Mobile App Development Timeline: The Breakdown by Type Based on Our Previous Work

Quick overview: A simple app can take 2 to 4 months, and average app development is 4 to 8 months. And for complex apps, you can expect in 9 months or more.

How long does it take to develop an app? For your first expectation, finishing the app project can take a long time or a short period. Every outsourcing company will see the requirement first before taking an estimate for developing an app. The question is, how complex is your need in one app? 

We will take an example from our previous work with GoPlay, SehatQ, and Raiz. In this case, we will show you the estimation and feature or requirement we have developed. So you can expect time in app development.

App Development Timeline by 3 Apps Our Previous Work

Example 1. Healthcare App

You don’t need to come to the hospital again. You can take an online consultation easily via mobile phone. In addition, you can read some articles about medicine from the apps. About the price? Don’t worry; take some promos from the apps to save your cost. 

Among the most prevalent healthcare apps are Teladoc, HalloDoc, Leafly, and MDacne.

On average, healthcare app development takes 6 to 9 months because it usually requires a team of mobile development experts. Incredible features that we have developed for SehatQ using the iOS framework include the following:

• Search bar that allows users to find doctors, articles, or promos based on keywords or categories.
• The Promo page shows the current promos offered by SehatQ or its partners, such as medical check-up packages, vaccination programs, discounts on medicines, etc.
• The consultation page lets users choose a doctor or specialist from available options, see their profiles and ratings, and book an online consultation session.
• User account page that allows users to manage their personal information, health records, consultation history, promo redemption history, etc.

Example 2. Livestream App

Watching movies or live streaming is in demand right now. Most users like smooth transitions in the app and high-quality resolution videos. 

Among the most popular healthcare apps are TikTok, Netflix, and Instagram.

On average, Livestream app development takes 6 to 9 months, depending on the number of features and integrations. The features and integration that we have done for GoPlay using the Android framework include the following:

• Added a search bar based on users’ interests.
• Improve the resolution feature to multi-resolution.
• Added top-up features for Google Play Billing and Apple Pay.
• Added swipe-up feature.
• Create a static website for the campaign.

Example 3. Fintech App

Managing financial goals is in demand in Generation Z. Cause many people talk about money that must work, not stay in the bank. An investment platform is crucial for getting more money in the future. The platform must be secure and have a low potential to hack.

Among the most popular Fintech apps are MoneyLion, Robinhood, and Nubank.

On average, Livestream app development takes 6 to 9 months, depending on the complexity, advanced features, and type of development platform. Usually, it includes such features:

• Round-ups
• Recurring
• Lump Sums

Factors That Impact the App Development Timeline

The app development timeline depends on various factors, such as the app idea, the app complexity, the app design, the app platform, the app size, and the app team. 

App Idea

The app idea is the starting point of any web app development project. It defines the purpose, target audience, and app’s main features. The app idea also influences the scope and the budget of the project. A clear and well-defined app idea can reduce the development time by avoiding unnecessary changes and revisions later. However, a vague or unrealistic app idea can lead to confusion, miscommunication, and delays in the app development process.

App Complexity

The complexity of an app is determined by the number of screens, features, and roles in the product. The more complex an app is, the more software development and design efforts are required. The complexity of an app also affects the testing and debugging time, as well as the maintenance and scalability of the app. 

App Design

The app design refers to the app’s user interface (UI) and user experience (UX). The UI is how the app looks, while the UX is how the app works and feels. The app design is crucial for attracting and retaining users and ensuring usability and functionality. The app design also impacts the app development timeline, as it involves creating mockups, wireframes, prototypes, and graphics for each screen and element of the app. According to BuildFire, conducting UX design can take two to ten weeks, depending on the app’s complexity.

App Platform

The app platform is the device or operating system the app runs on. The most common platforms for web apps are:

• Web browsers.
• Mobile devices (iOS or Android).
• Desktop computers (Windows or Mac).

The choice of platform affects the app development timeline, as it determines the programming languages, frameworks, tools, and libraries used to build the app. It also affects the compatibility and performance of the app across different devices and browsers. Based on Existek, developing a web app for one platform can take three to six months, while creating a cross-platform web app can take six to twelve months.

App Size

The size of an app is measured by the amount of data, content, and functionality it contains. The size of an app influences the app development timeline, as it affects the app’s storage, bandwidth, and processing requirements. It also affects the loading speed and responsiveness of the app. The larger an app is, the longer it takes to build, test, optimize, and deploy. According to ValueCoders, developing a small web app can take two to three months, while creating a large web app can take six to twelve months.

App Team

It consists of all the people involved with creating, managing, and delivering the web app. The app team typically includes developers, designers, testers, project managers, business analysts, marketers, and stakeholders. App development timelines are affected by team size, skills, experience, communication, and collaboration. A larger, more skilled team can deliver faster and better results than a smaller, less professional team.

Moving Forward: Discuss more with us for the app development timeline.

Did you find the right application for you? If you don’t get what you want, you can schedule a consultation with Emveep. Take advantage of this chance to determine an estimate and which team members you’ll need. We’d love to hear from you.