Mobile application development has been here for quite some time. This subdivision of software development means creating applications that can run on mobile devices and operating systems including iOS and Android. Today almost all businesses have designed mobile apps to target more customers including educational apps, gaming apps, music apps, communication apps, food apps, and much more. From improving user engagement to streamlining operations, mobile apps provide numerous opportunities for organizations for expand and stay competitive.
If you are establishing your presence and want more visibility, then mobile app development is an ideal solution. Read this blog to know more about the mobile app development process and how teaming up with the experts can help you have a dynamic app.
What Is Mobile App Development?
Mobile application development means the creation of software for tablets, smartphones, and mobile devices. The overall process consists of writing code for creating the software and designing the app. The development process involves creating installable software bundles, front, and backend development with an API, and testing the application to ensure its compatibility. All phases are important to ensure successful application development.
Various Kinds of Mobile Apps
Mentioned below is the overview of the various kinds of apps and what makes them unique for development:
Native Mobile Applications
Native apps are directly installed on a mobile device and are typically installed through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. These apps are exclusively designed for a given platform and thus are written using programming languages and tools specifically meant for the platform.
In the majority of cases, native apps can work without any internet connection and can leverage existing features of the device they’re installed on. Developing a native app means writing code purposefully for the operating system of the device.
Pros
- Good performance and advanced customization.
- Provides direct access to the device’s APIs
Cons
- Higher costs to develop, maintain, and update.
- Various code bases for each platform
Cross-Platform Native Mobile Applications
Native app development takes time and is an expensive affair. Thus, many developers prefer cross-platform development that work on numerous platforms and are often built using tools like React Native, Xamarin, Flutter, etc. The same code is used across all the platforms while creating a cross-platform app. So, the developers have to write the code once, and the app can still be installed natively on both iOS and Android devices. For users, both native and cross-platform native apps are the same. But from the developers’ point of view, cross-platform native is more affordable and shortens the development timeline.
Pros
- The single code base for multiple platforms
- It comes with easy development and maintenance.
Cons
- It relies on bridges and libraries for native abilities
- Performance limitations due to bridging
Hybrid Mobile Applications
A hybrid application is a software app combining both native and web applications. Hybrid apps are importantly web apps that have a native app shell. Once users download the app from an app store and install it locally, the shell connects to whatever abilities the mobile platform provides through a browser that’s embedded in the app. Hybrid mobile apps are web apps designed using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc.
Hybrid apps are famous as they let developers write code for a mobile app once and still accommodate multiple platforms.
Pros
- Web and mobile apps are made using the same code.
- It uses web development languages for designing mobile apps
Cons
- Lower performance compared to native apps
- Limited support for native device features
PWA
Progressive Web Applications or PWAs apps are delivered through the web. With evolving technology, PWAs look quite simple and offer a similar experience to a native app experience. Businesses can send push notifications to users that are delivered via a web browser. However, PWAs are a little restricted in what they can achieve using the native features on a device.
Pros
- PWAs are compatible with both web and mobile
- No installation is required, accessible through a URL
Cons
- Limited support for native device features
- App capabilities depend on the browser
Why Mobile App Development is Important for Businesses
1. Helps in Omni Channel Approach
Mobile apps offer dynamic personalization & targeted market campaigns in businesses to improve Omni channel customer experience. Users can easily buy items across multiple channels, providing a seamless & integrated experience.
2. Improved Accessibility
Mobile apps play an important role in improving business functionalities through which they can inform their target customers about their offerings at the earliest. Companies can also build good relationships with their customers by informing them about the latest offers, deals, etc. which improve their trust value and visibility.
3. Satisfied Customer
Mobile application development lets you digitally connect with your target clients. It contributes to the transformation of businesses’ experience by fulfilling users’ expectations related to products/services, which boosts the customer experience. With mobile applications, users get information about recent updates and seamlessly access the app from anywhere. Quick access to mobile apps also improves overall sales.
4. Increased Sales
Mobile apps not only improve your visibility but also help enjoy more sales by offering a convenient and seamless experience. With apps, businesses can improve customer engagement and revenues by including price-based models letting customers explore their products/services. Moreover, during the festival time, companies can inform customers about upcoming festival sales, product launches, promo codes, etc. through the app.
5. Enhanced Brand Recognition
If you want to improve your brand visibility among your customers, there is no better way than launching your own app. Mobile apps provide a tailored and engaging experience to users through features like push notifications, in-app messaging, personalized content, etc.
6. Improved Communication
Using Mobile applications, users can collaborate & communicate more interactively via gamification, social features, multimedia, and feedback. The apps also include features that let users share their feedback, ask questions and express concerns. Certainly, mobile apps can streamline communication, thereby reducing time wasted on inefficient processes.
Mobile App for Business: Development Process
The app development process is a detailed journey consisting of several critical stages with each stage having its own importance. Detailed steps to follow to ensure the overall success of your app include:
Identify an App Idea
The first and foremost important step to designing an app starts with an app idea. Whether you own an e-commerce store or a healthcare company, it is important to have all the details related to app development. To make an app successful, make sure that your idea caters to the specific needs of your target audience. For example, if you’re foraying in a highly competitive market, then include key USPs of the app to appeal to users.
