Android/iOS Application Development

Building an app that ships

Most app projects that fail do so before a line of code is written: the scope is vague, nobody agrees what version one includes, and the budget runs out on features customers never asked for. We start by agreeing a small, specific first release, then design, build, test and publish it on Android and iOS.

You own the result. The source code, the store listings and the developer accounts belong to your company.

Who this is for

• Founders launching a product where the app is the business.
• Businesses adding an app for existing customers: bookings, orders, loyalty or support.
• Companies with a web app that need a mobile version.
• Teams with an unfinished app from another developer that needs rescuing.

Native, cross-platform or web app

For most business apps, cross-platform is the cost-effective default. We recommend native only when there is a specific reason.

What BookMyLLC handles

• Product specification: user stories, screens and what is in and out of the first release.
• UI and UX design, with clickable prototypes before development.
• App development for Android and iOS.
• Backend and API development, or integration with your existing systems.
• Testing on real devices and store-ready builds.
• App Store and Google Play submission, including listing text and privacy disclosures.
• Maintenance and updates after launch, if you choose.

Step-by-step process

1. Discovery. We agree goals, users and a first-release scope in writing.
2. Design. Wireframes, then visual designs and a clickable prototype you can test.
3. Build in sprints. You see working builds regularly, not just at the end.
4. Test. Functional testing on a range of real devices and OS versions.
5. Submit. We prepare listings and submit to both stores under your developer accounts.
6. Launch and support. Fixes, OS updates and new features on an agreed plan.

What you need to provide

• Your idea, users and the problem the app solves, in as much detail as you have.
• An Apple Developer account and a Google Play developer account in your company's name. Organisation accounts usually need a D-U-N-S number.
• Brand assets: logo, colours and any existing designs.
• Access to any systems the app must connect to.

Timeline

A focused first release is typically several weeks to a few months, depending on scope and integrations. Store review usually adds a few days per platform, and first submissions can take longer if reviewers ask for changes.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Putting every feature in version one. Launch small, then build what users ask for.
• Letting a developer own your store accounts. Transferring apps later is slow and sometimes impossible.
• No privacy policy. Both stores require one, along with accurate data-collection disclosures.
• Forgetting maintenance. New OS versions each year can break apps that are not updated.

What drives the cost and timeline of an app

Two apps that look similar on the surface can differ several times over in effort. These are the factors we look at when scoping, so you can see where the budget goes and where to cut if you need to.

• Number of user roles. An app where customers order and staff fulfil is really two apps sharing a backend.
• Accounts and login. Email and password is simple. Social login, phone verification and single sign-on each add work and testing.
• Payments. Physical goods and services can use a processor like Stripe. Digital goods and subscriptions sold inside an iOS app generally must use Apple's in-app purchase system, which has its own rules and fees.
• Offline use. Apps that must work without a connection need local storage and syncing, which is one of the harder problems in mobile development.
• Integrations. Connecting to your CRM, ERP, shipping provider or an old internal system often takes longer than building new screens.
• Real-time features. Chat, live tracking and notifications need extra infrastructure.
• Admin tools. Someone has to manage users, content and orders. A simple web dashboard is usually needed alongside the app.

We list each of these in the specification with our estimate, so you can decide feature by feature. A common approach is to launch with a smaller scope, learn from real users, then fund the next release from what the first one proves.

Store policies also matter. Apple and Google both review apps against their guidelines and can reject apps that are incomplete, that collect data without disclosure, or that copy existing apps. Planning for review from the start avoids a late surprise.

Related services

Apps usually need a web presence and back-office tools too. See custom software, website development and payment gateway setup, or book a call to scope your app. See current pricing.

App development at a glance

Native, cross-platform or web app

A cross-platform build suits most first releases. Native is worth it when you need the very best performance or deep device features.

What affects cost and time

• Number of screens and features.
• Integrations: payments, maps, third-party systems.
• Backend: accounts, data and admin tools.
• Design complexity and animation.
• Changes of scope once building has started.

A short first release that proves the idea usually beats a large one that takes a year. Start with one core flow, then grow from real user feedback.

What you should expect from us

You should see working builds early and often. We demonstrate progress at the end of each cycle, collect feedback and adjust the plan. Before any code is written we agree what a first release includes, what is left for later and how changes will be handled, so the budget and timeline mean something.

At release we manage the app store submissions, including privacy details and screenshots, because incomplete submissions are a common cause of delay. After launch you receive the source code, documentation and access to every account the app depends on.

App store requirements to plan for