Startup application development is an essential requirement for nearly every company today. They know that in the current era of competition in which people spend much of their time on their mobiles, it is essential to be visible to them in digital form. This is where mobile app development begins! Many people are curious about how long it takes to create an application.
Issues arise when developers attempt to create an app entirely from scratch. For the majority of users, the ecosystem of app development for startups is unfamiliar. They don't understand the cost or the technology, and they have no idea of the timeframe for developing a mobile app project.
We've worked with various companies for over a decade to develop apps. Eight out of 10 customers have questions about the project's timeline and development cost when contacting us.
In addition, we have encountered various complexities in projects. Often, they result from issues with timelines as well as final-minute additions on the client side. The delayed and sudden changes can create more complexity in startup application development and increase the duration of the project's completion, which ultimately adds more cost for the client. On the other hand, specific clients agreed on their requirements and could see their projects completed on time and at a reasonable price.
Keeping these things in mind, we've decided to write a thorough blog on the average time required for app development for startups and ways to cut down the duration of the project without compromising the quality of the app. This guide about how long it will take to create an app can be beneficial to any company or startup not well-versed in the startup mobile app development process but in the process of digitizing their business.
Let's get to Work!
How Long Does It Take to Develop an App for Android: A Quick Estimation
Creating an entirely-fledged Android app typically takes 1 to 6 months. To help you make an informed decision, here's an outline of the time required to create Android applications.
Type of Android App Approximate Timeline for Development
- Simple or basic Approx. 1 to 3 months
- Medium-scale and complex approx. between 4 and 6 months
- High-level and complex, large-scale app for seven months or more
Now, let's examine the requirements for building every app and how they impact the development length.
Simple and Low-Complexity App
A primary application is a software program typically built on templates and needs minimal customization. Most applications registered in the Android app store fall under this category since they are generally available in terms of the startup application development threshold and for developers just beginning their careers. A simple app development for startups is usually identified by its simple User Interface (UI) that has a minimalist layout and essential functions. Android apps like this cannot use APIs (APIs) because they require a lot of expertise to create.
This kind of app cannot send, receive, or synchronize data with cloud services or other types of systems. So, all information is stored locally and hosted. Due to the app's ease of use, it typically takes 1 to 3 months to create.
Example: An example is a "weather app" that has a straightforward interface and informs users about weather conditions (temperature, humidity, and wind speed) along with forecasts (sunny clouds, rainy).
Medium-Scale and Medium-Complexity App
A moderately complex Android application is similar to the simpler version but has more features and a customized interface. It can integrate via their APIs external to them, like social media platforms, to allow users to log in to their accounts or use cloud services to store databases. The main difference between a middle-complexity app and a camera is its built-in features, such as GPS. Medium-complexity applications will take 4 to 6 months to create.
Example: An "E-learning platform" with online classes, lectures, and other resources. The app typically combines control of content and interaction with users through multimedia streaming.
Large-Scale and High-Complexity App
Complex and large-scale applications have sophisticated features, advanced backend architecture, high-end performance, and Android App Security Standards. They typically involve integrations with various systems and cloud services. These synchronizations from end to end are essential for providing next-level user interactions, including real-time data exchange and safe payment processing. High-quality and large-scale apps feature the most advanced Android technology stack for app development for startups, offering users a wide range of features.
A few examples of Android features in large-scale apps include deep algorithms that handle massive amounts of data and maintain high-level encryption for data and security protocols.
It is important to note that the user experience (UX) for this kind of app is more interactive and dynamic. It requires the use of Android frameworks to develop apps that allow for real-time updates, personalized information delivery, and a rigorous user interface. To develop this kind of app, it is crucial to bring on a group of startup application development experts or partner with a seasoned startup app development company to accelerate the process, which usually takes seven months or more.
Example: A health management app that includes all-encompassing capabilities for various healthcare needs and integrates end-to-end healthcare services, health record management, and patient engagement.
Process Timeline for Startup Mobile App Development
App development for startups involves multiple steps, including designing, planning, testing, and deployment. Let's examine each step to determine how long it could take.
Discovery & Strategy (1-4 weeks):
The first step is to discover a strategy. This is where you determine the goals and scope of your startup application development and conduct market research to comprehend the competition's landscape.
- Set out the Scope and Objectives: Clarify the application's goal, its intended users, and what attributes it should include. This stage can take a few days up to two weeks.
- Market Research: Learn about the competition and users' expectations. This process can take several weeks but is vital to developing a successful startup application development.
Designs (4-8 months):
After the scope and goals for the development project have been set, it's time to start creating a compelling visual design. This includes designing the user's interface (UX) and the user interface (UI) design and the overall appearance and feel of the application.
- UX/UI Design: User Interface and experience are crucial. Designers develop prototyping and wireframes, which can take a few weeks, particularly in the case of repeated iterations.
- Graphic Design: Designing images, icons, and other visual elements could take several weeks.
The process of development (6-20 months):
When the design stage is finished, now is the time to begin startup mobile app development! The app developers will start writing the code that will make your app distinctive and guarantee its efficient operation.
- Front-End Development: Make the user interface and integrate it into the design. This can take a couple of weeks, based on the level of complexity.
- Backend Development: Backend Development involves creating the database, server, and application logic. Complex applications or those requiring server-side components may take a few weeks to months.
- Integration: Integration connects the backend and front-end components. This could take several weeks.
Tests (4-8 months):
After the initial app development for startups is done, it's now time to test all aspects of the app to ensure a seamless user experience.
- Quality Assurance: Rigorous testing is vital to discovering and eliminating problems. The amount of time required depends on the complexity and size of the application.
The deployment (1-4 months):
It's time to go live!
- App Store Submission: App Stores Submitting your app to platforms such as those in the Apple App Store or Google Play could take a couple of days to several weeks.
- App Store Approval: Waiting for an app to be evaluated and endorsed through the store could take a while.
Post-Launch (Ongoing):
When your app is launched, the startup app development company will continue to assist you in keeping your brand-new mobile app running smoothly.
- Maintenance and Updates: Continuous changes, bug fixes, and enhancements are essential for apps' long-term viability. The amount of time needed here is throughout the lifespan of your app's mobile version since operating systems and technology change constantly.
Tips for Reducing Mobile App Development Time
If you're looking to cut down on the amount of time required to create an app on mobile without sacrificing the quality of your app, here are some suggestions to think about:
- MVPs and Prototyping: Begin with a minimum-viable prototype (MVP) and then create prototypes that quickly verify your app concept and collect feedback.
- Cross-Platform Development: To cut down on development time, consider developing an app that runs on either Android or iOS.
- Engage a Professional Developer. Hire the expertise of a professional app developer to ensure that your startup application development is smooth and efficient.
- Agile Development: Implement an agile development approach that permits flexibility, collaboration, as well as gradual progress.
- White Label Solutions: Explore white label options that provide pre-built software or programs that can be adapted to your business's needs.
- Automated Testing: Use automated test tools and scripts to simplify the testing process and identify issues earlier.
Conclusion
Startup mobile app development requires a methodical approach to resource and time allocation. Some people do not realize this and set unreasonable deadlines, which ultimately cause frustrations and delays.
From the initial ideation through the final production, app development for startups consists of extensive phases of thorough research, careful planning, and software development. It is crucial to set aside enough time for each stage and then optimize your calendar according to your individual app's goals and requirements.
If you want to follow the traditional development path, you must ensure a timeframe of 3-4 months at minimum. However, if you're worried about the rapidly changing market and require quick and immediate solutions, opt for a platform that does not require code.
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