Apps
iOS App Development Cost – A Complete Price Breakdown [Updated Guide]
By Sohaib Ahmed
In the world of mobile apps, being a top mobile app development company is key. If you’re eyeing success, creating iOS apps can set you apart. With many people using Apple devices, you have a chance to reach a wide audience. But before you dive in, it’s crucial to understand the main factor – how much does it cost to develop an ios app. In this blog, we’ll break down the details, helping you grasp the investment needed for creating cutting-edge mobile apps. Let’s explore ios app development cost and navigate the exciting world of iOS apps.
Decoding the Price: iOS App Development Cost Equation
Offering a precise cost without specific project details poses a challenge. However, for a general estimate, the average cost of ios app development typically falls within the broad range of $10,000 to $400,000 or potentially more.
iOS app development price hinges on the hours invested, multiplied by the billable hours of dedicated resources. The ios application development cost formula is a critical aspect of this estimation process:
iPhone App Development Cost = Hours Spent × Billable Hours Rate
Dont forget to read our ultimate guide on android app development cost
How Much Does it Cost to Develop an iOS App – 13 Factors Explained
Creating a successful iOS app involves more than just coding – it requires a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to average ios app development cost. Here are 13 key elements that influence the expenses associated with iOS app development:
1. Tech Stack Selection
The technologies chosen for your app, including programming languages, frameworks, and libraries, can significantly impact cost of ios app development. Cutting-edge and more complex tech stacks may require more time and expertise, driving up expenses.
2. Development Team Location
The geographical location of your development team plays a crucial role in cost determination. Hourly rates vary globally, with offshore teams often providing cost advantages compared to onshore alternatives.
3. UI/UX Design Complexity
User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design is a major cost to develop an ios app. Detailed and sophisticated designs demand more time and resources from designers and developers.
4. App Complexity Level
The complexity of your iOS app, ranging from a simple utility to a feature-rich platform, directly influences development costs. More complex apps with functionalities typically require more development hours.
5. App Type
The type of app – native, hybrid, or cross-platform – impacts ios app developer account cost. Native apps, tailored for specific platforms like iOS, may involve more resources compared to cross-platform solutions.
6. Third-Party Integrations
Integrating third-party services and APIs into your app can add both value and cost. The complexity of these integrations, along with licensing fees, contributes to the overall budget.
7. Security Requirements
Ensuring the security of your iOS app is paramount. Implementing robust security features and compliance measures may incur ios app development cost, but they are crucial for protecting user data and maintaining trust.
8. Scalability Considerations
Planning for future growth and scalability adds another layer to development costs. Building a scalable architecture from the outset can reduce future expenses as your app evolves.
Read our exclusive guide on How Much Does It Cost to Develop an E-commerce App
9. Device Compatibility
Supporting various iOS devices, screen sizes, and resolutions may impact development costs. Ensuring a seamless experience across different Apple devices adds complexities that need to be considered.
10. Testing and Quality Assurance
Thorough testing is vital for app success. The more comprehensive the testing process, including compatibility testing, performance testing, and user acceptance testing, the higher the associated costs.
11. App Maintenance and Support
Post-launch maintenance is often overlooked but is a crucial aspect of ios app development price. Regular updates, bug fixes, and compatibility adjustments contribute to ongoing expenses.
12. Regulatory Compliance & Standards
Adhering to legal and industry regulations may require additional development efforts and impact costs. This is particularly relevant for apps dealing with sensitive user data or operating in regulated industries.
13. App Discovery, Market Research and Analysis
Conducting thorough market research before and during development helps in creating a successful app. While not a direct development cost, the insights gained from research contribute to strategic decision-making.
iOS Application Development Cost for Startups, SMEs and Enterprises
The below iphone app development cost estimates serve as general guidelines, and the actual costs for iOS app development depend on the specific features, complexities, and functionalities unique to your project. Consultation with a development expert can provide a more accurate assessment aligned with your business goals.
Small Scale: Startups
For startups venturing into iOS app development, Here’s a breakdown of estimated expenses:
| Cost Component | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Tech Stack and Development Tools | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| UI/UX Design | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Development Hours | 200 – 800 hours |
| Testing and Quality Assurance | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $5,500 – $16,000 |
Note: Costs can vary based on complexity and specific requirements.
Medium Scale: SMEs
SMEs aiming for iOS app development seek a balance between quality and budget. Here’s an estimate tailored to medium-sized enterprises:
| Cost Component | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Tech Stack and Development Tools | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| UI/UX Design | $5,000 – $12,000 |
| Development Hours | 800 – 1,500 hours |
| Testing and Quality Assurance | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $16,000 – $38,000 |
Note: Costs may fluctuate based on project specifics and feature requirements.
