In short
- Cost is hours of work times the rate, and the scope sets the hours - that is why there is no single price.
- The biggest cost drivers: number of platforms, a backend with an admin panel, integrations, offline work and complex roles.
- After launch come servers, app store fees and updates for new iOS and Android versions.
- The simplest way to a lower cost is a first version with the features needed for work, developed in stages.
- At 2Simple the simplest tools start at around PLN 5,000; an app with a backend and integrations is a larger scope.
Why there is no single price
The price of an app is in practice the team's hours times the rate. Two "ordering apps" can differ several times over: one is a form that sends an email, the other a system with login, roles, offline work and an ERP integration.
That is why a reliable estimate starts with the scope, not the name of the app. A vendor who quotes without questions is pricing their own idea of the project.
What drives the cost most
- Platforms: iOS, Android, browser, tablet. Each means screens to design and test. Cross-platform technologies narrow the gap but do not remove it.
- Backend and admin panel: most business apps need a server, a database and a panel to manage users and data. This is often half of the work or more.
- Integrations: every system the app exchanges data with (ERP, CRM, online shop, SMS gateway) is separate work - learning the API, mapping data and handling errors.
- Offline work: storing data on the device and syncing without conflicts is one of the more expensive requirements.
- Roles and permissions: the more roles and exceptions (who sees what, who approves), the more logic and testing.
- Interface design: mock-ups and user testing cost money but usually save rework after launch.
- Device features: camera, barcode scanner, GPS, NFC, on-screen signature, notifications.
- Security and GDPR: encryption, logs, change history, data processing agreements.
Native or cross-platform
Native apps (Swift for iOS and Kotlin for Android separately) give the best access to device features and performance, but mean two code bases. Cross-platform technologies share most of the code, which usually lowers the cost and speeds up changes.
If the app does not need advanced phone features, consider a web app running in the phone's browser - no app stores and one version for all devices.
Costs after launch
- Servers and services: backend hosting, database, backups, sending emails and SMS.
- App stores: the Apple developer account is paid yearly, Google Play charges a one-off fee.
- Updates: new iOS and Android versions every year need checking and sometimes adjustments.
- Development and fixes: after launch users report needs nobody could foresee.
Plan a maintenance budget from the start rather than treating it as a surprise.
How to lower the cost without losing the point
- A first version with the features needed for work, the rest in later stages once you know what people actually use.
- One platform to start with if all users have the same kind of device (e.g. company Android phones).
- A web app instead of a mobile one when phone features are not needed.
- Ready-made components and services where they give no advantage (login, payments, maps).
- Clear acceptance criteria for every stage - fewer fixes and disputes at the end.
How 2Simple prices apps
We start with a conversation and an analysis of the process. From that we prepare an estimate, and before signing the contract - the exact scope. We bill the hours actually worked, so you pay for what was built.
Every 2-3 weeks we show progress, and when the interface is in progress - a working demo, so the direction can be adjusted as we go. The simplest tools start at around PLN 5,000; an app with a backend, roles and integrations is a larger scope.