Smartphones are everywhere, and so are mobile apps.Want to shop online? There's a mobile app.Want to buy groceries? There's an app.Want to hear music? Thousands of mobile apps.Without even realizing it, mobile phones have deeply integrated into our daily lives. But this is good news for businesses. Why? Imagine having 24/7 access to your customers. Too powerful, right? This is what a mobile app gives you. The power of customer attention.  Now you might want to develop an app but don't know where to start? How much will it cost? The real cost of app development in Australia is determined by several factors, ranging from the design and functionality of the app to the ongoing maintenance and updates, which are considered when calculating the final cost.  In this article, we'll discuss what you need to know about the real cost of app development in Australia.

What is App Development?‍

The app development process consists of developing software for mobile devices. A person who develops applications is referred to as an app developer. These individuals work on designing and implementing the applications.  They can create different types of apps in different ways, including native app, web, and hybrid apps, and these developers are referred to as app developers.

What is the Development Cost for an App?

An average app developer earns about $170,000 per project. But you might not get a price estimate from any mobile app development companies during the initial meeting. So before giving you a rough estimate, the developers need more information about your project. The top Australian companies usually spend $500k to $1 million on every mobile app project, and the most expensive apps cost up to $250,000. Businesses in Australia may spend $50,000 to $100,000 on a standard mobile app, while more complicated applications can cost up to $250,000. Many factors must be considered when creating an app, depending on your business objectives. Apart from the monetary costs, there will be costs in terms of time and labor that you will have to consider.

App Development Costs: A Breakdown

App development costs are widely varied as they may appear at first, but you can break them down even further depending on the size and complexity of the app.  For example,
  • The development cost of a simple proof-of-concept app can range from $25k to $50,000, depending on its features.
  • The cost for a small app can range from $50,000 to $125,000. 
  • A medium size application will typically cost between $125,000 and $200,000 to develop, depending on how complex it is.
  • If you want to build an extensive and feature-rich app, you will need to spend well over $200,000.
Corporations can also hire large mobile teams to develop and maintain their mobile applications for millions of dollars each year. Let's discuss this in more detail.

1. Server fees

In terms of cost, servers can range between 10 and 10,000 dollars per month, depending on how many users you have, how much data is being sent and received, and the type of services you are running. Several hosting companies offer free tiers, including Amazon AWS and Heroku, for customers just starting. Free hosting may work for some apps, but a free tier will only work for a short time.

2. Developer Accounts

For your app to be released on the app stores of Apple and/or Android, you will need to subscribe to the developer programs of those companies. For example, the Android developer program requires a one-time fee of $20 to become a Google developer, while the Apple developer program requires an annual fee of $100.

3. Security and Other Maintenance Costs

As a result of frequent security updates, mobile apps can also become more expensive. In addition, as technology evolves rapidly, mobile apps require constant maintenance. It is a never-ending process. When you create your budget and timeline, you should allocate about 50% of the initial cost of your project to security and maintenance. Aside from basic maintenance costs, you can also make changes to your app based on user feedback and usage data. It is entirely up to you to decide how much you wish to spend on the app's development based on the changes you want.

4. Testing and Quality Assurance

If you are launching a new app, take your time to test it thoroughly. Ensure you confirm all technical features are working flawlessly and that the user feedback is positive when you launch your app. There is no need to be afraid of quality assurance costs. The reality is that they don't have to break the bank. On the contrary, quality assurance inspections can reduce the cost of the launch by identifying potential issues before the launch and avoiding complications after the launch. A pre-launch usability test can go a long way to ensuring that users have an exceptional experience after the application launch, while also helping to prevent the possibility of costly future problems.

5. Third-party Services

Third-party integration can also add to the complexity of the application. Mobile application developers need to spend additional time testing third-party features and integrating them into their apps, increasing their time and costs. For example, suppose you want to integrate data or features from social media sites, analytical tools, or eCommerce payment platforms into your mobile app. In that case, you have to communicate with third-party APIs. Other apps may rely on hardware resources, such as GPS on a mobile phone, which requires communication with third-party APIs. Limiting external integrations as much as possible is essential to decreasing the cost of developing a mobile application. When creating an app, look for solutions that streamline the development process. Don't include third-party features that won't be of any value to your end users. App Development Costs: A Breakdown

Factors impacting the development cost of an app

When it comes to determining the cost of developing an app in 2023, countless factors come into play, the most notable among them being the following.

