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If you’ve ever thought about building an iOS app, one of the first questions that likely popped into your mind was, “How long does it take to develop an iOS app?” And it’s a fair question. Time is money, and knowing the development timeline is important for proper planning.
iOS powers over 2.35 billion active devices worldwide, catering to iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and more. With such a massive and loyal user base, going for iOS app development services is a top priority for businesses looking to reach premium users with high engagement and spending power.
So, for your question, there’s no absolute answer for the timeline. Normally, it takes 4 to 9 months to develop an app. There are numerous factors that influence the completion time, such as complexity, scope, design needs, and use of features.
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the iOS app development timeline, so you can make decisions and set realistic goals.
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One of the biggest misconceptions is that it can be done in a matter of weeks. No matter how difficult the idea may seem. In reality, the development timeline depends totally on the app’s complexity, feature set, design requirements, and the team experience.
Let’s break the app into three categories:
| App Type | Estimated Timeline | Description |
| Simple Apps | 1 – 3 Months | These apps have basic features like push notifications, user authentication, and a navigation menu. They don’t need backend support or complex design. |
| Moderate Apps | 4 – 6 Months | Apps in this range include features like media options, API integration, and a database. |
| Complex Apps | 7 – 9 Months | They include advanced features like real-time sync, custom animations, streaming capability, third-party integrations, and advanced security protocols. |
This is not the game of how fast developers can write code. There are several factors that can speed up or slow down the development process. So, let’s find out the key elements that shape your project timeline:
The complexity is perhaps the most important factor impacting development time. Simple apps with limited features are much quicker to develop, whereas apps with complex functionalities need more design, coding, and testing time.
Features that make the app complex are as follows:
If you’re looking for an expert mobile app development company, make sure you go through their portfolio and reviews.
Great design is not just about aesthetics, it directly impacts development time. Highly customized designs with complex animations, transitions, and interactive elements need additional development hours.
Custom animations and micro-interactions can add 20-30% more time to the design and development phase. Moreover, designing for multiple screen sizes requires adaptive and responsive design strategies.
| Design Complexity | Impact on Timeline | Key Considerations |
| Basic UI | Minimal additional time | Standard templates, simple layouts |
| Custom UI | +20-30% development time | Unique branding, animations, transitions |
| UX Research and Testing | +10-15% timeline | User testing, prototyping, iterative changes |
Apps that need backend support (servers, databases, cloud storage) and integration with other systems generally take longer to build. Backend features include database architecture, server-side logic, and APIs. Moreover, integrations with third-party services (like payment gateways or social login) need careful implementation and testing.
As per Statista, 86% of organizations have preferred using multi-cloud solutions, while around 70% use services from hybrid cloud providers. Here is the estimated timeline for backend development:
| Backend Complexity | Estimated Timeline |
| Static Backend | None |
| Moderate Backend | 1-3 Months |
| Complex Backend | 4-6+ Months |
The composition and experience of your development team also heavily influence timelines. Larger teams can often develop faster but need efficient coordination and communication. A highly skilled team familiar with iOS frameworks and best practices can reduce bugs and speed up iterations.
Outsourcing vs. in-house development affects control and speed. If you’re going for outsourcing, the projects sometimes require more back-and-forth, hence adding time. A DZone survey has noted that teams with more than five experienced developers delivered projects 30% faster than smaller or less experienced teams. Let’s dive into the impact of team size and expertise on the app development timeline:
| Team Size and Expertise | Impact on Timeline | Best for |
| Small Team (1-3 Members) | Slower progress, higher bug risk | MVPs, simple apps, tight budgets |
| Mid-Tier Team (4-6 Members) | Balanced pace and code quality | Moderate apps, startups, core products |
| Large Team (7+ Members) | Fastest delivery, but needs coordination | Enterprise apps, rapid scaling |
| Experience Level | Impact on Timeline | Best for |
| Junior Developers | Longer development, more iterations needed | Simple features and apps that need supervision |
| Mid-Level Developers | Steady pace with fewer roadblocks | Balanced project teams |
| Senior/Expert Developers | Fastest delivery, minimal debugging needed | Handling complex logic, scalable architecture |
| Approach | Timeline Impact | Pros | Cons |
| In-House | Potentially faster (with the skilled team) | More control, better communication | Higher cost, hiring challenges |
| Outsourced (Agency) | Varies and can be fast with an expert team | Scalable teams, access to experts | Time zones, onboarding curve, and project sync required |
| Freelancers | Flexible but often slower | Cost-effective, good for small tasks | Lack of consistency, limited availability |
Testing is highly important to make sure the app performs flawlessly on various devices and iOS versions. Comprehensive testing includes functionality, usability, security, performance, and compatibility tests.
