Elesier has created numerous mobile and online apps during the previous decade. Our work has had an impact on the growth of businesses in a variety of industries. Clients always question during project discussions, “How long does it take to develop an app?” You’re thinking the same thing I am. In our experience, developing an app takes 4 to 6 months on average. In one month, we created applications. We’ve built applications that took over a year to complete. The length of time it takes to develop an app can be influenced by a variety of things. It is determined by the intricacy of your app as well as the development process. Let’s take a closer look at the timeframe for app development.
Timeline for app development
A successful app requires planning, execution, and promotion. You can’t just create an app. First and foremost, your mobile strategy must define your objectives. The app development process is guided by the strategy. To develop your app, you must hire the right people. To advertise your app, you’ll also need a consistent marketing approach. After the launch, the effort does not stop. You must keep your app supported and up to date. Fixing problems, enhancing performance, and adding features are all part of app maintenance.
In a separate article, we go over the entire mobile app development process. Let’s take a look at it in the context of an app development timeline.
Strategy
A plan is required before beginning any construction project. This stage is where you finalize the extent of your app’s functionality. You must document how your software will tackle a specific problem. Are other businesses or apps addressing the same issue? To understand the market, you will need to perform competitive research. Determine your mobile app project’s short and long-term milestones. This will assist you in avoiding common development blunders. You must pick who will be in charge of creating your idea. Will you create mobile apps in-house? Isn’t it better to hire a mobile app development company? Expect to spend 2–4 weeks developing your app development approach.
App Development
You should now have a defined mobility strategy. You should now start working on your app. By identifying project needs, milestones, and deliverables, you may begin. You must create the app’s user interface (UI) and user experience (UX). Most apps start with simple wireframes and progress to prototypes. After you approve the prototype, the development team will use app development software to build the app. The team must undertake mobile user testing throughout the development process. This guarantees that the app is functioning and runs smoothly. The app must be deployed to the App Store before it can be approved. App development can take anything from 16 to 20 weeks.
App Marketing
It’s meaningless to create an app if you don’t intend to share it with everyone. Customers will not find your app and you will not receive downloads if you do not have a plan. It will take time to develop a marketing strategy to promote your app. You should think about several marketing channels. Share your app using social media, ad campaigns, and the press. We do not advocate employing every marketing medium. Invest in channels where your target audience gathers. It takes 1–4 weeks to develop a marketing plan. The implementation of the plan will be a continuous process.
App Support
Just because you’ve released the first version of your app doesn’t imply your work is done. You will receive a large amount of user feedback regarding your mobile app. Feedback should motivate you to spend time updating the software on a frequent basis. Bug fixes, new features, security patches, and other enhancements may be included in these updates. Throughout the mobile app development lifecycle, you should provide support for your app. Expect continuing modifications as customer demands change. Expect to spend at least 2 – 4 weeks on updates immediately following launch.
Understanding Project Scope
Let us now discuss the project’s scope. The purpose of the app, user stories, technical requirements, project timetable, and business goals are all outlined in the project scope. You will increase your chances of success by outlining the project scope. Understanding the scope can assist you grasp the app’s complexity. This can provide estimates for the time and cost of developing your app.
Low Complexity Mobile Apps
Low-complexity mobile apps contain a few screens and a simple user interface. These straightforward apps do not necessitate the use of a backend or API integration. Calculators, clocks, and to-do lists are examples of low-complexity apps. They have limited functionality and are often used for a single purpose. This may be completed in 8 – 10 weeks by a good development team.
Moderate Complexity Mobile Apps
Mobile data-driven applications are relatively sophisticated. These programs necessitate the integration of a backend, a database, and APIs. These apps will require a user login and authentication mechanisms. They might use a bespoke UI design. Mobile banking applications, project management apps, product catalog apps, field service apps, and logistics apps are examples of medium-complexity mobile apps. These apps take between 4 and 6 months to develop.
High Complexity Mobile Apps
The majority of successful applications fall under this category. Custom UI design, a backend, API integration, and payment processing are among them. Multi-language support, third-party integration, bespoke animations, and real-time functionality may be required for these apps. This category includes apps for social networking, games, and e-commerce. Netflix, Facebook, Uber, TikTok, Instagram, Amazon, eBay, TripAdvisor, and Duolingo are examples of high-complexity mobile apps. You must budget for more than 12 months of development time in order to deliver these apps.
What factors can stymie app development?
The intricacy of app features can influence the length of time it takes to design the app. However, there are other variables that could cause app development to be further delayed.
Scope Changes
Change is an unavoidable aspect of the creative process. Even the best development teams will not be able to account for all facets of the project. Unexpected modifications may occur as the app’s development advances. Not all adjustments are required for a project to succeed. It is critical to strike a balance while prioritizing adjustments.
It may be tempting to incorporate new features in the middle of a project. You do not want to promote scope creep. Scope creep will compel changes to your timeframe and can eat into your budget. Ongoing scope adjustments might also have an effect on your team’s morale. Avoid scope creep by outlining all requirements prior to the commencement of the project. Encourage your staff to be open and honest with all stakeholders.
