Over the past two years the market is flooded with variety
of apps; in last 9 months the Apple store reported to download more than a
billion downloads. The app frenzy started with Apple and now spread to Android,
Blackberry and other companies. Nevertheless, iPhone app development has
captured the largest market share, driving maximum traffic and revenue. A
simple example is Angry Birds, which has generated more than $50 Million off a
simple game.
Types of apps you can develop
Apps development is not so expensive affair; you need to
know about the various types and process based on which you can decide the
money you want to invest on application development.
Basic table functionality
Basic table functionality is a simple type of app where it
displays the basic information, for example, the email in iPhone. It is not so
hard to make this app and cost less compared to others.
Database driven custom functionality
This is a bit complex app development because it requires
expertise to programming on database and creativity and logic.
Enhancement of the device firmware or hardware
The enhancement or modification means you can improvise the
existing functionality of phone such as alarm, camera, or flash.
Games
Games are complex application to develop, yet it is a
popular one, even the simplest one like Candy Man is quite a rage among users.
iPhone app Development Cost
Development is a programming side of the process, and the
cost varies on what device you are developing for.
Simple table based app costs around $1000-$4000 where you
provide all the content, idea, direction and cite an example. If you can supply
the graphics, the project would cap under $1500, though media integration can
take an additional charge.
Database app costs around $8000-$50000 where you provide the
idea, functionality layout, content, image, sound etc. The development cost
depends on the logic within the app and architecting all the usability.
Games development is the hardest to ballpark. It costs
anything between $10,000 and $25000 with only the code. Games are complex
programming and use of gyroscope will add additional expense. However, games
are downloaded in greater number.
iPhone App design cost
The design of app plays a great contribution in overall ROI
and user experience. Investing in a good design is always a good idea because
it increases your margins on a 2 year timeline.
It comes in packages, including essential screens and icons.
The base level designing costs around $500-10,000, and not
done for the retina display. You can design the app and send it to the
developer, remember to name the file so that it saves time.
iPhone 5 compatible designs will cost 25% more than the
usual cost. The images will be sized at 960×640 pixels.
For iPad there is an extra 50% cost, presupposes that the
layout is simple and flow is similar to iPhone.
The design charge consists of the icons. You can first see
the initial design by asking for screen shots if you feel you can contribute a
little bit more to it. There aren’t any ulterior fees except the $99 Apple will
charge you per year and 30% cut for each sale. The cost of you iPhone app
development consists of development, design and IT architecture (hosting,
servers etc.)