Mobile apps are both in demand and on the rise, and not just for socialization and games. Just look at these recent statistics:
- Mobile apps are projected to generate a whopping $935 billion in revenue in 2024.
- US adults will spend, on average, more than 4 hours with mobile internet, with 88% of that time within apps.
- Gen-Z users spend an average of 4.1 hours per month in non-gaming mobile apps (10% longer than older generations).
That said, realistically, not every company is ready to develop a full mobile application. Though there are options at different price points, this process isn’t cheap. Let’s look at some of the factors that affect mobile app development costs in 2025.
Complexity
If the project has basic features, it will take less time and resources to complete—visa versa for a complex application. Here’s a general breakdown of this cost difference:
- Low-tier Complexity App Development Cost – $40,000 to $120,000
- Mid-tier Complexity App Development Cost – $120,000 to $200,000
- High-tier Complexity App Development Cost – from $200,000+
Looking for a deeper breakdown? Here’s a simplistic calculator and a more detailed calculator.
Design and Function
The actual function of an app, like which buttons users can click to log in and what mapping structure the application uses, constantly interacts with the app’s visual design. The cost of professionals who design and implement these functions/design varies anywhere from:
- United States Based Professional: $75-$300+/hour
- Latin America Based Professional: $40-$75+/hour
- Asia Based Professional: $25-$45+/hour
Location matters when it comes to the cost of any professional, including a design team. When outsourcing a service with an out-of-country team, there are always other considerations to contemplate, like time zones, language barriers, or varied terminology.
Platform
Do you want your app to run on both Android and iOS devices or on a single platform? Will you require hybrid app development or native app development? Which app stores do you want your mobile app development project to run on?
The conversation around which platform to develop a mobile application can get very technical; there are also different functions and benefits to using either an Android platform or an iOS platform, building out this app type functionality also comes with a higher expense.
Maintenance
General maintenance of an app may be required monthly or quarterly, depending on your usage and your needs. Updates to a mobile device, new third-party services, and additional features are all part of general upkeep.
In addition, updating user experience standards and processes based on feedback is vital. The number 1 reason an app user uninstalls is because the app isn’t in use, which is usually related to too many notifications, bad ads, etc.
What if your app is suddenly flooded with users? You may need to pay for significant updates to handle new traffic. Plus, if your business model shifts, you’ll need to invest in an altered application as well.
Mobile App Development with Delta
Mobile app development can be both intimidating and costly. At Delta, our expertise lies in crafting mobile app solutions that not only look great but also deliver exceptional functionality. Your idea, our expertise — together, we can make it happen. Reach out today to schedule a consultation on your mobile application needs!