When building your first mobile app you’ll want to know the timeline to launch so you can plan your business and marketing activities. The time required to develop a mobile app can vary depending on the complexity of the end product. The complexity of the app and the time it will take to develop depend on the features it needs, the platforms it will support, the experience level of the development team, and the development approach chosen.
Estimated app build time based on app complexity:
App Complexity | Timeline |
Simple app | 2-4 months |
Average app | 4-6 months |
Complex app | More than 9 months |
Process timeline for developing a mobile app
Developing a mobile app is a multi-stage process that involves planning, design, development, testing, and deployment. Let's delve into each stage to understand the time it might take.
Discovery & Strategy (1-4 weeks):
The first stage is discovery and strategy. Here you will define the objectives and scope of the app and do market research to understand the competitive landscape.
Define Objectives and Scope: Clearly outline the purpose of the app, its target audience, and the features it should have. This phase can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.
Market Research: Understand the competition and user expectations. This can take a few weeks but is crucial for creating a successful app.
Design (4-8 weeks):
Once the scope and objectives of the app development project are established, it’s time to move on to fleshing out an effective visual design. This involves the user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design as well as the visual look and feel of the app.
UI/UX Design: The user interface and experience are critical. Designers will create wireframes and prototypes. This phase can take several weeks, especially if there are iterations.
Graphic Design: Designing icons, images, and other visual elements can take a few weeks.
Development (6-20 weeks):
Once the design phase is complete, it’s time to start building the app! The app engineers will begin creating the code that makes your app unique and ensures it will function smoothly.
Front-End Development: Creating the user interface and integrating it with the design. This phase can take several weeks, depending on the complexity.
Back-End Development: Building the server, database, and application logic. More complex apps or those requiring server-side components can take several weeks to months.
Integration: Integration brings together the front-end and back-end components. This can take a few weeks.
Testing (4-8 weeks):
Now the initial app development is complete, it's time to test every aspect of the app to ensure a smooth user experience.
Quality Assurance: Rigorous testing is crucial to identify and fix bugs. The time needed depends on the size and complexity of the app.
Deployment (1-4 weeks):
It’s time to launch!
Submission to App Stores: Submitting the app to platforms like the Apple App Store or Google Play can take a few days up to a couple of weeks.
App Store Approval: Waiting for the app to be reviewed and approved by the app store can take additional time.
Post-Launch (Ongoing):
Once your app is live, your app development team will provide ongoing support to keep your brand-new mobile application running smoothly.
Updates and Maintenance: Ongoing updates, bug fixes, and improvements are necessary for app longevity. The time required here extends across the lifespan of your new mobile app as technology and operating systems are constantly evolving.
Prepare your app development timeline with Pixelforce
The overall time frame for app development project lifecycle can vary widely, ranging from a few months for simpler apps to a year or more for complex, feature-rich applications.
Agile development methodologies, where the development process is broken down into iterative cycles, can help manage timelines more effectively and allow for adjustments based on feedback.
It's important to note that these estimates are general. The actual time required can vary based on project-specific factors. Additionally, the app development landscape is continually evolving, with new tools and technologies emerging that can impact development timelines. Collaboration and effective communication within the development team are therefore key factors in meeting deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
Is it still profitable to make an app?
Building an app can generate income for your business, particularly where your goal includes in-app purchases. In fact, 90% of mobile device screen time is captured in apps, so a compelling app is a great way to capture your target audience’s attention.
You will need to consider your audience when determining whether to focus on iOS or Android. The average purchase on iOS platforms is more than double the average purchase on Android.
How do free apps make money?
Enabling third-party ads within your app is the most common revenue source. Each time the app user views an advertisement, clicks and adds or instals a program from the ad you will receive a predetermined amount.
How much does it cost to put an app on the Play Store?
In 2023 it costs $25 to publish an app in the Google Play Store. You will need a Google Play Developer account, which your app development team can set up on your behalf.