How Much Does It Cost to Build an iOS App?

Estimating the Cost of iOS App Development

When estimating the cost of iOS development, the resources spent and the hours dedicated towards it usually count.

You can use a simple formula to arrive at an average cost = UI/UX + App Platform + Development Hours + [Hourly Rates of your Developers × App Development Time].

However, it would help if you considered other crucial factors as well when estimating the cost, such as:

• App Types
• App Complexity
• App Feature Requirements
• App Design

Let’s discuss each cost aspect in detail.

Cost Breakdown of iOS App Development Based on Size

The size of an iOS app is directly proportional to the development costs.

1. Small IOS Apps

Small iOS usually have limited functionality, and developers may take 2-4 months to develop them.

2. Medium IOS Apps

These apps are developed using efficient coding to optimize their functionalities. They may take 4-8 months to build and are less expensive than large iOS apps.

3. Large IOS Apps

Large-scale iOS apps usually involve more content and features, which require a more significant amount of resources and time.

Key Factors Influencing iOS App Development Costs

There is no fixed cost as various costs add up to the development cost, which we will discuss here:

1. Complexity of iOS App Features

Various functionalities and plugins add to the complexity of your iOS app features, such as a deployment model of architecture, the development of an iOS admin panel, in-app purchases, third-party Integration, and so on.

Basic Features: The basic features include primary user authentication login and authentication and essential push notification updates and alerts. Alongside, the core app functionalities include those required for performing simple tasks or displaying information on the app. You can even integrate the essential database to retrieve and store app data.

Intermediate Features: You can access advanced user authentication methods such as biometric authentication, social media log in, etc. The enhanced functionalities include secure payment processing, in-app messaging, and improved search functionality. Integration with large datasets and analytics tools, such as tracking user experience, is also possible. You also get custom UI/UX for improved user experience.

Advanced Features: You get role-based access control and multi-factor authentication, advanced UI designs with gestures, interactive elements, and animations, robust security features like data storage, encryption, two-factor authentication, Integration with APIs, and payment gateways. Core functionalities include augmented reality and real-time collaboration.

2. Type of iOS App

There are different types of iOS apps, each with security criteria, demographics, functionalities, etc. Let us understand it better using the following table:

Now, let’s understand the impact of app design on the overall development cost.

3. iOS App Design

The design process and interactive elements added to your iOS can influence the development cost. Engaging apps with various illustrations and animations can boost conversion and engagement rates significantly, but they also come with a higher pocket pinch.

Here are the top three design elements that you may come across when developing your iOS app:

UI Design: Flat design is usually used for iOS apps to render better depth and clarity rather than opting for material design, which is generally seen in material design.

Wireframing: Wireframing creates the features and user experience map of your app.

Animation: These interactive elements are usually seen in iOS apps such as gaming, restaurants, and social media.

4. API Integration In IOS App

The number and complexity of your APIs will also affect your app development expenses. Integrating complex or multiple APIs can further increase the costs.

Payment Gateway Integration: E-commerce and financial apps greatly depend on secure payment gateway integration. Meeting industry security standards such as PCI DSS and customizing payment gateways can increase costs. You can also expect to spend more if you opt for maintenance and ongoing support.

Third-Party Integration: External systems like mapping tools and social media logins are vital for your app’s growth. Factors like complexity, usage-based pricing, and licensing fees can impact the cost of these third-party integrations.

5. Development Team Models

Your iOS app development team model will also significantly affect the app development cost. Each model has its own set of pros and cons.

In-House Teams: Hiring an in-house team grants direct communication and control over the project. Despite the expense, it is ideal for long-term projects or apps that require ongoing support and supervision.

Freelancers: Freelancers are your best bet if cost-effectiveness and flexibility are the priorities when hiring developers for iOS app development. However, it would mean compromising on close supervision and quality.

Offshore Development Companies: The right balance between cost-effectiveness and app quality can be found in the offshore developer model. You can access diverse talent while ensuring lower labour costs. However, concerns like cultural differences, communication gaps, and time zone differences may be faced by you

6. Team Size and Expertise

The size of your app development team is directly proportional to its development cost. Building a bigger team would bring in more expertise at the expense of higher charges. Factors such as the timeline and complexity of the project would also determine the team size. A minor team may help you save costs, but it would also slow down your project timeline, resulting in a delayed app launch and loss of prospects.

7. Development Location

The location of the iOS app development team also influences the cost, as their hourly rates differ. Developers from Asian countries like India usually charge less than those from Western Europe and North America.

8. Quality Assurance and Testing

Quality Assurance and Testing ensure that your iOS app meets industry standards and is bug-free. It will check various aspects of your iOS app, such as UI/UX, device compatibility, performance, security, functionality, and so on.

This will ensure optimal app performance and build the trust of your users by offering an unparalleled user experience.

Conclusion

It would help to consider numerous factors while estimating the cost of developing iOS or iPhone apps. Whether iOS or Android, both mobile platforms have excellent market demand and user acquisition. However, for iOS, there are specific considerations, as Apple has its setup backed by its defined guidelines and a vast ecosystem of mobile devices. So, it would help if you had a detailed project scope handy. It will help allocate your budget and resources to build your app within your defined price range. Since mobile app development is a complex and long-term process, consulting a leading company specializing in iOS app development services would be wiser if you hire iOS developers. They will give a pricing quotation based on your specific project requirements.