Enterprise Scale
Enterprises demand robust and scalable iOS solutions. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the investment for large-scale app development:
| Cost Component | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Tech Stack and Development Tools | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| UI/UX Design | $12,000 – $30,000 |
| Development Hours | 1,500+ hours |
| Testing and Quality Assurance | $6,000 – $15,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $38,000 – $95,000+ |
Note: Enterprise-level costs vary significantly based on complexity, scale, and integrations.
How Much Does it Cost to Develop an ioS App – Team-Based Model
The size of your iOS app development team is a critical factor influencing the average cost of ios app development and efficiency of the project. Let’s explore the comparative cost breakdowns for small teams (2-4 members), medium teams (5-10 members), and large teams (10+ members), considering the essential roles of iOS developers, UI/UX designers, project managers, and QA specialists.
Small Teams (2-4 Members)
Small teams bring agility and streamlined communication, ideal for startup projects. Here’s a cost breakdown for iOS app development teams of 2-4 members:
| Role | Estimated Monthly Cost (per team member) | Total Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| iOS Developers | $5,000 – $8,000 | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| UI/UX Designers | $4,000 – $7,000 | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Project Manager | $5,000 – $8,000 | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| QA Specialist | $4,000 – $6,000 | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $16,000 – $25,000 |
Note: Costs can vary based on experience levels and location.
Medium Teams (5-10 Members)
Medium-sized teams strike a balance between flexibility and increased capabilities. Here’s the average ios app development cost breakdown for teams of 5-10 members:
| Role | Estimated Monthly Cost (per team member) | Total Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| iOS Developers | $4,500 – $7,500 | $10,500 – $25,000 |
| UI/UX Designers | $4,000 – $6,500 | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Project Manager | $5,000 – $7,500 | $15,000 – $35,000 |
| QA Specialist | $4,000 – $6,000 | $20,000 – $60,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $55,500 – $145,000 |
Note: Costs may vary based on the team’s composition and expertise.
Large Teams (10+ Members)
Large teams provide scalability for complex and extensive projects. Here’s the cost breakdown for the cost of ios app development of 10 or more members:
| Role | Estimated Monthly Cost (per team member) | Total Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| iOS Developers | $4,000 – $6,500 | $40,000 – $130,000 |
| UI/UX Designers | $3,500 – $6,000 | $35,000 – $60,000 |
| Project Manager | $4,500 – $7,000 | $45,000 – $70,000 |
| QA Specialist | $3,500 – $5,500 | $35,000 – $55,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $155,000 – $315,000 |
Note: Costs may vary based on project complexity, technology stack, and location.
Cost to Develop an iOS App – Different Hiring/Recruitment Models
Here’s a concise comparison of three prevalent models: freelancers, in-house/on-shore developers, and offshore developers.
Freelancers
| Model | Salary Per Hour | Complexity | Expertise | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freelancers | $20 – $100 | Low to Medium | Specialized |
Note: Freelancers offer cost flexibility but may pose challenges in consistent communication and scalability for complex projects.
In-house/On-shore Developers
| Model | Salary Per Annum | Complexity | Expertise | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-house/On-shore | $60,000 – $120,000 | Medium to High | Diverse Skill Set |
Note: In-house teams provide direct communication but may have higher associated costs.
Offshore Developers
| Model | Salary Per Hour | Complexity | Expertise | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Offshore Developers | $25 – $80 | Low to High | Specialized to Diverse |
Note: Offshore developers offer cost-effectiveness and you can save big on development efforts.
iOS App Developer Account Cost – Payment Gateways Integration
Integrating payment gateways into iOS apps is a crucial element for businesses aiming to provide seamless transactions. The ios app development cost for payment gateway integration can vary based on the complexity of your app and the features of the chosen payment gateway.
Simple iOS App with Standard Payment Gateway Integration
For a basic iOS app incorporating standard payment gateway integration, the cost typically ranges between $15,000 and $30,000. This includes fundamental features such as one-time payments, basic security measures, and standard transaction processing. Popular payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, or Square fall within this category, offering reliable and widely used solutions.
Complex iOS App with Advanced Payment Gateway Integration
If your iOS app demands advanced payment gateway integration with features like recurring payments, subscription management, and advanced security protocols, ios app development price can escalate to approximately $30,000 to $50,000 or more. Implementing complex features, particularly for high-risk transactions or industries with stringent security requirements, involves more development processes and rigorous testing.
