Despite the common perception, large companies are the only ones who can create iOS apps, and this is not the case. If you plan well, an iOS app development project can be a budget-friendly thing and you may beat the market through your product. iOS apps are the solid mediums that allow you to engage with the users and then, expand your business through time.
This blog will guide you through all the basic costs associated with iOS app development and provide tips for saving money yet getting wonderful results.
What is an iOS Application?
An iOS app is software made for Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and even the Apple Watch. These apps are downloaded from the App Store and are known for their smooth performance and clean design. Whether it’s a game, social media, or a tool for work, iOS apps make everyday tasks easier. Businesses are using iOS app development services to create custom apps that improve customer experiences and build loyalty.
Why Does iOS App Development Cost So Much?
The iOS app development price can feel steep, but it reflects the high-quality experience users expect. From design to security and testing, every stage of app development for iOS requires precision.
Let’s break down the main cost drivers:
1. Premium Design Requirements
iOS apps are known for their high-quality design. To meet the high standards of Apple’s users, developers plan every detail carefully, beginning with wireframes that show how users will navigate the app. They then create prototypes to test their ideas and keep improving until the design is perfect.
Advanced animations and visually appealing layouts sometimes take extra time but can significantly increase user engagement compared to simple designs. iOS app development companies focus on creating designs that grab attention and keep users happy.
2. Advanced Security Standards
iOS is well-known for its heavy focus on security. Every app has to obey Apple’s stringent security policies which include data encryption, secure payment systems, and privacy protection of users. In case your app deals with crucial information, for example, personal health records or financial transactions, you will have to introduce more security layers.
This can be done by utilizing biometric authentication, or such complex backend systems, which require specific skills and instruments. iOS app developers who specialize in security can help you meet these requirements.
3. Compatibility Testing Across Apple Devices
The Apple App Store saw around 8.4 billion downloads in the starting of 2024. Google Play has always had more downloads, but the Apple App Store makes more money from its apps. Compared to Android, Apple has introduced fewer device options, and one of the biggest problems is the fact that these devices should actually work with each other, no matter if they have different screen sizes, resolutions, and versions of operating systems.
Developers run apps on iPhones, iPads, and even the Apple Watch, thereby performing the complex process of testing for the applications to see if they are all supported. The testing phase may last, on occasion, a few weeks and this also means that you can rest assured that your program is operating and thus users will be content.
4. High Hourly Development Costs
An iOS app that is considered to be high-end can be created by only skilled developers, who usually take up jobs with high charges. Swift, the technical language of Apple, is a powerful tool to be used with the proper knowledge. Although a lot of freelancers are expensive, you will find ones who are less expensive, usually between $40-$80 per hour. This can keep the quality high and still save some money.
You may also like: Swift Playgrounds: A Fun and Interactive Way to Learn iOS Development
How Much Does It Cost to Build an iOS Application?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a breakdown:
1. By App Size
- Small Apps: 2-4 months to build, costing $8,000-$25,000.
- Medium Apps: 4-8 months, costing $25,000-$50,000.
- Complex Apps: Over 8 months, costing $50,000+.
2. By App Complexity
- Basic Apps: Simple functions like a calculator or to-do list cost $10,000-$20,000.
- Medium Complexity Apps: Custom designs or backend features can range from $50,000-$250,000.
- High Complexity Apps: Think Uber or gaming apps—these can cost $100,000-$450,000.
What Factors Affect iOS Application Costs?
Several elements can influence the cost of your iOS app. Knowing these can help you allocate your budget wisely.
| Factor | Details | Cost Impact |
| Features and Functionalities | Advanced features like AI, GPS, or payment systems increase complexity. | $5,000 – $100,000 |
| App Category | Gaming apps are the most expensive to build. | Up to $250,000 |
| Backend and API Integration | Custom backends require more time and expertise. | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| Post-Launch Maintenance | Includes updates, bug fixes, and user support. | $4,000 – $12,000 annually |
Interesting Insight: Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) could raise costs by as much as 30%, but they surely take engagement to the next level.
