Creating a mobile app has become an integral part of digital business strategy in 2023. With the increasing use of smartphones, more and more businesses are opting to create their own mobile apps to reach out to their target audience. However, the cost of app development can be a significant concern for businesses looking to invest in this technology.
In this blog, we will explore the factors determining the cost of creating an app in 2023, including app type, features, platforms, and developer rates according to our mobile app development in UAE experts. By the end of this blog, you will better understand how much it costs to create an app in 2023 and how to plan your budget accordingly.
Let’s get into the million-dollar question first.
How much does it really cost to build an app in 2023.?
Industry experts point out that the cost falls out between $30,000 and $25000 and the average cost is about $171,450. However, these figures are estimates and the final costs will primarily be based on the project’s requirements and customisation.
We will guide you through the cost breakdown, and the factors that affect the price.
- App development cost breakdown
- Factors influencing the cost of app development
- Development stages and their impact on the average costs
Let’s dive in,
The final cost of an app depends on various factors, but let’s take a detailed look.
The cost of developing a simple app ranges between $30,000 to $50,000.
A simple app means having the basic features including a user interface, basic functions and user login. This type of app is usually developed within 12 weeks.
Eg; weather apps, calculator /flashlight apps.
Development of a complex to range between $100,000 to $250,000
Complex apps include much more advanced features than basic ones. It may include third-party integrations, real-time updates, push notifications/advanced UX/UI. These types of apps are developed in 7-16 weeks. App eg: social media apps, e-commerce/gaming apps
The cost of an advanced app will range from $250,000 to $1,000,000
Advanced apps will be in their prime form with highly complex features including Artificial Intelligence (AI) Virtual Reality and Machine Learning. These types of apps take 11-16 weeks to complete. Example of such apps is Healthcare apps and financial apps.
Factors influencing the cost of developing an app
The question regarding the final cost of an app is a very difficult one. But let’s take a look at some of the factors that influence the development cost.
- In-house development vs Outsourcing
- Structure & Location.
- Features &Functionality
- Android vs ios.
- Backend infrastructure
- Visual Designs
Now, let’s review each of these factors in detail
Firstly you need to decide if you are outsourcing the app development to a third-party company or working with in-house team production.
Pros of In-house app development.
- Direct communication
- More control over decisions
Pros of Outsourcing app development
- Talent Pool
- Lower Rates
- Flexibility
- No need for big initial investments
Location &Structure Matters!
You will have options if you decide to outsource your app development. You can either choose
Nearshore Outsourcing
You can work with the company within your country or a nearby country.
Offshore Outsourcing
You can choose to work with any company in the world.
However, the latter options will give some challenges due to factors like time difference since it prevents having comfortable time-zone issues.
Android vs ios Development
Since both android and ios are the leading mobile operating system in the world, it’s quite normal to create an app for either one of those. Even though the price doesn’t differ much, the timeframe to complete is also same for the both. However, if your budget allows you can also go for two of the applications and launch them on the market.
Personalized Designs
Personalized designs will cost you some money but it will depend on visual complexity., the number of customs elements, complex illustrations and more.
App maintenance costs
App maintenance usually involves work including bug fixing and quality assurance, upgrading to the latest OS versions and adding new features.
Features and Functionality
These include hardware features, user log-ins and engagement. Features like Geo-locations are also included in food delivery apps. Crozz synchronizations for the devices of apple. Data encryption is also among the top features of an app.
App Development Cost Breakdown
Let’s take a detailed look into the development stage and the costs that are spent on them. It includes the discovery stage, UI/UX Design, App testing and deployment stage. The discovery phase includes the planning and analysis stage. The cost of this usually ranges from $5,000 to $25,000 and takes about 2-5 weeks. In UX/UI design stage, it is completely dedicated to user experience. The cost ranges between $5,000 and $50,000. The overall cost of building the app includes the stages of testing and deployment. Quality assurance and testing are important, which help to ensure that it is ready for the customers. You are expected to pay an amount ranging between $5,000-$10,000 for app testing and the rest of the follow-up services.
How To Estimate App Development Costs
Now, you have a clear understanding of how much it costs for an App, let take a looks for the following approach recommended by our experts at Mobile app development company in Dubai to ensure that your budget is met and your app is delivered on time.
- Thorough Market Reaserch – Even before the development, we aid our client tpo conduct a thorough market research, analyzing similar apps, and finding the right target audience.
- The First app version : We usually advice our clients to begin with a simple app with basic features to test your app idea.
- Ensure follow up development : Even after your successful completion of app, you will be need further following including security updates and additional features.
In conclusion, the cost of creating an app in 2023 varies depending on various factors, such as complexity, platform, and features, with estimates ranging from $5,000 to $500,000 or more.