Mobile App Development Cost In Australia

January 29, 2022

Mobile app development costs vary depending on the developers you work with and the complexity of the app you want to create. 

Apps for small businesses that have a limited set of functionality can cost anywhere between $20,000 and $50,000 to design.

For more complex requirements, an app from a reputable team of developers in Perth or Melbourne can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

The typical cost of development is between $50,000 and $250,000. However, the final cost is influenced by a number of factors. You must examine the project’s scale, the complexity of the features, and a variety of other factors.

The following information clarifies the actual price of developing a mobile app in Australia.

How Much Does Mobile App Development Cost?

For each mobile app development project, the average app developer earns around $ 170,000. You may not receive a price estimate during your initial meeting with an app development agency in Melbourne or Perth, though.

Before giving an approximate estimate, the developers need to learn more about your project.

A regular mobile app in Australia might cost anything between $50,000 and $100,000.

Apps that are more complex and take longer to develop could cost up to $250,000. Each mobile app project at the top Australian corporation costs between $500,000 and $1,000,000.

Before moving on with an app development project, as with any other company endeavour, you should assess the whole cost. You may need to think about the time commitment and labour expense in addition to the monetary expense.

Here are a few factors that  influence the cost of developing a mobile app

1. External or internal development
2. Platforms for mobile applications
3. Complexity of functions
4. Integrations with third parties
5. Back-end development
6. Front-end development
7. Localisation requirements
8. Marketing
9. Maintenance of the App

These variables have an effect on the time it takes to finish your mobile app. A simple app can be developed in as little as 16 weeks, whereas a complex app can take up to a year to complete.

Hidden App Development Costs You Need to Consider

Designing

A professional app developer is not necessarily a designer. Consequently, this service costs extra.

In most cases, you will only bear this cost if you hire freelancers or contractors. All app development agencies offer design services as part of their services.

Quality Assurance

If you are getting your app designed by a freelancer, you are bound to hire a quality assurance agent, and a business analyst to ensure your development cost is under control. 

Administrative Services

Having control over your data and content is very important. You don’t want to end up calling the IT department every now and then. As these costs vary based on each app, they can be hard to estimate. It is important to note that all app costs add up over time, so it is important to budget accordingly. Traditional app development routes have no provisions to save these costs. Not including this in your app development process, will result in you losing your control over the content, users and data.

Consider the following essential dashboard features:

• Content management – Content management should be an easy process. You should be able to edit the content of your app by yourself.

 

• Dashboard emulator – You must be able to see a preview before making the changes live. Ensure you have a preview app.

 

• Dynamic updates – Most apps have an update every now and then. Your dashboard must have a dynamic update process where with just 1 click you can change the content of all apps automatically.

 

• Analytics/event collector – You should have easy access to the user’s in-app behaviour.  

 

• Access controls –  You must have easy access control to manage who can access or manage the app.

 

Mobile app development also accounts for other fees like startup free, legal fees, server cost and so on, but you are exempted once you hire a mobile app development company.

Functional Services

Services that are required to implement the functionality of the app are a part of functional services. You need to subscribe to a delivery mechanism service. These services can cost hundreds of dollars every month, and the amount of services you might require is nearly limitless.

Here are some of the most typical application development cost estimates based on actual features and functions. This data can be used to determine the cost of your own app development project.

 

• Push notifications –  Push notifications to encourage users to interact with your app and do the required action, such as making a purchase. Estimated annual cost: $2,400

 

• Social and chat – You’ll want to use this function to ensure the users share your content on social media. This will increase your audience reach. You’ll almost certainly need a subscription to a service like one-to-one chat, group chat, or bot integration if you want social engagement in your app. Estimated annual cost: $1,200

 

• SMS –  This service will integrate SMS messaging into your mobile app. Estimated annual cost: $500

 

• Email – You’ll need an email marketing service subscription or CRM software for app marketing to integrate email functionality with your mobile app. As your subscriber list expands, expect this expense to rise. Estimated annual cost: $1,000

Infrastructure Services

These services include infrastructure components such as where the app is hosted, where data is saved, and how it is disseminated. All of these necessitate redundancy and load balancers on backup and security servers, which increases the price and complication.

