What drives the cost
- iPhone, Android or both. Cross-platform tools reduce the cost of both, but each store still needs its own setup and review.
- Accounts and data. Sign-in, profiles, history, sync across devices.
- Payments and subscriptions. Including the app stores’ rules on digital purchases.
- Notifications. Push messages, and features like iPhone Live Activities on the lock screen.
- Integrations with your existing systems.
- The backend: servers, database, admin tools for your team.
Costs after launch
- Apple’s developer program ($99 a year) and Google Play’s one-time registration fee.
- Store commissions on digital goods sold in the app, where they apply.
- Hosting and services for the backend.
- Updates every year for new phone operating systems, or the app eventually breaks.
Would a web app do?
A well-built web app works in the phone’s browser, can be added to the home screen, and avoids store review and fees. If you don’t need deep phone features or a store listing, it’s often the cheaper first step. Our guide on website or app goes through the choice.
Written by Nikita Huttenlocher, founder and lead engineer at Huttenlocher Technologies, a web design and software company in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.