When to Choose iOS Over Android?
Did you know that sometimes iOS apps earn more than Android ones? iPhone users tend to purchase expensive apps or make in-app purchases. Additionally, iOS apps have less competition regarding device compatibility, making the development process easier.
Who Can Build an iOS Application?
Hiring the right team can make or break your app.
Here’s a comparison of your options:
| Option | Pros | Cons | Rate |
| Freelancers | Affordable for small projects. | Affordable for small projects. | $40 – $80/hour |
| Development Agencies | Reliable teams with diverse expertise. | Higher cost upfront. | $100 – $200/hour |
| In-House Teams | Best for long-term projects with ongoing requirements. | High initial investment. | Salaries vary widely |
Tip: First, you should get a freelancer or an agency for your MVP, then hire staff in-house to scale your team.
What Are the Hidden Costs of iOS App Development?
Building an iOS app often goes beyond the initial budget. While visible costs like development hours dominate the conversation, hidden expenses can add up quickly, especially in the competitive US market. Understanding these costs can help you budget better and avoid surprises.
1. Apple Developer Program Subscription
- Cost: $99/year
This is a mandatory expense to publish and maintain your app on the App Store. While it might seem minor, the subscription is recurring, and you need to factor it into your long-term costs.
2. Data Storage and Backend Hosting
- Estimated Cost: $500–$5,000/year
Apps with dynamic content or user-generated data require backend storage. Hosting costs depend on the scale of your app and the services you use (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, or Firebase). Apps with significant traffic or media-heavy features can see much higher costs.
3. Compliance with App Store Guidelines
- Cost: Varies
Apple is stringent about its App Store guidelines, from design to functionality. Non-compliance can lead to rejections, requiring additional development time and costs to make necessary adjustments. Updates to keep up with new guidelines may also add recurring expenses.
4. Third-Party Integrations
- Cost: $100–$10,000/year
A considerable percentage of applications use a third-party API for payment, analytics, or social logins. These are usually subscription-based, for example, monthly or pay-per-use.
5. Maintenance and Updates
- Cost: $5,000–$20,000/year
After your application launches, updates will also be necessary to support new versions of iOS, eliminate errors, and further develop functions. In the US market, maintenance is particularly important as it is directly linked to the growth in expected performance, and therefore, neglecting this will bring negative ratings and loss of revenues.
6. Marketing and ASO (App Store Optimization)
- Cost: $1,000–$50,000
Simply releasing an app isn’t enough. To stand out in a crowded US market, strong marketing efforts and App Store Optimization (ASO) are essential. Common costs include paid advertisements, working with influencers, and targeting specific keywords.
7. Customer Support Infrastructure
- Cost: $500–$5,000/year
Apps with significant user engagement need efficient support channels. Implementing chatbots, live support, or FAQ systems can be an added expense.
How to Estimate the Cost of an iOS Application?
Accurately estimating app development costs is key to planning. Here’s a straightforward formula:
Total Cost = Development Hours × Hourly Rate
- Development Hours: The complexity of the application here is the dominant issue, therefore, the main driving factor. A simple app will need roughly 200 to 300 hours anyway if it’s a high-end app, it may involve 1000 to 1500 hours.
- Hourly Rate: In the US, hourly rates for iOS developers typically range from $50 to $150/hour, depending on the developer’s experience and location.
For example:
- A basic app requiring 300 hours at $75/hour = $22,500.
- A more complex app taking 1,000 hours at $100/hour = $100,000.
Factors Influencing Development Time
- App Complexity: Features like real-time messaging, AR/VR, and payment integration add time.
- UI/UX Design: Custom animations or detailed designs can significantly increase development hours.
- Testing and QA: Comprehensive testing is essential for quality apps, adding 15–20% to the total hours.
To negotiate better rates:
- Choose Freelancers or Small Agencies: Large, well-known agencies have high charges, but freelancers or small-scale companies in the U.S. could provide competitive costs with no quality reduction.
