How Long Does it Take to Build a Mobile App in 2023

There is no question that businesses are competing for the same audience with 3.96 billion active mobile app users worldwide. Mobile apps address customers and corporate operations, continually accelerating change in the market. The demand for and revenue from mobile applications is expected to reach 613 billion USD by 2025. As a result, it is imperative to examine every component that can impact the app development techniques of a mobile application.

We are now turning to another critical factor: how long it takes to develop a mobile app, the resources required, and all the efforts involved. Typically, businesses and startups ask about the mobile app development process and cost. You are more inclined to implement it if you know the advantages of doing so for their company. Therefore, today's discussion topic is "How long does it take to build a mobile app?" and "How do you create your own app?"

How Long Does it Take to Build a Mobile App?

If you're wondering how long does it take to build a mobile app, then this blog is for you. People sometimes assume that the time it will take to construct a mobile app will be expressed as a fixed amount of hours, such as two weeks, three months, or one year.

In practice, too many variables are at play to reliably predict app timelines on the first try.

You can make a reasonable estimate as to how long various phases of development would take. Get an approximate overall mobile app development process timeline after that.

Stages of App Development Process

There are various stages to the mobile app development process, and each stage takes up a varied amount of time. Planning to launch, the entire process is interrelated and demands careful attention. It goes without saying that different apps take varied amounts of time to develop, depending on their sizes and features.

Each stage of development is explained below to answer the question, "How long does it take to build a mobile app?" or "How long does it take to create a mobile app?"

Stages

Stage 1: Strategy

The first stage entails figuring out everything, including the app's purpose, target audience, underlying technologies, and success metrics.

• Establish the app's aims and objectives

  An app should focus on user problem-solving and be practical. It's crucial to consider the issues you hope to address with your app and how you hope to profit from it.

• Describe the target audience – who and how many

  Your research should include the demographics, motives, behaviour patterns and objectives of your user's persona. Throughout the entire mobile app development process, it's crucial to remember the user lifecycle and its characteristics, regardless of whether your target audience uses an iPhone or an Android device. By doing this, you may develop user personas, which aid in understanding the actual objectives and limitations of the app's intended audience. Building on-demand software starts with understanding who your consumers are.

• Research the competition

  A thorough examination of your competitor's app can assist you in determining which features are missing in their app so that you can put them in your app to make it stand out.

• Select a platform for the app

  After determining the target demographic, choose between iOS and Android as your preferred mobile platform. The app can be created in one of two ways:

  
  

  Native development: if you want to create a high-performance application with complex logic, a rich user interface, and the ability to add new functionality later on.

  Cross-platform development: If you need software products or services that function across a variety of operating systems or you just have a limited amount of time to test your idea and hypothesis in the app market. Since only one app needs to be made for both platforms, it is also more affordable.
  
  

  Stage 2: Design

  It's time to assemble a development team, which typically includes a product owner, project manager, business analyst, 2-3 app developers for each platform (Android and iOS), a back-end developer, a UI/UX designer, and one or two QA engineers. You can start the design once your team has been established.

• Clarifying requirements

  The team reviews the initial project data before engaging with the client in a workshop where they ask more detailed and contextual questions.

• UX planning

  For a better conceptual understanding, we are now developing an app architecture. We are also producing a detailed prototype of the upcoming mobile app, including every button, pop-up, and text field.

  The team sorts and classifies all the data it has received from the customer, and if necessary, it fills up any gaps. We have already started building the project's framework, mapping the user flow and happy passes, and working through the edge situations. UI is the next level after the NDA agreement with the client.

• UI creation and design

  The target audience is even more crucial than the client's interests and preferences. We can develop the project's style guide and render the remaining screens once the primary screens' designs have been approved. It's crucial to adhere to the client's brand guidelines and distinctive corporate style and ensure they are adequately supported.

• Maintenance and testing

  The designers' work continues even after the mobile app prototypes are delivered to the developers. Additionally, the designer works with the project team throughout the development phase to clarify challenging points in logic and structure and balance what is aesthetically pleasing and technically feasible. The finished result must adhere to the designer's original vision and design and vice versa.

  All of these steps enable the creation of a high-quality, custom app tailored to the customer's business and target audience goals.

  Stage 3: Development

  The key to successful software development is teamwork. A good outcome is based on the team and the client developing a trustworthy connection.

  At Plusone Technologies, we adopt an agile approach, which divides development into sprints of about two weeks or a month, each focusing on a single functionality. Flexible planning, gradual development, early deployment, and ongoing improvement are all facilitated by this. After each sprint, a mini-release is given to the customer for evaluation and testing.

