How to Develop an App for Android and iOS

In today’s mobile-first world, launching an app for both Android and iOS is essential to maximize your audience reach and business growth.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, startup, or enterprise, understanding how to build a cross-platform mobile app is a game-changer.

How to Develop an App for Android and iOS

This guide walks you through how to develop an app for Android and iOS, covering planning, design, development, testing, deployment, tools, cost, and best practices.

Why Build for Both Android and iOS?

• Market Share: Android holds ~70% of the global mobile market, iOS dominates in the US, Canada, and other high-income regions.

• Revenue Potential: iOS users spend more on apps; Android dominates in user volume.

• Brand Visibility: Being on both platforms doubles your exposure.

• Investor Interest: Startups with dual-platform apps attract more attention and funding.

Step-by-Step Guide to Develop a Mobile App for Android and iOS

Whether you're a startup, a tech-savvy entrepreneur, or a business aiming to expand your digital footprint, understanding how to develop a mobile app for both Android and iOS is crucial.

This guide breaks down the mobile app development process into a step-by-step journey to help you go from idea to launch.

1. Define Your App Idea and Objectives

Before jumping into coding or design, start by clearly defining:

• What problem does your app solve?

• Who is your target audience?

• What core features are essential for MVP (Minimum Viable Product)?

Pro Tip:

Create a user persona to visualize your ideal user and their pain points.

2. Conduct Market Research

Understanding your competition and potential users helps validate your idea. Research:

• Competitor apps (features, ratings, UX)

• Market demand (Google Trends, forums, Reddit)

• Monetization models (freemium, ads, subscriptions)

Tools to Use:

App Annie, Sensor Tower, Statista

3. Choose the Right Technology Stack

You need to decide how your app will be built:

Native App Development

• Android: Java/Kotlin

• iOS: Swift/Objective-C

Cross-Platform Development

Frameworks: Flutter, React Native, Xamarin

• Write once, deploy to both platforms

• Cost-effective and faster

4. Sketch the Wireframes

Wireframes act as blueprints for your app’s UI/UX.

What to include:

• Navigation flow

• Core screen layouts

• Button placements and user actions

Tools:

Figma, Adobe XD, Balsamiq

5. Create UI/UX Design

User Interface and Experience can make or break your app.

Best Practices:

• Use platform-specific design standards (Material Design for Android, Human Interface Guidelines for iOS)

• Keep it simple, intuitive, and responsive

Tools:

Figma, Sketch, InVision

6. Plan Backend Architecture

Backend handles data storage, server-side logic, authentication, and more.

Choose your backend stack:

• Node.js, Django, Laravel for server-side logic

• Firebase, MongoDB, PostgreSQL for databases

• AWS, Google Cloud, or Heroku for cloud infrastructure

7. Begin App Development

Development is usually broken down into:

Frontend (Client-side)

Developed using Swift (iOS), Kotlin (Android), or cross-platform frameworks

Backend (Server-side)

APIs, database management, user authentication, payment gateways, etc.

Use Agile methodology to break the process into sprints and iterative releases.

8. Implement Core Features

Depending on your app’s purpose, implement essential features such as:

• User login/sign-up

• Push notifications

• In-app chat

• GPS and maps

• Payment gateway integration

• Camera/file upload

Use SDKs and APIs to save development time (e.g., Google Maps API, Firebase Auth, Stripe API).

9. Conduct Rigorous Testing

Testing ensures your app is bug-free and user-friendly.

Testing Types:

• Unit Testing – test individual components

• Integration Testing – verify modules work together

• UI Testing – verify user interaction

• Beta Testing – gather real-user feedback before launch

Tools:

XCTest (iOS), Espresso (Android), Appium, BrowserStack

10. Prepare for Deployment

For Android:

• Create a Google Play Developer account

• Package and sign your APK or AAB

• Submit with app details, screenshots, privacy policy

For iOS:

• Enroll in Apple Developer Program

• Archive and upload using Xcode

• Submit through App Store Connect

Both platforms require approval, which can take hours to days.

