How Long Does It Take to Develop a Mobile App?

We use mobile apps daily. They have become a tool for networking, commuting, entertainment and so much more. Even though Apple’s App Store already features approximately two million apps, and Google Play Store twice as many, individual entrepreneurs and companies ranging from startups to large brands still line up with their new digital products. 

So how long does it take to develop a mobile app? 

Figuring out how long it takes to build an app will depend of a variety of factors – but in our experience, how long it will take to build an app is a question of knowing what resources you’ll have access to, the scope of what you’re trying to build, and what skill levels you’ll be able to leverage during the process.

Yes, sorry to disappoint you, but you really can’t answer that vital question without being aware of at least the complexity of the app. 

Let’s take an example of a social media app: 

A small or least complex app for social networking would feature user signup, a newsfeed, and a possibility to connect and interact with other users. 

A medium-sized, somewhat complex app would feature all the above, plus things like sharing media, geo-localization, video support, and some sort of integration with the device like camera. 

A big or complex app would include features which are in small and medium-sized apps plus multiple languages, robust settings, photo and video editing, and most importantly – algorithms allowing to receive tailor-made content and suggestions regarding new connections.  

Sure, the most complex app sounds most reasonable, but the more complex the app, the longer it takes to develop it. 

Stages of an app development:  

• Planning 
• Documentation 
• Wire-frame 
• Design 
• Coding 
• Testing 
• Deployment 

 

Each stage holds it’s own importance and it is recommended to follow all these steps. Every step is linked to another for instance, the more time you put in research and planning, the more time you will save later during the development process. A change request will increase the development time. 

Typically, though, apps are being developed from scratch to the release point in about three to four months. But the work on an app can never stop, if you decide to constantly provide your users with new updates and improvements.

If you need help in understanding the app development process and time estimate for your own application, you can contact us for a free consultation at https://emqube.com/contact-us/customer-enquiry/ 

If you would like to see our portfolio of apps visit:
https://emqube.com/services/mobile-app-development/