Smartphones are loaded with technological advances that offer convenience and business. Software development companies have always taken this opportunity and landed with tailored applications that fit with these devices’ OS. The development of applications was designed and prioritised based on specific OS – Android and iOS. This was where native development came into existence.
These apps are created using platform-specific programming languages—Swift or Objective-C for iOS, and Java or Kotlin for Android. This approach ensures seamless integration with the platform’s hardware and software, offering optimised performance and a smooth user experience.
Native applications are different from other types of development, like cross-platform or web app development. Unlike cross-platform apps, which are designed to work on multiple platforms with a single codebase, native apps are fully optimised for their specific platform. This means faster loading times, better graphics, and access to device features like the camera, GPS, and notifications.
The global mobile app market is on an impressive growth trajectory. In 2024, it is expected to reach $935 billion in revenue, driven by an ever-expanding user base of approximately 7.6 billion mobile users globally.
About 72% of mobile developers target Android because of its extensive user base, while iOS remains a strong choice in developed markets due to higher user spending. (Yes It Labs)
Native development offers a level of quality and reliability that other types of apps often cannot match. However, it typically requires more time and resources, as developers need to create separate versions for each platform. Despite the higher cost, many IT Services companies choose native development to provide users with the best possible experience.
Let’s further move to the features or factors that impact the cost of developing a native application.
Cost Associated With Feature Development of Native App
When breaking down the cost of native app development, it’s essential to consider feature-specific factors that can significantly impact expenses. Here’s an overview of the main cost-driving features in native app development:
1. User Authentication and Profile Management
Cost Range: Adding user authentication (e.g., email, social logins) can range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on security requirements.
Factors Affecting Cost: Complex security protocols, like multi-factor authentication (MFA) or biometric logins, increase costs. The addition of profile management options (e.g., personalized settings, account verification) can add further expenses.
2. Real-Time Chat and Messaging
Cost Range: Real-time messaging features often cost between $3,000 and $8,000, depending on the level of customization.
Factors Affecting Cost: Including multimedia messaging, read receipts, typing indicators, or end-to-end encryption requires more backend development, which can increase costs.
3. Geolocation and Mapping Services
Cost Range: Simple geolocation features can cost around $2,000 to $5,000. Advanced mapping, with navigation and route optimization, can raise the cost to $10,000 or more.
Factors Affecting Cost: Using APIs like Google Maps or Mapbox comes with usage fees, and adding custom mapping functionality or location-based notifications can add significant costs.
4. Payment Integration
Cost Range: Basic payment processing integration costs between $2,000 and $6,000, depending on the provider and security protocols.
Factors Affecting Cost: Payment gateways like Stripe or PayPal have integration fees, and adhering to compliance standards (e.g., PCI-DSS) or handling complex transactions (e.g., multi-currency or recurring payments) adds to the cost.
5. Push Notifications
Cost Range: Basic push notifications cost $1,000 to $2,500, while personalized notifications, segmented messaging, or advanced scheduling can increase costs.
Factors Affecting Cost: Implementing complex notification logic, analytics, or location-based triggers typically requires additional backend infrastructure, leading to higher costs.
6. In-app purchases and Subscriptions
Cost Range: Integrating in-app purchases starts at $3,000 and can go up to $10,000 or more for complex subscription models.
Factors Affecting Cost: Subscription management, tiered pricing, and handling renewals and cancellations add complexity. Apple and Google also charge transaction fees on in-app purchases.
7. Third-Party Integrations
Cost Range: Integrating third-party APIs (e.g., CRM systems, analytics tools, social media) can range from $1,500 to $7,000, depending on API complexity.
Factors Affecting Cost: API costs vary widely based on the number of integrations, data flow, and customization. Some APIs come with usage fees, which can increase costs if app usage grows significantly.
8. Data Storage and Synchronization
Cost Range: Implementing basic data storage might cost around $2,000 to $5,000, with advanced cloud storage or synchronization features adding to the budget.
Factors Affecting Cost: Real-time data synchronization, cloud storage solutions, and offline capabilities usually involve higher expenses due to backend and cloud services like AWS, Firebase, or Azure.