• Servers – These are the basics. Estimated annual cost $12,000

 

• Data storage – Data is everything, and your app will collect and contain a lot of it. It is vital that you consider how and where the data will be stored. Estimated annual cost: $3,600

 

• CDN – A content delivery network (CDN) is a network of various nodes that send content to an app based on the user’s location, the content’s origin, and the content delivery server. Companies like Akamai, CloudFront and Dyn provide CDN services and are the provider of CDN services. They can help you save money on your development expenditures. Estimated annual cost: $3,600

 

• Images data – Most apps make extensive use of images. You’ll need a place to save, process and transmit your photographs. Companies like CloudImage.io, and Google offer such services. Estimated annual cost: $4,800

 

• App development tools –  If you’re developing apps with premium deployment technologies like IBM MobileFirst, Kinvey, Kony, or Appcelerator, you’ll have to pay for them throughout the lifespan of your application. Estimated annual costs: $1,200-100,000+

IT Support Services

After the development phase is completed, app maintenance comes into the picture. You have to pay for app maintenance. While these services aren’t integral components of the app architecture, they are an important part of any app deployment and can add up to a lot of money over time.

 

• Updates for iOS and Android – Both platforms are constantly updated, and demand maintenance. Estimated annual cost: $10,000

 

• Submissions for app updates – Even if you use a dynamic update system, there will be instances when you need to resubmit updates. This isn’t a simple task. Estimated annual cost: $2,400

 

• APIs – Every application frequently interacts with multiple third-party APIs. Any changes to these apps will necessitate API maintenance. In 2016, Facebook, for example, upgraded their API version four times; if your app is integrated with Facebook, you’ll need to update your app to reflect those changes. Furthermore, most businesses will gradually increase the number of programs with which an app interferes over time. Estimated annual cost: $5,000

 

• Bugs – Every app is bound to have bugs. To ensure users are happy and satisfied with your app one needs to be quick to address the issue. Estimated annual cost:10-20% of total app development budget

 

These additional fees are sometimes neglected, but they are critical to remember. The last thing you want is to run out of money, causing your mobile app development project to fall behind or stop entirely. When you hire a development company, you don’t have to worry about all these costs. They handle everything in a cost-effective manner.

Understanding the App Development Lifecycle

Here’s a detailed look at the typical app development stages to give you a better idea of how much it costs to produce an app:

• Defining company goals
• Market study and planning
• Creating storyboards and wireframes
• Specifying the needs for the backend
• Trying out a mobile app prototype
• Creating a visual interface
• Putting the finished app to the test
• Launching the mobile app
• Analysing the App’s success

Developers must first understand your business objectives. They begin the development process and carry out market research based on those objectives. The framework for your app is then sketched out using wireframes. These steps assist in determining back-end requirements such as API usage.

Designers code the visual interface and create visual elements such as graphics after designing a prototype. The programme is tested, released, and analysed once the code is complete. Each of these processes has its own set of expenses and timelines.

 

• Decide on External or Internal Development

Whether to develop the app internally or employ a Perth mobile app development firm is one of the first decisions. Should the project be insourced or outsourced? When compared to depending on internal staff, outsourcing has a number of advantages:

• Having more experience
• The process of development is versatile
• Development at a low cost
• Completion in a shorter time frame

App development companies in Australia keep up with the newest advancements in mobile app technology. They have the knowledge and skills required to create high-quality apps using specialised tools and technologies. This means that you get a mobile app with the functionality you need, rather than having to compromise on features due to internal team limits.

When you work with an outside team, you don’t have to invest as many internal resources into the project. This allows you greater freedom to do the assignment on your own time.

When opposed to using an internal workforce, outsourcing is usually a more cost-effective choice. You won’t have to worry about overtime pay, sick leave, or other employee perks if you outsource the project.

Even if you have a development team on staff, outsourcing may be a more cost-effective option. The world of mobile apps is also continuously changing and needs specialised knowledge. 

App development companies in Australia are generating more sophisticated apps with a wider range of capabilities. The development process will most likely take longer if your own team lacks the requisite capabilities.

 

• Choose a Mobile Platform for Your Application

The cost and success of your mobile app are both influenced by the platform you choose. The cost of developing an iPhone app is typically more than that of developing an Android app. Developing an iPhone app is more expensive, but it allows you to reach a wider audience.

In Australia, Japan, Western Europe, and North America, iOS (Apple) is widely used. Because nearly half of all iOS devices have the most recent operating system, the iOS platform has less fragmentation (OS).

Android is an open-source platform that allows developers to customise the operating system to meet their own requirements. Manufacturers frequently change the operating system to accommodate the hardware of their smartphones and tablets.

This necessitates app developers to test and tweak their apps to make them more compatible with a larger range of devices.

What does this information imply for your project? Developing for iOS may take less time, lowering the total cost of the app’s development. Apple, on the other hand, utilises a proprietary programme called Swift to code the app. When compared to creating with Java for Android, this adds to the complexity of some mobile app projects.

