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Short answer: A business app for Android and iOS in India typically costs from a few lakh rupees upwards, depending on features. Our own pricing is ₹2.5 lakh for a standard app with core functions on both platforms, and ₹5 lakh for an advanced app with e-commerce and advanced features. On top of the build, plan for store accounts (Google Play charges a one-time US$25 registration fee, and the Apple Developer Program costs US$99 a year), servers, third-party services and ongoing updates.
App quotes in India range from suspiciously cheap to eye-wateringly expensive. The difference is almost always scope. This guide explains what drives the price, which costs continue after launch, and how to get a quote you can trust.
What drives the cost of an app
| Factor | Lower cost | Higher cost |
|---|---|---|
| Screens and user roles | One type of user, a few screens | Customers, staff, vendors and admins, each with their own screens |
| Accounts and login | Phone OTP login and a simple profile | Multiple login methods, KYC, role-based permissions |
| Payments | None, or a simple payment link | Cart, checkout, wallets, refunds, subscriptions |
| Integrations | Standalone app | Connected to your website, CRM, inventory, billing or ERP |
| Admin dashboard | Basic content management | Reports, approvals, stock and order management |
| Real-time features | Content updates when the app refreshes | Live tracking, chat, instant notifications |
| Design | Clean standard components | Custom animations and illustrations |
One codebase or two?
You can build separate native apps for Android and iOS, or one cross-platform app that runs on both. Frameworks such as Flutter and React Native let one team ship both from a single codebase. That usually lowers build and maintenance costs. Fully native apps make sense when the app relies heavily on device features or needs the highest possible performance. For most business apps, such as ordering, bookings, loyalty and field-staff tools, cross-platform is a sensible choice.
Costs that continue after launch
- Store accounts. Google Play charges a one-time US$25 registration fee. The Apple Developer Program costs US$99 a year. Register both in your business’s name.
- Servers and backend. Your app’s data, images and login run on a server or cloud service billed monthly.
- Third-party services. OTP SMS, maps, email and payment gateway fees are charged by those providers.
- Updates. Android and iOS change every year. Apps need updates to keep working and to meet store requirements.
- Marketing. Publishing an app does not bring installs by itself. Budget for Google Ads or Meta Ads install and re-engagement campaigns.
Store rules that affect your pricing
If your app sells digital content, such as subscriptions, premium features or in-app currency, the app stores have rules on how you must take payment, and they charge a service fee. Google Play’s policy says apps selling physical goods, such as groceries or electronics, and physical services, such as transport or gym memberships, do not have to use Google Play’s billing. Those apps can use Indian payment gateways such as Razorpay or PayU. Check the current policy of each store before you plan your pricing, because these rules have changed in recent years.
Privacy and data protection
Most business apps collect personal data: names, phone numbers, addresses and order history. Under India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and the rules notified in 2025, you need a clear notice, a valid basis such as consent, and reasonable security safeguards. Plan consent screens, data deletion and access controls into the app from the start. Adding them later costs more.
Do you need an app at all?
An app makes sense when customers use it repeatedly, when you need push notifications or device features, or when staff need a tool in the field. If most people visit once to learn about you and enquire, a fast mobile website is usually enough and costs far less. See our website development cost guide to compare.
How to get an accurate quote
Write a one-page scope before you ask for quotes. Include:
- Who uses the app: customers, staff, vendors, admins.
- The five to ten actions each user must be able to complete.
- Payments, if any, and what is being sold.
- Systems the app must connect to.
- What the admin team needs to see and change.
- Must-have features for launch, and what can wait for version two.
Ask every developer to quote against the same list, confirm in writing that you will own the code and store accounts, and agree milestones with payments tied to working deliveries.
What we build
Our app development service covers design, development, store publishing and launch support:
| Plan | What it covers | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile App: Standard | iOS and Android, core functions | ₹2,50,000 |
| Mobile App: Advanced | E-commerce and all advanced functions | ₹5,00,000 |
Our team has built complex platforms including a Cashify-style marketplace for pre-owned phones and an HRMS portal for an organisation of 5,000 people. See more on our case studies page, or contact us for a free audit and share your app idea.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a simple app cost in India?
It depends on features, but our standard app for both Android and iOS with core functions is ₹2.5 lakh. Very low quotes often leave out the admin panel, backend or store publishing, so check what is included.
Can I start with a smaller version of the app?
Yes. Launching a minimum viable product with the few features customers need most is often the smartest way to control cost. Add features once you see how people use the app.
Why do app development quotes vary so much?
Because each developer is pricing a different scope. Give everyone the same written scope and compare like with like.
Will I own the app and its code?
You should. Agree ownership of the code, designs and store accounts in writing before development starts.
Do I need to pay yearly for the App Store?
Yes. The Apple Developer Program has an annual fee of US$99. Google Play’s US$25 fee is paid once.
Sources
- Play Console Help, Get started with Play Console (registration fee)
- Apple Developer, Program enrollment
- Play Console Help, Understanding Google Play’s Payments policy
- Press Information Bureau, Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 notified
Yatin Chaudhary
BBA · MBA · AI & ML
Yatin Chaudhary is the founder of Digital Marketing By OG and a Delhi NCR-based digital marketing specialist (BBA, MBA, AI & ML). Since 2022 he has run SEO, Google Ads, Meta Ads and LinkedIn Ads for brands in healthcare, nutrition, real estate, education and IT services, and builds the WordPress sites those campaigns send traffic to.
- Technical SEO
- Local SEO
- Google Ads
- Meta Ads
- LinkedIn Ads
- Lead generation
- WordPress development
- Conversion optimisation
Selected work: exuverse.com and exuversespaces.com (design, build and SEO), an HRMS portal, GST billing software and paid campaigns across India, the US and the UK.
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