Profiles with social media integration and following features. | 1. 20-40 hours; 2. 50-80 hours. |
| Content Management | Enable creation, editing, and display of various content types. | 1. Simple text-based content; 2. Rich media content with images and videos; 3. Dynamic content feeds with user-generated content. | 1. 15-30 hours; 2. 30-60 hours; 3. 60-100+ hours. |
| Push Notifications & Alerts | Deliver real-time updates and information to users. | 1. Simple notification alerts; 2. Segmented notifications based on user preferences; 3. Interactive notifications with buttons and actions. | 1. 20-40 hours; 2. 40-60 hours; 3. 50-80+ hours. |
| Location-Based Services | Integrate location data into functionalities. | 1. Basic location display; 2. Geo-fencing for location-triggered actions; 3. Real-time location tracking. | 1. 15-30 hours; 2. 40-60 hours; 3. 60-100+ hours. |
| In-App Chat & Messaging | Facilitate real-time communication between users. | 1. Basic one-to-one chat functionality; 2. Group chat features; 3. Advanced features like voice and video chat. | 1. 40-80 hours; 2. 60-100 hours; 3. 100+ hours. |
| In-App Payments & Purchases | Enable users to make secure payments. | 1. Integration with basic payment gateways; 2. Subscription management features; 3. In-app currency and virtual goods. | 1. 30-50 hours; 2. 50-80 hours; 3. 80-120+ hours. |
App hardware integrations
Do you know what's called the gap between your application and the physical world? No, it’s not a reality, it’s hardware integration. Let's take a closer look at the different categories along with the various ways they can be implemented and the approximate time it takes to develop them:
| Hardware Category | Description | Possible Implementation Options | Development Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camera | Integrate the device's camera to capture photos and videos. | 1. Basic camera access and capture; 2. Photo editing and filtering features; 3. Augmented Reality (AR) overlays. | 1. 20-40 hours; 2. 40-80 hours; 3. 80-150+ hours. |
| Sensors (GPS, Accelerometer, Gyroscope) | Leverage various device sensors to expand functionalities. | 1. GPS location data for navigation or location-based services; 2. Accelerometer and gyroscope for motion detection; 3. Integration with health sensors (heart rate, pedometer) in fitness apps. | 1. 30-50 hours; 2. 40-60 hours; 3. 60-100 hours+. |
| Microphone | Enable audio recording and voice interaction. | 1. Basic audio recording functionality; 2. Voice recognition and voice commands; 3. Real-time voice chat or audio conferencing. | 1. 15-30 hours; 2. 50-80 hours; 3. 80-120+ hours. |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Connect the app to external Bluetooth devices for data exchange or control. | 1. Basic Bluetooth connection and data transfer; 2. Smart device integration (e.g., wearables, fitness trackers); 3. Advanced functionalities like device control. | 1. 120-40 hours; 2. 40-80 hours; 3. 60-100+ hours. |
| Mobile Payments (NFC) | Integrate Near Field Communication (NFC) for contactless payments. | 1. Integration with NFC payment gateways; 2. Development of secure payment workflows; 3. Loyalty program integration with NFC. | 1. 40-80 hours; 2. 50-80 hours; 3. 80-120+ hours. |
Additional mobile app budget considerations
When allocating funds for a mobile application, it is important to consider factors that can influence your mobile project budget:
Integration with Other Systems
Simple integrations may require 10 to 20 hours of work. More complex integrations that involve multiple systems and custom API development can take you up to 100+ hours. The difficulty of the integration process and the multitude of involved 3rd-party services will always impact your budget. Here are some factors to consider:
Identify the essential data your application must send to external systems. Complex data structures or real-time updates may need additional time and effort.
Pre-existing APIs from external systems can be more efficient and the cost to create an app will likely be less than building new ones from the very beginning.
What about security measures? During the interaction with external systems, encryption, and authentication can safeguard user data. Yet, this leads to higher expenses in the development process.
