Real Cost to Build an App for Android and iOS

You are wrong if you think mobile apps are only for big brands, such as Bank of America, Walmart, etc. Yes, today most of the businesses are following mobile app trends and this is why the demand for mobile application development companies is increasing day by day. If you are planning for the same, you majorly need to consider these three elements:

• Why are mobile apps important?
• Types of Business apps
• What are the development costs?

Every stage needs specialization, with multiple tests to ensure quality and functionality. Let’s cover each stage one-by-one. But before that, it is crucial to figure out the significance of mobile applications in our lives. 

Statistics

App Annie finds the whole number of application downloads in 2018 at 194 billion; which is more from 178 billion in 2017.  The Google Play Store and Apple App Store controlling this landscape: as such, they are the most significant markets in the globe. This report, as mentioned below, will take a look at the famous apps, the most-downloaded apps, the top mobile games, Android vs. iOS, and a variety of additional app download statistics. 

Key App Download Statistics

• 194 billion mobile app downloads in 2018, more as compared to 178 billion in 2018
• 105 billion application installs made via the iOS App Store and Google Play Store
• 30 billion iOS App Store and 76 billion Google Play Downloads
• TikTok showed the most significant enhancement in installs in the US, with 16M more 2018 downloads as compared to 2017 downloads
• The most downloaded app type was of Games on Android and iOS in 2018
• Helix Jump found to be as the most installed game of 2018

Importance of Mobile Apps

Mobile Apps help businesses in different ways:

To Stay Visible and Connected

As per statistics, the average person spends at least 2 or more hours on the mobile device in the US. Generally, just a few apps occupy most of the time of users.  Therefore, this is likely the biggest exposure businesses can get from its users.

Of course, not all the apps drive the similar amount of user engagement. However, every app does not need the same kind of engagement. They can go for realistic goals and get a loyal user base. The biggest benefit they get is continuous visibility and connection with users.

Better User Experience

There is a perception that mobile apps only act as a promotional tool. But the fact is most users find apps interesting because of their wonderful experience. Apps that can impress users with smart, lean, and smooth experience can’t be stopped from getting popular. Businesses who are trying to deliver a kind of user experience that they love, a mobile app is all they need. If your business doesn’t have a strong offline presence, creating a mobile app is quite effective for you.

Promotion Tool For Your Business

App developers and businesses are aware of the fact that mobile apps become a free promotional tool. No doubt, there are other web alternatives to sell your product, including eBay, Flipkart, Amazon, SnapDeal, etc. But to trade products across these alternatives you need to face tough competition. You can find some famous brands in your niche out there. On the other hand, apps deliver a credible promotional platform without much investment. 

Make Presence in Global Markets

Do you think your products or services have a good scope in the global market, rather than local? Thanks to social media, web, and mobile apps that can provide your business with a global presence. Now, a vegetable store in your locality, which has been selling vegetables for years locally, can reach to offshore clients. Mobile apps help you to reach global markets and users. These apps allow you to connect with people who are similar minded. 

Types of Business Apps

Businesses develop apps that serve to the requirements of their market. You can consider different apps, according to the type of business you are running:

• Basic Functionality: It helps in the enhancement of the usability of mobile devices.
• Functionality Based on Data: Enables you to organize programs, as well as files.
• Games: Involves some of the complicated procedures in mobile app development
• Modification: Designed in order to advance specific functions of the mobile device.
• Fully Dynamic: It is data-driven but dependent on external information.
• Custom Utilities: Allow you to format the content in a particular manner.

As soon as you determined the type of app, it’s time to pick your platform. There are two key platforms to pick from Android or iOS.

For Android apps, cost ranges as mentioned:

• High-tech apps: $75,000 to $150,000
• Complex apps: $55,000 to $100,000
• Standard apps: $45,000 to $55,000
• Elementary apps: $25,000 to $35,000

For iOS apps, cost ranges as mentioned:

• Simple, table-based apps: $1,000 to $4,000
• Database apps: $8,000 to $50,000
• Games: $10,000 to $250,000

There are some additional costs you should consider while building your app:

• Web Services ($1,000 to $5,000): Move the content to a remote access point. As a result, you can update the apps with XML files contrary to changes to the raw code.
• Share Capabilities ($500 to $1,500): Allow content sharing through social media and email.
• Game Center ($1,000): Apple’s way of embedding your app with SDK.
• SDK ($50 to $200): SDKs assist you to track your app and search for ways to monetize it.