How much does it cost to develop an app?

One of the most common questions when developing apps is the cost. The answer is: It depends. This is because the costs depend on many factors, such as the idea, the requirements and the complexity of the app. This means that the costs for an app can vary significantly and that there are no upper limits.

Let's take a look at how the costs for an app come about and what you should pay attention to if you want to estimate the costs. The development of an app can be divided into three phases: planning and conception, development and operation. There are costs in all three phases, which you should take into account when planning.

Planning and conception

Fundamental decisions are made in the planning and design phase. For example, it is decided which type of app should be developed. The range of functions and the corresponding design of the app are also developed in this phase.

Type of app

• Native app: Native apps are used for every operating system (e.g.
  However, since the app must be developed for different operating systems, native apps are more expensive to develop and operate than other types of apps
  
  or ) programmed individually. A native app makes it possible to make optimal use of the operating system and to offer functions that cannot be implemented with other app types.
• web app: If you want your app to run in any web browser, then a web app is the right alternative for you. Examples of web apps include Youtube, Netflix, AirBnB and Galaxus. As you can see, large companies often develop both web apps and native apps to give their users the best experience across all channels.
  Since only one version needs to be developed, web apps are usually cheaper than native apps.
  
  
• Progressive web app: A progressive web app (PWA) is a web application that can be used to emulate certain functions of native applications. A PWA, for example, does not require an active Internet connection and can be stored on the device. This eliminates some of the disadvantages of a pure web app.
  A progressive web app is therefore more expensive than a pure web app.
  
  
• Hybrid app: A hybrid app combines the advantages of a native app with those of a web app. Hybrid apps are often also referred to as cross-platform apps because they work across platforms. A hybrid app can use functions of operating systems such as Android or iOS without having to develop separate apps for both operating systems.
  The development of hybrid apps can be achieved thanks to modern frameworks such as React Native oder Flutter be very efficient and therefore financially attractive compared to native apps.

Development