App development time explained
How long does it take to build an app? This is a question that we get asked all the time at Appster. And, unfortunately, there isn’t a simple answer. The time required to develop a mobile app can vary greatly depending on the complexity and features of the app, as well as the experience and expertise of the development team.
In this article, we will explore how long it takes to build an app, and look at some of the factors that can impact the length of time needed. We will also provide some tips on how you can try and speed up the process!
Contents
- Average time required to develop a mobile app
- Factors that impact the length of time needed to make an app
- Is it a good idea to try and rush the process?
- What types of app developer tend to be fastest?
- What are the easiest technologies available to build an app the fastest?
- Steps required to design, build and launch a mobile app
- Tips for success – avoid mistakes that will slow down your app development
- FAQ
Average time required to develop a mobile app
When it comes to the average time required to develop a mobile app, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, we can look at some data to get a general idea. According to research, the median time required to develop an app is 18 weeks. This number is based on a survey of 100+ app development companies.
Cutting edge payroll software
- Powerful and easy to use
- HMRC & RTI compliant
- Used by payroll pros
The CRM platform to grow your business
- Great for entrepreneurs
- Powerful data analytics
- Manage sales and data
Powerful web builder and advanced business tools
- Great for startups
- Powerful web page builder
- E-commerce available
Supercharged content planning
- Great for marketing
- Better than lists or sheets
- Manage social media
Create a new website in 10 minutes. Easy.
- Launch your website fast
- Powerful data intuitive
- No coding skills needed
However, it’s important to note that the median is just the middle number of all the responses – so half of the companies surveyed took longer than 18 weeks, and half took less time.
- Average time to develop a simple app: 4-6 months
- Average time to develop a moderate app: 8-12 months
- Average time to develop a complex app: 12+ months
Factors that impact the length of time needed to make an app
There are a number of factors that can impact the amount of time required to develop a mobile app. Here are some of the most important ones:
- The complexity and features of the app: A simple app with a few basic features will take less time to develop than a complex app with many features.
- The experience and expertise of the development team: A team of experienced developers will be able to build an app faster than a team of inexperienced developers.
- The technologies used: Some technologies are faster to work with than others. For example, React and Flutter are popular choices for fast app development.
Is it a good idea to try and rush the process?
Trying to rushed the development process is often not a good idea. This is because rushing can lead to mistakes being made, and poor quality code being produced. This can often end up costing more in the long run, as it may require more time to fix errors and bugs.
That being said, there are some situations where rushing is necessary. If you have a strict deadline that cannot be moved, then you may need to try and speed up the process. In these cases, it’s important to work with a team of experienced developers who are familiar with the technologies you are using.
What types of app developer tend to be fastest?
When it comes to choosing between an agency and a freelancer, there is no clear answer as to which type of developer will be faster. It really depends on the specific team you are working with.
Some app development companies have very experienced developers who can work quickly and efficiently.
However, there are also some agencies who take a long time to complete projects. Similarly, there are some freelancers who are very quick, and some who take a long time.
What are the easiest technologies available to build an app the fastest?
There are a number of different technologies available for mobile app development. However, not all of these technologies are created equal.
Some are faster to work with than others. React and Flutter are popular choices for fast app development. This is because they allow developers to create apps quickly and easily.
Native app development is another option, but it can be more time-consuming. This is because it requires developers to create separate codebases for each platform (iOS and Android).
Steps required to design, build and launch a mobile app
If you’re planning on designing, building and launching a mobile app, there are a few important steps you need to take. Here is a list of 8 things you need to do:
Time needed: 120 days
How to build an app quickly
- Choose your app platform
You need to choose which type of phone your app will be for. There are different types of phones and different apps for each one.
- Find the right development team
You need to find a team of people who can help you make your app. This team should include designers, developers and project managers.
- Create a prototype
You need to create a prototype of your app. This will help you get feedback from potential users and make sure the app is doing what you want it to do.
- Design your app
The next step is to design your app. This includes creating the user interface and user experience.
- Develop your app
After you’ve designed your app, it’s time to start developing it. This is where the code is written and the app is brought to life.
- Test your app
Before you launch your app, you need to make sure it works well. This includes testing it on different devices and in different conditions.
- Launch your app
Once you’ve tested your app and made sure it’s ready, it’s time to launch it! This is when you make it available for people to download and use.
- Market your app
You also need to market your app and let people know it exists. This includes creating a website, promoting it on social media, and paid advertising.
Tips for success – avoid mistakes that will slow down your app development
Now that you know the steps you need to take to design, build and launch a mobile app, here are a few tips to help you avoid mistakes that will slow down your process:
1. Don’t try to do everything yourself
When it comes to developing a mobile app, it’s important to remember that you can’t do everything yourself. You need to delegate tasks and put together a team of experienced professionals who can help you. Trying to do everything yourself will only slow down the process and make it more difficult.
2. Don’t underestimate the importance of testing
Before you launch your app, it’s important to test it thoroughly. This includes testing it on different devices and in different conditions. Trying to launch an app without proper testing can lead to big problems down the road.
3. Don’t wait until the last minute to start marketing
Marketing your app is important, but it’s not something you can do at the last minute. You need to start promoting your app well before it’s launched. This will help build buzz and get people excited about it.
4. Don’t forget about post-launch maintenance
Once your app is launched, you can’t just sit back and relax. You need to continue to monitor it and make sure it’s working well. You also need to respond to customer feedback and make sure the app is always up-to-date.
FAQ for: how long does it take to build an app?
The amount of time it takes to build an app depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of the app and the experience of the development team. On average, it takes around 4-6 months to develop a simple app, and around 9-12 months to develop a complex app.
Some of the easiest technologies available for mobile app development include React and Flutter. These two technologies allow developers to create apps quickly and easily.
There is no clear answer as to which type of developer builds apps the fastest. It really depends on the specific team you are working with. Some agencies have very experienced developers who can work quickly and efficiently. However, there are also some agencies who take a long time to complete projects. Similarly, there are some freelancers who are very quick, and some who take a long time.