If you compare the world 10 years ago with today's era, you can easily see the difference. From the difference, we don’t mean how the world looks, rather we mean how it functions now and used to function then. What do you think has changed in how the world functions now compared to back then? Is it purely due to digitalization? Or is it just a mere change?
Keeping these questions aside, let us tell you that recent data suggests that people spend around 3 hours and 15 minutes on their phones daily. Furthermore, one out of every five smartphone users spends more than 4.5 hours on their phones every day.
And a more surprising fact? Well, last month, 37,244 apps were published to the Apple App Store alone.
After seeing the above stats, who wouldn’t want to invest in applications to grow their businesses? Well, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the expenses associated with iOS apps, including the key factors influencing the cost, and a comparative analysis of iOS app development cost in today's market.
Offering a precise cost without detailed project information is difficult. However, for a rough estimate, iOS app development expenses typically span from $10,000 to $250,000 or beyond. The final cost hinges on factors like complexity, design specifications, features, integrations, and ongoing maintenance requirements.
It's crucial to understand that this estimate can fluctuate widely depending on various factors in iPhone app development. Basic apps with minimal features tend to be towards the lower end of the cost range, while intricate apps with custom designs and advanced functionalities lean towards the higher end.
The cost of developing a mobile app, whether for Android or iOS, is typically calculated based on the number of hours required for development multiplied by the hourly rate of the resources involved.
The formula for estimating iPhone app development costs resembles the following:
Moreover, when examining each component, it becomes evident that several factors contribute to the overall cost of iOS app development.
Various factors such as the required technology stack, the geographical location of the development team, UI/UX design, the complexity of the iOS app, the type of app, and other considerations determine the cost of mobile application development.
Shall we explore these factors in more detail?
The cost to develop an iOS app is determined by the number of hours required. Factors such as features, functionalities, and cost-related considerations make sure that your app meets both customer needs and business objectives. Therefore, your iOS app should include more business-oriented features like navigation and payment gateways to make it more accessible and secure.
These business-centric features play a major role in estimating the budget for developing your iOS app, alongside the factors mentioned below.
When considering the development of an iOS app, the size of the application plays a significant role in determining both the time required for development and the associated costs. As the size of the app increases, so does the complexity, leading to a longer development timeline and higher costs. It's important to factor in various considerations before initiating the development process.
For small app development projects, which typically involve a limited number of screens and features, the average development time ranges from 2 to 4 months. These projects usually encompass simpler functionalities and require less extensive coding and testing.
Whereas, medium-sized app development projects are characterized by a moderate number of screens and features, resulting in a more extensive development process. On average, these projects take between 4 to 8 months to complete. These projects may involve more complex functionalities and require thorough testing to ensure optimal performance.
For complex app development endeavors, which involve a large number of screens and intricate features, the development process is considerably more involved. These projects often span over 8 months or longer, depending on the complexity of the app. These projects demand a high level of expertise and may require advanced technologies or integrations to meet the desired specifications.
Here's a breakdown of the cost to create an app for iPhone based on the app size:
It's widely accepted that an app is deemed efficient when it incorporates a variety of features. These features can be categorized into five key areas that heavily influence the estimation of iPhone app development costs.
Backend development comes in two types - Custom and BaaS. Custom backend development involves creating a backend architecture from scratch, while BaaS development provides ready-made backend architecture.
The admin panel is essential for monitoring app activities, viewing statistics, and updating app content.
Apps often need to interact with other third-party apps for various functions such as social media sign-ups or monetary transactions.
Many apps now incorporate in-app purchase features for monetization purposes.
Apps may require utilizing device functions like GPS or Bluetooth, which should be integrated accordingly.
Based on app complexity, the estimated development costs are as follows:
> Basic iOS App: Simple apps with basic UI requirements and functions typically cost between $10,000 and $20,000.
> Medium and Complex iOS App: Apps with high backend and custom UI requirements fall in the range of $50,000 to $250,000.
Nowadays, the cost of developing an iOS mobile app varies significantly depending on its category. Each category has its unique features, target audience, security requirements, and more. Below is a breakdown of the most popular iOS app categories along with their average development time and cost.
When considering the iOS app development price, it's essential to factor in the design process and animations, as they greatly influence the final expenses. Different design elements, animations, and illustrations can result in varying costs for the same app.