Cross-platform app development is another possibility. Approximately 40% of all Australian publishers’ apps are made for both iOS and Android.

You can reach a higher market share by developing an app for Android and Apple smartphones. Keep in mind that this will almost certainly raise the cost and duration of your project.

Consider collaborating with Perth mobile developers who use the Flutter framework if you’re planning a cross-platform release. Flutter simplifies the cross-platform development process by allowing developers to create native interfaces on Android and iOS.

 

• Complexity: What impacts the cost of the app?

The addition of features or special functions may necessitate more work and raise the overall cost. Each time you opt to add another screen or push notification, you’re giving the developers additional work to do.

A simple application might include four or five screens, whereas a complicated software can have dozens. The cost is directly influenced by the number of features and functions, as well as the number of displays.

The following are some of the most common app features and functions:

• Registration and login
• Purchases made within the app
• Search Feature
• Options for payment
• Profiles of users
• Chat features that are basic
• Notifications through push
• Information gathering and analysis
• Features of a content management system (CMS)

Including even one of these features can drive up development costs by hundreds of dollars.

Adding payment alternatives, for example, usually necessitates a third-party connection with a payment platform API. Customers’ data may also be protected by other security measures. The cost of back-end development could rise by several thousand dollars as a result of these measures.

 

• Does Your Mobile App Need Third-Party Integration?

Integrations with third parties may add to the application’s complexity. App developers in Melbourne and Perth must spend more time testing and integrating third-party functionalities, which adds to the time and expense of the project.

To integrate data or features from social media sites, analytics tools, or eCommerce payment platforms, for example, your mobile app may need to interface with third-party APIs. Some apps, such as the GPS on a smartphone, also rely on hardware resources.

Keeping the cost of mobile app development down by limiting external connectors is a good idea. Whenever possible, look for ways to make the app development process more efficient. If a third-party function isn’t absolutely necessary for your users, consider removing it from the design.

 

• How does Back-End Development Affect the Cost?

The usage of multiple technologies for communicating with your app is referred to as back-end development. Because most apps aren’t completely self-contained projects, it’s the architecture that allows them to work.

An application programming interface (API) is a set of functions that enable two programmes to communicate with one another. To extract data or resources from servers or other applications, most programmes must interface with an API. Servers may be used by some apps to handle procedures that are too sophisticated for smartphones or tablets to handle.

Your development project may necessitate the establishment of custom APIs, depending on the characteristics you desire. This increases the overall cost and duration of your app’s launch in Australia.6. 

Look for developers who use the Laravel development framework if your project has a lot of functionality. Laravel reduces the amount of labour required to implement standard features like authentication and caching, reducing the requirement for back-end development.

 

• Front-end development can create or ruin a mobile app

Front-end development, like back-end development, is an important aspect of the mobile app development process. Front-end developers design your app’s visual interface, which is what users view and interact with when they first open it.

The success of your project may be determined by the visual design of your application. Users may not love your app if it performs effectively but has an unsightly or difficult-to-navigate interface. It pays to hire an experienced Australian development team in this case.

To improve the user experience, an experienced app development company in Melbourne or Perth can produce original graphics and high-quality designs for your app.

Each graphic could take a designer many hours to create. When compared to designing a simple app with blocks of text and a few basic visuals, you may expect to pay more if you construct a visual-heavy app.

 

• Localisation Requirements Tend to Increase Development Costs

You might not need to worry about localization if your mobile app will only be released in Australia. You can market your app in numerous locations thanks to your localisation efforts. Localization, on the other hand, raises the project’s cost and timeline.

By adjusting the design to appeal to the demographics in different regions, you may target different markets. Translating your programme for use in a new language is the most time-consuming component of localisation.

It’s possible that your programme will need to be optimised for multiple locations, dialects, and languages. You may be required to comply with various consumer privacy legislation when targeting clients in countries other than Australia.

The General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), for example, were released by the European Union (EU), and they require websites and apps to adhere to specified rules for preserving client data privacy. Localisation expands your mobile app’s reach. However, it also increases its cost.

 

• Never Forget to Account for Your Marketing Budget

When launching a new project, it’s tempting to focus on the direct costs of developing an app, but there are other indirect costs to consider, such as your marketing budget. If you want to make the app available to the general public, you’ll probably need to create a marketing campaign to drive interest.

You make a net profit of $25,000 if you spend $50,000 on app development and earn $75,000 in sales. If you spend $10,000 on marketing, however, your profits are only $15,000. When calculating the cost and timeline for your app development project, keep your marketing strategies in mind.

