How much does it cost to design and develop a cross-platform mobile app?

Are you planning to get an application for your business? Have you decided what app you will be investing in to provide your services online? Before jumping to any conclusion, first, decide what kind of app you will require for your business - Native or Cross-Platform. Both apps have different features, benefits, performance, etc.

Let’s dive further to know more about the cost to design and develop a cross-platform application.

What is cross-platform app development?

Cross-Platform App development is also known by the name hybrid applications. It is an application that is compatible with multiple devices and operating systems. There is no need to write different codes for an individual platform, hybrid applications can be run on multiple platforms using the same code. Hybrid apps have better performance and quality.

The cost-effective and rapid development makes the hybrid app suitable for all startups.

What are the basic features of Hybrid App Development?

Basic features of Hybrid App Development are:

• One app can be utilized on multiple platforms.
• By using different plugins, multiple hardware and software features can be managed.
• Hybrid Apps are cost-effective and can be used by all types of businesses - small and big.
• A quirky way to design mobile apps with multiple functionalities and advanced features.

What are the trending technologies that are used in Hybrid App Development?

Multiple frameworks can be used to develop Cross-Platform Applications. Here are the few technologies:

1. React Native

React Native is a JavaScript-based open-source used as an app-building tool. It was developed to make apps that can be run on different platforms like Android, and iOS.

React Native is a highly functional app with multiple tools for debugging and packaging that saves time. Developers can see the functions of source code in real-time. It eases the process of providing a better user interface to improve user experience.

• Highly compatible with third-party plugins
• Well responsive User Interface
• Fast debugging

2. Flutter

Flutter is an open-source UI SDK created by Google. Using a single codebase, developers can build multiple mobile platforms in the native interface in no time. Flutter is a set of customizable widgets, Dart language, and layered architecture to create the best designs.

Flutter is a new technology in town but with its efficiency, it's making its mark in the market. Its ability to support fast development makes it a favorite among all.

• In-built widget
• Save time for code development
• A compatible performance like Native Apps

3. Xamarian

One of the most popular technologies used to build hybrid applications. It offers the liberty to developers to write code in multiple languages like C, C#, and. Net frameworks.

Also, Xamarian has a UI toolkit that compiles codes for cross platforms irrespective of the native interface.

• Support design patterns like MVVM and MVC
• Same User Interface like Native
• Automatically Tested by Test Cloud

How much time and cost are required to design and develop a cross-platform mobile app?

Numerous factors affect the cost and time required for cross-platform app development. The basic formula to calculate the cost of app development is “App Cost = Development Time * Hourly Time”.

• Research & Analysis

Research and analysis is a primary step to find out the market competition and more about the response of people towards the application. Minimum 46 hours of time investment is required here.

• UI Design & App Prototyping

User Interface of the applications matters a lot to attract potential customers and to provide a better user experience. Make sure, the design of the app is appealing and easy to navigate.

App Prototyping is a kind of blueprint of the final application which gives you an idea of how your application will turn out after final development.

Both designing and app prototyping needs a minimum of 82 hours.

• Code Development

Code development is the procedure of building the framework using a programming language. Just like app development demands time and knowledge. However, in the cross-platform app, the same code can be used to run the applications on multiple platforms.

• App Development

App Development is the longest procedure of all, where the developers turn your ideas into reality using their experience and advanced development tools. Hiring a particular app developer will also affect the development hours and cost. The estimated app development time is 280 hours.

• Web & App Testing

Testing is an important process to make the application bug-free and improve the application functionality. App testing demands at least 86 hours to find and resolve all the possible errors from the application.

• Total hours

Designing an application is not easy, it requires a lot of time, effort, and money. The total estimated time to develop a hybrid platform with basic features is 750 hours.

However, the per hour cost to develop a cross-platform application varies from $35 to $70. The price of developing hybrid applications is most affordable in India.

The estimated cost to design and develop a cross-platform app is approximate $26250-$52500, which is the most adorable cost with the best possible development services like RGI is providing.

Conclusion

Hence, to design and develop a cross-platform application, one should have a minimum budget of $26250-$52500. The cost of designing and hybrid app development relies on numerous factors from the idea, technology used, and use of programming language to hire a cross-platform building application. Take the advantage of technology to build a highly functional application by hiring an app development company like RG Infotech.