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9. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
Cost Range: AR/VR features are among the most costly, typically starting around $10,000 and reaching up to $50,000 for highly interactive elements.
Factors Affecting Cost: Costs rise with the complexity of 3D modelling, object recognition, and integration with platforms like ARKit (for iOS) or ARCore (for Android).
10. Analytics and Reporting
Cost Range: Basic analytics integration can cost $1,000 to $3,000, while in-depth, custom reporting features can go beyond $5,000.
Factors Affecting Cost: While tools like Google Analytics and Firebase offer basic analytics, custom data tracking and reporting dashboards require more development effort, adding to costs.
11. Security and Compliance
Cost Range: Basic security measures might cost $1,000 to $3,000. Apps requiring extensive data protection and compliance (like HIPAA) can see costs upwards of $10,000.
Factors Affecting Cost: Enhanced security features such as encryption, data anonymisation, and adherence to legal standards like GDPR or CCPA add substantial costs, especially in sensitive fields like healthcare and finance.
Cost Breakdown of Native App Development
Below is the table that breaks down the cost of the application in terms of features. Further, we have also mentioned how mobile app development companies quote for native app development.
| App Complexity | Average Cost Range | Key Features Typically Included |
| Simple App | $30,000 – $60,000 | Basic UI, simple functionality (e.g., user login, profile management, minimal data processing) |
| Moderate App | $60,000 – $120,000 | Custom UI elements, data synchronisation, third-party integrations (e.g., payment gateways, API integrations) |
| Complex App | $120,000 – $300,000+ | Advanced features (e.g., real-time data, complex backend, AR/VR, multi-language support, data security and compliance) |
Cost Breakdown by Development Phases
Each app complexity level has development costs allocated across different phases. Below is an explanation of how costs are distributed for simple, moderate, and complex apps:
1. Planning and Research
- Simple App: $3,000 – $5,000
- Moderate App: $5,000 – $10,000
- Complex App: $10,000 – $20,000
This phase includes requirement gathering, market research, and defining the app’s features. For complex apps, this phase is crucial to accommodate regulatory requirements, intricate functionalities, and larger target audiences.
2. UI/UX Design
- Simple App: $5,000 – $8,000
- Moderate App: $10,000 – $20,000
- Complex App: $20,000 – $40,000
A user-friendly and engaging design is essential across all levels. For complex apps, advanced UI elements, animations, and platform-specific designs are often required, which increases design time and costs.
3. Frontend and Backend Development
- Simple App: $15,000 – $25,000
- Moderate App: $25,000 – $50,000
- Complex App: $60,000 – $150,000+
This is where most native app development companies allocate costs. For complex apps, backend development includes building robust databases, real-time synchronisation, and data security, while front-end work involves highly interactive elements.
4. Integration of Third-Party Services
- Simple App: $2,000 – $4,000
- Moderate App: $5,000 – $10,000
- Complex App: $10,000 – $20,000+
Integration with third-party services like social login, payment gateways, or APIs adds extra cost, especially for moderate and complex apps that may need multiple or advanced integrations.
5. Testing and Quality Assurance
- Simple App: $3,000 – $6,000
- Moderate App: $6,000 – $12,000
- Complex App: $15,000 – $30,000
Testing is crucial to ensure the app works seamlessly on multiple devices and OS versions. Complex apps require thorough testing across a wide range of features and conditions, including security, performance, and compatibility testing.
6. Deployment and Launch
- Simple App: $2,000 – $3,000
- Moderate App: $3,000 – $5,000
- Complex App: $5,000 – $10,000
Deploying the app on app stores involves final testing, meeting store guidelines, and performing launch support. For complex apps, the deployment phase includes extra support for app store compliance, including additional marketing efforts or compliance documentation.
7. Maintenance and Updates
- Simple App: $500 – $1,500/month
- Moderate App: $1,500 – $3,000/month
- Complex App: $3,000 – $8,000+/month
Post-launch, ongoing maintenance is necessary to fix bugs, handle OS updates, and add minor features. Maintenance for complex apps includes frequent updates, security patches, and potential feature expansions.
Also Read: What matters when evaluating Software development Cost?
