As of early 2024, iOS holds a dominant 60.77% share of the U.S. mobile market, far ahead of Android's 38.81% (Backlinko). This makes iOS app development crucial for businesses targeting a large and active audience.

In this post, we’ll talk about…money, the biggest driver in the development process. We’ll explore how much it costs to make an app from Purrweb’s perspective, but these estimates will either be relevant for other development companies.

What are the peculiarities of iOS app development?

iOS app development has its own set of unique characteristics compared to Android. What makes it stand out?

App Store only

The only place where iOS apps may be distributed is through Apple's App Store. No third-party stores, no APKs—developers have to abide by Apple's rules at all times. These regulations can be strict; before an app is authorized for distribution, it must pass rigorous evaluations and frequently go through many changes.

Limited device range

Apple’s consistent hardware lineup simplifies development. iOS has fewer screen sizes and resolutions to support than the wide variety of Android devices. Because of the simplified testing and optimization process, developers are free to concentrate on creating a polished application rather than worrying about unforeseen problems resulting from subtle hardware variances.

Languages

Additionally, Swift and Objective-C are iOS-specific programming languages. Specifically, Swift is designed to be current and effective, allowing developers to create reliable, high-performing programs. 

Enhanced security

Privacy and security come first. Because of Apple's stringent policies on user data, all apps are required to include strong security features, including data encryption and permissions management. The fundamental design of iOS apps upholds this commitment to privacy, guaranteeing that user data is always secure.

How to build an app for iOS

Building an iOS app involves a series of decisions and steps, each of which can influence the final app development costs and development timeline. Here’s a structured approach:

Define your scope and platform needs

Decide if you need an app exclusively for iOS or if you plan to develop for Android as well. 

Cross-platform frameworks allow you to build a single codebase for both platforms, which can save money and time, but native development guarantees the greatest performance and user experience.

Work on UI/UX

iOS users have very high expectations for design and usability. Moreover, the design must be adhere to (HIG). 

Develop and test

Use Apple's Xcode integrated development environment (IDE) for project management, code authoring, and app building.

Extensive testing is essential. To find and fix issues, use physical devices and simulations. 

Prepare for App Store submission

Ensure your app complies with all App Store Review Guidelines. This includes content restrictions, user interface standards, and privacy policies. We add different screenshot and keywords to create a list.

Submit to the App Store

Use Xcode or App Store Connect to submit your app for review. Be prepared for multiple review rounds, as Apple may request changes to meet their guidelines.

Post-launch support and updates

Even after release, you should allocate your resources on maintaining and refining the app.

How much money do we spend to build an app?

We spend on various components such as:

Development team costs

Cost Category Details Cost Range
Freelancers Rates depend on experience and location. Suitable for small projects or startups. $25 - $150 per hour
In-house team Provides greater control but involves higher costs, including salaries, benefits, and infrastructure. $5K - $25K per month
Outsourcing to agencies Ideal for complex projects with a need for expertise. Costs vary based on project scope and agency reputation. $20K - $150K+

2. App complexity

Most of the apps have minimal functionality and their cost may be between $10K and $30K.

It has database integration, API interactions, and user authentication typically costs between $30K and $100K.

But now, apps that have advanced features such as real-time data sync, custom animations, AI integration, or complex back-end requirements can cost more than $100k.

3. Design costs

Mostly UI/UC design cost between $50k to 30k. It depends on the number of design and screend complexity. If you are budget limited, consider simple UI/UX without complex animations.

4. Backend development

Creating a backend to handle user data, authentication, and other critical features typically costs between $10K and $50K. Third-party services, like analytics tools, social network logins, or payment gateways, can bump up the price by an additional $2K to $10K.

5. App Store costs

Apple’s developer license is $99 per year for individuals. For enterprises, the cost is $299. Additionally, keep in mind that Apple takes a 15% to 30% fee on all in-app purchases and premium software downloads.

6. Marketing and launch costs

Landing pages, press releases, and social media campaigns generally range from $1K to $10K. Of course, marketing is not an obligatory and rigid factor. For example, MVP apps rarely have extensive marketing.

7. Launch costs

App Store optimization costs anything from $1K to $5K, depending on how visible you want your app to be.

8. Maintenance and updates

After launch, bug fixes and small upgrades may run you anything from $1K to $10K a year. Depending on their complexity, adding new features based on user feedback can cost anywhere between $5K and $50K.

How much does it cost to develop an app from Purrweb?

The table below provides approximate pricing for an average project, giving you a general idea of the budget range to consider.

Stage Estimated cost Description
Project analysis $1K Initial research, feature prioritization.
UI/UX design $5,400 Wireframes, design concepts, full app design.
App development $36K - $40,500 Coding and feature implementation.
QA testing $5,400 - $6K Bug identification and resolution.
Project Management $3,950 - $4,100 Coordination and oversight throughout the project.
App Store submission $99-$299  The cost of developer license.
Marketing $1-3K Depends on the client’s budget and needs, is not strictly regulated.
Total cost of app development $60K+ Basic functionality app, 4 months development time.

 

Of course, this is just an estimate. The actual cost for building an app can vary greatly depending on its specific details. As each app is unique, it's essential to discuss your requirements with a development company and get an accurate quote.