A simple MVP for a single platform typically starts at $15,000 to $40,000. A standard app with a custom backend for both iOS and Android typically ranges from $60,000 to $120,000. Complex apps in regulated categories (fintech, healthcare, on-demand logistics) with multiple user roles and real-time features typically range from $100,000 to $250,000 and above. These ranges depend on feature complexity, platform count, backend requirements, and the scope of integrations. We provide a detailed written cost estimate after a free discovery conversation where we scope your specific requirements accurately. We do not provide meaningful estimates without first understanding what is actually being built.

A well-scoped MVP for a single platform typically takes 10 to 16 weeks from design kickoff to App Store submission. A standard app for both iOS and Android with a custom backend typically takes 20 to 28 weeks. Complex apps with extensive integrations, multi-role functionality, and compliance requirements take 28 to 40 weeks or more. We provide a project timeline estimate as part of every written proposal after properly scoping the work. Aggressive timelines that compress proper discovery, design review, and testing phases produce lower-quality results — we build realistic schedules rather than tell clients what they want to hear on timeline.

For most first-time app projects, we recommend an MVP first. The reason is straightforward: the features you think your users need and the features they actually use are rarely identical, and finding this out after building a full-featured app is expensive. A focused MVP that tests your single most important product hypothesis — built in 10 to 16 weeks — costs a fraction of the full build and produces real user feedback that makes the full product substantially better. We build MVPs with production-quality code and maintainable architecture, so the MVP codebase grows cleanly into the full product rather than needing a rewrite. If you already have validated product-market fit from a web product or existing user research, a full build may be the appropriate starting point.

Yes. We integrate AI and machine learning features into mobile apps using pre-trained APIs and on-device models appropriate to the use case. Common integrations include OpenAI API for conversational interfaces and content generation, Apple Core ML and TensorFlow Lite for on-device inference (image recognition, classification, recommendation), Firebase ML Kit for text recognition and smart reply, and personalization engines that adapt app content to individual user behavior. For most business use cases, integrating a well-chosen pre-trained API produces the AI capability needed at a fraction of the cost and timeline of building a custom model. We scope AI integration honestly: we recommend AI features when they solve a specific user problem better than a non-AI implementation, and we advise against adding AI for its own sake.

Native apps (Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android) give you the best performance, the deepest access to platform features, and the most polished platform-native feel. Cross-platform development (React Native or Flutter) serves both iOS and Android from a single codebase, which reduces development time and ongoing maintenance cost compared to maintaining two separate native apps. For most standard business apps, cross-platform delivers everything the project needs. For apps that require deep platform integration — advanced camera control, health sensors, AR, custom hardware interfaces — native development is often the better choice. We recommend the approach that best matches your project requirements and budget after understanding what you are building.

Yes. A2Z Dev Center handles the full stack. Our web app development team builds backend APIs, databases, authentication systems, and third-party integrations alongside the mobile development team. Having both teams in the same organization means faster coordination, no handoff delays between the mobile client and backend work, and a single point of contact for the entire project rather than two separate vendors whose contracts, timelines, and scope boundaries require constant alignment.

Yes. We manage the complete submission process for both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store, including app metadata, screenshots, preview videos, privacy policy requirements, age rating questionnaires, and all technical compliance requirements. Apple App Store review can take 1 to 3 days for standard submissions; Google Play review typically takes a few hours to 2 days. We handle reviewer feedback and resolve rejection notices efficiently, drawing on experience submitting many apps through both stores across multiple categories.

Yes. We take on maintenance and upgrade work for apps built by previous development teams or agencies. This includes OS compatibility updates when a client’s previous developer is no longer available, bug resolution, performance improvements, dependency upgrades, and ongoing feature development. We assess the existing codebase honestly before committing to a scope — if the existing code has architectural problems that affect the quality of work we can deliver, we tell you before starting rather than discovering it mid-engagement.

Yes. We offer post-launch support arrangements covering bug fixes, iOS and Android OS compatibility updates, performance monitoring, and ongoing feature development. iOS and Android platform updates are released on annual cycles and regularly require app changes to maintain compatibility and App Store visibility. We offer flexible engagement models from minimal mobile app maintenance agreements (covering OS updates and critical bug fixes) to full ongoing feature development retainers. Post-launch maintenance cost typically ranges from $500 to $3,000 per month depending on your app complexity and the level of ongoing development activity.