Some Statistics on iOS App Development
It's always good to have benchmarks to rely on as you embark on any journey. So, how much time and money does app creation require? It all comes down to size, as follows:
| Size |
Cost |
Time |
| Small |
$8,000 to $25,000 |
2 to 4 months |
| Medium |
$25,000 to $50,000 |
4 to 8 months |
| Big/ Complex |
$50,000 to $100,000 |
>8 months |
Of course, this depends on several factors, including who you hire. When making the app yourself, the costs can be as low as $1,000 if you already have access to the resources in this guide. If not, they can average about $5,000, as you will later see.
Making the App - Leaning into the Process
Follow the steps below to get your app ready for your market.
Step 1: Prepare Your Environment
You will need the following:
- A Mac computer with the latest macOS
- Xcode - this is available for free from the App Store and will provide you with the necessary tools to make your app.
An iMac or MacBook costs anything from $1,000 to $3,000.
Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with the Programming Language
You must learn how to configure an app such that it functions, and you will have two key focus areas at this point:
- Swift programming language (free). You can get more information about this from Swift Playgrounds.
- SwiftUI (free). For your user interface to appeal to your target audience, you must understand how to use this framework.
Ensure you get these basics, as they will impact your progress in the later stages. If you wish to seek resources outside of those that Apple offers, you can invest anything from $50 to $300 in these courses.
Step 3: Create a Project
Head to Xcode and choose to create a new project. Then, embark on the following:
- Define the project. Configure the settings, including the template you want to use, how you will identify the project, and more.
- Design the interface. Leaning on your lessons from step 2, now is the time to add elements to your project, e.g., how the text will appear, what buttons will be available, etc.
- Review the layout. You want to ensure that the layout looks good on all devices and screen sizes. If this is not the case, you can use the auto layout option to make the appearance uniform.
Step 4: Code Your App
An app is only functional if it can respond to cues from your target audience. Again, we will lean on the lessons from step 2 to write the code, as follows:
- Write the code. Now is the time to connect the elements in your user interfaceto the right codes. For example, if you're creating a currency conversion app, you'd need to write the functions to handle the calculations.
- Test the functions. Can your app respond to cues? How accurate are the responses? You can get a much better assessment using the iOS simulator, as this shows you how the app works on different devices
Step 5: Prepare for the Launch
If the functions work great, your focus can then move to the following areas:
- Performance. Are there any lags in the loading? Does the app use up too much battery power? These are all issues you need to work on at this point.
- User experience. How easy is it to navigate the app? Are there any visual elements that look out of place?
Step 6: Submit Your App
Once you are satisfied with the work you have done, you can share your app with the world. But how?
- Register on App Store Connect. You will need to write a small description of your app, add some pictures, and include any other information that allows your audience to learn more about what it offers.
- Use a beta test. Make the app available to a few people using TestFlight to take note of how it works and whether it's ready for submission. Fix any issues at this time.
- Submit your application. You'll need to pay an annual fee of $99 to publish apps on the App Store.
If the app meets all the App Store requirements, it will go live, and you can start sharing it with other people. It's that easy!
