There’s no denying that, with 300 billion app downloads globally, businesses are vying for the same attention. It’s very typical for a company to inquire about the app development process and pricing.
Typically, businesses and clients want to know how long it takes to construct an app, how much it costs, and how much effort is required.
Now, the average time to develop an app looks something like this. However, there is no set period for developing an app because it varies from person to person and firm to company.
However, there is no certainty. As a result, we have this article.
We will not only look at the mobile app development process and the elements that affect the average time to construct an app in this blog, but we will also determine how long it takes to develop an app.
Table of Contents
The App Development Process in Key Stages
The app development process is divided into stages, each of which requires a different amount of time. The entire procedure is interdependent on each other and demands good attendance from the planning step to the launch of the application. It is self-evident that apps of various sizes and features take varying amounts of time to develop.
To address the question “how long does it take to construct an app?” each development stage is explained below. We’ll also talk about how long it takes to develop an iOS app and how long it takes to develop an Android app.
One of the most important papers that entrepreneurs and app developers often overlook is the mobile app brief. The better the brief, the less time it takes to comprehend the software project and its requirements. In fact, this one step can make a significant difference in the amount of time it takes to develop an app.
Some information, such as corporate information, must be included in the brief with which you are working. However, you can assist your app development agency in gaining a thorough understanding of the project and the mobile app development services that will be required.
The following is a typical outcome of this stage:
An App Development Brief is a document that outlines the goals and objectives of a project Before we look at the various design and development phases, let’s have a look at how long it takes to lay the foundation for all subsequent design and development procedures.
Project
- Project objectives and success criteria
- RFP
- NDA
- The price range
- Estimated delivery date
Stage 1: Brainstorming and research
Forming ideas and conducting research are the first steps in the process of developing an application. It’s easy to come up with amazing ideas, but it doesn’t mean everyone will agree that they’re fantastic. The time it takes to develop an app is heavily influenced by the idea generation and research phases. This stage entails starting with a concept for an app and then investigating ways to improve it.
Another aspect of this step is determining a suitable audience. The right audience for the app is targeted during this initial stage. Defining the target audience is beneficial not only for promoting the app after it is released but also for shaping it in the appropriate direction.
The target audience for different apps varies in size and age. Facebook, for example, has users of all ages on its platform, whereas Tinder caters to a younger demographic. Because targeting has made these apps so effective, it is recommended that proper targeting and study be conducted.
It’s also vital to assess the market and app’s competitiveness. During the app’s study, it’s also a good idea to learn about the app’s competitors and any dangers. This will prepare app owners for any challenges that may arise following the app’s launch.
It takes several weeks to complete the research. You should know all of the rivals’ strengths and limitations, as well as their app tactics and stated target audience, by the end of the investigation.
You should have the following outputs by the end of this stage:
- Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
- User Experiences
- Prototypes of Apps
Stage 2: Make a game plan.
The planning stage is the next crucial step in the app development process. It’s time to plan out the app development process now that you’ve learned everything there is to know about your market. The planning stage entails making decisions about the app’s configuration. These choices include iOS vs. Android, native vs. hybrid, cross-platform vs. non-cross-platform, web-based vs. mobile app, and so on.
After you’ve created these ideas, it’s time to start adding functionality. Now, the features of an app should be such that they neither complicate nor slow down the app. A search bar, social media sharing buttons, profile building, and login option are just a few of the basic features that an app should have. These features make a simple app considerably more user-friendly.
As the size of the app grows, the features become more and more focused on the app type. Any e-commerce app, for example, will have a ‘Add to cart feature. Similarly, social networking applications offer media sharing and a variety of additional features to encourage users to engage with the app.
So, how long does it take to create a mobile application? All of this planning is pretty involved and will take about a month.
Stage 3 Design Sprints and Idea Validation
Design sprints are the next step in the app development process. Different components of an application are tested via design sprints methods. The entire design sprint takes around a week to complete. The purpose of this stage is to test various components of the concept and get them validated by a group of potential users.
Businesses can utilize a Design Sprint to learn whether consumers value a feature, how they use it when they would use it, how easy or difficult they think it is to navigate the app, and so on.
Stage 4 is the stage of development.
