Breaking Down iOS App Development Cost in 2025

Every time you want to develop a new iOS mobile application, the first question that comes to mind is about its price: What will the iOS app development cost? Well, the overall cost of an iOS mobile app can vary, and it depends on multiple factors. Moreover, if you are starting a new business or launching a new startup, then the average iOS app development cost is a must factor for you.

Today, let’s discover the overall cost of an iOS mobile app and what are the factors in deciding the mobile app’s cost.

Breakdown of iOS App Development Cost

The average cost of iOS app development can vary. There are multiple factors when considering iOS app development, The following are the factors that decide the cost of an android and iOS app development cost.

The Complexity of the Mobile App

The cost of development in 2025 depends on the complexity of the mobile app. The more complex the app is, the higher the cost of the mobile app will be. There is a reason, if you want to get a complex mobile app, the app will come with advanced features and functionalities which will increase the overall cost of the iOS app development. 

Features such as real-time data processing or Augmented Reality (AR) integration demand extensive expertise and considerable development effort. For instance, Games are one of the complex categories when it comes to mobile apps. 

Features and Functionalities

The complexity of an app is directly tied to the number of features it includes, with each feature adding to the development workload. While basic functionalities like user login and data storage are cost-effective, advanced features such as in-app purchases, social media integration, push notifications, or intricate animations require significantly more time and resources.  

For iOS apps, each feature demands a tailored process for coding, testing, and integration, which directly affects the overall development timeline and budget.

Geolocation of the Developer

Geographic location is a key factor influencing the cost of iOS app development. When you hire iOS developers or outsource your project to a development agency, their rates can vary significantly based on their region. Generally, developers in the US and Western Europe charge higher rates compared to those in Asia or Eastern Europe. Therefore it is important to consider the location as well.

Third-party Integration

Third-party tool integration can increase the average cost of iOS app development like social media logins, payment gateways, or other analytical tools. 

Advance tech Integration

If you are looking to add modern features and innovative technologies like AI, ML, IoT, and AR/VR then it will increase the overall cost of your iOS app. Furthermore, to develop these types of apps and features, you will be required to specialized developers and potentially new development tools.

Hidden iOS App Development Cost 

There are a few costs that are not directly related to the iOS app development cost but it will impact the overall budget spent on the iPhone app. 

Apple App Store Fees

Publishing your iOS app on the Apple app store has a subscription model. They have an annual developer program fee of $99. Moreover, if your app has in-app purchases or any sort of subscription model then Apple will charge you 15% on every transaction.

Updates and Security Patches

Once your mobile app is developed, it will have bugs and room for improvement that you have to fill out after getting user feedback. Bug fixes, security patches, compatibility updates with new iOS versions, and updating new features require ongoing maintenance.  Therefore, you have to allocate a separate budget for ongoing app maintenance and updates to keep your app running smoothly and securely.

Third-party SDK and APIs

Many mobile apps rely on third-party SDKs and APIs to provide additional features and add-ons. In most scenarios, developers use free tiers but if you developing the Apple app on a larger scale then you have to subscribe to their subscription model. 

Regulatory Compliance

Mobile apps, whether for iOS or Android, must adhere to important legal and regulatory requirements. These include privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA, copyright and intellectual property rights, as well as app store guidelines. Ensuring your iOS app complies with these regulations may require legal consultations, proper documentation, and thorough compliance audits, which can add to the overall development costs.

Tips to Reduce the Overall Cost of iOS App Development

The best strategy is when you get the best iOS mobile app at the best possible price. Following are the tips that you will need to reduce the cost of developing an iOS app.

Try to Avoid Scoop Creep

Outline all the app features and functionalities beforehand. This will help in avoiding scope creep that can result in unnecessary expenses.

Prioritize Beforehand

Prioritize all the functionalities that are necessary for all the users and keep all the features and shining stars for later updates.

Use Pre-Built Libraries

Ensure your team or IT vendors utilize UI kits, libraries, and frameworks to streamline design and development. This approach saves time and reduces costs by avoiding the need to build everything from scratch.

Consider Cross Platform 

Targeting both iOS and Android users can be a cost-effective strategy by using tools like React Native or Flutter. These frameworks enable you to develop a single codebase for apps that run on both platforms. However, this approach may come with drawbacks such as limited functionality and potential performance challenges.

Hire Talent from all around the World

Expand your search internationally and consider hiring developers from regions known for excellent coding skills at more affordable rates. Countries like Ukraine, Poland, and Romania offer highly skilled developers at lower costs compared to North America and Western Europe.

Android vs. iOS App Development Cost

While we’ve focused on iPhone app development costs, what about Android? Is it any cheaper? Not quite. It can often be more expensive due to device fragmentation. Android developers and testers must invest extra time to ensure compatibility across a wide range of devices and OS versions. 

In contrast, the iPhone ecosystem is less fragmented, with fewer devices to accommodate. However, let’s explore other factors that influence app development costs.

The following table has concluded the entire difference between android vs. iOS App development cost

Conclusion

The cost of an iPhone mobile app can vary on different factors. Therefore, it is important to connect with a professional development team to get an accurate estimate and tailor the development process according to you.