Breaking Down Mobile App Development Costs: 2024 Insights

Are you planning to launch a mobile app for your business in 2024? The first question that is expected to take center stage during the planning process is the overall cost to develop a dedicated mobile app. To give you a rough estimate, basic mobile  apps with primary functions can range from $30,000 to $50,000, while complex apps with advanced functions can exceed $150,000.

The primary cost drivers of mobile app development include app features, complexities, development platforms, backend infrastructure, and more. Other factors like the geographical location of the development team, maintenance cost, and final deadline also influence the development budget.

It is vital for businesses to evaluate all the factors precisely and partner with a dedicated mobile app development services provider to get a mobile app that can gain instant traction in this competitive world.

This blog breaks down the mobile app development costs to readers for supporting their application development plans with relevant budgetary details. Let us explore the top factors that influence the mobile app development costs  in detail below. 

Factors Affecting the Cost of Mobile App Development in 2024:

App Complexity and Features

One of the significant factors that affect the cost of mobile app development is the overall app complexity and the features to be integrated. The addition of complex features means utilizing more resources by the development team which usually costs extra. Let us check the mobile app development cost based on three broad categories – basic, moderate, and complex.

Basic Mobile Apps: They are small mobile apps with minimal features and simplified user interfaces. Such apps contain basic functions like login, display features, and profile management and so, the app development cost can range from $30,000 to $40,000.

Moderate Mobile Apps: Such apps have more features and functions compared to the basic ones and their costs rise with sophistication. It might include integrating the latest payment gateways, APIs, secured data storage, and more that influence the overall use of such apps. The development costs of such mobile apps can range between $50,000 to $100,000.

Complex Apps: These mobile apps are feature-rich products that include complex databases & backend systems, advanced-level functions, real-time data sync, AI & ML integration, and custom animations. Development of such complex mobile apps can range anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000, or more.  It is advised to partner with one of the renowned mobile applications development companies to build your complex mobile apps with optimized budget, without compromising on quality.

Types of Platform- iOS, Android, or Both

 The choice of platform for the mobile app significantly impacts the app development costs, where creating apps for a single platform costs less than developing a cross-platform app.

Android Development – Mobile apps for the Android platform are developed using Kotlin or Java and they must accommodate the use across various devices & screen sizes. Based on the complexity level, Android mobile app development costs can range from $20,000 to $100,000.

iOS Development – The mobile apps for Apple devices are developed using Objective-C or Swift by adhering to Apple’s strict rules. Based on the app’s complexity, iOS app development can range from $20,000 to $150,000.

Cross-Platform Development – The cross-platform mobile apps are developed using React Native or Flutter. It allows the developers to reduce app development costs by writing & deploying code across both Android and iOS. Around 30% cost can be saved by building cross-platform mobile apps compared to creating separate native apps.

Backend Infrastructure & Integration

To ensure the smooth functioning of the mobile apps, it is crucial to build the infrastructure with utmost importance. The backend infrastructure supports the frontend of apps and this involves the setup of databases, APIs, and servers.

Simple Backend – It basically comprises user authentication and data storage, where cost can vary between $5,000 and $30,000.

Complex Backend – This includes adding advanced functions like third-party integrations, real-time data processing, and cloud storage, which costs between $20,000 and $100,000.

Mobile App Design and User Experience

A well-crafted mobile app includes intuitive user interfaces that impact engagement, user experience, and overall customer satisfaction. The app design includes the creation of wireframes, prototypes, a selection of visual designs, and high-quality design services.

Basic Design – It includes simple UI/UX design with minimal customizations for it. The cost of basic app design can range between $5,000 and $15,000.

Custom Design – This includes specific brainstorming for the interface, which includes custom graphics, animations, and intricate APIs. Custom mobile app designs can range between $15,000 and $50,000.

Summing Up

To plan and budget the mobile app development task, it is crucial to understand various factors influencing the app development costs. Whether you’re planning to develop a basic app or a complex one in 2024, it’s vital to consider the app’s complexity, its design, platform choice, and development timeframe. By considering these factors, businesses can ensure getting the best value for investment across reputed mobile app development firms. Reach out to reputed mobile app development companies with an efficient record of developing functional apps with all the latest functionalities.