Studies have found that on average, QA accounts for 15-20% of the total development timeline, but can prevent costly post-launch fixes.
| Testing Scope | Typical Time Allocation | Importance |
| Basic Functionality | 1-2 Weeks | Great for simple apps |
| Comprehensive QA | 3-6 Weeks | Needed for complex, multi-feature apps |
| Regulatory Compliance | Additional 1-2 Weeks | Required for healthcare and finance apps |
Also Read: How to Choose iOS Emulators
After development, your app must pass Apple’s App Store review process before going live. The average App Store review takes 24-48 hours, but complex or non-compliant apps may face delays of up to 1-2 weeks. If Apple requests changes or rejects your app, the process restarts and adds unpredictable time.
In 2023, the Apple App Store reported 1.1 million apps rejected out of 1.76 million due to performance violations. Additionally, over 420 thousand apps were rejected due to legal issues. To minimize delays, it is advised to follow Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines and test thoroughly on real iOS devices.
| Review Stages | Average Duration | What Happens | Potential Delays |
| Initial Submission | 24 – 48 Hours | Apple reviews your app for UI performance, security, and guideline compliance. | Apple queue backlog, complex features, or large app size |
| Rejection (If Any) | Adds 1-3+ Days | Apple flags issues (bugs, crashes, content violations, etc) | Incorrect permissions, misleading metadata, and privacy issues |
| Fixes and Resubmission | 1-14 Days | The developer fixes problems and resubmits the app for another review. | Developer turnaround time, repeated issues, and unclear Apple feedback |
| Final Approval | Within 24 Hours | After approval, the app is ready for scheduling or immediate release. | Rare, unless scheduling issues or manual launch control are enabled |
| Phase | Estimated Duration | What Happens |
| Discovery and Planning | 1-2 Weeks | Research, requirements gathering, and MVP roadmap |
| UI/UX Design | 2-4 Weeks | Wireframes, mockups, interactive prototypes |
| Development | 4-7+ Months | Frontend + backend, sprints, milestones |
| Testing and QA | 2-4 Weeks | Bug fixing, performance, device testing |
| App Store Submission | 1-2 Weeks | Asset prep, review process, Apple compliance |
If you’ve ever had a brilliant idea and found yourself wondering, “How long would it actually take to build this for iOS?”, you’re definitely not alone.
iOS app development is a demanding platform, and there are over 1.96 million apps available on the Apple App Store. It’s no surprise that startups, enterprises, and entrepreneurs are eager to enter into this massive ecosystem. IOS app development covers several phases that shape the final product. Let’s explore each phase in detail:
Every successful iOS app starts with a strong foundation, which is laid during the discovery and planning phase. This is where ideas are explored, refined, and aligned with the target audience. During this stage, your team will perform in-depth market research, identify competitors, and analyze the best features.
The goal here is to get clarity by asking questions like:
You can select the right features and map out an MVP, which is the simplest version of your app. This helps streamline development and reduce time-to-market. Projects with detailed planning phases are more likely to stay within budget and timeline compared to those that skip it.
So it may seem like a “pre-production” step, but the discovery step directly impacts the speed and efficiency of your entire project.
Estimated Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Once the planning is done, it’s time to start working on it. In this phase, the entire focus is on creating an engaging experience for users. Designers create wireframes and simple layouts to map out user journeys.
Next come mockups, which are high-fidelity designs. It shows the final look of the app, and designers complete it with final colors, fonts, and branding. Mockups are created using tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD, which are great for effective collaboration.
Estimated Timeline: 2-4 weeks
Once your design is approved, we move into the resource-intensive part of the process. This is where your app design turns into a reality using development frameworks and technologies.
The frontend comprises all user-facing elements that users can see, touch, and interact with. Moreover, the backend handles everything behind the scenes, including databases, user authentication, and server communication. Wondering about the iOS app development cost? Explore our blog, which provides detailed price insights based on features and the app’s complexity.
Estimated Timeline: 4 – 7+ Months
It is essential to ensure that everything functions smoothly across various iOS devices and versions. Testing and quality assurance identify bugs, performance issues, or usability problems that could hurt your app’s reputation after launch.
Testing can be done through manual or automated testing. Having a lot of features makes it mandatory to test more combinations and edge cases. Many studies have shown that apps that undergo testing have a 40% lower uninstall rate.