Hiring Unskilled App Developers
Not all developers are created equal. It is just as important who you hire as it is what you build. Apps are created by freelancers, in-house developers, and app development firms. It depends on your requirements, however, there are a few factors to consider. To begin, recognize that developing an app necessitates the collaboration of several people. This team is made up of people with a variety of skill sets. A manager, designer, app developers, back-end developers, and testers can all be part of a team. You’ll need multiple freelancers to complete each function if you hire them. Managing their job can be difficult and time-consuming. Hiring in-house means that you will incur fixed costs to your payroll. As a result, you must commit to your mobile app initiatives for at least a few years. An app development agency is an alternative if you require professionals. Your developers should have sufficient experience for your project. Request that they show you a portfolio of their app development projects. Inexperienced developers may necessitate a great deal of trial and error. Hiring them will be more costly. You will not only waste time, but you may also acquire a subpar product. You don’t want to use an app that doesn’t work.
Using Emerging Technologies to Innovate
Companies are incorporating new technologies into their apps. Virtual reality, augmented reality, and machine learning are examples of these technologies. They provide enormous benefits to companies that are prepared to make the commitment.
Platforms such as Amazon ReKognition services, Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services, and Google AI services can be used to create machine learning-powered applications. Data is required to implement machine learning. A LOT of info is required. Image identification, predictive maintenance, and process automation are all examples of how machine learning is transforming enterprises.
Emerging technology success is largely unproven. These technologies are now being used in a variety of industries. Large corporations are heavily investing in these technologies due to their tremendous potential. This, of course, creates danger. To guarantee that your investment is well-placed, we recommend creating a proof-of-concept.
How can you make the app development process go faster?
Delays are an unavoidable occurrence. You can, however, take proactive actions to expedite the procedure. Follow these guidelines to deliver your app on time and on budget.
Creating a Product Roadmap
A product roadmap expresses your application’s goal and direction. It explains why, what, and how your mobile application works. Your development team will be able to keep on track with the support of a product plan. You can reliably monitor progress if you have a plan in place. You can also rapidly pivot if the project slips behind schedule.
Creating Your MVP
Creating your own mobile app may be a thrilling experience. Most business leaders aspire to be the next big thing. They aspire to be the next Uber or Instagram. These lofty goals are admirable but don’t overburden yourself with features. Feature bloat occurs when a product contains an excessive number of features. Your app’s first version should be pared down to its basic components. Remove the “bells and whistles” and concentrate on the essentials. This shortens the time it takes to construct an app and lowers the cost. Create an MVP first, then test it with your market. User comments will assist you in determining your future course of action. If the response is poor, you should take a step back and rethink your strategy.
Recruiting Skilled App Developers
We discussed how untrained developers can cost you money. Choosing the proper talent is critical to your project’s success. Choose an agency with a good client portfolio. Request that they present multiple case studies from various sectors. These case studies should demonstrate their process as well as the outcomes of their work. Examine their previous app design work. Current design trends should be followed by the app development firm. If a corporation exclusively displays work from ten years ago, this is a significant red signal.
Customers will rate top app developers highly. Examine their social media profiles. Can they provide references from previous clients? Make an extra effort. Contact these companies and inquire about their experiences.
Consider the long term while selecting app developers. Remember that development does not stop once your product is published on the App Store. Select app developers who can manage updates and support. You should be able to rely on your app development team to put out any flames that arise.
How can you calculate how long it will take to create an app?
Estimating the time it takes to construct an app necessitates a thorough understanding of the app development process. You must properly comprehend the technology and procedure. You will also need to go over the project requirements to determine the scope and effort.
If you prefer to give your own estimate, we recommend following the 10/15/50/20/5 rule. What exactly does this mean? Essentially, each step of the project will take a fraction of the time required by the average app. It will take 15% of the time to gather needs and decide on a strategy. Another 20% of the time will be spent on designing the app. 40% of the time will be spent on development. Following that, testing will take 20% of the time. Set aside the remaining 5% for the launch and DevOps. If you need to spend four weeks on strategy and requirements, you can predict that design will take six weeks. You will need 20 weeks to complete the development. You will need 8 weeks to complete the testing. Finally, the launch and DevOps will take two weeks.
Some steps of the app development process, you may have heard, can be completed concurrently. While it is conceivable in some projects, the basic guideline is that each step of the timeframe must be staggered. This means that 40 weeks of projected time does not imply that the app will be finished in 40 weeks. You must factor in time for feedback and unanticipated modifications. We propose that you add 20% – 25% to your initial time estimate.
Every app development project is unique. There is no “formula” for calculating app development costs. This is why it is critical to seek the advice of a professional in order to obtain an accurate estimate. You can try the app cost calculator. In roughly five minutes, this tool will provide you with a cost estimate. This will provide you with a starting point as well as a way to compare developer quotes.
Conclusion
Some apps become overnight sensations. Most apps take months, if not years, to achieve success. App development necessitates knowledge and a logical approach. To determine How long does it take to develop an app, you must first comprehend the complete scope of the project and understand how to make an app. The team you select, as well as the intricacy of your app, have an impact on prices and timeline.
Would you like to learn more about our mobile app development capabilities, or would you like our app developers to examine your idea and provide an estimate? Please contact us right away to set up a free consultation with our staff.
