Building a mobile app typically costs from around £3,000 for a simple app with a few screens to £7,000 or more for a feature-rich business app, and considerably more for complex platforms. The price depends on the features, the number of platforms (iOS, Android or both), the design, the back end and the integrations your app needs.
What Affects the Cost of an App?
- Features and complexity. User accounts, payments, chat, maps, notifications and offline mode each add development and testing time.
- Platforms. Supporting both iOS and Android costs more than one platform, although cross-platform frameworks reduce the gap.
- Design. Custom UI/UX and animations take longer than standard components.
- Back end and admin panel. Most business apps need a server, database and a dashboard to manage content and users.
- Integrations. Connecting to your CRM, ERP, payment gateway or third-party APIs adds scope.
- Testing and launch. Quality assurance on real devices and app store submission are essential steps.
App Cost by Type
| App type | Examples | Typical price range |
|---|---|---|
| Simple app | Information app, booking form, basic catalogue | £3,000 – £5,000 |
| Business app | User accounts, payments, notifications, admin panel | £5,000 – £15,000 |
| Complex platform | Marketplace, on-demand service, real-time features | £15,000+ |
Native vs Cross-Platform: Which Costs Less?
Native apps are built separately for iOS and Android, which gives the best performance and access to every device feature but usually costs more. Cross-platform frameworks such as Flutter and React Native use one codebase for both platforms, which typically reduces cost and time to market. For most business apps, cross-platform is the more economical choice; native makes sense for apps that rely heavily on device hardware or demanding graphics.
What Do PBS Digitals App Packages Cost?
Our mobile app design and development packages are:
- Starter Pack – £2,999: a focused app with core features, ideal for validating an idea.
- Small Business – £4,499: more screens and features for a growing business.
- Enterprise – £6,999: advanced functionality and integrations for larger projects.
Apple and Google developer account fees and any third-party service fees are billed separately. Final scope and timeline are confirmed in a written proposal.
What Are the Ongoing Costs of an App?
- Developer accounts on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
- Hosting for the back end, database and file storage.
- Updates for new iOS and Android versions, which arrive every year.
- Bug fixes, security patches and new features based on user feedback.
- Third-party services such as maps, SMS, email or payment processing.
How to Keep Your App Budget Under Control
- Start with a minimum viable product (MVP) that solves one core problem well.
- Prioritise features by the value they bring to users, and save the rest for later versions.
- Choose cross-platform development unless you have a clear reason for native.
- Use proven services for payments, authentication and notifications instead of building them from scratch.
- Agree the scope, milestones and acceptance criteria in writing before development starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to build an app?
A simple app can take around 6–10 weeks, while a business app with a back end and integrations often takes three to six months. Clear requirements shorten the timeline.
Is it cheaper to build for iOS or Android first?
The cost of one platform is similar either way. Choose the platform most of your customers use, or build cross-platform to reach both at once.
Do I need a website as well as an app?
Usually yes. A website helps people find you on Google and explains your app, while the app serves customers who use your service regularly.
Who owns the app code?
Your contract should state that you own the source code and the app store listings once the project is paid for.
Have an app idea? Request a free quote and we will help you scope the right first version.
