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January 5, 2025
Table of Content
In this mobile-first world, apps become an integral part of the daily operations of businesses, customer interactions, and user experience. Whether it is a new start-up launch, the expansion of an existing business, or an on-fire idea from an entrepreneur, the first question is always: How long does it take to develop an app, both Android and iOS?
The answer is not always simple. The time frame for app construction can differ drastically according to several different parameters, such as complexity, design, development platform, features, etc. However, a clear understanding of these factors can help you better plan realistic expectations regarding your app development timeline.
This blog goes deeper into the aspects affecting the time of the development, breaking down all that should be kept in mind and delivery time estimates for several classes of application from it. Real-world examples and use cases will further illustrate the process.
The complexity of your app is one of the most significant factors that will influence how long it will take to develop. The more complex the app, the more time will be needed to develop, test, and launch it. Apps generally fall into three categories of complexity.
1. Simple Apps
Simple apps usually serve a single function and have minimal features. These could include apps like.
Utility apps: Flashlight, calculator, or stopwatch.
Single-page apps: Content-based apps or basic information.
Static content apps: Simple blogs or news apps.
Development Time: Simple apps are completed in 2 to 3 months for both Android and iOS, including design, development, and testing.
Example
A basic Flashlight app, To-Do List or News app. These apps don't have complex back-end integrations or third-party services.
2. Medium Complexity Apps
These include more advanced features like database usage, user authentication and real-time interaction. Typically, third-party API integration, analytics, social media, and advanced UI components have to be incorporated into the project.
Features: User profile, chat, notifications, basic geolocation, and payment integration.
Development time: 4-6 months for both platforms.
Example
A fitness application like Strava or MyFitnessPal, a Social networking app such as Facebook Lite, or a food delivery application similar to Uber Eats.
3. Complex Apps
Complex apps are those that require heavy features like real-time synchronization, video streaming, geolocation, and heavy backend support. Custom UI/UX designs and integration with multiple third-party services are also common in such apps.
Features: Real-time chat, location tracking, complex payment systems, AI/ML integrations, video streaming, or interactive media.
Development Time: 6 to 12 months or more for both platforms, depending on the scope and requirements.
Examples
Uber, Airbnb, Snapchat, Netflix. These applications require coordination between frontend and backend teams, high-end security, and scalability.
The more features and integrations the app will have, the longer it will take to build, test, and launch.
Your app design is the key to its success. A good design improves usability and enhances the overall user experience, leading to greater engagement and retention. On the other hand, complex designs can greatly extend development time.
The design stage includes the following
Simple UI/UX Design
If your app needs little to no UI/UX effort (like a simple menu or static design), it will take less time. This phase will take 2-3 weeks. These designs are made for basic apps that carry fewer interactions and transitions.
For apps with rich, custom designs (e.g., animations, 3D models, or complex transitions), the development time for both platforms is about 1-2 months, especially for highly visual or complex design patterns.
Examples
Apps like Instagram or Snapchat involve a lot of complex visual elements such as filters, photo/video editing tools, and custom transitions, thus demanding more design time and effort.
Another important decision in app development is whether to use native development (separate apps for Android and iOS) or a cross-platform framework (a single codebase for both platforms). This will affect the timeline and cost of development.
This means native development. So they are building two different codebases, one for Android and another for iOS. This approach offers better performance, security and platform-specific features at the cost of increased development time and resources.
Development Time: Usually 8-12 months for both because the development process is repeated for both operating systems.
The development frameworks, such as React Native, Flutter, or Xamarin, enable developers to create one codebase that can be run on both Android and iOS. This means reduced time and resources in development, yet still gives a great user experience across both platforms.
Development Time: 5-8 months (both platforms), depending on app complexity.
Example
Facebook, Airbnb, and Walmart have been successfully built with the help of React Native. With its faster deployment and shared maintenance, it has proven to be successful.
While cross-platform frameworks can speed up development, they may not be the best fit for very complex apps or apps that require deep integration with platform-specific features.