  There are two main programming languages for native development: Swift and Objective-C for iOS and Kotlin and Java for Android. There are two options for cross-platform app development: React Native or Flutter.

  Stage 4: Testing

  Application testing is an essential method that, if used early in the Mobile app development techniques, can help you save money. A mobile application must be tested for usability, compatibility, security, UI checks, and performance by the QA team.

  At Plusone Technologies, the testing is organised in layers. First, the priority is functionality, second is additional functionality, and third is design. Depending on the demands and requirements of the client, the second and third elements may be switched around. Implementing a few well-functioning features is preferable to implementing many problematic ones.

• Performance testing

  Performance testing ascertains how quickly a system or component operates under a specific load. Other aspects of system quality, like scalability, dependability, and resource usage, can also be verified and validated. Performance testing solves issues, including how well the app reacts to user requests, how quickly screens load, and whether the programme's size is excessive.

• Security testing

  A critical step in the process of developing an app is security testing. For mobile enterprise apps, it's crucial that every potential weakness can result in a hack. 

  Any information that should not be accessible by a third party is considered critical user data. This includes private and personal information such as passwords, credit card information, bank account numbers, order numbers, and others, as well as personal information like date of birth and residential address.

  This method of determining an app's security involves thoroughly testing its security measures. The testing procedure entails aggressively looking for application defects, vulnerabilities, or technological shortcomings.

• Usability testing

  Software development should always be accompanied by usability testing. This will enable the quick identification of several issues, many of which can be found before or during interface design.

  Usability testing can assess specific functionality, the user's general impression of the app or design, the user's happy passes, or the programme to competitors' analogues. 

  Beta testing is required to guarantee that your programme runs smoothly, without issues, and is comfortable to use. This involves external user testing, in which a small, carefully chosen audience evaluates a beta version of an app and offers honest feedback to help understand its usability flow or potential problems.

  Stage 5: App Release and Ongoing Support

  The first release often includes the app's primary features and extended capabilities for subsequent releases. 

  It's the final stage, and the app is ready for market release, but keep in mind app stores' specific policies for accepting and validating mobile apps. After being submitted to the Apple App Store, your programme goes through a review process that, depending on its quality and how closely it adheres to Apple's iOS development criteria, might take a few days to many months. Although Google Play app reviews differ from those in the App Store, your software will frequently appear in the market a few hours after submission.

  After app submission, it is critical to monitor trends, upgrade functionality in response to audience targeting requirements, and process user input for future upgrades.
  
  

  Factors That Impact the App Development Process Timeline

  The time required to develop a mobile app is estimated at each stage. However, a number of things may have an impact on the development timeline. You need to be aware of these components in order to more precisely predict how long the development of your mobile app will take.

  The following factors are what slow down the app development process:

• App’s features and functionality

  It is essential to consider the features you want to add to your mobile application while deciding on the development timeline. The app development process takes longer when your mobile app has more features and capabilities.

  If your app is going to be more content-based and you want basic capabilities like a search engine and push notifications, development should only take two to four weeks. However, it can take up to 5 or 6 months to develop a drive-sharing software that requires geolocation, voice, text, and payment features.

• The app platform you’re using

  The two most popular mobile operating systems are iOS and Android. However, choosing between the two can be challenging. Each platform requires different technologies, tools, and programming languages.

  While iOS is solely available on Apple products, Android runs on various mobile devices. Therefore, developing for iOS will take 20 to 30 per cent less time than developing for Android.

  You must create two distinct apps to develop your app for both platforms and attract the broadest audience. While there are alternative solutions for the best performance, developing native apps for each platform is usually the best choice.

• The complexity of your app

  Although it may appear obvious, the more complex the application is, the longer it will take to develop. The number of features your app offers and the degree of user engagement factor into its complexity.

  For instance, developing a user-controlled mobile game app will be much more complex than developing a news app with static information. Once you know how difficult your app will be to develop, predicting how long it will take will be easier.

• Regulatory compliance

  The compliance process will impact the timeline if particular regulations like HIPAA, GDPR, or others bind the app development

  How to Speed Up The Time of App Development?

  We are in a competitive sector where connecting with customers through mobile apps is crucial. Due to expanding customer demand, mobile apps are becoming increasingly significant. Users desire a swift and practical service which can be provided with a speedy strategy.