1. Type of App

The app type is the most significant factor impacting development costs. For instance, a QR code scanner app will be much cheaper to develop than a comprehensive social network app. Due to this, it is necessary to consider the number of screens, the types of users, the architecture, and third-party services, which will greatly impact the kind of app.
  • Higher cost apps
In general, the cost of developing apps like social networks, marketplaces, artificial intelligence, music production, ride-sharing apps, and apps with high security, like banking apps, tends to be higher than other apps.
  • Lower-cost apps
Development costs tend to be lower for simpler applications like calculators, static content apps, educational apps, directory listings, and note-taking apps, etc

2. Features

Development expenses are also heavily influenced by the number and complexity of features. It may take less time and money for more straightforward and smaller apps to be developed and released; however, if you intend to incorporate advanced features, development time and cost may increase significantly. Therefore, it is very significant to determine clearly:
  • What are the anticipated features of the product?
  • What is the complexity of the application's business logic?
  • Number of screens, buttons, and features will the mobile app have?
A difference in the number of features and complexity of mobile apps will affect the cost of software development. As an example of banking app development, it is crucial to remember that while you should focus on the key features that the app needs to function correctly, you should also consider security concerns regarding sensitive user data.  Therefore, the costs for developing and testing banking apps will be much higher than those for other mobile apps, resulting in higher security features and testing.

3. Platforms Supported

Developing iOS and Android apps require different programming languages. This is why it takes much more time and money to build an app that supports both platforms than just one, unless you choose hybrid technology. For example, native apps are specially crafted for an operating system, such as iOS or Android. On the other hand, a hybrid app might be more suitable for your project if you want wider compatibility, since it has a unified codebase that's compatible with any operating system. Nevertheless, you must take into consideration the publishing costs associated with either of these operating systems: Android:  Google charges a one-time fee of $25 for uploading your app and a 30% commission from sales made through the app. IOS:  As part of the Apple developer program, Apple charges an annual fee of $USD99/membership for members to join the program, plus 30% of any purchases made through the application.

4. Level of Polish

Polish is essential in every aspect of an application, which has a substantial impact on development costs. It is possible to apply polish to every part of an application. The user interface (UI) design, server architecture, animations, and interactions are standard levels. As polish is added to an application, the cost will increase. A typical app will undergo several development phases, adding more polish at each stage. As a result, few apps will be fully functional and highly polished when they are released to the public for the first time." For most startups, the first release will be a proof-of-concept application. This is a cost-effective, basic version of the app used to validate an idea. This allows the startup to determine whether there is a market for the application before investing more money in it. The following are some typical app lifecycle phases. As you progress through the stages, the cost of development will increase:
  • Design Prototype
  • Proof-of-concept
  • MVP
  • Scalable V2
  • Fully featured app

Average Cost of App Development in Australia 

  • A small-sized app, consisting of only 5–8 screens, is designed for a single platform with limited integration. It goes into development by spending less than $200k on a team of developers.
  • A medium-sized app with 10–15 screens that can be used across multiple platforms and is easily integrated costs approximately $200k to $600k.
  • A large-sized app with more than 20 screens and supporting multiple personas with native functionality, multi-platform compatibility, and complex integration into existing systems can cost more than $1 million in Australia.
Average Cost of App

How To Reduce Development Cost Of App Without Compromising Quality?

By following these simple steps, you will be able to drastically reduce the cost of developing your app:

1. Having a complete understanding of the scope of your project

Suppose you want to reduce app development costs and focus on the essential components for seamless app performance and user experience. In that case, you need to know exactly what needs to be done and how your development team can accomplish that.  To launch a successful app on a tight budget, you should plan your app ahead of time and avoid unnecessary features to launch it successfully in time.

