Develop an app: From the idea to the finished application — and when you should bring professionals on board

App development: duration of phases, project examples & tips

For a company, an app can be an important tool used internally or a high-selling product to the outside world. In addition to the costs of app development, the required duration is a decisive decision criterion. In this article, we therefore show which phases of development consist of and how much time must be planned for this. Using two example cases from our customers, we also show very specific values from practice.

The most important factors for the duration of app development

When creating an app, several development steps affect the overall duration:

Features and complexity

The more features you want your app to have later, the more time is initially for Design and later for programming and testing necessary. A simple quiz, which can be used as a game or test for applicants, often has only a few screens and not an overly complex backend. However, an extensive e-commerce shop with product search, shopping cart and payment function requires significantly more development time

platforms

The choice of platforms significantly influences the duration of programming:

• iOS: Development for iPhones and iPads
• Android: Development for a wide range of Android devices
• Cross-platform: It is possible to provide an app for both iOS and Android with a common code base (with limitations).

If you're only developing for one platform, it can be faster. However, when developing in parallel for iOS and Android, you have to expect more effort — unless you use cross-platform technologies, which in many cases also need time to optimize. Either way, effort and development time increase, the more devices should operate your app.

Design and user experience

Creating a modern and well-thought-out design that is optimally tailored for mobile use takes time — but it's worth the investment. A good UX/UI design improves usability and increases Likelihood that users are comfortable with your app. Depending on complexity and requirements, design processes can take from a few weeks to several months.

Team and resources

The size and experience of the team have an influence on the development time. A experienced team, which has already internalized processes and workflows, can often move a project forward faster. Just Agencies that specialize in app development , can give you tips on how to save time right from the planning phase.

Tip: If you're wondering how high the costs are, it's worth taking a look at our article on App development costs.

The typical development process and its duration

Although each app project is unique in itself, the development of many apps follows a rough structure that you can also apply to your project. Below you'll find a Orientation timeline, which can of course vary depending on the scope of the project.

Idea generation and requirements analysis (1 - 4 weeks)

It all starts with an idea. Here you clarify Which problem your app solves and which features it should include. You also determine which target group you want to address. During this phase, it can be really helpful to get feedback from potential users to validate your assumptions.

Key tasks:

• Market analysis and competition check
• Preparation of a rough list of functions
• Sketch your first wireframes

Concept and UX/UI design (2 - 8 weeks)

In this phase, the requirements are specified and visually presented. How do users navigate through your app? Which screens are necessary and what do they look like? This is where the first interactive prototypes are created, with which you can test usability.

Key tasks:

• Create detailed wireframes or mockups
• Iterative user testing and feedback loops
• Final UX/UI design

Technical planning and architecture (1 - 4 weeks)

Before you start the actual development, you should create a solid technical basis. Questions like “Which programming language do we use? ” or “How do we integrate a payment system? “will be clarified in this phase. One well-thought-out architecture Save yourself from negative surprises later on.

Key tasks:

• Selection of technologies (e.g. Swift/Objective-C for iOS, Kotlin/Java for Android, Flutter, or React Native for cross-platform)
• Backend design (servers, databases, interfaces)
• Development environment planning (CI/CD processes)

Development (8 - 32 weeks)

Die Programming the app is the focus of all phases. Design and concept become code here. Depending on the complexity, this part of course takes up the majority of the time. While actual programming is ongoing, communication with stakeholders remains important in order to be able to react quickly to changes in requirements.

Key tasks:

• Programming frontend functions (UI)
• Connecting the app to the backend (API integration)
• Data security and performance optimization
• Regular status updates and feedback rounds

Testing and quality assurance (2 - 6 weeks)

Before your app is available in app stores, it must be used in every conceivable situation Work flawlessly. This is ensured by detailed tests — both automated and manual. The large number of Android devices and iOS versions in particular can take up quite a bit of time here.

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Key tasks:

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• Code-level unit testing
• Integration testing and automated UI testing
• Manual testing on various devices
• Bug fixing and performance tuning

Launch and release (1 - 2 weeks)

Publishing an app always means bringing it to app stores. At Apple, the review team usually takes a few days, while Android apps can usually be published faster. that launch marketing should also be planned to make your app more popular.

