Choose to pursue an iOS as your devoted platform for mobile app development, that is a strategic move. Once the client has decided, the next question which may occur or that might arise is, “How much does it cost to build an iOS app”. On average, the iOS app development cost may vary from around $50,000 to $700,000 subject to different aspects specifically.
Obviously, at Pixel Genesys you are capable of determining a more precise figure for iOS app development services. So let’s move further..
Nowadays, by the time the mobile app development market has become quite saturated, to make the investors and stakeholders unsure about their investments in the product approximately they aim to build. Furthermore, the internet is also jam-packed with numerous cost estimations, to make it even harder to determine the iOS app development cost.
But don’t worry, we are here to rescue you from all the uncertainties regarding the cost of iOS app development, and in this blog, we will settle this subject once and for all. It will also make it easier for you to hire an iOS app development company.
Although iOS apps are considered more expensive as compared to Android app development, there are multiple factors involved that affect the overall development cost of an iOS app. Whether it’s the app category, complexity, or any other factors, each one has its own share in the pricing of iOS applications.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the insights on the factors that affect the cost of iOS app development with precise figures. Further, you’ll explore the other hidden aspects and backgrounds that add up to the over-budget of the iOS app.
Let’s start with a simple trick to have a precise estimation of iOS app development cost!
Calculator that is Formula For Average iOS App Development Cost In 2025
Here’s a formula available to calculate the cost of developing an iOS app that have been derived to help the estimate of your iOS app budget also considers the major factors that is also holding the major share of the overall budget and so on.
iOS App Development Cost = UI/UX Development Hours + App Platform + [Hourly Rates of Developers x Development Time]
This is the cost calculator formula that for iOS apps that will get you started with the determination of at least the rough expense for the clients product. Meanwhile, there are also some of the crucial factors like the app complexity, the app types, feature of requirements, app design, development team size, and other possibilities that are mentioned.
So, here let’s take a deeper look into the core of these essential factors to clear out the confusion and the estimated cost of the clients iOS app in a precise manner.
iOS App Development Cost Breakdown: Key Factors
Having a ballpark average of the iPhone app development cost, we are capable to say it is depending on the several factors that are being involved in iOS app development technique.
However, that’s noteworthy here is that it depends on a lot more things than the client can think of.
So, here are the iOS app development cost breakdown that are being influenced by some of the crucial factors that are being collectively make an overall budget for the app respectively.
Factor- 1: iOS App Size
Lets consider the size of an iOS app which directly impacts development costs. There are the Large-scale applications with more features and content that require more development time and resources. That’s why tall of them costs more than the regular apps.
Meanwhile, the smaller apps are less expensive as they have few and limited functionalities. The size of an app can also be optimized by balancing the functionalities based on efficient coding practices that will be in the form of result in low expenses for the clients iOS app.
Here is a checklist present to determine the iOS app development cost average as per the size:
Factor- 2: iOS App Features Complexity
Meanwhile the complexity of the features in an iOS app that holds a major influence on development costs. That usually, even the basic apps tend to be less expensive as they only focus on essential features in the development processes and so on.
Furthermore, there are the apps with medium or complex features that require more time and resources that will increases the overall costs. The Developers and stakeholders need to understand the levels of feature complexity as it will help them to plan out the budget much more accurately significantly.
Now, here briefly describe the features for the three complexity levels of iOS app development which are highly essential:
1. Basic iOS App Features:
- User Authentication Process: That includes Basic login and authentication functionality.
- User Interface (UI): Basically Simple feature and more intuitive interface design with limited features.
- Core Functionality: This is the Basic features that is highly essential for app functionality, such as displaying information or performing simple tasks and so on.
- Database Integration: The depth Integration with a basic database for storing and retrieving user data.
- Push Notifications: The Basic push notification support for alerts and updates.
2. Medium iOS App Features:
- To Enhanced the User Authentication: Latest and Advanced authentication methods just like social media login or biometric authentication.
- The Custom UI Elements: Custom-designed UI elements are here for improved user experience.
- Deep Additional Functionality: The Medium-level features like in-app messaging, search functionality, or payment processing prominently.
- Advanced Database Integration: More Integration with more advanced databases to manage large datasets or complex data relationships.
- Analytics Integration: The Integration that is being held with analytics tools for tracking user behavior and app performance responding.
3. More Complex iOS App Features:
- The Advanced User Authentication: Multi-factor authentication, that includes role-based access control, or user management features.
- Highly Customized UI/UX: More Complex UI designs with animations, gestures, and more interactive elements.
Sophisticated Functionality: The latest and Advanced features such as real-time collaboration, augmented reality, or machine learning capabilities are there. - Backend Integration: The Integration with complex backend systems or APIs for data synchronization and the business logic implementation.
- Advanced Security Measures: The Efficient security features like encryption, to secure data storage, and compliance with industry standards specifically.
