The Backstory
The app development costs have always been constantly fluctuating due to several factors such as the app type, the complexity of the market, the functionality, and the marketing skills involved in relation to the mobile app developments. With the world being in such an uncertain position due to the pandemic that has occurred in 2020, the two main questions that arise are how much does it actually cost to develop an app? And what are the factors that play a role in the mobile app development costs? These are the questions that will further be addressed.
In a generation where one is lost without a phone, and where the dependency on gadgets has greatly increased. Have you ever wondered about the costs that go into these mobile app developments? Your smartphone consists of several apps each having its own utility and benefits. These apps have been designed for your convenience and comfort and they indeed do make your lives simpler. But have you ever wondered about the backstory behind the development of these apps? Firstly, it is a necessity to understand more about the two basic primary app categories that exist before understanding the app development cost factor. The reason behind this is that looking at the right type of apps and recognizing them, would help your business or company to create the right strategy that is required and to allocate the desired funds. Thus, the two major app development categories are native apps and hybrid apps.
1. Native Apps
Native apps consist of programs that are coded in-depth with the usage of machine language of the specific hardware platform that it is running in. Native apps are built for several different systems thus making them varied and compatible. Of course the cost, in this case, would depend upon the number of platforms your business is targeting or plans to focus on in the foreseeable future.
2. Hybrid Apps
Hybrid apps consist of a native container that uses a Webview object. When this app is used, the object displays the appropriate web content. This is with the help of web technologies and languages used. For instance, CSS, JavaScript, HTML, Java, HTML5, etc.
Thus, while understanding these two categories, one can clearly state that a hybrid mobile application can run on multiple operating systems and manages to save costs and development time by increasing efficiency. However, on the other hand, native apps are more superior in nature because they provide better performance and are supported by a better operating system.
Understanding how the app is usually built is also essential. One needs to truly understand what goes behind making the app before analyzing the costs that go into mobile app developments. How is a Mobile App created? – Usually, this process takes into account market research, defining goals and objectives for the app, wireframing the app, looking into the backend of the mobile app, finalizing the wireframe, testing the prototype, developing the app again, testing it, launching it, and marking the official release, after which promoting the app slowly begins.
Mobile App Development Costs in India
On average, it costs approximately $27,000 to develop an app globally. However, in India, the costs dip considerably lower. It is about the median cost per hour and per platform (in US Dollars).
The formula for calculating the app development cost is the total development time into the hourly rate, thus highlighting the time and the hours invested in developing the apps. The framework for building a simple app wouldn’t cost much, what would really cost you is the app’s features that you would have to invest in to make sure that your app is the best, unique, and meets the expectations of the users. For the android app developments, for Indian developers, it costs roughly about $18-$40 per hour while for the development of iOS mobile app development it costs the Indian developers about $20-$35 per hour on an average basis. High prices usually mean better quality.
Android Mobile app development costs vs iOS app development costs
While previously there was a big hype created on the costs of iOS app developments are always considerably much higher than the android app development costs, now that is slowly being cleared up. Yes, currently the iOS development costs are higher but at the moment it is a very minimal difference between both systems. The android and the iOS development costs are almost the same, with both being neck to neck competitors in terms of bringing in better app developments. Both the platforms need to be targeted. This ensures that the business or the company targeting the platforms are exploring a more diverse range and different apps are being created simultaneously. All of this is happening irrespective of whether you choose to opt for the hybrid or the native apps to develop. The iOS app is normally required to be compatible with the previous upgrades of the iOS update so that there is a link to the previous versions. With regard to android apps, they are more diversified in nature and look into influencing factors such as the market size, market specifics, and client preferences.
Factors that affect app development costs
- The costs involved for the app (pre-development)
- The costs for the technical features
- The time period involved – the longer the tentative time-period, the greater will be the development costs
- Backend Infrastructure
- Overhead Costs
- Compatible Platforms
- Complexities
Funding for Mobile Apps
Through the above means, it is now clear that there are several processes that go into developing an app, the costs that are involved, how to calculate the cost, the main categories of app development, android versus iOS app development costs, and the factors that affect the app development costs.
Now in order to figure out the costs for the app developments, there are several methods through which funds can be gathered. For instance, Ventura capital, crowdfunding, known sources, introduction to the third part, social media, bootstrap, and even through app contests.
Venture capitals which are referred to as the big fish in the funding world, look into making large investments, which thus makes it possible of getting the required funds for the app development. However, they can demand a lot of control. Another possibility is through known sources meaning funding from family and friends. They are more dependable and always there for the rescue. However, make sure that while mixing up your personal and professional life, things do not get too dicey.
Another possibility to cover the costs is through crowdfunding. This involves a large number of investors all making a small contribution. This is done through the help of various means. Yet, another option is to reach out for funds via the internet and social media platforms. This gives you an opportunity to share your ideas, thoughts, and opinions and attract people from all across the world to help you in funding the costs required. This can also help you to connect with people who share the same views as you.
An introduction to a third party can also perhaps grant you the investor you need. However, make sure that you have a pitch at the ready so that you are able to convince them into funding you. If the third party is a mutual friend, then things become relatively easier for you. You can also opt for bootstrap where your own savings can be your best option. Another also viable option is through app contests where young, eager entrepreneurs present their various ideas and the winner of the contest manages to gather funds that can help in covering the costs.
Conclusion
There is a lot of factors that are under consideration when one considers the cost factor of developing mobile apps. There are so many things to understand and several factors that need to be linked to while talking about the costs. With 2020 being an unexpected twist in our lives, the year 2021 is sure to be considering some major changes and will contribute significantly in this area. There might be a possibility of your company collaborating with us.
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