Key tasks:

• Create all necessary metadata, screenshots, app icons
• App store submission (Apple App Store, Google Play Store)
• Maintenance, updates and bug fixes after go-live

Examples of app types and their development time

The timings in the process above are generally valid to give you a feeling for the development time of all conceivable apps. Here we show you two specific examples, which are based on cooperation with our customers:

Learning and quiz app as a web app

Quiz or learning modules, evaluations, user registration, payment (e.g. for certificates) and gamification.

• Time required: 2 - 5 months

Typical B2C mobile app (iOS/Android)

Mobile application (iOS/Android) with user profile, in-app purchases, push messages, backend API and, if applicable, chat functions.

• Time required: 4 - 10 months

The lower time values always refer to a minimum viable product (MVP), with which customers go into the market test first. After this More features are added to validation, which pushes time to the upper end of the range.

Tip: In our article, you can find out more about the development costs of your app — there you can find out how costs are made up and which aspects you should consider when planning your budget.

How can you keep development as short as possible?

• Agile processes: By developing in short sprints, you can keep development on track and avoid time-consuming detours.
• Prioritize: Focus on key features. Additional features may also follow after the launch.
• Automation: Automated testing and continuous integration help ensure quality and iterate quickly.
• Experienced partners: A team that has already implemented similar projects will save you a lot of time (and nerves).

With these approaches, you can save time, even with the highest quality standards, without sacrificing performance or the end result.

For all questions regarding the development time of your app, we offer you a free consultation, In which we define the key points of your app idea and can tell you much more precisely what period of time you have to expect. The price can also be estimated more precisely in this way.

What are the costs for software development?

The costs depend very directly on the complexity of the desired software. With an increasing number of features The project scope is growing, which affects the choice of programming technology as well as the size of the development team and their necessary qualification and experience.

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• Project scope and complexity: Simple web applications with few functions are significantly cheaper than scalable platforms with complex user roles, databases and interfaces to third-party systems.
• Technology required: The choice of programming languages, frameworks, and tools also influences costs. It depends on the project goals whether cheap no-code variants are sufficient or whether deliberate hardcoding is more appropriate.
• Team size and qualification: Experienced developers come at a price. A team of senior developers will usually be more expensive than a mix of junior and mid-level developers. The deployment of personnel also depends directly on the scope of the project and its goals. The costs for software development per hour are set at 90 to 180 CHF. [Please classify/change the values as is customary in the industry]

Software development is therefore no different than in other industries. A small house with a few rooms or a car with basic equipment will always be cheaper than the larger and more powerful counterpart in your own configuration.

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The same applies to the skilled workers employed. Quality and long-term reliability The software is more likely to be expected from experienced programmers, even though beginners can buy significantly cheaper on freelancer platforms such as Fiverr.

Cost examples for the development of typical software projects

To get specific about the costs of software development, we will introduce you to some price ranges here. These come from our experience and previous, i.e. real projects.

Important: The table below is none Price list with binding values. But it gives you a sense of the price range. Further down in this article, you will also find a chapter in which we classify and compare prices.

Software development costs by project type

The lower value of each price range relates to a minimally viable product (MVP) with a few core functions. Software solutions with high performance, deep integrations and special requirements must be measured by the highest value in each case. The development time also depends on this smaller or larger complexity.

Software development costs by project size

Not all projects of the same or similar type are the same size. That's why we're putting a Guidance for project size , which is also based on the projects we have carried out so far.

Costs: No-code/low-code vs. hard-coded

For some projects, it makes sense to first use the Core of the idea with an MVP to test. These are available more quickly and are created with no-code or low-code programming. Larger projects should be hard-coded in order to implement correspondingly higher requirements

Classification of costs: individual vs. finished software

Most standard software, which you could immediately book online, is based on licensing models and offers predefined features. Since these functions are preferably based on a broad user market If they should fit, special requirements usually cannot be met.

Subscription payments for finished software nevertheless quickly add up to orders of magnitude that equal or even exceed those of custom software — without the advantage of adapted functions. The following calculation example using Salesforce Marketing Cloud shows which costs can arise even over short periods of time.