Moreover, investing in engaging app designs can significantly boost user engagement and conversion rates. Here are the top three iOS app design processes you should be familiar with-
Wireframing involves mapping out the user experience and features of the app. Tools like Photoshop, Balsamiq, and MARVEL are commonly used for this task.
iOS apps typically utilize flat design to ensure clarity and depth. In contrast, Android apps often opt for material design to showcase creativity and simplicity.
Animation plays a crucial role in certain types of apps, such as those focused on social media, restaurants, and gaming.
Here's a detailed breakdown of iPhone app development cost based on design requirements.
> App Design Research: Includes tasks like market research, competitor analysis, and trend analysis, with costs ranging from $100 to $350.
> UX Design: Involves creating rough sketches, low fidelity wireframes, and high fidelity wireframes, with development times varying from 10 to 150+ hours and costs ranging from $2000 to $8000.
> UI Design (Visuals): Covers mood boards, UI mockup samples, and final UI mockups, with development times ranging from 14 to 100+ hours and costs from $10,000 to $40,000.
> Branding: Includes creating brand identity, logos, icons, and social media assets, with costs ranging from $5,000 to $20,000.
> Animations and Illustrations: Involves visualizing user and on-screen content, direct manipulation, and user action visualization, with costs ranging from $1000 to $20,000 depending on the level of animations.
The iOS development cost is heavily influenced by your choice of development team, whether it's a freelance iPhone app developer or a professional iOS app development company. Here's a breakdown of the average hourly rates for various roles in iOS app development.
As evident, hiring individual talent can become quite expensive. Therefore, it's advisable to opt for a full-stack iOS app development team from a reputable mobile app development company to ensure cost-effectiveness.
Location significantly influences the cost to develop an iOS app, as seen in the contrasting rates between countries. So, here's a breakdown of iPhone app development costs by region:
India: $20-40/hr
United States: $80-170/hr
Ukraine: $30-100/hr
Australia: $80-200/hr
Russia: $60-150/hr
Variations in quality and cost are notable when comparing services across different regions, with differences particularly evident between the West and the East. Beyond development costs, factors like app launch and maintenance also contribute to the final budget.
This covers everything you need to know to develop an iOS app for your business. However, it wouldn't hurt to know when you should prioritize iOS app development over Android, would it? Let’s take a look.
iOS and Android stand out as the primary mobile operating systems. iOS, developed exclusively by Apple, operates solely on Apple devices like iPhones and iPads. Conversely, Android, an open-source system, powers devices from various manufacturers such as Samsung, Google, and LG.
When businesses contemplate between iOS and Android, several factors come into play. iOS is renowned for its security, seamless user experience, and top-notch hardware. It garners favor among business users due to its compatibility with Apple's suite of productivity apps like Pages, Keynote, and Numbers.
In contrast, Android boasts greater flexibility and customization possibilities, along with a broader array of devices spanning different price ranges. Additionally, Android devices often boast extended battery life and superior camera capabilities.
The decision between iOS and Android hinges on the specific needs and preferences of each organization. Companies prioritizing security and user experience may lean towards iOS, while those valuing flexibility and affordability may favor Android. Businesses must conduct a thorough assessment of their requirements to select the platform that aligns best with their objectives.
Looking to integrate artificial intelligence into your iOS app development? Well, Antino offers a range of specialized services designed to harness the power of AI seamlessly within iOS applications. Our team of expert developers is adept at integrating AI capabilities into iOS apps, ensuring that your app leverages the latest advancements in technology.
Whether it's implementing machine learning algorithms, natural language processing, computer vision, or predictive analytics, we work closely with you to customize AI solutions that align with your specific goals and objectives. From conceptualization to deployment, we guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that your iOS app delivers on its promise.
With Antino's expertise, your AI-enabled iOS app will engage users effectively by offering personalized recommendations, intelligent automation, and real-time insights. So, if you have any doubts and want to know more about our capabilities, get in touch with our experts!
The cost of publishing an app on iOS typically includes a one-time fee of $99 per year for an Apple Developer Program membership.
Yes, Antino assists with publishing your app to the App Store as part of its comprehensive iOS app development services.