Infrastructure
Standard beginning plans for infrastructure can be $10 per month, while complex high-load projects charge up to $1,000 per month for high-traffic usage. The expenses will depend on the anticipated traffic and data storage requirements:
Server costs, which include shared hosting, dedicated servers, and cloud-based solutions.
Database solution that can accommodate your app's data needs. If you are willing to develop a dynamic app, it can benefit from scalable cloud databases.
Customization of visual design & animation
It’s always nice to talk about technical features, and still, it’s important to know what lies in the enchantment of user experience (UX). How do users engage with your project? That’s all about customization of visual design and animation, and what about it? Check below.
Visual Design
First impressions are crucial for everyone. Here's what personalization elements can enhance your app's look:
Brand colors, fonts, and logo. They establish a harmonious visual identity that connects with your audience.
Layouts and user interface. The app must be intuitive and visually pleasing to easily navigate through the features and functionalities.
Custom icons and illustrations. These things can improve clarity and break up text-heavy content. At Overcode, we always make sure that our apps have a modern design, to prove that, you can visit our website and see our cases.
Animations
Create well-designed animations, and customize your application with custom effects, such as a new icon or an image of the user in real time. Yet, what can improve the look of your project?
Delicate animations for button clicks, screen transitions, or loading screens.
Animated walkthroughs that help to new users.
Animations that transform static data into charts and graphs.
The Price of Personalization
You can talk a lot about it, but let’s take you to the basics. The price of customization will differ based on the design and animation components.
Basic design elements and simple animations within an app design cost $1,000 to $5,000.
Take into account that user interface design and intricate animations are included in custom app development cost and vary from $10,000 to $25,000 or even more.
Location and structure of a development team
The location and structure of your development team can significantly impact the project's budget, communication, and overall success. We have prepared some common team structures and factors for you:
In-House Development Team.
This is a type of development team that is physically located within your company or in an office. That’s also nice when you have direct control over hiring, managing, and overseeing the development process. The team can include anyone, from developers, designers, and project managers to QA testers.Outsourcing Development Team.
This development agency can be anywhere in the world. Such teams usually offer access to a global talent pool. You partner with an established agency that has a team of experienced developers, designers, and project managers who specialize in mobile development.Hybrid Development Team.
This is a structure and a combination of in-house team members and outsourced developers who work together. On the one hand, you might have a core team in-house for key decision-making and project management. On the other hand, an outsourcing team as well as freelancers can do specific development tasks.
| Role / Rate (per hour) | North America | Western Europe | Eastern Europe | Asia | Africa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project Manager | $75 - $150 | $60 - $120 | $40 - $80 | $30 - $60 | $25 - $50 |
| UI/UX Designer | $60 - $120 | $50 - $100 | $30 - $60 | $20 - $40 | $15 - $30 |
| Mobile Developer (Android) | $70 - $140 | $60 - $120 | $40 - $80 | $30 - $60 | $25 - $50 |
| Mobile Developer (iOS) | $80 - $160 | $70 - $140 | $50 - $100 | $35 - $70 | $30 - $60 |
| Back-end Developer | $75 - $150 | $60 - $120 | $40 - $80 | $30 - $60 | $25 - $50 |
| Quality Assurance Engineer | $60 - $120 | $50 - $100 | $30 - $60 | $25 - $50 | $20 - $40 |
Freelancer vs. Agency
You probably have heard some rumors about all these freelancers who offer a lucratively cheap option for mobile app development. Sometimes a freelancer can deliver you a project with missed deadlines, features, and other things you wouldn’t like to even think about. Still, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider when choosing between a freelancer and a development agency:
| Factor | Freelancer | Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Typically lower hourly rates. | Higher overall project cost due to overhead expenses and potential team size. |
| Flexibility & Control | More control over project direction and communication directly with the developer. | Less control over individual team members, but the agency manages project workflow. |
| Expertise & Experience | May have limited experience in specific areas or project complexities. | Access to a wider range of expertise and experience within the agency team. |
| Communication | Potential communication challenges due to time zone differences or language barriers. | A dedicated project manager ensures smooth communication and keeps you informed. |
| Scalability | Limited ability to scale the team up or down quickly. | Agencies can easily scale the team based on project needs. |
| Risk | Higher risk of project delays or missed deadlines if the freelancer is unreliable. | Lower risk as the agency has processes in place to mitigate risks and ensure project completion. The company has a reputation and values it, and that signing a contract with them can help reduce risks. |
If you want to be sure about having a team of professionals in charge of building your app, contact Overcode for a free consultation to get a pricing application! We'll help you assess your needs, choose the right development approach, and get your app on the market faster and more efficiently without any hidden costs. By the way, what about them?