Estimated Timeline: 2-4 weeks
After the app has been approved, it’s time for the final push. You’ll need to prepare various assets to submit to the App Store, including app icon, screenshots, promo videos, privacy policy, and a compelling app description. Apple is known for having strict submission guidelines, so it’s vital to follow them closely.
Once submitted via App Store Connect, Apple’s review team checks your app for security, functionality, content, and design compliance. On average, the review process takes 1 to 2 days to complete, but it can extend to a week or more if your app is complex or contains bugs. If your app is rejected, you’ll need to make changes and resubmit, which resets the clock. For detailed information on how to publish an app to the App Store, check out our blog for step-by-step instructions.
Estimated Timeline: 1-2 weeks
When you’re developing an iOS app, there are clear steps you can take to streamline the process. If you’re a startup racing to release an MVP or an enterprise building a strong digital presence, these tips and best practices can bring your app to market faster and more efficiently.
Before writing a single line of code, define what your app must do and what it doesn’t need to do. A common trap that delays timelines is feature bloat, where developers attempt to pack every possible function into version 1.0.
Focus on your Minimum Viable Product (MVP), where you can integrate the most essential features your app needs. You can reduce development time and test the market more quickly by narrowing your scope.
The best tip is to use MoSCoW prioritization:
Skipping or rushing the planning phase is one of the biggest mistakes in iOS development. You must take 1-2 weeks to document business goals, define the user journey, and build user personas, which will save months of chaos later.
Effective planning also includes:
This phase sets expectations and keeps everyone on the same page, especially if you’re working with external developers or agencies.
Your design phase is not just about playing with aesthetics, it sets the foundation for how users will interact with your app. Poor UX decisions result in costly redesigns later. That’s why it’s important to:
Using collaborative tools like Figma or Adobe XD offers great design reviews and faster iteration. Plus, your developers will benefit from design-to-dev handoff features that reduce ambiguity and save time during implementation.
Your tech stack impacts not just performance but development speed. For iOS, you’ll typically choose between:
Although native apps offer better performance, cross-platform tools can cut development time by up to 40%, especially if you’re building for both iOS and Android. Also, a well-architected backend can speed up integration and scaling. Avoid reinventing the wheel by using pre-built APIs for authentication, payments, maps, and notifications.
Also Read: How Much Does It Cost to Make an App
Launching an app with bugs can ruin your brand’s reputation and lead to a flood of negative reviews. However, it’s also a stage that’s often compressed or rushed. Smart teams build testing into every sprint instead of saving it for the end. This includes:
If your app uses payment gateways, handles personal data, or syncs across devices, thorough testing is even more critical.
A team’s expertise plays an important role in the project’s timeline. A small but highly experienced team might work faster than a large, disorganized one. That said, a larger team can divide responsibilities and accelerate parallel workflows (e.g., backend and frontend simultaneously).
Your core team should include:
| Role | Responsibilities |
| Project Manager | Oversees planning, timelines, task allocation, and client communication |
| iOS Developers | Build the app’s frontend using Swift, SwiftUI, and Xcode |
| UI/UX Designers | Create user flows, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes |
| Backend Developers | Set up servers, APIs, and database integrations |
| QA Engineers | Conduct manual and automated testing to ensure functionality, performance, |
There are numerous options you can opt for, including in-house, freelance, or agency models, but make sure it communicates well and follows Agile workflows.
Apple’s App Store review process is quite lengthy, and delays are common if you miss key guidelines. To save yourself from potential issues:
Apple has reported that 15% of first-time app submissions are rejected due to vague content or functionality issues. It is better to follow the instructions and make sure you don’t leave any loopholes for correction.
Here’s the checklist for the App Store submission:
| Item | Purpose | Recommended Timing |
| Review Guidelines | Ensure compliance with Apple’s rules | At project kickoff |
| Screenshots and App Previews | App Store listing visuals | During the final UI design |
| Metadata and Keywords | App Store SEO and visibility | 1-2 weeks before submission |
| Privacy Policy and Legal Pages | Required for approval | Alongside design completion |
| TestFlight Beta Testing | Real-user testing and early feedback | 2-4 weeks before launch |
| Final Build Submission | Review-ready app version | 1 week before the planned launch |
Don’t try to build the “perfect” app in one go. Instead, you can work in sprints, which are short, focused cycles to build and test specific features. One of the biggest advantages of Agile is speed. You don’t need to wait months to launch a complete product. It lets you release an MVP that takes 8 to 12 weeks to develop.