Advantages of Developing a Native Mobile Application
Native apps are built specifically for each platform—such as iOS or Android—allowing them to fully leverage device hardware, optimize speed, and integrate seamlessly with platform-specific features. Though they may involve a higher initial investment, native apps often provide superior functionality and user retention, making them a worthwhile choice for businesses aiming for a high-quality, future-proof app experience.
1. Optimised Performance and Faster Load Times
Efficiency of Native Code:
Native apps are built specifically for a platform (iOS or Android), using languages like Swift or Kotlin, which allows them to run more efficiently and with lower latency. Although initial development may cost more compared to cross-platform options, the optimized performance can save costs in the long term by reducing the need for extensive performance tuning and troubleshooting.
2. Better User Experience and Higher Retention Rates
Platform-Specific Design:
Native apps align with the UI and UX guidelines of each platform, making them more intuitive for users. A seamless experience can reduce user drop-off, resulting in better retention rates. While this platform-focused approach may increase initial design and development costs, the improved retention can lead to higher customer lifetime value, offsetting those early expenses over time.
3. Enhanced Security and Reliability
Platform-Specific Security Features:
Native apps can fully utilize built-in platform security features like biometric authentication and encryption. Building in security from the ground up can be more cost-effective than adding security patches or dealing with potential breaches, which could lead to costly repairs or even reputation damage.
4. Fewer Long-Term Maintenance Costs
Less Compatibility Testing:
Since native apps are developed specifically for each operating system, compatibility testing and bug fixing are generally simpler. Unlike cross-platform apps, native apps often face fewer compatibility issues across device updates, saving on maintenance costs and reducing the frequency of critical updates.
5. Better Access to Hardware Features
Direct Hardware Integration:
Native apps can directly access device hardware (like GPS, camera, and sensors) for smoother functionality, which may be challenging and costly to achieve with cross-platform solutions. This direct access leads to a more reliable user experience and reduces the need for additional development efforts to overcome hardware limitations, balancing out the higher initial investment.
6. Higher Scalability for Future Enhancements
Built for Growth:
Native applications allow greater flexibility for implementing advanced features as the app grows, including augmented reality or AI-driven functionalities. While the initial cost of native development may be higher, scaling a native app is typically easier and less costly in the long run, as it minimizes technical debt that can arise with cross-platform solutions. This results in lower costs when scaling and updating over time.
Some Key Challenges With Native App Development Costs
Native development requires separate codebases for iOS and Android, which can increase both initial development expenses and ongoing maintenance. Additional challenges include the high cost of skilled developers, platform-specific testing, and integrating advanced features.
1. High Development Costs
Challenge:
Building a mobile app can be expensive, especially when developing for multiple platforms (iOS and Android) and incorporating advanced features.
Solution:
Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to reduce initial costs. An MVP includes core functionalities that allow you to test the market, gather user feedback, and validate the app concept before investing in a full-featured version. This approach minimizes upfront expenses and helps prioritize features for future development.
2. Ongoing Maintenance Costs
Challenge:
After launching the app, ongoing maintenance—including bug fixes, updates for compatibility with OS changes, and security patches—can become a significant cost factor.
Solution:
Build a Scalable and Modular Architecture from the start. By designing the app with future updates in mind, you can reduce the time and cost of making changes later. Choose development frameworks that align with the app’s growth trajectory and make it easier to update only specific modules without extensive rework.
3. Costly Platform-Specific Development
Challenge:
Developing separate codebases for iOS and Android can increase both development time and costs.
Solution:
Consider using Cross-Platform Development Frameworks (such as Flutter or React Native) for simple to moderately complex apps. These frameworks allow you to write one codebase for both platforms, significantly reducing development time and costs. However, for apps requiring high performance or complex native features, investing in native development might be worth the initial cost.
4. Expense of Integrating Advanced Features
Challenge:
Adding features like AI-driven recommendations, augmented reality, or real-time GPS tracking can increase costs due to the complexity of development and testing.
Solution:
Implement a Phased Feature Rollout where advanced functionalities are added gradually. This allows the app to launch sooner with essential features and gives you time to assess which advanced features users actually want. Using third-party APIs or pre-built SDKs for certain functionalities, like location tracking or AI, can also reduce custom development costs.
