How Much Does it Cost to Build an iOS App in 2025

As of 2024, the total number of iOS users globally is 1.382 billion. Considering the massive user base of this mobile app platform, every business is tempted to launch their iOS app. However, before getting started with development, it’s essential to consider the costs involved in this process.

Despite Android’s dominance globally, most smartphone users in the US prefer iPhones over Android phones. This is down to Apple’s efforts towards building an exclusive, convenient ecosystem of devices, including the iPhone, iPad, iMac/Macbook, iWatch, Apple TV, and the latest revelation, Apple Vision Pro. 

According to Oberlo, as of September 2024, Apple boasts a whopping 57.39% market share in the US.

It’s clear that demand for iOS apps is significantly high in the US. Here are some questions that you might have in your mind:

• How do I capitalize on this demand?
• How much does iOS app development cost?
• Are there any hidden costs?

Well, if you really want to know the exact cost of developing an iOS app, we recommend contacting our representatives. They’ll analyze your requirements and provide you with a custom quote and roadmap that meets your expectations.

However, if you’re just looking for a ballpark figure and want the above questions answered, we’ll help you calculate the iOS app development cost for your business in this blog. We’ll also explore how much it costs to build apps for different devices in Apple’s ecosystem.

iOS Vs. Android App Development

For any business looking to build a mobile app, the two most popular platforms are iOS and Android. However, developers need to consider the key technical, business, and market differences between iOS and Android to determine the best platform for their needs and the cost of their app development project.

Read More: Estimate The Cost of Mobile App Development

Programming Languages

One major difference is the programming languages used. iOS apps are built using Swift or Objective-C, while Android apps use Java or Kotlin.

Swift offers faster coding compared to Objective-C. Java has more lines of code than Swift or Kotlin. This impacts development speed and complexity. Kotlin improves issues like null pointer exceptions in Java. Overall, iOS languages enable faster app building.

Fragmentation

Android has significantly higher fragmentation across devices compared to iOS. There are numerous Android device variants to consider, with varying screen sizes, hardware specifications, and OS versions.

iOS has fewer devices to optimize for, around 20+ iPhone and iPad variants, making fragmentation less of an issue. Android app testing needs to cover more devices, so development and QA costs are higher.

UI/UX Design

iOS offers a more standardized UI design due to Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines. Android has Material Design but allows greater UI customization freedom.

For iOS, a simplistic and clean UI/UX is needed for App Store success. Android users have more flexibility in terms of preferences. Development costs can vary based on design constraints and best practices between platforms.

App Store vs Play Store

Security

iOS offers more secure app authorization with strict review policies, a sandbox environment for apps, and layers of encryption. Android has elevated security, too, but applications inherit more underlying system privileges.

For applications dealing with sensitive user data like banking, healthcare, etc., iOS provides additional assurance with system access controls. This is why the cost of iOS application development is higher.

Read More: Your Enterprise App Security Checklist

Revenue and Monetization

Between ads, in-app purchases, and paid apps, iOS has historically had conversion rates nearly 2x higher than Android. iOS users tend to spend more readily on apps and services.

So, for premium apps focused on monetization, the Apple ecosystem leads in revenue. This offsets the marginally higher costs entailed by added complexity in iOS development.

Read More: How to Monetize an App?

App Development Cost for Different OS Versions

Cost of iOS App Development

Given the vast iPhone user base, iOS remains the most popular Apple platform for app development. On average, developing a basic iOS app costs $50,000 – $70,000. For apps with complex backends and extensive custom UI work, costs can exceed $250,000.

The exact iOS app development cost depends on factors like app complexity, size, design requirements, development team’s hourly rates, and post-launch maintenance needs. Ongoing costs also need to be factored in as apps require updates for new iOS versions.

Cost of iPadOS App Development

Introduced in 2019, iPadOS powers Apple’s iPad product line and offers a larger canvas for more immersive app experiences. On average, building an iPadOS app costs between $55,000 – $180,000.

Additional complexities arise from larger screen sizes, multitasking features, Apple Pencil integration, etc. Utilizing platform capabilities for productivity and creativity-focused use cases can increase costs further.

Cost of visionOS App Development

VisionOS is expected to supercharge applications for augmented reality and could expand the overall market significantly. Current estimates peg the cost of developing visionOS apps between $100,000 – $600,000 on average.

Specialized hardware, 3D assets design, spatial computing, Voice UI, and seamless real-world integrations raise complexity and costs compared to conventional app platforms. Significant visualization, simulations, and real-time tracking also require more app development time.

Read More: Apple Vision Pro App Development for Businesses

Cost of macOS App Development

For businesses looking to serve Apple PC users, building apps for macOS is essential. Simple productivity-focused macOS apps can be developed between $75,000 – $225,000 on average.

If advanced features like Touch Bar support, Continuity Camera integration, complex workflows, etc. are required, average costs are between $300,000 and $500,000. The exact pricing depends on the level of capability optimization across MacBook, iMac, and other product lines.

Cost of watchOS App Development

watchOS powers Apple Watch applications and makes for an interesting extension opportunity through notification support, activity tracking, payments, etc. Basic companion apps for watchOS can be built for around $15,000 or less.