- Extend Cooperation for a Longer Period: Most of the developers who engage in projects that have long-term commitments tend to lower their hourly rates.
What Tools Do Developers Use to Build iOS Applications?
Creating polished iOS apps requires the right set of tools and frameworks. Here are the essentials:
1. Xcode
- Apple’s integrated development environment (IDE) is the backbone of iOS app development. It offers tools for coding, debugging, and UI design, making it indispensable.
2. Swift and Objective-C
- Swift: The primary language for iOS development. It’s modern, fast, and preferred for new apps.
- Objective-C: Used for legacy apps or when integrating older codebases.
3. Interface Design Tools
- Sketch/Figma: These tools help create intuitive and visually appealing designs. They allow for seamless collaboration between designers and developers.
- Adobe XD: Another popular tool for high-fidelity prototypes.
4. Testing and Debugging Tools
- TestFlight: Apple’s beta testing platform helps ensure the app works smoothly before launch.
- Firebase Crashlytics: Monitors app performance and crashes in real time.
5. Backend Services
- Firebase and AWS: Common choices for database management, authentication, and hosting.
- Heroku: Useful for deploying scalable backend services.
6. Version Control
- GitHub/GitLab: Version control platforms are critical for collaborative projects and tracking code changes.
What Makes iOS Applications Worth the Investment?
- The upfront costs of iOS app development might seem steep, but the long-term benefits are undeniable.
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1. High Revenue Potential
- iOS users are more likely to spend money on apps, subscriptions, and things bought inside apps than Android users. Actually, iOS apps make almost 64% more money than Android apps. This isn’t just because iOS apps cost more—it’s because Apple users usually like special features and are ready to pay for good quality. For companies, this means getting back their investment faster and having a steady income.
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2. Unmatched Brand Credibility
- The App Store has high standards for approval, thus, each iOS app must meet the specifications of quality, security, as well as efficiency. The application that you get approved through Apple’s strict examination sends a strong message to users that your brand is trustworthy, innovative, and fun. An excellently designed iOS application is more than a mere device. It is a means to bolster your company’s image.
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3. Stronger Customer Loyalty
- The iOS user base is known for sticking to Apple and this has been the reason why they continue to have high sales and engagement with the app. This is reflected in the improvement of user engagement and retention of your app. However, only details that are significant and of long duration should be entered here to make them able to instruct or form the background of a training video and, in time, BS videos that get shared weekly.
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4. Future-Ready Technology
- Apple regularly updates its software to keep up with industry changes. iOS apps receive frequent updates that improve security and performance, making sure they work well with new devices and features. This helps your app stay current, reducing the need for constant redesigns or upgrades.
- Investing in an iOS app means more than just releasing a product—it’s about creating a tool that can grow with your business and meet changing user needs.
Also read: Top Trending AI Programming Languages in 2024
Conclusion
Creating an iOS app is a good decision for businesses looking to expand in today’s digital environment. Although the expenses might seem significant, knowing why they are important can assist you in better planning. To develop a high-quality app without overspending, you should choose the right iOS app developer or freelancer, establish clear objectives, and follow a step-by-step process.
A well-thought-out plan will not only help your app meet its immediate goals but also become a valuable tool for attracting new customers and ensuring your business’s long-term success.
So, what’s holding you back from making your iOS app today?
Contact us today for high-quality iOS app development at the best price. For more helpful tips and insights, check out our other blogs.
FAQs
1. Is iOS Development More Expensive Than Android?
Yes, slightly. However, iOS apps are quicker to develop and bring higher returns.
2. How Long Does It Take to Build an iOS App?
On average, small apps take 2-4 months, while complex apps can take over a year.
3. Can I Build an iOS App for Under $10,000?
It’s possible if you stick to basic features and work with freelancers in affordable regions.
4. Why should I outsource iOS app development?
Outsourcing iOS app development allows you to access skilled developers from around the world, often at a lower cost, while maintaining high-quality standards.