2. Investing The Necessary Resources In Your Project Planning Stage

Using the right technologies can help you stay as cost-effective as possible while still maintaining the quality of your product. The nature and scope of your project allow you to use open-source solutions, as they can be excellent free-of-charge solutions.  As an alternative to expensive infrastructure setup costs and high levels of efficiency, you could use cloud-based technology that eliminates infrastructure setup costs and increases efficiency through remote and proactive collaboration.

3. Working With An Experienced Development Team

Working with experienced web designers and developers can help you save money instead of increasing your expenses. They are familiar with the industry and can help you find more cost-effective solutions.  The advantage is that they save a lot of time by not starting from scratch and can utilize their existing skills and knowledge to create something that will be better. Human error is inevitable, but dealing with it most efficiently is the key to reducing the amount of time devoted to a project and increasing its efficiency in the long run.

Common Myths About the App Development Cost

A lot of people have misconceptions about the cost of developing an app. Some believe templates are inexpensive, while others think it is prohibitively expensive to build one from scratch. App development costs vary according to the complexity of the application, the platform it uses, and its features.  Let's explore some common myths about app development and debunk them to help you make informed decisions.

1. Relying on App Templates Helps Cut Down Costs

Building a mobile application from the ground up is not easy or a one-size-fits-all task. Many no-code app builders are out there, and artificial intelligence is also available to write the code for you. Hence, taking shortcuts and creating a mobile application that looks superficial is tempting.  The success of your app depends on how much time and effort you put into its design, development, and maintenance. Just imagine how much time and energy you could devote to other aspects of your business. Using templates can be extremely useful in some circumstances. Still, for more complex applications, you need a team of professionals who can carefully plan and build it from scratch to ensure a smooth user experience over the long run while ensuring a smooth user experience on an ongoing basis. Ultimately, user testing plays a crucial role in this endeavor. If your software does not meet the expectations of your target users, then they are unlikely to use your app.

2. Outsourcing App Development Is Too Expensive

When it comes to outsourcing software development - whether it is for a business or a personal project - there is a common misconception that it will lead to failure. In reality, however, outsourcing software development can save you tons of time and money when you work with the right company. The benefits of working with a reputable and experienced development agency are that you can launch your application quickly and efficiently, while saving a lot of money on the overall costs of hiring an in-house product development team instead of working with a development agency.

3. There are many “Hidden” Expenses When it Comes to Building an App.

The most common "hidden" costs for developing mobile applications are data storage and processing, security, software licenses, and software licensing. However, with proper planning and understanding of your project's scope, you don't have to worry about hidden expenses. Nevertheless, it is essential to note that all of these tasks, tools, and processes require a lot of effort, resulting in a high final price tag for a mobile app. Getting as much information as possible on what exactly goes into the app-building process and communicating your needs clearly to the team you are working with can help prevent these hidden expenses in the future. Then, you will avoid any surprises, and you will be able to stick to your initial budget.

Reliable Mobile App Developers in Australia

It's important to find the right developers for your mobile app. An inexperienced freelancer may have problems developing a complex global app.  Australian publishers develop 76% of their apps for business services or features, while only 24% are for games. Hence, local developers know how to develop business apps. Hiring a mobile app development agency offers many benefits over working with a freelancer or in-house team. You just have to select the right agency.  You can get better results, a faster development cycle, and the needed experience. Compare app development firms by looking at their past projects. Examining their past work gives you a better idea of whether they can develop quality mobile apps. Review their references after reviewing their portfolios. Get first-hand feedback from past clients by asking the developer for contact information. In addition to previous work, communication style is one of the most important aspects to compare when comparing app developers. You may need to change the design or respond to developer requests during the development process. If the developer is difficult to reach or difficult to work with, you may not enjoy the process. The best Australian development agencies like WEDOWEBAPPS PTY LTD can develop your idea into a fully functional mobile app. Look at their portfolio, speak with their clients, and ensure you're comfortable working with them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, app development in Australia involves several factors that can affect its overall cost, including project complexity, design, and functionality requirements." Understanding the real costs involved before embarking on an app development project is important, even though the cost can vary significantly.  You can achieve your app development goals while maintaining cost control by working with a reliable and experienced app development team from WEDOWEBAPPS PTY LTD. Developing an app can be a worthwhile investment for your business if you approach the project with the right mindset and approach. Get app development quotes in Melbourne now.