How much does mobile app development cost?

If you’re leaning toward iOS, you’re stepping into Apple’s carefully controlled world. The upside? It’s easier to deliver a consistent user experience because Apple devices and operating systems are so uniform. iOS users also have a reputation for being more engaged and willing to spend, which is music to any business’s ears.

But here’s the trade-off: iOS mobile app development costs can be higher due to Apple’s strict App Store guidelines. They set high expectations for app quality, security, and design, which can make development more expensive and time-consuming. But that polish pays off, especially in markets like North America and Western Europe, where iOS dominates. Also remember to budget in those regular updates: Apple updates its OS quite frequently and has a limited cross-version support, so you have to make your app compatible with the latest iOS.

Android is the world’s most popular mobile platform, especially in regions like Asia, South America, and Africa. If your goal is to connect with a global audience, Android app development is a logical choice. Plus, the Google Play Store’s less restrictive submission process means you can get your app live faster.

That said, Android mobile app development cost can add up rather quickly given the platform's enormous device fragmentation. Your app needs to adequately perform across an enormous array of screen sizes, resolutions, and hardware configurations, which essentially means more testing, optimization — and, well, costs.

But the choice isn’t limited to Android and iOS development. You can go for cross-platform apps, hybrids, or PWAs — that will also define the cost, performance, and user experience. Let's look at options.

Native apps are built specifically for one platform, such as iOS or Android, using the platform-specific languages (Swift, Kotlin). They’re fast, reliable, and make the most of each platform’s unique features. If your app needs high performance or advanced hardware integrations, native is the way to go. The downside? Because you’re essentially building two separate apps, you’re paying for two apps as well.

Cross-platform apps, built with tools like Flutter or React Native, offer a more efficient alternative. Developers write one codebase that works on both iOS and Android. This approach saves time and money while maintaining a consistent look and feel across platforms. That said, cross-platform apps can struggle with heavy processing tasks or highly customized features, so they’re best for cases where consistency across platforms is more important than pushing performance limits.

Hybrid apps are different, though. Built with web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, they’re essentially web apps wrapped in a native shell. While hybrid mobile app development is affordable and fast, it may not deliver the same performance or user experience as native or cross-platform apps. Such apps are good for simple prototypes or lightweight tools but will lack the complexity or features of other apps.

Progressive web apps (PWAs) are another option, especially if accessibility is your top priority. They run through a browser but feel like apps, complete with offline functionality and the ability to add them to a home screen. They’re cost-effective and easy to update, but their reliance on browser APIs limits access to advanced hardware features. PWAs work best for online stores or platforms that prioritize reach over high performance.