The features and integrations of your app can significantly impact the development timeline. Apps that involve third-party services, APIs, or complex backend functionality will naturally take longer to develop.
Let's break down some of these features
Integrate third-party authentication systems such as Google Sign-In, Facebook Login, or email/password authentication, which takes time for a secure and seamless login system. For instance, Uber uses social login features with robust identity management.
Development Time:Usually takes around 1-2 months, depending on the number of integrations.
Apps with real-time functionality, such as chat, live streaming, or collaboration tools, require additional backend infrastructure for synchronization and data management. These apps will take more time to develop because of the complexity of handling real-time data.
Example: WhatsApp, Slack, and Zoom all require real-time communication protocols.
Development Time: Usually 2-3 months for implementing chat, notifications, or video features.
If your app is monetary-based, you'll likely need to integrate a payment gateway like Stripe, PayPal, or Apple Pay. Integrating payments is complicated because security, regulatory compliance, and smooth functionality across regions and currencies are all part of the equation.
Development Time: 1-2 months, depending on the number of payment options and country regulations.
Geolocation features such as Google Maps API, ride-sharing, or localization (as in food delivery apps) need a lot of backend resources to track and update user locations in real-time. Apps like Uber or Lyft are highly dependent on geolocation features.
Development Time: 2-3 months depending on the level of precision and complexity required.
Testings and quality assurance form one of the crucial development steps. The more complicated your application, the more rigorous testing will be done.
Types of testing involved are
Testing takes a lot of time, especially for complex applications with real-time features, especially for those that involve inter-operation with multiple APIs and services.
Development Time: 1-2 months at maximum but can stretch based on how complex the application would be.
Now that the application has been launched, all is not over for sure. The maintenance as well as updating it constantly helps maintain its functionality, safety and performance in the marketplace.
Bug Fixes: They consist of resolving issues once an application is launched after some time.
Performance Optimizing: Continuously monitoring with subsequent optimizing to ensure great app performance on all different network conditions.
Feature Updates: Depending on the user feedback, you would need to introduce new features, modify existing ones, or enhance security features.
Maintenance Time: Usually 1-2 months per year, though it can be more depending on the updates required.
| App Complexity | Estimated Time for Development | Key Features | Example Apps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Apps | 2-3 months | Basic functionality, minimal UI/UX, no backend or third-party integrations. | Flashlight app, To-Do List, Weather app, Calculator app |
| Medium-Complexity Apps | 4-6 months | Backend integration, user authentication, social media logins, basic databases, and simple real-time features. | Fitness trackers (e.g., MyFitnessPal), Messaging apps (e.g., WhatsApp), Food delivery apps (e.g., Ride-sharing apps (e.g., Uber), E-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify), Social networking apps (e.g., Instagram, Snapchat), Video streaming apps (e.g., Netflix)Uber Eats) |
| Complex Apps | 6-12 months or more | Real-time communication, advanced UI/UX, integration with multiple APIs, advanced backend infrastructure | Ride-sharing apps (e.g., Uber), E-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify), Social networking apps (e.g., Instagram, Snapchat), Video streaming apps (e.g., Netflix) |
Building an app is a multi-faceted and collaborative process, involving design, development, testing, and ongoing maintenance. While timelines vary depending on the complexity of the app, the development method, and the platform, understanding these factors will help you set realistic expectations.
Simple apps can be developed in 2-3 months, while medium-complexity apps take 4-6 months.Complex apps typically require 6-12 months or longer.
Choose the right development approach, native or cross-platform, based on your specific needs, and consider time-saving frameworks like React Native or Flutter for faster deployment.Managing the development process properly while involving experienced developers will mean delivering your app on schedule while being able to meet its intended users' expectations as well as business goals.
As mentioned, the journey with app development does not come to an end at launching your app. You also have to maintain it through periodical updates, performance upgrades, and new feature implementation.
If you are looking to get started with Android or iOS development for your unique business needs, we are here to help you. At Fourchain, we have experts who can work on your complex business needs by delivering user-friendly and fully functional mobile applications. Let’s speak.
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