Research
This next phase consists of comprehensive market research, competitor analysis, and understanding user needs. It lays the foundation for your app by helping you identify gaps in the market and potential opportunities. Before launching your app, research about the market to find apps designed by your competitors. You can mark the key USPs of your competitors and get specific insights into what customers like and what you should do differently. Monitor user reviews and ratings to understand user expectations.
Planning
The planning stage comes immediately after you have researched your idea for an app. Planning here doesn’t just mean deciding how your app will look or how you will program it, rather, the planning stage must answer several high-level questions regarding the feasibility of your idea in the current market space. The developers create a roadmap for your app project which includes establishing clear goals, defining your app’s core features, estimating the cost to build the mobile app, and establishing a timeline. A well-researched plan acts as a guideline throughout the development phase.
Design
There are several components of designing a mobile application, and all of them play an important role. While designing the application, developers must focus on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) as they make apps more attractive. Make the apps user-friendly and visually appealing surpassing designs to attract more users and stay competitive. The design phase consists of wireframing, creating prototypes, and choosing design elements that align with your app’s identity.
Designing is not just an app development process, rather it’s a marketing strategy that must be looked at carefully. This phase means deciding the most appropriate way to market your app among the people interested in your offerings.
Development
This is the coding phase where the developers will write codes. You’ll decide on the development approach, select the most appropriate programming languages and frameworks, and work closely with developers to make your vision a reality.
Testing
Rigorous testing is important to ensure smooth app functioning. This stage involves various kinds of testing, including functionality testing, to ensure the accuracy of all features. Performance testing is also done to optimize speed and responsiveness, while compatibility testing ensures the app runs smoothly on various devices and platforms, and security testing to protect user data.
While making even a small change, make sure it runs all your test cases and identifies the loopholes, if any.
Launch Your App
The final stage in application development is publishing the app to the app store. The regulations your app needs to follow depend greatly on the app store where you apply as different app stores have different requirements. Go check all the guidelines provided by the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The companies can release their app to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Though focusing on a single platform might streamline the app development process, this strategy might limit your users to a particular segment only. Thus, focus on your key audience and resources when choosing the platform(s) to launch on. This also includes understanding and adhering to submission guidelines, making an engaging app store listing, and deploying strategies for app promotion within your niche.
Mobile App Development Costs
The cost of mobile app development varies based on various factors, including:
Application Kind: If you plan to design native apps, then it will be more expensive due to platform-specific development, while hybrid and cross-platform apps are more affordable.
Complexity: Based on the number of features, the complexity of functionalities, integration with third-party services, etc. the app cost is decided.
Design: High-quality custom design apps cost high due to the allocation of more time and resources, as compared to simple apps with less design.
Implementation Time: If your app takes longer time, then you have to pay higher costs as compared to the apps taking less time.
Development Team: Costs may vary based on the geographical location of the development team. Developers in regions like the US and Europe might charge more as compared to the ones based in countries like India or China.
On average, the basic mobile application development cost ranges anywhere between $25,000- $50,000, though a complex app could cost you up to $150,000 as well.
Hire Kodehash for your Mobile App Development
Hiring Kodehash Technologies, a leading mobile app development firm, can bring many advantages to your business. We provide access to technical experts, customized solutions, seamless integration, continuous support, and maintenance, to deliver successful mobile apps across various industries.
Updated with Modern Mobile Tech Stacks- Our team consists of senior mobile app developers and core contributors who are well aware of the latest mobile app development frameworks like React Native and Flutter. Our developers’ technical skills help you in your tech journey.
Strong Mobile Portfolio- We have catered to diversified clients and thus have a strong portfolio of global clients. You can always check our clients’ feedback and reviews to check our overall work quality.
Flexible Hiring Models: Our developers are certified in their respective fields while ensuring regular compliance and upskill training. Businesses choose from flexible hiring models and get their teams started as quickly as they want.
Continuous Support- From ideation to launch to post-deployment support, our team of developers provides complete guidance and support to make your app successful.
So, convert your app idea into reality by teaming up with our experts. Together we can bring your vision to life and take your business to the next level.
Mobile Application Development: FAQs
What will the app development cost?
The cost for mobile application development varies from $2500-$400000. The factors affecting mobile app development include application complexity, platform selection, total features, design requirements, etc.
What are the basics of mobile app development?
The basics of mobile application development include:
- Idea generation
- Research about the market
- Working on the design part
- Development phase
- Application testing
- Support
What factors should I consider while choosing the mobile app development company?
If you want to appoint a custom mobile app development company, then carefully check the reviews, their relevant experience, feedback, etc. Also, check the company’s relevant experience in this niche before shortlisting them.
What types of mobile apps does Kodehash develop?
We specialize in developing native, hybrid, cross-platform, and progressive web apps (PWAs) for both Android and iOS platforms. We tailor each solution to fit your business goals, whether it’s for e-commerce, enterprise use, or customer engagement.
How long does It take to develop a Mobile App?
The time spent building an app varies on its functions and complexity. If you want to create a regular app, then it takes anywhere between 3-6 months, but an app with extra complexity takes much longer than this.
Why should I hire Kodehash Technologies?
Kodehash Technologies has more than a decade of experience in designing mobile apps for diversified clients. You can trust our app developers as they provide custom mobile app development services with utmost dedication and transparency.