Mobile app development is an exciting endeavor, so much so that businesses can't wait to get the final app in their hands. But how long does it take to develop a mobile app? That's the question every business has when investing in an app.

The thing is, it's hard to give out an exact number. That's because there are a plethora of factors that come into play.

In this blog, we'll have an in-depth look at those and give you a rough idea of how much time it takes to develop a mobile app.

Project Scope

The first and foremost factor that determines the mobile application development timeline is the scope and complexity of the mobile app. A simple utility app with basic features will naturally take less time to develop compared to a complex enterprise application with advanced functionalities and integrations.

If you have a large project scope and want to speed up development, you can try to create an MVP with the bare minimum of features first.

Platform

Is your app being developed for iOS, Android, or both? Developing for a single platform tends to be quicker compared to cross-platform development, where the app needs to be compatible with multiple operating systems.

Designs

The design phase plays a crucial role in app development timeframes. Crafting an intuitive user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) requires time and meticulous planning. The complexity of the design, including animations, transitions, and custom graphics, can impact the development timeline significantly.

Features and Functionality

The number and complexity of features desired in the app directly influence the development time. Each feature requires thorough planning, implementation, and testing. Prioritizing essential features and adopting an iterative approach can help streamline the development process. This is where developing an MVP can help you out.

Integration and Backend Development

If the app requires integration with third-party services or relies on a backend infrastructure, additional time is needed for implementation and testing. Backend development involves setting up servers, databases, and APIs and ensuring seamless communication between the app and the backend.

Testing and Quality Assurance

Testing is a critical phase of app development to ensure that the app functions as intended across various devices and scenarios. Testing involves identifying and fixing bugs, performance optimization, usability testing, and ensuring compliance with security standards. 

The time required for testing depends on the complexity of the app and the thoroughness of the testing process.

Deployment and Updates

Once the app development is complete, it needs to go through the deployment process, which includes app store submission, review, and approval. Additionally, ongoing updates and maintenance are essential to keep the app relevant, secure, and compatible with evolving technologies and platform updates.

It's important to note that estimating the exact time required for mobile app development can be challenging due to the dynamic nature of the process and the variability of the factors involved.

How to Develop an App Fast

If you want an app urgently, WDI can help you out. Get in touch with us and we'll deploy a rapid development team on your project. We'll develop the MVP ASAP and release the rest of the features via timely updates. This ensures your app is out on the market quickly, kickstarting your business.

Contact WDI today to request a rapid app development team.