5. Limited Budget for High-Quality Design
Challenge:
High-quality UI/UX design is essential for user retention but can be costly, especially when hiring experienced designers.
Solution:
Leverage Design Templates and Pre-Built UI Kits that can save both time and cost in the design phase. These templates are often customizable and can be tailored to fit your brand without the need for a fully custom design. Additionally, prioritizing user feedback after launch can help refine the UI/UX incrementally.
6. Cost of Testing and Quality Assurance (QA)
Challenge:
Thorough testing is critical to deliver a bug-free app, but comprehensive testing across devices and platforms can be time-intensive and expensive.
Solution:
Use Automated Testing Tools to cover repetitive tests, especially for functionality across various devices and OS versions. Automated testing reduces manual effort and costs while ensuring consistency. For critical user interactions, combine automated testing with manual testing to balance quality and cost.
7. Unexpected Changes in Scope (Scope Creep)
Challenge:
Frequent changes or additions to the app’s scope during development can lead to budget overruns.
Solution:
Start with a Clear and Detailed Project Scope Document that outlines specific requirements, features, and deadlines. Work closely with stakeholders to ensure alignment, and introduce Agile Development Practices to manage and implement changes incrementally. Agile methods allow for flexibility without disrupting the entire project, making it easier to control costs.
8. Hiring Costs for Skilled Developers
Challenge:
Skilled developers can be costly, especially for specific technologies or features.
Solution:
Consider Outsourcing or Hiring Freelancers for specific tasks instead of hiring a full in-house team. Additionally, explore Offshore Development Centers (ODCs) in regions with lower development costs, which can provide high-quality work at a more affordable rate. Always ensure clear communication and project management to maintain quality across teams.
9. Expensive Marketing and User Acquisition Costs
Challenge:
After development, promoting the app and acquiring users can be a substantial ongoing expense.
Solution:
Prioritize Organic Growth Strategies like App Store Optimization (ASO) and targeted social media engagement to build an initial user base at a lower cost. Additionally, leveraging user referrals and partnerships can drive user acquisition more cost-effectively compared to paid advertising.
FAQs on Native App Development Cost
1. What is the cost of developing a native app?
The cost of developing a native app varies widely based on complexity. A simple app can cost between $30,000 and $60,000, a moderate app between $60,000 and $120,000, and a complex app may range from $120,000 to $300,000 or more.
2. What factors influence native app development cost the most?
Key factors affecting cost include app complexity, feature requirements (such as real-time data, payment integration, AR/VR), design quality, backend infrastructure, platform choice (iOS, Android, or both), and the developer’s experience level.
3. How long does it typically take to build a native app?
Development timelines vary based on app complexity. Simple apps may take around 3-6 months, moderate apps around 6-9 months, and complex apps can take 9-18 months or more, depending on customization and testing needs.
4. How do platform choices affect development costs?
Building an app for one platform (e.g., only iOS or only Android) is usually more affordable than building for both. Dual-platform development can add roughly 20-30% to the cost since it requires separate codebases and testing efforts.
5. Are there ongoing costs after the app is launched?
Yes, maintenance costs are necessary to keep the app updated with new OS versions, bug fixes, and feature enhancements. Simple apps may require $500–$1,500 per month, while complex apps may need $3,000–$8,000 or more for regular updates and security patches.
6. What is the difference in cost between native and cross-platform app development?
Native apps typically have higher upfront costs compared to cross-platform apps due to separate development for iOS and Android. However, native apps often provide superior performance and user experience, making them a preferred choice for businesses seeking quality over cost savings.
Also Read: Performance, Cost, and Time: Deciding Between Android vs IOS vs Hybrid App Development
7. How can I reduce the cost of developing a native app?
Prioritizing essential features, choosing a reputable development team, and focusing on a single platform initially can help reduce costs. Using existing frameworks and limiting custom designs or integrations can also lower the budget.
Conclusion
Native app development costs vary greatly depending on the complexity, feature requirements, and chosen platform(s). While native apps tend to have higher initial costs than other types of app development, they offer unmatched performance, security, and integration with device features, making them a smart investment for companies aiming to provide an optimal user experience. By understanding the key cost drivers and planning strategically, entrepreneurs can create a budget-friendly native app that meets their business goals effectively.