 

• Consider Mobile App Maintenance

There are other fees associated with maintaining mobile apps. Some mobile apps, as previously stated, require the usage of APIs to get data or resources. You may have to pay to maintain the servers that handle the APIs if your app requires bespoke APIs.

In order to handle technical concerns, ongoing maintenance is also required. While extensive testing is part of the standard app development process, certain bugs may not be discovered until after the app has been released. Melbourne app development companies are working to address these difficulties as they arise.

Compatibility is another issue to consider. Apple and Android routinely upgrade and release new versions of their operating systems. Your app may require upgrades as a result of these changes.

The cost of mobile app maintenance is typically estimated to be between 10% and 20% of your development spend. If your software costs $50,000 to design, you may expect to spend between $5000 and $10,000 a year to keep it functioning smoothly.

Why are mobile apps beneficial for your business? 

You may be wondering if mobile apps can deliver a satisfactory return on investment after considering the potential costs (ROI). A custom app should provide the following business benefits with the correct team of app developers in Perth or Melbourne:

• Expand your company’s reach
• Provide greater value to your customers
• Make yourself stand out from the Competition
• Enhance customer retention by increasing customer loyalty
• Upselling of additional services or products to existing clients

Customers will be able to contact you through an app. You may utilise an app to improve customer service, create new features, and entertain your customers.

The mobile app market in Australia is expanding and diversifying. Australia has a smartphone population of around 20 million people. A mobile device is used by roughly 87 % of the population. You may reach a broader audience by releasing a mobile app.

Customer involvement can also be improved with the use of mobile apps. Customers are more likely to engage with your products or services if they have an app. You may also use the app to upsell additional services to your current customers. Customer retention rates and average transactions per customer are likely to rise as a result of this.

What’s the average cost to make an app? 

You’ve got to take quite a bit into consideration when you’re looking at different price tiers for app development.

Here are a few of the main factors that affect the app development cost:

• who builds your app
• how your app gets built
• what you need your app to do
• your app budget
• mobile app design
• maintenance cost
• app complexity
• operating system (Android and iOS apps)

Each of these points will impact how much you’re going to pay. I’ll discuss these factors in greater detail throughout this guide.

You can use this article as a reference to help determine the major differences between spending $1,000, $100,000, or somewhere in the middle for your app idea.

Type of App You’re Building

Basic functionality apps like calculators and timers are very easy to develop. If you want to develop any of the basic apps which require just basic programmes for the functions to work, you can get it done at a cheap price.

However, if you’re creating complicated software, expect the development costs to rise as well.

The cost of developing an app is directly proportional to its complexity. It will be more expensive to develop a mobile application that can handle payments gateways, sync with the Internet, process in-app purchases, use real-time GPS, send push notifications, or connect with other app users. Adding more functionality to a program increases its complexity.

In addition to coding, you’ve got to consider:

• design costs
• back end development (which is necessary for certain apps)
• security
• architecture
• testing

According to Statista, the following apps are the most popular ones available on the App Store.

 

Finding Reliable Mobile App Developers in Australia

In the world of mobile development, finding the appropriate developers is crucial. An inexperienced freelancer might not be able to create complex commercial software with a global audience.

Around 76% of Australian publishers’ apps are focused on commercial services or features, while only 24 percent are focused on gaming. This suggests that local developers have worked on business apps before.

When opposed to working with an in-house team or a freelancer, hiring a mobile app development agency has numerous advantages. You may expect greater outcomes, a shorter development cycle, and the experience you’ll need to achieve your objectives. The only disadvantage is deciding on the right agency.

Consider their previous work when evaluating app development companies. Examining their previous work can provide you with a better idea of their abilities to create high-quality mobile apps.

Check references after going over their portfolios. Request contact information from previous clients from the developer so that you can get first-hand feedback on the development team’s efficacy.

Even though previous work is crucial, the communication style of app developers should be the most significant factor to consider when comparing them. Working with a company with whom you can interact successfully is beneficial. 

During the project, you may need to make design modifications or reply to developer requests. You might not appreciate the development process if the developers are difficult to reach or work with.

Overall, the greatest Australian development firms can assist you in turning your concept into a fully functional mobile app. Examine their portfolio, speak with clients, and make sure you’ll get along with the rest of the group.

 

Who is Building Your App

Freelancer

Freelancers may be a good option for those who are tight on their budgets. Hiring a freelancer has advantages and disadvantages both.

There are chances that the freelancer you finalise may not be the best in the business. Remember, it is not that freelancers are always cheaper. The contractors who are highly experienced with proven track records can charge you an enormous amount. 

