Demystify the custom mobile app development build process with our comprehensive step-by-step guide. From ideation and wireframing to design, development, and deployment, unravel the complexities of creating a tailored mobile app. Learn industry best practices, explore cutting-edge technologies, and confidently navigate the app development journey. 

We outline the many steps in creating a successful app, from planning and designing to developing and testing. We’ll walk you through the app build process and share tips and best practices that we use at Tinderhouse.

Step 1: Define the app idea

The first step in building an app is to define the app idea. What problem are you trying to solve? Who is the target audience? What are the main features and benefits of the app? How will the app stand out from the competition? These are some questions you need to answer before developing the app. You can use mind maps, sketches, or wireframes to visualize and refine the app idea.

Step 2: Research the market

The next step in building an app is to research the market. Validate the app idea and see if it is required. Analyze the competitors and see what they are doing well and missing. Use tools like surveys, interviews, or focus groups to gather feedback from potential users and understand their needs and preferences—other tools like Google Trends, App Annie, or Sensor Tower to study market trends and opportunities.

Step 3: Choose a development approach

There are different ways to make an app, such as native, hybrid, or web. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, depending on the budget, timeline, and goals. Native apps are built for a specific platform (iOS or Android) using native languages (Swift or Kotlin). They offer the best performance, user experience, and access to device features, but they are more expensive and time-consuming to develop and maintain. Hybrid apps are built using web technologies (HTML, CSS, or JavaScript) and run on multiple platforms using a wrapper (such as Cordova or React Native). They offer faster and cheaper development and easier maintenance but have lower performance, user experience, and access to device features. Web apps are built using web technologies and run on any device with a browser. They offer the lowest cost and fastest development but compromise a little on performance, user experience, and access to device features.

Step 4: Design the app

Designing the app involves creating the app’s user interface (UI) and user experience (UX). The UI is how the app looks, while the UX is how the app works. The app’s design should be attractive, intuitive, and user-friendly. Use tools like Adobe XD, Figma, or Sketch to create mockups and prototypes of the app design. You can also use tools like InVision or Marvel to test the app design with real users and get feedback.

Step 5: Develop the app

Developing the app involves writing the code that makes the app function. Developers must follow the chosen development approach’s best coding practices and standards. It also helps to use tools like GitHub or Bitbucket to manage the code versioning and collaboration. Also, use tools like Firebase or AWS Amplify to add backend services to the app, such as authentication, database, storage, or analytics.

Step 6: Test the app

Testing the app involves checking the quality and functionality of the app before its launch. It should be tested for bugs, errors, crashes, performance issues, security issues, compatibility issues, usability issues, and more. Tools like Xcode or Android Studio can test the app on simulators or real devices. You can also use tools like TestFlight or Google Play Console to distribute the app to beta testers and get feedback.

Step 7: Launch the app

Launching the app involves publishing it on the app stores (App Store or Google Play) and making it available for download. It’s the developer’s job to follow the guidelines and requirements of each platform for submitting the app. It also helps to create an appealing app store listing that showcases the app’s features and benefits. App Store Connect or Google Play Console can manage the app’s distribution and updates.

Demystifying developers’ dilemma: Android or iOS app development

The two known and popular mobile app operating systems dominate the mobile app development market. Recent surveys say that iOS and Android OS accounted for 96.7% of the Custom Mobile Application Development market.

The fact they have become so popular and competitive has left mobile developers surprised and confused.

The beginners are worried about which custom Mobile App Development system to learn first, while the pros must balance their routine of developing apps and earning profit from both systems.

Multiple factors help decide which platform to choose and which to put next.

 The top ones include:

• The objectives of developing the app for brand management.
• The time frame within which you want it ready.
• The budget at hand that you can spare for the development.

The Android Play store offers a variety of three million apps for its users, while Apple users can take a pick from less than two million apps in their stores.

This portrays that Android developers are more active, and this operating system caters to various developers. But what’s more to it? Let’s find out.

The truth about both operating systems is explained below. Also, the few factors that will help you decide which operating system to pick are mentioned below. Read ahead and find it out!

Objectives to be achieved and usability

The main thing that can help you decide which operating system to build on is the goals you want to meet. Android is where you must go if you want to UI design an app used by various smartphone users.

If you are looking forward to targeting a specific population, you can start with the Apple operating system.

As a beginner, it is easy for you to achieve your objectives using iOS, and once you are a pro in your game, you can move on to a more complex system called Android.

Winner: iOS

The time required to develop an app

Designing an app for Apple users in iOS is relatively less time-consuming. The rules and regulations provided by the company are specific, and the developers have to follow the rules strictly. This keeps them focused and avoids spending time on useless things.

On the other hand, with the Android platform, things are quite diverse. The developer needs to make sure that the app is responsive and user-friendly. This requires Custom Mobile Application Development screen size and resolution according to the screen size and resolution.

Developing apps for iOS takes considerably less time than developing apps for Android, says Pankaj Gupta, project manager at a leading branding agency in Dubai.

Winner: iOS

Simplicity vs. complexity

When weighing the pros and cons of two systems, you must examine each system’s development tools, styles, and complexity. Which one offers a variety of functions, and which one is easier to use?

Choosing the right one completely depends on the mobile app development process. What is he looking for, and what would satisfy his needs?

Thus, if you want a simpler operating system, you can go for iOS. As far as Android is concerned, it requires 40% more code lines and is 30% more expensive as compared to Apple’s operating system.

Other than this, the experts say that bug fixing and maintenance of an Android operating system app is far more difficult than iOS apps.

This is because of the high level of device fragmentation in custom mobile app development.

Complex: Android

Simple: iOS

Licensing and membership requirements

Another factor that helps the developers decide which platform to pick is the licensing and membership attaining issue. Publishing an app on the Play Store or the App Store has never been free.

But if we draw a comparison, Android app development (even with all its complex designing and developing techniques) stands out as the best for freelancers and beginners.

Why is that so? It’s because it doesn’t require any subscription or membership fee. To publish an app on Google’s Play Store, you need to pay a one-time $25 registration fee (to date), and that’s it.

On the other hand, if you’re developing an app for iOS, you get ready to spend around $100 annually.

Winner: Android

Market shares over the time

The global app market is continuously revolutionizing, with new apps launching daily. The usage of smartphones and the internet has helped boost app sales revenue.

According to app sales statistics, mobile app sales have been projected to almost triple by 2023.

In 2018, the revenue of global Mobile App Development was $365 Billion, which is forecasted to be $935 Billion by 2023.

Winner: Tie

These are a few factors that Mobile App Development professionals must go through before they pick a platform to work on. One might seem simple, and the other complex, but each brings different benefits.

Both the platforms are high-yielding, for that matter, and all you need to do is make the right choice by focusing on your goals and seeing them come true through the Mobile App Development operating system you have picked.