The UI, Front End, and Back End are the three aspects that must be constructed throughout the development stage of how to design an application. The developers and designers will work their magic and begin constructing the app after all of the planning are completed. So, how long does it take to create a mobile application? The development and design stage, on the other hand, takes roughly six weeks.
Graphic designers are in charge of an app’s user interface. This offers the programs a more appealing appearance, which improves the user experience. Because customers prefer aesthetically appealing apps, UI is critical for any app to succeed in the market.
The Frontend and Backend are equally critical components in the development of your own software. The Front End of an app is what users see and how they interact with it, but nothing makes sense until the Back End is created. The backend connects the user interface to the system, allowing the program to run properly. So, what can you do if you don’t have one of these? You can’t, of course.
Let’s take a closer look at both engineering procedures in order to answer the questions of how long it will take to develop an app for free and how to make your own app:
Engineering on the backend
- Data archiving
- User administration
- Logic on the server-side 4. Data integration 5. Versioning
Front-End Development:
- Frontend Frontend logic
- caching
- synchronization
- wireframing
- user interface design
- user interface development
Stage 5: Developer and Quality Assurance Team
Choosing the ideal development team to design an app is never easy, and even when you do, you’re always looking for more. To assist you in your search, you may either look for them locally, which is challenging or outsource the process to app development businesses or freelancers who will form a team under your direction. You can also choose companies in your location, such as a mobile app development company in the United States if you live in the United States, or any other place where you live.
Obviously, the best option for developing an app is to identify an existing development team with industry knowledge and send all of the needs to them. There are several causes for this:
- Having a team means that everyone knows each other and that they work well together.
- Because the developers are familiar with one another, their work durations and pace are similar, reducing the risk of delays.
- Having a strong team with a project manager will assist you in assigning all of your requests to a specific person (project lead/manager).
Another fantastic advantage of hiring a ready-to-work development team is that they will provide the final product and manage all stages of application development themselves. Furthermore, skilled groups can provide you with a comprehensive grasp of the app development process, offer advice on how to improve the work process, and help you decide whether to produce a native or hybrid app based on your goals.
Stage 6: Testing
What is required to run an app? We need to do test runs to see if the app will even run after the development is completed. We can’t deny that the app will contain flaws that need to be repaired before it’s released to the public. With the use of tests, these flaws can be found.
There are numerous methods for evaluating a mobile app’s performance and functionality. At Next Big Technology, we have our own testing methodologies for mobile apps. The quality assurance checks are carried out to ensure that customers do not encounter any problems when they first use the app, making it more appealing.
The app is put through alpha and beta testing to ensure that it is error-free. The app is released when it has been thoroughly tested. Following the launch, the necessary changes are made based on the input received from the users.
Stage 7: Store Deployment
The time it takes to deploy an app may be broken down into two parts: submission and review. There are various guidelines you must follow when submitting an application to the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store, such as:
- Screenshots
- App Descriptions
- Icons
- Demonstration by video or image
- Optimization for the App Store
The time it takes for stores to deploy your apps.
When comparing the time it takes to launch apps on the App Store to the time it takes to publish them on the Play Store, Apple has a more thorough review procedure, which lengthens the launch time. Google, on the other hand, uses algorithms to pre-analyze your apps, which reduces the time it takes for them to launch.
Take note of the following:
- All of the different app development procedures take their own amount of time to complete.
- Although research stages take around 2 to 3 weeks of development time, when done correctly, they not only save time at a later stage but also help processes run smoothly.
- Changes made mid-project, inexperienced developers, and the usage of complex technology are all factors that slow down the mobile app development timeframe.
- The app development process is sped up by RFPs, MVPs (minimum viable products), and cross-platform development.
Let’s move on to discussing what slows down the app development process now that we’ve covered all of the stages of how to create an app or how to construct an app.
What Causes The App Development Process To Be Slow?
As previously said, the app development process typically takes between two and three months. However, there are a few factors that can slow down the overall process and the answer to the question of how long it takes to design a mobile app.
1. Changes in the middle of a project
App development is a continuous process in which all stages are interconnected in some way. If the plan is abruptly changed in the midst, the process will inevitably slow down. Because too many modifications in an already constructed code base can influence the app’s performance, these mid-project adjustments can also have an impact on the app’s performance.
