How Long Does It Take to Develop an App? Complete Timeline Estimation

Since you are here, we are pretty sure you know that it is a bit difficult to predict the exact time it takes to develop an app. After all, there are a lot of factors that come into play and have an effect on the overall development time. So, how do you estimate how much time your team needs to spend on app development to deliver a fully functional app? Read this article curated by CMARIX TechnoLabs, one of the top companies offering Android application development services.

In this article, we will break down the average app development time based on the app’s complexity and its included features. Following that, we will move on to the different factors that affect the overall development time. So, what are you waiting for? Jump right into the article curated by our experts offering Android application development services and set your app development timeline.

An Average Estimate Of App Development Time Based On Complexity

The average development time of an app ranges anywhere between 4 months to 6 months and is highly dependent on the complexity of the app and the features added. Check out this table below to get an estimate of the time your development team needs to invest before we jump into breaking it down any further.

App Type — —Estimated Time (in months)

Simple App — — 2–4

Average App — — 4–6

Highly Complex App — > 9

Now that we have broken down the estimated time based on the type of application, let us have a look at what each of these apps entails:-

Simple App:

• Lesser than five UI screens
• No data exchange with other system databases
• No collection of user data for analytics
• Allows user registration via email
• Example — Simple business apps containing company information

Average App:

• Approximately ten UI screens
• Includes multiple processes
• Allows social media authorization
• Integrates actions with a server or other websites
• Includes payment gateways
• Example — Online booking systems or eCommerce sites

Highly Complex App:

• Allows real-time data and sync
• Highly interactive screens
• Integrates with a large number of databases
• Includes animations
• Includes data analytics features
• Example — social networking apps

Key Factors Impacting Application Development Timeline

When you get in touch with a professional company offering Android application development services, you will have to answer a lot of questions to get a time estimate. These questions help the experts figure out the overall app complexity and better predict the time needed for delivery.

We have created a list of these key factors impacting Android app development below:-

1. Complexity Of The App Idea

The complexity of the app idea is the prime feature that affects the development timeline and overall time needed. Designing a simple app with fewer features can take 2 months at maximum, whereas for a complex app, your team might need to invest over a year. After all, there are a lot of stages to app development which contribute to the total time needed.

2. Precise Application Requirements

The list of app requirements should include a detailed list of the app’s core features and an explanation of each. Remember that the more complex the features, the more difficult it will be to implement and the higher the overall time.

3. Accuracy Of The Developed App

Here, you must develop a clear documentation of the app features and the final application to be developed. The clearer the requirements and final vision of the app, the less time spent on figuring out everything and trying out new features.

4. Business Expertise

When you hire professionals, you do not need to worry about bringing in external help. A professional application development company will take care of the complete app development process and ensure timely delivery.

Bonus: App Development Stages And Timeline Breakdown

Now that we have discussed the different factors, let us have a look at the different app development stages and break down the complete timeline.

1. Stages

Planning And Requirement Analysis

1. Approximate Timeline (in days)

30–45

1. Details About The Development Stage

• Checking competitor apps
• Conducting market analysis
• Discussing app idea

2. Stages

Wireframe Development

2. Approximate Timeline (in days)

30–40

2. Details About The Development Stage

• Creation of user screens and app wireframes
• Communication with clients
• Software requirement specs

3. Stages

App Designing

3. Approximate Timeline (in days)

15–20

3. Details About The Development Stage

• Designing the different app elements
• Designing the app user screens

4. Stages

Development And Testing

4. Approximate Timeline (in days)

60–150 (based on complexity)

4. Details About The Development Stage

• Code module creation
• Detailed testing

Conclusion

We hope the above article helped break down the different stages in application development and gave you a clear idea of the complete timeline. If you are an entrepreneur or new to the development industry, you will need all the help you can get to ensure the timely execution and delivery of the app.

Looking for professionals who can help you develop an Android or iOS app without much hassle? Get in touch with CMARIX TechnoLabs, the top company engaged in Android and iOS app development Kuwait and abroad. We have years of professional experience and have helped a lot of businesses bring their app ideas into reality!