How Much Does It Cost to Develop an iOS App?

We can’t deny the slew of reasons iOS offers when developing a mobile app for a business. Choosing iOS as your platform of choice is certainly a smart move.

It’s not only the app developers and App store profiting from this boom. A larger and growing share of app revenue now comes from businesses offering in-app purchases, subscription models, and innovative services that drive user engagement and customer loyalty.

With its loyal user base and premium market appeal, iOS apps provide an excellent opportunity to connect with potential customers. However, as exciting as this decision may be, one of the most demanding questions is the cost of iOS app development and the factors that contribute to custom iOS app development pricing.

To give you a quick sneak peek, the cost to build an iOS app can range anywhere from $10,000 to $450,000 – when outsourcing mobile app development to a company in the USA. However, if you hire dedicated resources through Resource Augmentation model, the same services may cost between $5,000 to $200,000 in regions like India, where the cost of hiring iOS developers is significantly affordable than in the USA.

It’s a complicatedly uncomplex process to land down to actual costs. To make it simpler for you, we’ll break down the key factors that influence iOS app development costs (including some hidden expenses as well —because we believe in transparency!). So, let’s quickly hop on and chart out your budget at its best!

Top Factors on Which ios App Development Cost Depends

1. Design and UI/UX

The app design affects the pricing of iOS app programming and the app success ratio in the market. An app with user-friendly interface attracts more users and increases engagement. The design cost will vary depending on the complexity of UI and UX.

• Basic Design

Basic design of an iOS app includes simple UI elements and minimal customization, focusing on functionality over aesthetics. This level is ideal for MVPs or apps with straightforward features. The cost for this level can cost somewhere around $2,000 to $5,000 or more, making it a pocket-friendly choice for startups or small projects.

• Custom Design

Custom designs give your app a unique look with personalized branding, animations, and graphics. iOS apps with custom designs typically cost between $5,000 and $15,000, or more. The rates can vary based on factors like custom illustrations, advanced animations, and the overall design complexity. It’s significant to ensure the design matches your brand’s needs.

2. Complexity

The most crucial factors on which the cost of developing an iOS app depends is its complexity! There are different types of app types like basic, moderate, and complex.

• Basic Apps

Basic iOS apps have limited features and functionalities. These apps do not require complex coding or integrations. For example, you can visualize to-do lists, calculators, and news applications. The cost varies from $5,000 to $30,000.

• Mid-Level Complexity Apps

These types of iOS apps usually come with features like user logins, push notifications, and connections to other systems or APIs. In addition to this, such tailored iOS app solutions also include extras like in-app purchases or media playback. On an average, a moderately complex app cost can range from $30,000 and $70,000.

• High-Level Complexity Apps

These apps come with advanced features like real-time tracking, complex databases, and even AI or machine learning. With all the integrations and development involved, they can cost over $100,000—and for highly complex ones, the price can climb even higher.

3. Features and Functionalities

There are different features and functionalities you want to integrate into your app for Apple devices, having a considerable impact on the overall cost. The more advanced the features, the higher the development cost. Some of the features you may consider include:

• User Authentication

Login/sign-up functionalities with social media integrations, allow users to easily access the app through their social media accounts, enhancing user convenience and engagement.

• Geolocation

GPS-based features for location tracking enable users to access location-specific services, find nearby places, and improve overall user experience with real-time mapping.

• Push Notifications

To send alerts or updates to users, keeping them informed about important events, promotions, or app activities, ensures ongoing engagement and communication.

• Payment Gateway Integration

For e-commerce apps to process transactions securely, providing a smooth checkout experience with multiple payment methods, results in user convenience and safety.

• Third-Party Integration

Integrating APIs and third-party services for functionalities like social media sharing, email, or cloud storage, enhances app capabilities and provides seamless user interactions.

4. Backend Development

Did you know front-end development is everything the user sees and interacts with in the app, such as buttons, images, and text? However, backend development is the behind-the-scenes technology that makes the app function rightly. This includes databases, servers, and processing data in real-time.

• Basic Backend

For apps with fewer server-side requirements, the cost can range between $5,000 to $15,000. However, if you want an iOS app with a strong back-end infrastructure that can manage tasks including data storage or information synchronization in real-time, the overall iOS app development increases.

• Complex Backend

The more complex functionality you have in your iOS app, it would require more expenses to build and maintain the back-end systems. For apps that need custom back-end infrastructure, data security features, and real-time processing, the backend development cost can surpass $30,000.

5. Platform and Device Compatibility

The platform you pick for your iOS app and the devices it supports can have a huge impact on the cost. Developing an app for iOS alone tends to be more reasonable than for both iOS and Android. As, you need to develop an iOS app on one Operating System only.

Working on Android and iOS platforms would likely cost you more! It is because you need extra coding structure or frameworks like React Native or Flutter.

If you plan to make your app compatible with such iPhones, iPads, or Apple Watch, you need additional development work. This might increase the iOS app development cost.

6. Development Team Location

The location of your development team can significantly affect the cost. Teams in different countries charge different hourly rates based on their local economy, skills, and demand. Developers in North America and Western Europe are more expensive, while rates are lower in regions like Eastern Europe and Asia.

A general comparison of iOS app development costs in different regions is mentioned below.

• Asia: In Asian countries such as India and China, the hourly rates are much lower, around $40–$80 for crafting iOS apps. A simple app may cost $10,000, while a moderately complex one can reach $50,000.
• Europe: In Eastern Europe countries including Ukraine and Poland, hourly rates are $50–$150, while Western Europe is a little bit costlier. Apple app development costs range from $30,000 to $100,000 according to complexity.
• North America: In North American region like USA and UK, developers charge approx. $100–$250 per hour. So, developing an iOS solution with a North American team can cost between $50,000 and $150,000 or more.

Unseen Costs of iOS App Development

Hidden iOS app development costs can significantly impact the overall budget. Key factors include:

• App Store Subscriptions: Launching your app comes with unseen costs. This includes app store fees and the potential loss of full control over your app’s distribution.
• Data Storage Overheads: Storing vast amounts of user data, particularly in the cloud, can quickly escalate costs as your app scales.
• Mid-Project Changes: Making changes during development can surprise you with unexpected costs, often pushing the budget far beyond initial estimates.
• Testing Expenditures: Performing testing can ensure quality and performance, but it adds both time and financial stress to your end-to-end iOS app creation process.
• Marketing Spend: Getting your app noticed requires a solid marketing strategy, which can involve hefty expenses across various platforms.
• Third-Party Integration Dues: Integrating third-party services can boost your app’s functionality, but it often comes with hidden fees and long-term costs for continued access.

Final Thoughts

The cost to develop an iOS app depends on factors like app complexity, features, design, and the developer’s location. To manage costs wisely, have a clear plan, choose the right team, and a pricing structure for updates.

Understanding the above-mentioned factors help you set a realistic budget and expectations for your project. By working with talented app developers, using modern technologies, and planning each step with caution, you can be benefited with cost effective app development! The developed app would match your business objectives, satisfies users, and lies within budget.