2. Inexperienced programmers
What does it take to develop a successful app? Definitely, great concepts, a good budget, and a talented developer. Frequently, organizations, particularly start-ups, make the mistake of selecting engineers who aren’t up to the task. As a result, the procedure is slowed down, and the business app is poor. Our app development staff is highly trained and has a wealth of experience, allowing us to produce high-performing apps one after the other. We’ve also assisted our clients with their app concepts to provide the greatest possible outcome for their company.
3. Intricate technologies
Machine learning, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, and other technologies cause the mobile app development process to slow down. There’s no denying that these technologies improve the app’s usability, but good things come at a cost. Using the most up-to-date technology, on the other hand, may slow down the app development process.
The reason for the delay is that the technologies are somewhat complicated and take time to integrate into the app.
4. Differences in industries
The typical app development time is also influenced by the sector for which the app is being developed. The answer to the issue of how long does a social media app take is 1-2 months (s). On-demand apps, on the other hand, require longer to develop. As a result, the industry has an impact on the time it takes to develop an app.
Let’s explore how we can speed up the app development process now that we know how to construct apps and what things slow it down.
How Can I Reduce the Time It Takes to Develop an App?
With the rapid rise of mobile apps, it is impossible to afford to take the development process too slowly. Businesses, whether startups or large corporations are looking for mobile app developers who can create apps quickly without sacrificing quality.
There are no issues without solutions, and the time necessary to develop an app is no exception. When it comes to startups, attracting a large audience is a must, and mobile apps are the way to do it.
We’ve learned how to develop an app and what it takes to make one. We also know what factors influence the time it takes to create an app. It’s time to figure out how to cut down on application development time.
1. Minimum viable products (MVPs) and prototyping
So, how can you make a mobile app while also saving time? MVPs, or minimum viable products, are an excellent method to save time. They are simple to construct and closely reflect the application’s initial concept. After the MVPs have been released to the public, the actual app may be constructed by adding features and improving it. Many organizations, such as Airbnb and MailChimp, began as MVPs before moving forward with full implementation.
2. Go for cross-platform compatibility.
The largest controversy of all time is Android vs. iOS, and sometimes people are so perplexed that they don’t know which to choose. Both platforms’ app development timelines and costs are relatively lengthy and expensive. Cross-platform app development, on the other hand, provides a solution to this problem. Great multi-platform apps can be produced in less time with solutions like Xamarin and PhoneGap.
3. Engage the services of a professional developer.
The greatest thing you can do is hire a skilled app developer to construct your own app. The software will not only have a fantastic UI/UX design, but it will also take less time to develop. In reality, outsourcing will reduce the number of hours you work. One of the most compelling reasons to outsource is that hiring a skilled app development business off-shore will not only provide you with a positive experience but will also make your job easier. Next Big Technology is another reputable app development firm that has created a number of successful apps for its clients. They’ll walk you through the entire ‘how to make an app’ and ‘how to make a mobile app’ process.
4. Development that is flexible
Agile development is used by many app development companies since it shortens the development cycle. The major goal of agile app development is to eliminate the need for enterprises to restart from scratch. It offers a programming structure that is versatile and adaptive, making it suitable for open-ended communication between app owners and developers. Simply said, it accelerates the development process and ensures that the application is completed on time.
5. Private labeling options
White label solutions are products that are manufactured by one firm and then rebranded to resemble those of another. This will save a lot of time when developing an app because nothing will have to be built from start. This, however, will not result in a good application, particularly one that generates a lot of visitors or revenue.
6. Testing that is automated
Despite the fact that automated testing appears to be a no-brainer, many people overlook it. This form of testing is one of the key stages in the development process that helps to shorten the time it takes to create a mobile app. Automated testing has the advantage of being able to perform a large number of tests at once. This reduces the amount of time spent on manual testing and improves the application’s security. Several testing approaches are used in automated testing in order to save time. The development process accelerates as the testing phase grows faster. Using multiple testing strategies can result in error-free code.
Conclusion
This was our view on the timescales for mobile app development and some suggestions for reducing app development time. We hope that this blog has provided answers to some of the most frequently asked topics, such as how to develop an app, how to make your own app, and how long does it take to produce an app. If you still have questions about how to make an app or how to make a phone app, please contact our Next Big Technology app developers.
