iOS is one of the most popular and widely used operating systems. With more than 1.2 billion users it stands behind Android.
That means from a business point of view if you’re looking to develop an app, you shouldn’t ever overlook this amazing platform.
But at this point, the question that should arise is how much does it cost to develop an app on iOS?
The question sounds pretty straightforward, but it’s impossible to tell without keeping the bunch of factors in mind that influence the cost of iOS app development.
Read More: 8 Best Software For iOS App Development For Building Professional Apps
Breaking Down The Cost To Develop An App On iOS
There can be up to 10 factors that can influence the cost of iOS app development. But not everyone will come to play equally.
But there’re critical 5 factors that will play a part in every mobile app development, either for iOS or Android.
Read More: Cost Of Mobile App Development – Cost Breakdown By App Types & Complexity.
App Size
Not every iOS app is of equal size.
That means if the app size is bigger it will require more effort, technical skill, cutting-edge features, and more time.
Thus increasing the development bill.
Small App: Cost to develop a small-size app is $10,000 – $15000.
Medium App: Cost to develop a medium-size app is $20,000 – $50,000.
Complex App: Cost to develop a complex-size app starts from $60,000.
Complexity
Features are integrated into the iOS app at the client’s request.
If a client wants the app to offer advanced features such as AR/VR features or live tracking, he must be ready to pay a large bill.
Basic Features: An iOS with basic features like messaging, payment, social media integration, and image resolution cost $10,000 – $30,000.
Complex Features: To develop an iOS with ultra-edge features like offline mode, robust ecosystems, reliable security, cross-platform and GDPR standards cost $50,000 – $300,000.
Full Stack Development Team vs. Individual Skills
There’re two ways you can develop an iOS mobile app.
Either you can go to a full-time app development service or hire an individual with a specific skill set.
Below we’ve compared hourly rate costs.
Full stack development team: The average hourly rate is $30 – $120.
Individual talent: UI/UX designer ( $20 – $50), QA Analyst ($15 – $40), business Analyst ($30 – $60) and Project manager ($50 – $80).
Developer Location
The cost of iOS app development also depends on the hired developer region.
Not every country has an equal standard of living, and cost of living.
Simply put, if you’ve hired a developer from the USA it will have a higher per-hour rate than from south Asian countries.
USA: $60 – $150
Russia: $40 – $120
Australia: $80 – $150
Europe: $60 – $100
South Asia: $20 – $40
App Popularity
Apps that are more popular on the Apple app store have the highest development cost.
For example, Gaming apps are the most download apps on the Apple app store. Hence, the development cost will be higher.
Gaming apps: $50,000 – $300,000
Health and Fitness apps: $20,000 – $200,000
Travel apps: $15,000 – $150,000
Shopping apps: $25,000 – $150,000
Entertainment apps: $20,000 – $80,000
Why Does iOS App Development Cost So Much?
It’s a widespread perception in the development world that iOS app development always costs more than Android and Windows.
Well! To some extent, we fully agree.
Let’s catch out what are the reasons that make iOS app development cost so much.
Not Every App Is Approved To Publish At The Apple App Store
Apple app store has a more rigid app publishing policy than Android. That makes it very difficult for every app to be published. Apps that are premium and qualified are only published at the Apple play store.
Few iOS Developers
A market shortage of iOS developers and sky-high demand for iOS apps increases the development bill.
Lack Of Control Over iOS
Unlike Android, Apple is not that open with its operating system. The android developer community is very huge. Whereas the iOS community has basically zero control over the OS.
Fee For Submitting The App
The fee for publishing the app on the Apple app store is $99 which is way higher than the Android.
Read More: The Explanation Behind The High Costs Of App Development