Mobile app development takes longer and involves more moving parts than building a website. An app has to work across many devices, pass App Store and Google Play review, and be updated after every new operating system release. This article is for startups and established companies planning an iOS and Android app who want to understand how the work is organised.
The development process
- Discovery and planning. We define the problem the app solves, who the user is and what the core scenario looks like. The output is a feature list and a screen map.
- UX/UI design. A clickable prototype you can walk through before any code is written. Changes are cheapest at this stage.
- MVP development. A first version with only the essential features. It lets you test the idea with real users without spending the whole budget.
- Testing. Checks on different phones, screen sizes and slow connections.
- Publishing. Store listings, screenshots, a privacy policy, and review on the App Store and Google Play.
- Growth. Analytics, user feedback and new releases.
Technologies
Cross-platform development (Flutter, React Native) means one codebase for both platforms. It is faster and more affordable, and fits most business apps: online ordering, bookings, loyalty programmes, customer accounts.
Native development (Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android) means a separate app for each platform. It is the choice when you need maximum performance, complex animation or deep access to device features.
Behind almost every app there is a back end: an API, a database and an admin panel where you manage content, orders and users. We usually build it on Laravel.
Integrations
- Payments: bank cards, Idram, Apple Pay, Google Pay.
- Push notifications: Firebase Cloud Messaging.
- Maps and geolocation.
- A CRM, accounting software or your internal system.
- Sign-in with Google, Apple or a phone number.
- Analytics: Firebase Analytics, AppMetrica.
Approximate budgets
On the Armenian market a cross-platform MVP usually costs 2,000,000–5,000,000 AMD, a mid-complexity app 5,000,000–15,000,000 AMD, and a complex product more. Native development for both platforms typically adds 40–60%. What drives the price and which costs continue after launch is covered in detail in how much does a mobile app cost in Armenia.
Support after launch
An app is a living product. Apple and Google release new system versions every year, and without updates an app can stop working properly or be removed from the store. Support covers:
- compatibility with new iOS and Android versions,
- bug fixes and server monitoring,
- library and security updates,
- new features based on user feedback.
A realistic budget is around 15–20% of the project cost per year.
Where to start
The best start is a small MVP built around one core scenario. At Creative Web we help shape the first version, build the iOS and Android app, the back end and the admin panel, and support the product after launch. Get in touch from the home page and we will discuss your idea.
