How Long Does It Take To Build An App?

Apps are such an integral part of our daily lives, and with every passing year, we get more apps to choose from. Between 2016 and 2018, the Google Play store released 6,140 apps!

If you are a casual app user or an app developer, you have probably asked the question.

“How long does it take to build an app?”

If you are building an app for the first time, you probably have many questions and concerns regarding this software development field. Our in-depth guide will tell you how you can build your perfect app.

We will also answer questions like:

• How long does it take to build an app?

• How much does it take to build an app?

Let’s get started!

How Long Does It Take To Build An App? 

The most important hurdle to cross before creating an app is answering, “how long does it take to build an app?” On average, app development takes between three to nine months. However, if you want to calculate the exact app-building time, you need to look at factors such as:

• The complexity of the app

• The group of people developing the app

• The organization of your development process

Each step in the app-building process takes up a different timeframe. Generally, you can expect to operate on the following timeline:

• One to two weeks on the project brief

• Four to five weeks of researching and brainstorming

• Six to twelve weeks on app UX/UI design

• Six to twelve weeks on development and prototype

• Two weeks for using the app

In addition to this timeline, you should expect to make several app improvements. Once you launch your app, you will provide post-launch support, taking some time. 

The size of your app also determines how much time it will take to develop it. Smaller apps usually take around one to two weeks. Mid-sized apps take around two to three weeks, and for large apps, you should expect two spend between three to four weeks or more. 

How Long Does It Take To Build An App - An Example

Some app features take a long time to develop and test, while some components are quicker. Here are some examples of apps and how long it took to create them. These examples will give you how much time you need depending on the app’s category. 

Uber

For uber developers, it took them around four to eight months to build the ride-sharing app. This timeframe fits the average app building time requirement, and if you want to create a similar app, you can expect to spend around eight months. 

Instagram

This example shows that you make an app quicker than usual, depending on your app content. It took only eight weeks for Instagram developers to have their app up and running. Eight weeks is about 2 months which means that it took Instagram developers slightly less than the average timeframe to build this app. 

How Much Does It Take To Build An App?

Now that you know how much time it takes to build an app, it’s time to answer the question, “how much does it take to build an app?”

As the duration of building an app, the cost of building an app is also varied. The average price of an app can range from $5,000 to $500,000. 

If you are looking at a developmental process between twelve to twenty weeks, you should expect to spend $100,000 and $300,000. To be safe, add an additional 20% to these costs for any unforeseeable financial requirements. 

How To Build An App?

Here are some steps to follow if you want to create your perfect app.

Step 1 - Create A Brand

The first step to creating a useful app is developing a strong brand identity. Some of the most popular apps have short and catchy names; therefore, you should use a similar strategy to create your app name. 

Visuals play a vital role in successful apps, so create an aesthetically pleasing brand identity.  

Step 2 - Create Wireframes

A wireframe is a screen blueprint that acts as a visual guide for your app. Think of a wireframe as a basic sketch for your potential app.

There are two important functions of a wireframe:

• Presents the scope of the project - you will see all the features of your app

• User experience knowledge - you will see how the user will navigate and interact with your app.

Wireframes are often presented in black and white sketches. With the wireframe, you can see the location of important buttons and what information is on each page. 

Step 3 - An App Design

Once you have approved your wireframe, you add design elements to your app. Make sure your design elements represent your brand identity and are cohesive. 

Step 4 - Complete Development

When the designers are finished with the app's visual elements, the software developers should take over to bring the app to its final processing stage. These engineers will create high-quality software that makes your app run with ease. 

Step 5 - Test Prototype

Before you send your app out into the market, conduct several quality assurance tests. These tests will help you determine if your app is ready for consumer use. 

Why Should You Build An App?

There are several benefits of creating an app. Here are two of the biggest reasons why you should make an app. 

Easily Connect With Your Customers

One of the biggest advantages of using an app is quickly and easily connecting with a brand. Apps are a great way of ensuring customer satisfaction and creating trust. 

In five years, the annual number of app downloads has increased from 140 billion to 230 billion. This number shows that many people enjoy using apps and are eager to use them more. 

Provide 24/7 Access

A mobile app makes it easy to provide quick and accessible customer support. If you create an app for your business, you will attract many clients as they know you will give immediate help. Most mobile apps are easy to work with and offer a seamless user experience. 

Key Takeaway

Building an app varies according to its features and complexities. The cost of building an app also varies on a variety of factors. With our guide, you can determine how much time and budget you can spend on your perfect app.