Factor- 3: iOS App Categories
- Let it be clear that the cost of iOS app development varies across different categories. Each app category significantly has its own complexity, functionality, and user experience requirements.
- Let it be clear for instance, the apps with the latest advanced features like gaming or e-commerce cost way much higher due to their complex design, development, and testing. On the other hand, utility apps with simpler functionalities may have lower development costs.
- Furthermore, there are also some of the additional factors just like third-party integrations, the compliance with industry regulations, and most specialized expertise that can further impact the overall cost of app development across various categories and so on.
Meanwhile, there are the iOS app development cost breakdown as per the different categories are as follows:
Factor-4: iOS App Design
The major design of an iOS app has a vital share in the development cost significantly, with the prominent several factors that are contributed to the overall expenses. Usually, the complex design requirements that includes user interfaces, custom animations, and high-resolution graphics approximately that are in demand at higher costs as they need additional time and resources for proper execution.
Meanwhile, that also may require multiple screen sizes and resolutions to ensure compatibility across various iOS devices. Adherence to Apple’s design guidelines and integration of interactive elements can further add up to the cost of app design significantly.
Factor- 5: API Integration In IOS App
Integrating APIs is a viral key part of app development that impacts costs. Even Though the complexity and number of APIs needed, alongside with customization, affect expenses the cost.
More advanced APIs or to use multiple ones can increase development costs. Also, the factors like API documentation and ongoing support may add to the overall cost.
Payment Gateway Integration:
The Payment gateway integration is highly becoming crucial, especially for the fastest financial and e-commerce apps. Even the Costs depend on the factors like the chosen provider, transaction volume, and security needs.
Third-party Integration:
The Incorporation external services like social media logins or map tools into apps that involves third-party integration. Costs vary based on the factors such as integration complexity and customization needs specifically.
However, the licensing fees, usage-based pricing, and ongoing support can be impact towards expenses.
Factor- 6: Hiring Model
The approach of hiring for iOS app development has also gives a considerable effect on the project’s cost. To every option has its pros and cons whether you hire in-house developers, or the freelancers, or outsource to offshore companies.
That decision can be taken by critically deep analyzing the project complexity, budget, timeline, and specialized skills needed.
1. In-House Developers:
How much it costs to hire an iOS app developer? To Hire an in-house team of iOS developers that provides control and direct communication. However, it’s usually becoming more expensive due to salaries, benefits, and overhead issue. That model suits long-term projects or to continuous support needs.
2. Freelancers:
Freelancers are here, they offer flexibility and cost-effectiveness. They can be ideal for smaller projects or kind of specific tasks. Usually, freelancers charge hourly or according to per project, but quality control and reliability can be much challenging.
3. Outsource to Offshore App Development Company
Outsourcing to offshore companies that manages balances cost and quality. They also have access to diverse talent and lower labor costs, offers competitive pricing. Yet, the communication challenges like time zones and the cultural differences may require with careful management for successful collaboration.
Factor-7: Team Size
The development team’s size is vital in terms of deciding the cost of iOS app development. Having a bigger team usually means higher costs due to more resources that are required for coordination. Factors just like app complexity and timeline also affect team size.
Even a smaller team might save costs, that could slow down development. On the other side, a larger team is capable to speed up the process but might be more expensive. So, to find the right balance is key to manage the costs efficiently.
Factor-8: Development Location
The development team’s location also plays a role, significantly affects in terms of the cost of making an iOS app. The Rates may vary by region due to factors like labor costs and talent availability.
Factor-9: App Testing
Testing is also crucial in iOS app development to ensure it meets quality standards. That involves to check different aspects of the app development like UI, functionality, device compatibility, security, and performance.
For that purpose, that requires specialized techniques and tools to identify and to fix any sort of issues to ensure optimal performance. Throughout which testing improves the app’s quality and reliability, leading to a better user experience and so on.
Hidden Cost of iOS App Development
However the aforementioned cost factors are quite apparent and unlikely to escape your attention, it’s important to note that there are also hidden criteria in iPhone app development that may consider to go unnoticed.
Meanwhile, we have compiled briefly a list of these criteria to ensure that the clients don’t overlook any crucial details during the development of their iOS app.
Now, the client has every possible costing measure for iOS app development in front of you as we have covered from the major factors to the hidden costs.
So, the client is now capable good to go from here but here’s a brief comparison of iOS vs. Android App development which costs that might developes interest in the client to also have a comparative analysis considering both platforms.
Analysis of Android vs. iOS App Development Cost
When compared the cost of app development between the Android and iOS platforms, including the several factors that come into play. Generally, the development of iOS apps is usually marked 10% -15% that is greater than Android apps.
Meanwhile, both of the platforms have their unique advantages and great challenges. Understanding these differences is crucial for businesses to make informed tough decisions according to the desired budget allocation for their preferred platform respectively.
