Mobile App and business ideas
Mobile Apps can play various roles in society and organisations Vibe Marketing collaborates with many businesses and entrepreneurs to bring innovative new business ideas to life, often utilizing cutting-edge mobile app technologies. Here are some common questions we encounter:
“So you have come up with a revolutionary business idea, and like most new business ideas, it will require a mobile app. But how much does it cost, and how long does it take, to build a Mobile App in South Africa?”
The cost of building a mobile app can vary widely depending on several key factors, such as app complexity, design, platform (iOS, Android, or both).
Here’s a breakdown of what influences the overall cost and typical pricing ranges for mobile app development:
6 Key Factors Influencing Cost of building a Mobile App
The cost of building a mobile app is influenced by a number of factors, first of which is complexity.
1. Mobile App Complexity
Different levels of Mobile App complexity
| Simple Apps: These apps have basic features, no backend, and limited screens (e.g., calculators, simple games) | R50,000 to R150,000 |
| Moderately Complex Apps: Includes features like user accounts, real-time updates, payment gateways, basic API integrations, and custom UI components. | R150,000 to R500,000. |
| Highly Complex Apps: These involve advanced features like real-time data synchronization, complex API integrations, custom animations, artificial intelligence, augmented reality (AR), etc. | R500,000 to R1.5 million or more |
The next set of factors that can influence the cost of a mobile app is user experience and design.
2. Design and User Experience (UX)
- Basic UI/UX: R50,000 to R100,000.
Simple, straightforward design with minimal custom graphics or animations.
- Custom Design: R150,000 – R500,000
Custom illustrations, animations, and a highly intuitive user experience tailored for your target audience. +
- High-End Design: R500,000 – R1,000,000+
Cutting-edge design, including complex animations, 3D elements, AR/VR components, etc.
One of the most important elements of the success of mobile apps is the delivery platform.
3. Platform (iOS, Android, or both)
Single Platform:
Developing for either iOS or Android is cheaper than both. The cost also depends on whether you choose native development (specific to a platform) or cross-platform development (using tools like Flutter or React Native).
- iOS or Android (single platform): R200,000 – R600,000
- Both platforms (iOS and Android): R400,000 – R1,200,000+
Cross-Platform Development:
- Saves costs as a single codebase works for both platforms, but may limit certain functionalities: R300,000 – R1,000,000+
Backend infrastructure and application programming infrastructure is the backbone of computing infrastructure and a big driver of costs.
4. Backend Infrastructure & APIs
Infrastructure and API complexity can increase costs by R50,000 to R500,000
- No Backend:
Some apps don’t require a backend (e.g., basic games, offline apps).
- Basic Backend:
For apps that require data storage, user accounts, or basic interactions (e.g., chat apps, e-commerce).
- Advanced Backend:
Complex database management, real-time communication, heavy integrations (e.g., social media, cloud storage, enterprise systems).
A seamless computing infrastructure requires third party integrations.
5. Third-Party Integrations
Depending on number and complexity R50,000 to R200,000
- Apps often rely on third-party services (e.g., payment gateways like Stripe, social media login via Facebook or Google, cloud services).
And don’t forget total cost of ownership (TCO), i.e., maintenance.
6. Maintenance and Updates
- After the app is launched, maintenance (bug fixes, updates, etc.) can cost 15% – 20% of the initial development cost annually.
- Apple charges around R1,800/year, while Google has a one-time fee of around R450.
So to wrap up, some overall cost examples:
Cost Examples:
- Basic App (e.g., a simple to-do list or calculator):
- Cost: R50,000 to R150,000.
- Time to build: 1 – 3 months
- E-commerce App (with product listings, payments, and user accounts):
- Cost: R150,000 to R500,000.
- Time to build: 4 – 9 months
- On-Demand Service App (e.g., Uber or food delivery apps with GPS, real-time tracking, and payments):
- Cost: R500,000 to R1.5 million or more.
- Time to build: 9 – 12+ months
- Enterprise-Level App (e.g., large-scale business apps with custom backend, complex integrations, and high-security features):
- Cost: R750,000 to R15 million or more.
- Time to build: 12+ months
Ways to Reduce Mobile App Costs:
- MVP (Minimum Viable Product):
Focus on core features and release an MVP version of the app, which can help reduce initial costs.
- Cross-Platform Development:
Using cross-platform development frameworks like Flutter or React Native can save time and money by allowing one codebase for both platforms.
- Outsourcing:
Hiring development teams from regions with lower hourly rates, like Eastern Europe or Asia, can significantly reduce costs without sacrificing quality.
Conclusion:
The cost of developing a mobile app varies depending on complexity, platform, and features, but a general range is R180,000 to R5,000,000 or more. It’s important to consider ongoing maintenance costs, design, and the scalability of the app as part of the long-term investment.