More advanced apps utilizing health/fitness sensors, gesture controls, animations, and offline functionality may require $25,000 – $55,000 on average. Testing and optimization across different Watch variants is an additional cost factor to consider.

With some strategic planning, Apple’s robust ecosystem can provide exciting opportunities across devices and operating systems. However, the app development cost can vary significantly depending on which device you’re building it for.

Read More: Challenges in Making Wearable Device Apps & Solutions

Factors Influencing iOS App Development Cost

If you want to calculate the cost of iOS app development, here are some key factors you must consider:

• Design Requirements
• Development Infrastructure
• Maintenance and Updates

Design Requirements

Visual design has a noteworthy influence on the cost of iOS mobile apps. Requirements like animations, illustrations, dynamic content, etc., necessitate extensive design effort.

Simple apps with basic UI/UX tend to lower costs. Apps needing complex wireframing, high-fidelity mockups, and intricate system flows maximize design time and pricing.

Also, apps using new iOS features like customizable widgets or Focus Mode call for additional design considerations. Identifier symbols and assets for App Clips would raise expenses, too.

Redesign maintenance every 2-3 years is recommended, as iOS aesthetics evolve quicker than other platforms. So, design contributes materially to initial and recurring iOS app development costs.

Development Infrastructure

The technical architecture powering the app significantly sways costs. Apps needing custom backend infrastructure with advanced databases tend to inflate the cost of developing an iOS app versus simpler cloud-hosted solutions.

Integration costs also tally up for tying in third-party systems like payments, logistics, etc., especially if legacy modernization is a requisite. Augmented Reality apps demand specialized SDKs and device testing.

Depending on capability priorities, firms must smartly balance custom native app development against managed platform services to manage costs wisely.

Maintenance and Updates

Instead of treating apps as one-time projects, keeping them functional, compelling, and secure through ongoing maintenance optimizes lifecycle value.

Regular app upgrades are vital to fix bugs, introduce features, and comply with annual iOS releases. Swift evolution, with 5.8 being the latest version, also leads to recommended code maintenance.

App performance tracking is key with iOS metrics like crash rates. Enabling user engagement via rich notifications and messaging ensures retention. Aside from development, planning for these recurring iOS app development costs is the most sensible approach.

Strategies for Optimizing iOS App Development Costs

Balancing technical capability with affordability is crucial when building iOS apps. By using the following strategies, companies can optimize iOS app development costs for sophistication and scale:

• Cross-Platform Code Sharing
• Setting Development Priorities
• MVP Approach
• Scaling Considerations

Cross-Platform Code Sharing

The rise of cross-platform frameworks like React Native and Flutter can help you reduce app development costs. They enable code reuse across iOS, Android, and web ecosystems with shared programming constructs.

Architecting platform-agnostic layers for business logic, data models, and SDK integration pares down repetitive efforts for mobile app development teams. While native development may still be required for platform-exclusive features, shared modules boost productivity for core app functions.

Setting Development Priorities

Not all envisioned features can be built upfront within stipulated budgets. Distinguishing absolute essentials from nice-to-haves helps scale innovation while adhering to the overall budget and timelines of your iOS app development project.

Analyzing the highest-value features that deliver functional utility or differentiate from competitors helps direct initial development. Additional functionality can be mapped to subsequent versions, subject to means availability. Saying no to some requests also enables cost consciousness internally.

MVP Approach

Adopting a lean Minimum Viable Product mindset is wise for innovation efficiency. Instead of over-engineering fully loaded apps, MVPs validate hypotheses quickly through targeted testable prototypes.

Quick iterations incorporate user feedback and, thereafter, expand capabilities wisely. Savings from minimal functionality can potentially extend to new interactions or persona targeting within existing funding constraints.

Read More: MVP Development is a Smart and Prudent Approach

Scaling Considerations

As adoption grows, onboarding server-side resources can prevent instability from peak loads. Auto-scaling infrastructure to match usage spikes provides reliability assurances.

Optimizing client-side performance is also vital – utilizing device feature sets carefully via multi-threading, pre-fetching, etc., helps utilize network requests. Implementing sound data architectures sustains volume capabilities for anticipated maturity.

By applying these different strategies, companies can pursue iOS initiatives matching their strategic visions while exercising financial cautiousness in necessary areas. Upfront planning is key for keeping iOS app development costs under control.

Hidden iOS App Development Costs and Considerations

When budgeting any iOS app development project, total ownership costs beyond just coding and testing need reflection, too. Several recurring business-related investments require planning for long-term success. Here are some hidden iOS app development expenses you should consider:

• App Store Fees
• Marketing and Promotion
• Server and Backend Costs
• Analytics and Monitoring

App Store Fees

Releasing apps on the Apple App Store entails paying annual distribution charges. The standard Apple Developer Program fees are $99 per membership year.

Enterprise accounts for internal organizational apps cost $299 annually. Additional costs like taxation may apply based on program types and account countries. So, validating technical compatibility and allocating capital for these fees is necessary.