One has to be cautious because you will come across a lot of developers who can’t make Android apps and an iOS apps. This is one reason why hiring an app development company is better. The company has a team of experienced developers and can actually ensure to keep your cost under control. Rather than employing an iOS app developer and a separate Android app developer, you can collaborate with one custom software development firm.

Small App Development Company

The size of the app development team is directly proportional to the cost.

 

 

Ensure to check the company’s portfolio before hiring them. Try to take reviews from their existing clients. Take your time to properly investigate the web development company. This may take some time but will be fruitful for the future.

They have teams of highly qualified and top-level developers working on your project. Reliable and efficient app development companies will have various clients to prove their efficiency.

These agencies should have plenty of customer success stories, white papers, and examples to prove their versatility.

Working with an agency to develop your app is perfect for anyone who needs to get their app to market quickly. As previously said, keeping expenses low and minimising missed opportunity costs are critical.

In case a freelancer becomes ill or goes on-off due to any reason there are always other members in a team to continue with a project, whereas if you hire a freelancer, you will get stuck.

For prototyping, wireframes, market research, business analysis, and advising, development agencies often provide a white-glove service. They won’t just develop your app without asking any questions. They’ve seen it all and are happy to offer suggestions on what works well and what could be improved.

How much will it cost to build a business mobile app?

The cost of your project is determined by a variety of factors. If you want a ballpark figure based on recent projects, the average mobile app development costs around $170,000.

Keep in mind that some apps might cost as little as $10,000 to $20,000, while others might cost as much as $500,000 or more. The entire cost of developing an app is determined by the scope and size of your project. The app’s complexity, the platforms you choose, and whether you plan to hire an external development team are all factors that influence the price.

Building an App on a Budget

Do you have a budget set?

There is a possibility that you don’t have thousands of dollars to build the app you have imagined as of now, but you can still get started with your limited money.

You can begin by developing an MVP or proof of concept app. This will surely have limited features and functionality, but it will surely help you climb the ladder toward your vision. 

Try and simplify your idea to reduce your budget.

Mobile App Development Cost: Hybrid vs. Native Mobile Apps

Hybrid or Native mobile apps are not similarly priced. Native mobile apps are way more expensive than hybrid apps. 

 

In case you are planning to develop a native app, you need to be sure whether you are going to build for Android or IOS?

Native apps must adhere to certain platform rules, they often improve the user experience. It’s also simpler for native apps to integrate hardware on the user’s device, such as the GPS, camera, and contacts list. All of this adds to the expense of a mobile app.

If you want to launch your native app on android and IOS, you need to create 2 separate versions, whereas hybrid apps can be launched on both platforms simultaneously. 

If you use a hybrid platform, this process is going to be simple and budget-friendly, leading to low development and maintenance costs.

Final Thoughts on Mobile App Cost

The total cost to develop an app is influenced by a variety of factors. like who creates your app, how it’s created, and what is your purpose to create that app. Some of you may find it more suitable to choose an experienced development company whereas some may be happy with a freelancer. 

You cannot assume that building an app will always be cheaper, whereas it completely depends on what your goal is to create it, what functions you want to integrate and other factors. An app like Uber or WhatsApp will obviously cost much more than a flashlight app.

If you’re on a tight budget, consider creating a minimal deliverable product or a hybrid app. This reduces the cost of developing an app by limiting the app’s functionality and upkeep.

FAQ

How much does it cost to develop a mobile app?

Because there are so many factors to consider, the cost of a mobile app could vary. However, prices will normally range from $50,000 to $250,000, with the complete production process taking 12 to 20 weeks.

Does it cost money to put an app on the App Store?

You must be enrolled in the Apple Developer Program in order to submit apps to the App Store. It costs $99 a year and gives you access to a variety of benefits, including Access to all Apple platforms to submit apps to the App Stores.

Why is app development so expensive?

The cost of developing an app is directly proportional to its complexity. It will be more expensive to develop a mobile application that can handle payments, sync with the Internet, process in-app purchases, use real-time GPS, send push notifications, or connect with other app users.

How many hours does it take to develop an app?

The real development takes between 350 and 500 hours and includes project setup, front end, back end, server-side programming, and more API integrations.

How much should I pay someone to make an app?

For a small to the medium-sized app, hiring an app development business might cost anything from $10,000 to $60,000. The range is so wide because it is entirely dependent on the app’s complexity and a number of screens.

How much money do apps make per download?

Android is the clear winner in terms of app downloads, but this is partially offset by far lower revenue, with the typical app download bringing in roughly 2 cents to its creator; Apple fared 5 times better, bringing in a dime for each of the 40,000 possible app downloads.

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