Additional Costs to Consider
In addition to the direct development costs, it’s essential to consider ongoing maintenance, security updates, and potential transaction fees associated with the chosen payment gateway. Budgeting an additional 20% to 30% of the initial development cost for post-launch maintenance and updates is prudent. Transaction fees, charged by payment gateways for processing each transaction, can range from 1% to 3% of the transaction amount.
Average iOS Application Development Cost in 2024
As of 2024, the global average iPhone app development cost varies based on the complexity of the application. This estimate included diverse iOS applications, ranging from simple utility apps to complex, feature-rich platforms.
| App Complexity | Cost Range | Time Estimations |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | $10,000 – $30,000 | 2 – 4 months |
| Moderate | $30,000 – $70,000 | 4 – 6 months |
| Complex | $70,000 – $150,000+ | 6 – 12+ months |
Note: The cost estimates provided are global averages, and actual costs may vary based on factors such as location, development team experience, and specific project requirements.
Understanding the average costs associated with different levels of app complexity allows businesses and developers to make informed decisions and plan their budgets accordingly in the iOS app development in 2024.
How Much Does it Cost to Develop an iOS App – Top 30 Regions
Determining the average cost of ios app development often varies significantly based on the region where the development takes place. Below is a comparison of hourly app development costs across 30 regions, providing insights into affordable options for businesses seeking iOS app development.
| Region | Hourly App Development Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| India | $15 – $30 |
| Bangladesh | $15 – $30 |
| Pakistan | $15 – $30 |
| Vietnam | $20 – $40 |
| Indonesia | $20 – $35 |
| Philippines | $20 – $40 |
| Nigeria | $20 – $35 |
| Egypt | $20 – $40 |
| Malaysia | $20 – $40 |
| Serbia | $25 – $50 |
| Mexico | $30 – $50 |
| Colombia | $25 – $45 |
| South Africa | $25 – $45 |
| Kenya | $25 – $45 |
| Bulgaria | $25 – $50 |
| Russia | $25 – $50 |
| Belarus | $25 – $50 |
| Moldova | $25 – $45 |
| Croatia | $30 – $60 |
| Hungary | $30 – $60 |
| Poland | $30 – $60 |
| Romania | $30 – $60 |
| Turkey | $30 – $60 |
| Ukraine (remote) | $20 – $40 |
| Argentina | $30 – $50 |
| Peru | $25 – $45 |
| Brazil | $25 – $45 |
| Thailand | $20 – $40 |
| Ukraine | $25 – $50 |
Note: Hourly rates are indicative and can vary based on the specific requirements and expertise of the development team.
Understanding the hourly app development costs in different regions helps businesses make informed decisions about outsourcing based on budget considerations and desired quality.
TechnologyAlly is Your Best iOS Tech Partner
Choosing Technologically as your iOS app development partner promises a strategic alliance that goes beyond conventional development services. Our expertise is rooted in a blend of advanced technology and a commitment to delivering solutions that propel your business forward.
1. Unmatched Technical Proficiency
At Technologically, our team comprises seasoned iOS developers who stay at the forefront of technology trends. Their proficiency in Swift and Objective-C ensures the development of robust and cutting-edge iOS applications.
2. Tailored Solutions for Your Business
We understand that each business is unique. Our approach involves in-depth consultations to comprehend your specific needs, allowing us to tailor iOS applications that align seamlessly with your business goals.
3. Cost-Efficiency without Compromise
Technologically is committed to delivering exceptional value. Our efficient development processes and strategic resource allocation ensure cost-efficiency without compromising the quality and functionality of your iOS app.
4. Agile Development Methodology
Embracing agile methodologies, we prioritize flexibility and adaptability. This ensures rapid development cycles, quick adjustments to evolving requirements, and a faster time-to-market for your iOS app.
5. Seamless Communication and Collaboration
Our commitment to transparent communication ensures you’re always in the loop. Regular updates, collaborative decision-making, and an open channel of communication contribute to a seamless partnership.
6. Comprehensive Post-Launch Support
Our partnership extends beyond development. Technologically offers comprehensive post-launch support, ensuring your iOS app remains up-to-date, secure, and ready for evolving user needs.
Average iOS App Development Cost Faqs
Are there additional costs beyond development?
Yes, additional costs may include maintenance, updates, and potential transaction fees associated with payment gateways. Budgeting around 20-30% of the initial development cost for post-launch support is advisable.
How do offshore development teams compare in cost to onshore teams?
Offshore development teams often offer cost advantages, with hourly rates ranging from $20 to $80.
Can I get a precise cost estimate without specific project details?
Providing an exact cost without project specifics is challenging. Costs depend on the app’s unique features, complexity, and specific requirements. Consultations and detailed project discussions are essential for accurate estimates.
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