What does the cost of a mobile app depend on?
Above all on the scope. Often what stands behind the app takes more work than the app on the phone itself: the server, the admin panel and the connections to other systems. The price depends on:
- the number of screens and user roles, for example customer, employee, administrator
- login, user accounts and permissions
- the server and the panel in which the company manages content and data
- integrations with ERP, CRM, payments or maps
- push notifications
- working offline and data synchronization
- visual design and animations
Does an app for iOS and Android cost twice as much?
Not necessarily. React Native and Flutter produce one app for both systems, so most of the code is written once. Separate native apps make sense with very specific requirements for performance or system features.
What are the costs after the app is published?
Developer accounts in the App Store and Google Play are paid separately, outside the price of development. After publishing there are also running costs:
- Apple Developer Program account: USD 99 a year
- Google Play Console account: a one-off USD 25
- the server and database the app uses
- updates for new iOS and Android versions and new store requirements
- fixes and new features
A mobile app or a web app (PWA)?
If the app mainly shows data or takes orders or requests, a web app built as a PWA is often cheaper. It runs in the browser, can be added to the phone’s home screen and does not need to be published in the stores. A mobile app wins when you need the camera, GPS, reliable notifications or work in the field without internet.
How can you lower the cost of the first version?
- start with the features the app cannot do without and plan the rest for later releases
- use the company’s existing systems through their APIs instead of building everything from scratch
- test the design on a clickable prototype before development starts
- choose one technology for iOS and Android
Frequently asked questions
How much does a mobile app cost at KCD Studio?
We quote mobile apps individually, because the cost depends on the number of screens and features, offline mode, integrations with other systems and the visual design. The initial quote is free, usually within 48 hours. See details
Can a mobile app use data from Subiekt or another ERP?
Yes. The app connects to a server that exchanges data with the ERP system, for example stock levels, prices and orders. We choose the connection method to suit the system and the terms of its licence. See details