How much does mobile app development cost in 2024?

Apps drive the modern business landscape. Once developed and deployed, they help companies accelerate communication, collaboration, innovation, and customer experience. 

Businesses also develop applications to generate new revenue streams and boost their bottom line. 

Slack, Zoom, Shopify, Figma, DocuSign, and Salesforce are among the apps that have helped companies penetrate new markets and generate new revenue streams. 

There are numerous categories of apps - productivity, entertainment, education, social media, gaming, and more. 

App development companies also categorize apps into web apps, mobile apps, hybrid apps, native apps, Android apps, iOS apps, etc. 

However, it all comes down to one thing - app development is rewarding. And that’s precisely why an increasing number of businesses are investing in app development. However, developing a digital application requires significant investment. 

Mobile app development cost in 2024

The cost of developing a mobile app depends on several factors. We’ll discuss these factors in more detail in a little while. 

I can give you a range, though. 

Developing a simple business app might take 3-6 months. In terms of cost, it can cost you in the range of $30,000 to $60,000. 

A complex and feature-rich application, on the other hand, will require more time and resources. And then some apps can even cost more than $2,00,000. 

App development cost per development phase 

App development comprises multiple stages: Business Analytics, UI/UX development, project management, and coding. 

So, it’s also a good idea to understand the mobile app development cost from this perspective. 

• Business analysis in app development: A detailed analysis is done to ensure that your app idea is worth the investment it demands. Business analysis of the application sets the foundation for an application that enthralls customers and generates revenue for the business. Keep about 10% of the app development budget for this first phase. 
• UI/UX development: User interface development is another key component when calculating mobile app development costs. After the Requirements document is prepared, the next step is to develop a robust user interface for the app. To make a strong first impression in the minds of your users, you have to build an app with flawless UI/UX. Getting these things right can cost you nearly 10-15% of the development budget. 
• Development and QA: This phase is where you build the app with clean and maintainable code. Development and QA make up the largest portion of the app development cost. You can spend up to 60-65% of the budget in the coding phase. 
  
  To get the best ROI on this phase, you must partner with a mobile app development company that has been around for long and practices methodologies like Agile, DevOps, and DevSecOps. You can also benefit from hiring a development partner that has developed apps that are similar to what you are looking to develop.
• Project management: It is another essential part of the mobile app development process. Project managers ensure the success of your development project by keeping a tab on the progress from the very first phase to the time the project is completed. Project management can cost about 15% of the development budget. 

Top factors contributing to the cost of developing a mobile

• Scope of work (Complexity, features needed, etc.): The more hours and effort the mobile app development company will put into developing your app, the more they will charge you. It’s as simple as that. 
  
  If it’s a simple app - and does not make them scratch their heads now and then - then the app development costs might be $30,000 to $60,000 (as I have already mentioned above.) 
  
  However, suppose the app is more intense and needs more functions and features. In that case, the app developers have to put in more effort (not just hours, but more tech and more integrations and more everything) - which raises the bar of development cost for that application. 
• Platforms, devices, and more: The scope or complexity of the app development project is arguably the most influential factor in determining app development costs. Additionally, the category of application also has an impact on the overall development cost. For example, a typical utility application will likely cost significantly less than a social media app. 

So, the less you want out of your app, the less the app's price will be.

This statement holds true even in the context of the platforms, devices, and environments you want to target. If the app is only expected to run on Android, it will cost less. 

If you are targeting it for iOS users, it will cost more (yes, it is one platform, but iOS application development costs more in general.)

However, if you plan to target more platforms, you might have to develop more apps (though similar in look and feel and feature-wise.) One application for Android devices, and one app for iOS devices. Writing different codes for different platforms might increase the cost to build an app.

You also have the option to consider building a hybrid application - an app that can be downloaded across mobile platforms. Developers develop and use a single codebase for all the platforms. And since it’s only one codebase, it costs less than creating multiple versions of one application for numerous operating systems. 

For the consultation, wireframing, design, development, deployment, and maintenance, you’d need two development teams - whether you have these teams within your organization or outsource the project to an app development company such as Kellton. 

Cross-platform or multi-platform application development is another path for entrepreneurs to reduce development costs significantly. Utilizing cross-development frameworks and languages, such as Flutter, React Native, JavaScript, and Swift, Kellton helps businesses develop truly future-proof and fluid web applications. 

• Location of the developer/development partner: It’s kind of weird, but the truth is - that app development costs are not the same everywhere. 
  
  It’s different if you engage an app development company based in India.
  It’s different when app development happens in the US.
  
  And it’s different when an Australian or European app development company is hired to develop an application - whether a basic or highly advanced and complex one. 
  
  So, if you are building a mobile app on a shoestring budget, get it developed where it’s more budget-friendly.
  
  On the other hand, if budget is not a problem, try engaging a development partner that takes ‘apps’ very seriously. ‘
  
  Overall, the location of the developer or development company plays a vital role when it comes to the question of ‘how much does it cost to build an app?’ 

Recommended Reading: Mobile App Development: An essential guide for business executives

Tips to help you ensure a successful and less frustrating development and partner experience

• Research the market: If you have not done your homework, you will get shocked - not in a good way. Talk it out - with your team, colleagues, and stakeholders who you think can help in one way or another. 
  
  Google can also help. Research the app development landscape in 2024. You need not dump everything in your mind and start feeling anxious and undecided. Instead, just dip your toes into the water and see what it feels like.
  
   Bring your team together and determine what your app should look and behave like. The more data and research you have with you, the more reliable the development cost estimates you will likely get from your vendor.

• The second step is to engage a partner who speaks your language: I can not overstate the importance of embarking on this mobile app development journey with a partner interested in helping you build the app of your dreams.
  
  So, research the market and spend time meeting with and understanding different app development companies.

• The third step is to be as concise with your briefs as possible: Be as clear and comprehensive as possible while getting the application built by the chosen vendor. 
  
  And then, let the development take place - do not impede the progress with feedback/change requests day in and day out. 
  
  Let the app see the light of the day. Let the stakeholders use the first version. You can always improve on it. 
  
  By no means do I suggest that you should not provide feedback when the application is under development. Your feedback is essential. But avoid overdoing it. 

A few final words 

Mobile app development is in demand. It will always be as long as businesses value customers and the role of digital technology in driving change, innovation, and business revenue. 

Mobile app development cost is something that should not surprise you. By doing your share of research and teaming up with a trusted mobile app development partner, you can ensure you do not overspend and that the final product aligns with your organizational goals. 

For more on mobile app development costs and queries, please contact Team Kellton.