11. App Store Optimization (ASO)

ASO boosts your app’s visibility.

Focus on:

• Relevant keywords

• Engaging screenshots

• Descriptive yet concise title and description

• Good ratings and reviews

12. Launch and Promote

Use the launch to generate buzz and downloads.

Channels to Consider:

• Social media ads

• Email newsletters

• Influencer marketing

• PR and app review sites

Also track installs, user retention, and crash reports post-launch.

 App Development Cost

Phase	Estimated Cost (USD)	Details
Discovery & Planning	$5,000 – $15,000	Market research, requirement analysis, app architecture, roadmap
UI/UX Design	$8,000 – $20,000	Wireframes, interactive prototypes, design systems (Figma/Sketch/Adobe XD)
Frontend Development	$20,000 – $60,000	Android + iOS native OR cross-platform (Flutter/React Native)
Backend Development	$15,000 – $40,000	APIs, authentication, database, admin panel, push notifications, logic
API Integrations	$5,000 – $15,000	Payment gateways, third-party SDKs, analytics, maps, etc.
Testing & QA	$5,000 – $15,000	Manual + automated testing, unit + integration + UI tests
Deployment	$1,000 – $5,000	App Store & Play Store submission, certificates, store listing, legal docs
Project Management	$5,000 – $12,000	Agile/Scrum management, client communication, documentation
Post-Launch Maintenance (Annual)	$10,000 – $25,000	Updates, bug fixes, OS upgrades, server costs, support

What Increases the Cost?

• Building two separate native apps instead of using cross-platform tools

• Complex UI animations or transitions

• Real-time chat, video calling, or live streaming

• AI or machine learning modules

• Blockchain, crypto wallet integration

• HIPAA, GDPR, SOC2, or legal compliance

• Offline capabilities and sync logic

USA Developer Hourly Rates (2025)

Role	Average Hourly Rate (USD)
Mobile App Developer	$75 – $150/hour
Backend Developer	$80 – $140/hour
UI/UX Designer	$60 – $120/hour
QA Tester	$50 – $100/hour
Project Manager	$80 – $150/hour

Cost-Reduction Tips

• Use cross-platform frameworks like Flutter or React Native

• Outsource some parts (QA, design) to nearshore or freelancers

• Use backend-as-a-service (BaaS) like Firebase, Supabase

• Start with a MVP, then scale with revenue or funding

Ready to Turn Your App Idea into Reality?

At The Algorithm, we specialize in building high-performance Android and iOS apps that scale.

Whether you're launching an MVP or a full-scale solution, our expert team handles everything from UI/UX to backend engineering fast, clean, and secure.

Contact Us Now

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to develop an app for Android and iOS?

Answer: Development time varies based on app complexity:

• Basic MVP app: 2–3 months

• Medium complexity app: 4–6 months

• Complex app with backend & integrations: 6–12+ months

  
  

  This includes planning, design, development, testing, and deployment phases.

2. Should I build native apps or use a cross-platform framework?

Answer: If you need high performance, platform-specific features, and custom UI, go with native (Kotlin/Swift).If you're aiming for faster development, lower cost, and shared codebase, use cross-platform tools like Flutter or React Native ideal for most startups.

3. How much does it cost to maintain an app after launch?

Answer: Post-launch maintenance typically costs 15–20% of the initial development cost per year. This includes:

• Bug fixes

• OS updates

• Performance improvements

• Feature updates

• Server and security monitoring

Example: For a $100,000 app, expect ~$15,000–$20,000/year in maintenance.

4. Can I publish the same code to both Google Play Store and Apple App Store?

Answer: Yes, if you use a cross-platform framework, you can deploy the same codebase to both stores.However, you'll still need to:

• Prepare platform-specific assets and metadata

• Test on both Android and iOS devices

• Follow each store’s submission guidelines

5. What are the most common mistakes to avoid when developing an app?

Answer:

• Skipping market research

• Ignoring UI/UX best practices

• Building for too many features too early

• Not testing thoroughly on both platforms

• Failing to plan for app store policies and updates

Start with a focused MVP, gather feedback, and iterate.