iOS App Development Cost: A Complete Pricing Guide

In general, the cost of developing a mobile app can range from $20,000 to $300,000, depending on the features you choose. A simple app with only basic features will cost less, while a highly advanced and customized app can cost over $100,000.

What causes such a large price difference?

The above features will mainly include design, functionality, and the expertise and location of the developers around the world. Knowing the costs in advance will help you plan better, whether you are looking for a basic shopping app or a full-fledged business app.

Why Should You Build An iOS App?

For businesses and startups looking for quality users and the best profits, having an iOS app would be a great option. Users demand high-quality premium apps with smooth performance on most Apple devices like iPhone and iPad.

One of the most important reasons for iOS app development is the rich potential of its users. iPhone users spend more money on app purchases, subscriptions or in-app purchases than their Android counterparts. This significantly helps businesses generate more revenue. Another major contributing factor is security. Apple maintains strict security protocols to help protect user data and build trust among customers.

Apps powered by iOS always offer better performance and user experience. Since Apple owns both the hardware and software, the apps perform better and faster. Developers find that due to the limited devices and screen sizes on iOS, app testing is much easier compared to diversification in other phases, and therefore the developer finds it less complicated. Most global companies want to launch apps on iOS first as this can target a premium and international user base, especially in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. Before starting your project, all related risks should be managed.

Key Factors Determining the Cost of Building an App

In any case, these will be the 12 main influencers on which your estimated market price will depend – the simple price is assigned to these factors.

1. App Complexity

• The most important cost determinant of an app is its complexity.
• A simple app with four or five app screens with limited features typically costs between $20,000 and $50,000.
• A medium-complexity app integrates user login, payment, and APIs into the app and costs around $50,000-150,000.
• High-end apps include live tracking and smart systems and are estimated to cost over $150,000 for ride-hailing or social media apps.

2. Platform Selection

• The platform you choose has a significant impact on how much the app will actually cost.
• If the app development is limited to only Android or iOS platforms, its cost will be between $20,000 and $80,000.
• If the service is being provided for cross-platform, the app will cost between $40,000 and $150,000.
• Cross-platform means that both platforms share the same codebase, subsequent updates are cheaper.

3. UI/UX Design

• With good design, the app becomes easy and enjoyable to use.
• A basic design with a simple layout costs around $5,000-$15,000.
• While a custom design with user interaction design and animations will cost $20,000-$50,000.
• A sophisticated design keeps users actively engaged in the app for a longer period of time.

4. Features and Functionality

• The number of features means a higher price for the app.
• Basic features including login, profile, and search range from $5,000 to $15,000. Advanced features like live tracking, AI chat, or AR range from $20,000 to $100,000.
• More features mean more time and more testing.

5. Third-party integrations

• External tools do all the good stuff for you by adding functionality to the app.
• Basic tools like payments or social login will probably run around $2,000-$10,000.
• Advanced tools like CRM or marketing can cost around $30,000.
• It’s more cost-effective to use ready-made tools than to build everything from scratch.

6. Backend development

• The backend is responsible for data management and application logic.
• A simple backend will cost between $10,000-$20,000.
• A complex backend will be in the range of $30,000-$100000 or more if it provides live updates with many users.
• An efficient backend ensures that the application is fast and secure.

7. Application Testing and Quality Assurance (QA)

• Testing is used to eliminate bugs and errors in the app.
• To test a small application, one should expect to charge around $5,000-$10,000.
• Testing large applications and cross-platform applications can take up to $25,000.
• Testing checks speed, security, and user experience.

8. Application Security

• Security protects user data.
• Basic security such as secure login costs from $5,000 to $10,000.
• Advanced security like data compliance and two-step login costs from $15,000 to $50,000.
• Good security helps prevent data breaches.

9. Developer Location

• The developer’s location changes the total cost.
• On the other hand, lower charges prevail in India and Asia.
• The opposite is true for Europe and the US.
• Any one and the same app development will have different prices in different countries.

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