Marketing and Promotion

Simply creating apps does not guarantee audiences. Investing in ongoing marketing drives discovery and downloads. App Store ads now let developers promote apps using search advertising.

Sustained social media engagement, influencer affiliations, and PR also build traction. Allocating reasonable buffers within budgets annually is strongly recommended.

Server and Backend Costs

Apps need backend infrastructure to operate. Factor expenses for setting up and running cloud servers, databases, and related admin/monitoring tools.

Based on projections on usage volumes and supported feature sets, identify optimal server configuration and bandwidth needs upfront. Provisions for future capacity expansion also warrant consideration within estimated iOS app development costs.

Analytics and Monitoring

Obtaining adoption and usage metrics helps determine product-market traction. Analytics tools provide indicators of consumer interactions, common touchpoints, and conversion outcomes.

Monitoring production systems is equally critical to quickly detecting issues before significantly impacting customers.

iOS App Development Cost for Various Types of Projects

iOS mobile apps cater to diverse verticals and needs, which impacts complexity and, thereby, app development costs. Whether targeting consumers or enterprises, analyzing different app categories helps with appropriate iOS app development cost estimation. Here are some of the most popular iOS app categories:

• Gaming Apps
• Food Delivery Apps
• eCommerce Apps
• eLearning Apps
• Social Media Apps

Gaming Apps

From simple arcade to advanced multiplayer formats, iOS gaming spans varied sophistication. Basic 2D games with minimal device integration may cost around $50,000. Integrating in-app transactions and leaderboards raises it to $75,000. High-fidelity 3D games can command $250,000 with extensive graphics, simulation, and real-time engines.

Food Delivery Apps

Building apps to enable meal ordering and table reservations from iOS users entails reasonable coordination. A baseline food delivery app with basic menus, user accounts, and map integration can be built for $55,000. Supporting delivery tracking, reviews, and multiple payment methods requires $100,000 or more in iOS app development costs.

eCommerce Apps

For retailers, iOS apps are key to tapping iPhone purchasing potential. An app with catalog browsing, search, shopping cart, and checkout functions can be created between $55,000 – $300,000 based on specific flows. Adding advanced capabilities like 3D product views, video demos, in-store pickups, etc., increases costs further.

eLearning Apps

Creating educational apps needs tailored designs based on target demographics – K12 vs higher education. Simple eLearning apps with video streaming, mock tests, and analytics may cost $65,000 or more. Incorporating gamification, personalization engines, and collaboration tools requires $125,000 and beyond for custom iOS app solutions.

Social Media Apps

iOS powers phenomenal social media engagement globally. Building a basic social app with content feeds, profiles, and chats can cost $150,000 or more. Integrating multimedia uploads, push notifications, and analytics may require upwards of $350,000 for the intended scale.

Read More: Steps for Social Media App Success

How Much Does it Cost to Hire iOS App Developers?

Here are the factors influencing how much it will cost to hire iOS developers:

• Skills and Experience
• Project Scale
• Successful projects
• Billing Models & Hourly Rates
• Onshore vs. Offshore

Skills and Experience

The type of iOS capabilities sought determines the cost of hiring iOS developers. Entry-level engineers proficient in core APIs, UIKit, and Swift may charge $20-50 per hour. Experts in advanced app capabilities like Metal graphics, Augmented Reality, etc., can charge over $85 per hour.

Project Scale

Freelancers suit smaller apps needing a few hundred hours, whereas full-time hires align better with larger company initiatives. Recruiters must validate applicable skills for project needs – strengths in gaming app code differ from, say, streaming video workloads.

Successful Projects

Company portfolios that indicate niche iOS app development experiences help with better recruiting. Review not just app store listings but user adoption and retention markers to determine development proficiencies.

Billing Models & Hourly Rates

Pricing methods differ; offshore teams may quote fixed-bid contracts or time and material hourly models. Identify options balancing cost predictability for ongoing runs and flexibility for change requests during delivery.

Also, rates range based on location; Asian developers may charge $35/hour on average, while US developers could start charging $125/hour and above for equivalent talent. Confirm rates align with budgets before onboarding iOS expertise.

Onshore vs. Offshore

Recruiting considerations include choosing between domestic or global talent deployment models. If in-person design collaboration is needed, local design collaboration may be better. Offshore teams prove cost-effective for technical execution, balancing productivity and expenses.

Hybrid onshore/offshore formulas also resonate, mixing architecture insights domestically while scaling core development remotely. Evaluate communication, infrastructure, and security preferences to guide appropriate resource structures.

The Way Forward

As we’ve explored in this comprehensive guide, the overall cost of iOS app development depends on a number of factors. It’s important to consider all these factors to have a near-accurate ballpark figure.

However, if you need an exact estimate regarding the cost of iOS app development or want a team of highly experienced and skilled developers to take your project from concept to final build to launch, partner with Cubix.

Our teams will carefully go through your requirements and app vision. Then, they’ll not only provide you with an estimated iOS app development cost but also create a custom project roadmap.

Contact our representatives to accelerate your iOS app development initiatives today!