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A dedicated app for customers or staff is an obvious step for many companies. The cost question cannot be answered with a single figure, though: a lean information app and a platform with user accounts, payments and real-time data are worlds apart. This article explains what drives the effort, which fees Apple and Google charge and how to plan your budget.
What makes up the price of an app
The largest cost block is the development team's time. It covers concept, design, programming, testing and publishing. In many cases there is also a backend, the server side that stores data and exchanges it with other systems, plus the running costs after launch.
Reliable estimates are therefore only possible once the feature scope is known. Flat prices without detailed requirements either include large risk premiums or leave out important parts.
The main cost drivers
Platforms and technology
Should the app run on iOS and Android? In the past, that often meant two separate developments. Cross-platform frameworks such as Flutter or React Native now make it possible to serve both systems from a shared codebase. Compared with two native apps, this usually reduces the effort considerably, although platform-specific adjustments and testing are still needed.
An alternative is a progressive web app (PWA), a web application that can be installed on the home screen like an app. It is often cheaper but has limitations when it comes to accessing device features.
Feature scope
Every feature adds effort. The following weigh particularly heavily:
- user accounts with sign-up, login and password reset
- push notifications
- offline capability with later synchronisation
- payments, subscriptions and in-app purchases
- camera, location, Bluetooth or other device features
- chat or real-time features
- multiple languages
Backend and integrations
An app that only displays content needs little server logic. As soon as user data is stored, bookings are processed or data is pulled from inventory, CRM or shop systems, a dedicated backend with integrations is required. This part is often underestimated in cost estimates.
Design
An app that represents your brand needs carefully designed visuals and interaction. Internal tools, by contrast, can often rely on standard components. The more custom animations and special layouts, the higher the effort.
Security and data protection
If the app processes personal data, the privacy policy, consent, secure data transfer and deletion concepts all have to be right. Apple also requires apps that support account creation to let users delete their account from within the app.
Apple and Google fees
In addition to development, the stores charge fees (as of November 2026):
| Item | Apple App Store | Google Play |
|---|---|---|
| Developer account | USD 99 per year (Apple Developer Program; local currency price may differ) | USD 25 one-time |
| Company account | D-U-N-S number required | D-U-N-S number required |
| Commission on digital sales | depends on programme and region, e.g. 15% in the Small Business Program up to USD 1 million in annual proceeds | depends on region, revenue and type of purchase |
The D-U-N-S number is an identifier issued by Dun & Bradstreet that Apple and Google use to verify a company's identity. It is free in most countries, but the application can take a few days.
Commissions only apply to digital content and features, such as subscriptions or unlocked premium features. If you sell physical goods or services through the app that are delivered outside the app, Apple's guidelines actually require you to use payment methods other than in-app purchase. Google restructured its fees in 2026, including for the European Economic Area. Check the exact rates in the current vendor documentation before planning a monetisation model.
Ongoing costs after launch
An app is never finished. Apple and Google release new operating system versions every year, and Google Play requires new apps and updates to target a recent Android version. If you do not maintain your app, at some point you will no longer be able to publish updates. Plan for:
- Maintenance: adjustments for new iOS and Android versions, library updates, security patches
- Hosting: servers, database, storage and backups for the backend
- Third-party services: for example push services, map services, analytics tools or payment providers
- Store fees: the annual Apple membership and any commissions
- Support and further development: bug fixes, user feedback, new features
How to estimate your app budget realistically
- Clarify the goal: what should the app achieve for your users and your business? A clear goal keeps the feature scope from sprawling.
- Define audience and platforms: which devices do your customers or staff use? Might a web app be enough?
- Prioritise features: sort them into "must have at launch", "later" and "maybe".
- Start with an MVP: an MVP (minimum viable product) is a first version with the core features. You learn early what users really need.
- Name the backend and integrations: list every system the app needs to exchange data with.
- Include running costs: budget for operations and maintenance for at least two to three years.
- Set up accounts early: developer accounts and a D-U-N-S number should be ready before the first release.
How to recognise a good quote
A reliable quote separates app, backend, design and testing and describes which features are included. It states which devices and operating system versions will be tested and clarifies who owns the store accounts. Make sure the apps are published under your developer account. That way you stay in control, even if you change providers later.
App development with Simplify Data
Simplify Data, based in Kiel, Germany, develops apps with Flutter and React Native for companies in Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg and remotely across Germany. We first clarify the goal and feature scope with you and estimate the effort transparently, building block by building block. Learn more on our app development page.