In the last couple of decades smartphones have gone from exciting new technology to an integral part of the daily lives of millions of Americans. In fact, the number of smartphone users in the US is currently over 200 million and continues to grow each year. The time spent on smartphones has also increased to 5 hours per day, with over 90 percent of that time spent using apps. As smartphone users continue to spend a lot of time on apps, many businesses and individuals are putting resources toward developing them. Here are a few things to consider when developing an app.
Platform
The first thing to consider when developing an app is what mobile platform to use. There are a few different options available including native platforms, web platforms, or hybrid platforms. Native platforms are made specifically for certain operating systems, such as iOS or Android. The main advantage is that native apps are fast and can work offline. The disadvantage is that individual apps will need to be created and maintained for the different operating systems. Mobile platforms can be used by any smartphone but are essentially web pages that are optimized for mobile. Hybrid platforms use a combination of native and web features. They are quicker and less expensive to develop than apps with native platforms.
Cost
The cost of developing an app can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the app and its platform. Many apps will require the work of a team of app developers. The cost of building an app can vary from around $10,000 for a basic app to upwards of $200,000 for a complex, multi-platform app. The average range to develop an app is between $80,000 and $250,000. Hiring an individual app developer costs anywhere from $60 to $125 per hour on average.
Time
Another thing that must be considered is how long it takes to develop an app. The amount of hours it takes to build a mobile app may be surprising. A simple app takes an average of 300 hours to build while more complex apps can easily take over 900 hours to build. From start to finish, it can take months to develop an app. The amount of time it will take should be considered carefully when setting a budget and a launch date. The more complex the app, the longer it will take to build and the more it will cost.
Everyday millions of Americans use apps on their smartphones. Because of this, there is a lot of interest in app development. When developing an app it's important to consider which platform will work best for the app's needs. It's also important to factor in the total cost of the app and the amount of time it will take for development.