Hidden app development costs
If not taken into account from the beginning, unexpected expenses can rapidly accumulate during the development of an application:
Backend Infrastructure. Establishing and managing servers, databases, and other technologies that enable your app to function. The expenses associated with the app depend on its complexity.
Additional Services. Costs associated with 3rd-party integrations, like Stripe for payment processing, Auth0 for authentication, or Google Maps API for using interactive maps with up-to-date data in the project.
Security Features. Investments in creating automated tests using tools like Cypress will make the application work more stable with fewer possible bugs.
These tests are running automatically before each deployment to the server, ensuring that all the user flows work as expected.App Store Fees. Platform subscription fees, such as those charged by the Apple App Store and Google Play, differ based on the specific store and the price of the app.
Maintenance and Updates. Ongoing expenses for addressing software issues, implementing new features, and ensuring compatibility with emerging devices and operating system versions.
4 Basic Stages of Development and Their Impact on Application Pricing
To create an engaging app, you need more than just a brilliant concept, right? That’s like the process of building a house, you have a meticulously planned strategy and each step of the way plays a crucial role in your overall budget. Let's take a look at the 4 critical stages of the app creation process:
Stage 1: Discovery Stage (10-20% of Budget)
In this stage, you must clearly define the target audience, future features, and overall project scope to prevent costly changes after the beginning of the development.
Why bother spending time and resources on the discovery stage?
Figure out what people want and what problems they need to solve, and then create something that really speaks to them.
To avoid unexpected expenses and changes, it's important to clearly outline the project's details from the beginning.
Make sure everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals to make things run smoothly.
Consider the worth of each integration with care. Features such as social logins, payments, or analytics require integration fees, transaction charges, and subscriptions.
You can make sure the investment you make matches your business goals and gives you the best return on your investment.
Make the development process more efficient to save money and get products to customers faster.
However, if you have an idea but haven't done any market research, contact Overcode for a discovery phase or an initial estimate. A professional team will conduct qualitative research on your idea, based on which we can create a specification and calculate the estimate.
Stage 2: UX and UI Design (15-25% of Budget)
The user experience and user interface play a crucial role in the success of your project. Why? Let’s see together:
We map out the user's adventure through the app step by step. Then, we carefully plan and design each screen, interaction, and transition to create a seamless and enjoyable user experience.
We put a lot of thought into how each screen looks, making sure it catches your eye and leaves a lasting impression.
We create a UI Kit(a components library of reusable parts) to optimize the design and development process.
We work on the layout versions for different devices to make sure that your product is accessible to everyone with the best experience possible.
We design experiences that put your customers first, making them feel heard and understood, which leads to more engagement and business success.
Stage 3: Development Process (40-60% of Budget)
Here, the software engineers are coming into the game. They convert design layouts into executable code, incorporating features and functionalities into the real software product. Here's how:
For each project, we allocate a team of 2-4 talented developers, led by a team lead, who work together to create high-quality code while following the best practices.
Agile methodology: work is divided into 2-week sprints, allowing for flexibility and frequent progress check-ins.
Project management: the mastermind behind the scenes, ensuring you're always in the loop with reports and demos.
Continuous testing: a part-time bug hunter finds and marks issues early, stopping them from becoming a big problem in the final product.