  The time it takes to develop an app depends on many different things. However, by planning ahead of time and following the steps below, you can get the answer to the question, “How to speed up the time of application development?”:

• Create MVP for your app

  In the cutthroat market, a robust and well-developed product is necessary. Starting the application with all its features turned on is not required. WhatsApp initially only offered a messaging capability; later, video and calling capabilities were introduced. Additionally, the MVP procedure could go more quickly and simply.

  Additionally, processing the app in accordance with user needs and constant feedback will be straightforward. Be mindful of an application's efficiency while you work on iterative cycles and functions. For the greatest results, this cycle considers the client's requirements and quality standards.

• Wireframe blueprint

  The low-fidelity wireframe can significantly influence the timeline of an app development process. To get an accurate idea, it is essential to have an app layout that adheres to the architecture and design. The blueprint includes all the necessary details to make it clear and straightforward for mobile app developers to understand.

  The wireframe, which gives a broad idea of the app's other features, is well-known in the business. It helps developers grasp the big picture and user interface before starting the development phase.

  The development and design procedures can go quickly in a team environment. It is a crucial addition to the entire cycle of procedures used to design mobile apps if you want accurate outcomes.

• Automated testing

  Many companies fail to offer app security to customers. Customer data must be entirely and impenetrably secured in the cloud. This can be done using automated testing, which runs the test repeatedly for hours.

  The testing process gradually picks up speed, even though automation barely makes a difference. It is a part of the normal app development process timeline and helps to control how much time is spent on development overall.

• Hybrid mobile app development

  Many strategies can be used to launch an application on the market. Creating hybrid apps is one technique for providing the user with the desired results. Ionic, React Native, Flutter, and Xamarin are some of the top products that developers enjoy.

  The ability of this platform to run a single piece of code fast across numerous platforms is its strongest asset. The Cross-platform app development process is the greatest way to reach the target audience without bothering about distinct scripts.

  How does Plusone Technologies help you with iOS or Android app development Process?

  Plusone Technologies is a top mobile app development company that architects, designs, and develops application ideas. We are renowned for creating original solutions and providing unmatched outcomes. We offer a full range of iOS and Android app development services, from consulting to full-stack development. We specialise in delivering what you demand. 

  With the help of a committed team of app developers, we have assisted numerous startups and international businesses from various industries. With our design, development, and deployment process, we assisted numerous large corporations in increasing their mobile

  FAQ on How Long Does it Take to Build a Mobile App?

  How long does it take for Google Play to approve your app?

  Google Play Store managers normally spend 3 to 6 days to evaluate your app. Because your app uses standard publishing by default, it will be released as soon as feasible. However, some apps are subject to in-depth evaluation, which could, in some cases, result in your app being evaluated and published for up to 7 days or more.

  
  

  How long does it take for the Apple App Store to approve your app?

  If you submit your software to the Apple App Store, it will normally take 2 to 7 days for it to pass through the tight criteria and thorough review procedure. Since the evaluation process could take up to four weeks, you must be extremely patient.

  
  

  How long does it typically take to reach the first 1,000 app users?

  It could take anywhere from one month to six months or more to gain the first 1000 app users. It is fully dependent on your marketing strategies, efforts, and the quality of your offerings.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  How long does it take for an app to be successful?

  If you follow the right steps in the app development process and have the right expertise, like the highly effective team of Plusone Tech on hand, you can typically have a successful mobile app ready for rollout in anywhere from four to six months. 

  How much will it cost to build a mobile app?

  The typical cost of producing a simple app is $5,000 to $50,000. An essential app includes a login system, user profile facility, dashboard, and limited management. The price increases with the complexity of the app.

  How long does it take to build an app like Uber?

  An app like Uber may take 4 to 8 months to develop fully. This time may go up depending on how complicated the features are. However, if you work with a skilled technology partner like Plusone Tech, you can anticipate the development to be completed considerably sooner.

  How long does it take to build an app like Instagram?

  To give an approximate time, it takes around 4-6 months to develop an app like Instagram. 

  How long does it take to test an app?

  The time required to test an app can vary based on several factors, including the application's complexity, the size of the development team, the testing approach used, and the level of test coverage requested.

  The testing process could take a few days to a few weeks for smaller apps or simpler tasks. This timeline involves creating test plans, running tests, discovering and reporting defects, and retesting following bug fixes.

  However, the testing procedure can take a few weeks or even months for more substantial and complicated applications.

• Curious about mobile app development timelines in 2023? Learn the factors influencing app development duration, from design to launch. Explore the latest trends, technologies, and best practices that can affect the time it takes to create a mobile app in the current year.