How Much Does It Cost to Build an App in the UK? (2026 Prices)

How much does an app cost in the UK?

Most apps built for UK startups and SMEs by a specialist developer cost between £4,000 and £10,000+, depending on whether you need app store apps or a web app, and how much the app has to do. UK agencies commonly quote several times more for similar scope, because their price covers account managers, project managers, and office overheads as well as the development itself.

These are typical ranges for the fixed-price work we quote at Unlimited Dev, not universal prices; your scope decides the final number. For hourly rates and how they compare with hiring, see our full-stack developer cost guide.

What drives the cost of an app

• Features, not screens: a login screen is quick; the account system, password resets, and security behind it are the real work.
• The backend: most apps need a server, database, and API to store data, sync between devices, and power an admin area.
• Platforms: building native iOS and Android apps separately roughly doubles the work. Cross-platform frameworks like React Native build both from one codebase; see Flutter vs React Native vs native.
• Payments: card payments for physical goods and services are straightforward; selling digital content inside the app brings app store billing rules and commission.
• Real-time and device features: chat, live tracking, offline sync, Bluetooth, and background tasks add significant testing time.
• Integrations: every connection to a CRM, booking system, or third-party API adds build and testing time.
• Design: a polished custom UI design is often a separate cost if your developer doesn't provide it.

App development cost by feature

Because features drive cost, the most useful way to estimate is by effort. These are typical figures for a cross-platform React Native app with a modern backend; multiply by your developer's day rate (at £50–£120 per hour, roughly £400–£960 a day) for a ballpark.

Add time for project setup, testing on real devices, and the back-and-forth of app store review. A developer who can show you this kind of breakdown is usually one who has estimated apps before; our guide on how to hire a full-stack developer covers what else to check.

App store fees and commission (2026)

Many UK cost guides still quote out-of-date store fees. Here are the current figures from Apple and Google:

Sources: Apple's Small Business Program and enrolment page, and Google's Play Console help. Commission only applies to digital goods sold in the app, such as subscriptions or premium features. Bookings, deliveries, and physical products are paid through your own payment provider, like Stripe, with no store commission.

The rules are also changing. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority is consulting on new requirements that would let developers steer customers to cheaper payment options outside the stores. No final decision has been made, so check the latest position before you plan your pricing.

Ongoing costs after launch

• Maintenance and updates: a common rule of thumb is 15–20% of the build cost per year. Apple and Google regularly require apps to be rebuilt for recent OS versions; Google Play, for example, sets a yearly target Android version that updates must meet.
• Hosting and backend: often low at launch on managed platforms, then rising with your number of users and the data you store.
• Third-party services: email, SMS, maps, analytics, and error monitoring are usually billed by usage.
• Store memberships: £78.99 a year for Apple; Google's fee is one-off.
• New features: most apps evolve after launch, based on what users actually do. A monthly retainer can be cheaper than quoting each change separately.

How long does it take to build an app?

A simple app or web app MVP typically takes 4–8 weeks, and a cross-platform MVP with a backend and payments 8–12 weeks. Complex products take longer and are best released in phases. Allow an extra one to two weeks for app store review and fixes before launch, especially for a first release.

How to reduce the cost of building an app

1. Start with an MVP: build the one journey that proves people want the product, then add features based on real usage. See our MVP development service.
2. Consider a web app first: a web app or progressive web app works on every device, skips store fees and review, and can become a store app later.
3. Go cross-platform: one React Native codebase for iOS and Android is usually far cheaper than two native apps.
4. Use proven services: Stripe for payments and established authentication and hosting platforms, rather than building them from scratch.
5. Get a fixed price for a defined scope: it gives you cost certainty and forces clear decisions early.
6. Own your accounts and code: make sure the app store accounts, code, and hosting are in your name, so you're never locked in to one supplier.

Can AI build an app for you?

AI coding tools like ChatGPT and Claude can now generate working prototypes, and experienced developers use them to build faster, which is one reason specialist prices have come down. But an app that takes payments, stores personal data under UK GDPR, passes app store review, and keeps working as iOS and Android update still needs someone who understands security, architecture, and release processes. AI reduces the cost of building an app; it doesn't remove the need for a developer.

Getting your app found

An app needs a website that people and AI assistants can find. Build it as a fast, server-rendered site rather than inside the app framework, and make it easy for tools like ChatGPT to cite: our guide to generative engine optimisation explains how, and our llms.txt guide covers giving AI agents a clean summary of your product.

Need an app built? Unlimited Dev builds iOS, Android, and web apps for UK startups and SMEs from £50 per hour or fixed prices from £1,500, and builds apps for agencies through white-label development; our white-label guide explains pricing and contracts.

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