The design lead makes sure the final app looks just like the original designs, with no mistakes or issues.
By working together and staying in touch, we ensure that the app we create is top-notch and exceeds your expectations.
Stage 4: Maintenance and Support (5-10% of Budget)
Maintenance fees usually include different bug fixes, security updates, and feature enhancements. We advise you to allocate funds for post-launch maintenance to ensure your app remains operational, secure, and competitive in the market. Our goal is to be your trusted partner, offering ongoing maintenance and support to help your app grow and adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape.
We don't just create an app and vanish into thin air. We're here to support you every step of the way. We're here to be your partner in success, supporting your app's growth and helping it thrive for years to come.
What you should do after the initial project release?
Create new versions of your app: work together to add exciting new features, improvements, and changes, building on the success of your MVP.
Pay attention to what your users have to say and use their feedback to make your app even better, so it keeps meeting their needs.
Don't let bugs and issues linger, take care of them right away to keep your app running smoothly and make your users happy.
Don't forget to update your app regularly to stay on top of the latest operating system releases. It's like giving your app a power boost and making sure it works perfectly with your device.
App Development Case Study
In September 2023, Overcode was presented with an ambitious objective by Threshold Care company: to develop a top-notch mobile application for monitoring the at-home motion activity of elderly people using IoT sensors, preserving their privacy and alerting caregivers if the unexpected happens - all before CES 2024 (January 9-12). The primary difficulty lay in crafting a completely operational Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that could be scaled in the future, guaranteeing a seamless and reliable user interface.
At Overcode, thanks to the careful selection of a technology stack and a well-organized action plan, we were able to finish the project in time, so the client could showcase the app at the exhibition. Here's what we’ve done:
We thoroughly researched to comprehend the target audience and their requirements.
Our designers created visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces, including a comprehensive UI kit and a clickable prototype for visualization.
Making use of React Native, Expo, SWR, and TypeScript, we developed a cross-platform app that operates seamlessly across different devices.
In a mere three months, Overcode created an MVP. The app was effectively presented at CES 2024 by Threshold, receiving substantial positive feedback. This achievement emphasizes our proficiency in delivering scalable, high-quality mobile applications, even under time constraints.
How to Reduce App Development Costs: X tips from Overcode experts
Work with an experienced development team
Our first and probably most obvious tip is to collaborate with a skilled development team. Overcode’s experienced developers possess extensive knowledge in mobile app development and always prevent budget mistakes. We want to work together to meet your requirements and guarantee a plan that aligns with your finances and desired deadline.
Prioritize features early on
Next, prioritize the essential features in the initial release. Ensure that the product does not become a mess for new users with too many functionalities. It is important to incorporate features like customer support to enhance the overall product functionality.
Choose the right platform or consider cross-platform development
When you finally come to the decision for a development platform, think about the price of creating separate iOS and Android applications. Maybe, take advantage of cross-platform frameworks like React Native to optimize the costs of app development by using a single codebase for both platforms.
Keep the design simple
Keep your app design user-friendly and easy to use. This minimizes the front-end implementation expenses and improves user experience.
Use third-party APIs
Third-party APIs can give you additional features without having to build them from the ground up. Isn’t it nice to save your time and costs? :)
Optimize for scalability
Just ensure your app can later accommodate a larger user base and handle increased data as it grows.
Involve Quality Assurance early on
Engage QA at the beginning of the development process. All of a sudden auto testing can take more resources, but in the long term, its presence allows you to prevent and find possible bugs faster. Your team must identify and resolve any bugs early on, saving your golden costs once again.
Now, are you ready to take control of your app development cost?
We have answered your question: how much does an app development cost, so now you can allow Overcode to assist you in the mobile app development process and make the most of your budget.
Get in touch with our team now for a free 45-minute consultation! We will tailor a customized estimate of the cost of app development based on your unique requirements. Plus, we will brainstorm basics with you: starting from the app concept and finishing with any questions you may have.
Don't delay – transform your app idea into a reality with Overcode!