The costs for this software range from 15,000€ to 180,000€ (approx. 14,000 to 168,000 CHF) per year. Over a typical depreciation period of five years, there is therefore Subscription fees from 70,000 to 840,000 CHF.

How can I reduce software development costs?

When it comes to ideas for saving costs, we ignore sacrifices in quality, as Axisbits exclusively in the high-quality range moved and had the best experiences with it. Nevertheless, there are ways to manage costs very consciously, even with the highest quality standards:

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• Define a clear requirement: Explain in detail what software requirements you have. This makes it possible to work towards these goals in a straight line without taking expensive detours.
• First focus on an MVP: With a minimum viable product, you can test the most important functions on the market or in your company first before moving on to a higher-priced full development. The experience gained helps to develop in a targeted manner, which ultimately saves costs.
• Use of no-code/low-code platforms at the start: They are particularly suitable for prototypes or simple applications and can be developed more quickly and therefore more cost-effectively. The switch to hardcode will take place later.
• Agile development methods: With iterative development steps, we ensure that the software is developed particularly closely to the customer's wishes. This also avoids expensive detours.

The costs of software development from a bird's eye view

As shown, prices are always within a range and the driving cost factors are in particular the scope and technology chosen for the software.

We know that there should be much more information on the table for investments of this scale — and that for both sides. That's why we always offer you a free consultation, In which we define the key points of your project idea and tell you much more precisely what price you can expect. This also makes it much easier to estimate the duration of the project.

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What makes up the price of an app?

The cost of your app depends primarily on the following:

• Complexity: Should your app have many features and interfaces or is it more simple?
• Design: Do you have special requirements for the interface including an elaborate design, or is a simple standard sufficient?
• Technical platform: Would you like a native app for iOS/Android, a web app or, if possible, everything together?
• Quality & safety: Do you need a very high level of security (e.g. for banking or health data)?
• Scope of aftercare: How much support and maintenance do you want after the release?

Native apps, i.e. apps that are specifically programmed for iOS or Android, are usually more powerful and offer more options — but are also more complex to develop. When it comes to web apps that are opened via the browser, there are big differences in terms of effort. You are Aber tends to get to the market faster zu, but they may be less powerful in terms of performance and range of functions, depending on the project.

Typical cost drivers in app development in detail

The development of an app takes place in several phases, each of which involves a different amount of the budget.

Planning & conception

No excellent app can be created without specific planning. In this first phase, your concept is therefore sharpened, use cases are defined and it is determined which functions should be represented.

• Time required: From a few days for small projects to several weeks for more complex apps.
• costs: Depending on the hourly rate (see below), the costs for a solid design phase are usually in the low to mid-four-digit range.

App Design

When it comes to design, not only the superficial appearance is important, but also the user experience (UX). A truly intuitive app impresses your users from the very first minute.

• Time required: Small, simple design: just a few days Individual UI/UX for various platforms: several weeks.‍
• costs: Design can range from a few thousand francs (or euros) for small apps to five-digit sums for complex, tailor-made solutions.

Developing the app: The costs

The biggest task is usually the actual programming. Here we make a rough distinction between:

• Native apps for iOS and Android: Highest performance and full control over device functions. Usually higher development costs, as two platforms must be developed in parallel (Objective-C/Swift for iOS and Java/Kotlin for Android). Unless you want to target one Program the operating system.
• Web apps: Work on all devices via the browser, therefore one-dimensional development effort. In return, the app may have less access to the device's native functions.

Testing & quality assurance

To prevent major errors from finding their way into the live system, it is necessary thorough testing. It should also not be underestimated how users push an app to its limits or look for gaps. User testing is therefore also important.

• Expense: Around 10-20% of total development time.
• costs: Can quickly become a five-digit amount, depending on how many devices and test plans are taken into account.

project management

Project management is also a very important cost item. A good communication structure ensures that the project stays on track and that the team works in a targeted manner.

• Expense: A share of 10—20% of the total project costs is often underestimated but realistic.

Operation & maintenance

After launch is before update! Regular updates, bug fixes and new features keep your app alive. Depending on how extensive your project is, the ongoing costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand francs per month.

Hourly rates in app development: freelancer vs. agency

Are freelancers cheaper?

• Hourly rates: Between 50 and 150 CHF/€ per hour.
• advantages: Quick availability, often cheaper, direct communication.
• Disadvantages: Less capacity for larger projects, dependence on individual people, possibly no full-service offer (design, development, testing, etc.).

Do agencies work more reliably and comprehensively?

• Hourly rates: Between 100 and 200 CHF/€ per hour or even more, depending on the degree of specialization and location.
• advantages: An experienced team, various competencies (design, development, PM, testing) under one roof, more capacities, quality standards and processes are usually established.
• Disadvantages: Higher costs, sometimes longer lead times.

Ultimately, it depends on the size of your project and your requirements whether you choose freelancers or an agency. In the case of a complex project with a long-term perspective Can the Working with an agency Pay off quickly in terms of reliability and quality.

Cost examples: What does an app ultimately cost?

To give you price ranges, we've put together two scenarios based on working with our customers. Please note that the figures are indicative — the actual costs vary depending on project scope, functional requirements, design requirements and selected technology and cannot represent a binding price list here.

Learning and quiz app as a web app

Quiz or learning modules, evaluations, user registration, payment (e.g. for certificates) and gamification.

• Expenditure: 2 - 5 months
• Costs: 40,000 to 100,000 CHF

Typical B2C mobile app (iOS/Android)

Mobile application (iOS/Android) with user profile, in-app purchases, push messages, backend API and, if applicable, chat functions.

• Expenditure: 4 - 10 months
• Costs: 60,000 - 200,000 CHF

The lower values always refer to a minimum viable product (MVP), with which customers go into the market test first. After this More features are added to validation, which increases expenditure and thus drives the price to the upper end of the price range.

How can I reduce the costs of developing the app?

With the following ideas for saving costs, we deliberately omit quality compromises, as we Axisbits exclusively in the high-quality range move and have had the best experiences with it. Nevertheless, there are ways to manage costs very consciously, even with the highest quality standards:

• Define clear requirements: From the outset, specify in detail which requirements your app should meet. In this way, milestones can be processed in a targeted manner without costly detours or subsequent changes in the development process.
• First focus on an MVP: Start with a minimum viable product — i.e. an app version that only contains the core functions. This allows you to test your idea on the market at lower costs and gain valuable insights for further development before it goes into a more comprehensive and expensive full version.
• Using no-code/low-code platforms to get started: No-code and low-code tools are great for simple prototypes or MVPs. They allow the first app versions to be implemented quickly and cost-effectively, which can later be converted to tailor-made programming as soon as the range of functions grows.
• Use agile development methods: Through iterative development steps, as are common in agile methods (e.g. Scrum), the development process remains adaptable. In this way, adjustments can be made at an early stage and unnecessary expenses can be avoided, as the app is gradually adapted to your wishes.
• Make a strategic choice of platform: Consider whether your app absolutely needs to be developed natively for iOS and Android or whether a web app or a cross-platform solution is sufficient. The latter enable development for both platforms with a single code base, saving time and money.
• Consider long-term planning and scalability: Plan your app from the start so that it can grow, if that makes sense. This avoids expensive new developments later on when your app grows or additional features need to be integrated.‍
• Include realistic budget planning and buffers: Set yourself a realistic budget right from the start and plan a buffer of around 10 - 20% of the total costs to cover unforeseen adjustments.

With these approaches, you can consciously save costs even with the highest quality standards without sacrificing performance or the end result.

We know that it takes a lot of information to start app development. So before you decide on a path, you can visit our Axisbit's portfolio Find ideas for your project.

In addition, we always offer you a free consultation, In which we define the key points of your app and tell you much more precisely what price you can expect. The duration of the project can also be estimated more precisely in this way.

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What is the best way to plan your app budget?

• concept: Take time for detailed planning and define the MVP (Minimum Viable Product). This gives you a clear set of must-have features and reduces the risk of budget overruns.
• Get offers: Compare offers from several service providers, whether freelancers or agencies. Pay attention not only to the price, but in particular to their references, communication and reliability.
• Schedule buffers: Good rule of thumb: You should set aside 10-20% of the total costs as a reserve for unforeseen tasks.
• Iterative approach: Design your app in small steps (sprints) so that you can make adjustments and control the budget at any time.