Here’s the comparison between agile vs traditional (waterfall) development:
| Aspect | Agile Development | Traditional (Waterfall) Development |
| Development Style | Iterative (sprints) | Linear (sequential phases) |
| Flexibiltiy | Highly adaptable to change | Difficult and costly to make changes |
| Time to Market | Faster (MVP in 8-12 weeks) | Slower (full product at the end) |
| Stakeholder Involvement | High – ongoing feedback | Low – feedback mostly at the end |
| Quality Control | Continuous testing during sprints | Testing happens at the end |
| Cost Efficiency | More efficient in the long run | Risk of wasted development time and features |
Also Read: How Do Free Apps Make Money
No matter how skilled your development team is, a lack of organization can easily derail your iOS app project. Missed deadlines, forgotten tasks, unclear priorities, and poor communication cause unnecessary delays and costly rework. That’s why using the right project management tools is essential.
Project management tools act as a central system of your app development process. It gives you transparency, promotes collaboration, and ensures every team member knows exactly what to do and when to do it.
Here are the popular project management tools you can use for iOS app development:
| Tool | Primary Use | Best for |
| Jira | Sprint planning, bug tracking, and agile workflows | Agile development teams, QA tracking |
| Trello | Kanban-style task boards | Visualizing workflows, small to mid-size teams |
| Asana | Task assignments, deadlines, dependencies | Project planning and multi-phase coordination |
| Slack | Live messaging, team updates | Quick communication, integrations with Jira/GitHub |
| ClickUp / Monday.com | All-in-one PM dashboards | Teams wanting task + document + chat in one |
Once your app is live on the App Store, users begin interacting with it in ways you didn’t fully predict during development. Their behaviors, complaints, and preferences reveal things you couldn’t have known during internal testing.
Without a plan, your app can become stagnant or, worse, buggy and outdated. On the other hand, when you respond to feedback quickly and ship updates regularly, your users are more likely to stick around, leave positive reviews, and share your app with others.
Here’s what you should do to keep your app in great performance:
| Activity | Purpose | Tools | Impact |
| Set Up Analytics | Track user behavior, feature usage | Firebase, Mixpanel, Amplitude | Better decision-making, improve UX |
| Collect Feedback | Understand user needs and pain points | In-app surveys, App Store | Improves satisfaction, fosters loyalty |
| Maintain a Feature Roadmap | Align team, prioritize development | Notion, Trello, Productboard | Keeps development focused, boosts user excitement |
| Schedule Regular Updates | Fix bugs, release improvements | Xcode, App Store Connect | Enhances performance, supports newer iOS versions |
| Monitor Reviews and Respond | Build trust, address concerns publicly | App Store Connect, Appbot | Increases ratings, builds community |
iOS industry trends reveal a growing demand for high-performance apps, which makes the development timeline more important than ever. Using strong development tools and tech, developers can speed up the process and ensure security and compliance with App Store guidelines.
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How long does it take to develop an iOS app?
The timeline of developing an iOS app really depends on the complexity of the app and the features you want to use. For example, simple apps with basic functionality can usually be built in about 1 to 3 months. If you’re planning a bit more advanced platform, you’re likely looking at around 4 to 6 months.
Now, if your app has features like AI, AR/VR, or efficient data processing, the timeline can stretch to 7 to 9 months or even longer. Of course, these estimates can vary based on how well your project is planned and how experienced your development team is, etc.
Is iOS app development difficult?
iOS app development can sound a bit difficult, especially for beginners, but it becomes much more manageable with the right knowledge. Apple has a well-defined area with powerful resources like Swift, Xcode, and detailed documentation that streamline the process. That said, developers still need to follow strict App Store guidelines and ensure top-notch performance. For those new to the field, there might be a learning curve, but with experience and the right support, creating high-quality iOS apps becomes much easier.
How long does it take to publish an app on the Apple Store?
The process of publishing an app on the App Store takes 24 to 48 hours after submission. Once you submit your app through App Store Connect, it goes through Apple’s review process, where the team checks for compliance with their guidelines, performance standards, and functionality. If everything looks good, your app can be approved quickly, sometimes within a day. However, if there are any issues or if Apple requests changes, the process can take longer.
How much does it cost to publish an iOS app?
The cost of publishing an iOS app is $99 per year, which is the fee for enrolling in the Apple Developer Program. This annual subscription gives you access to essential tools, app analytics, beta testing through TestFlight, and app distribution tools. If you’re developing apps for internal use within a company, Apple also offers an Enterprise Program for $299 per year.
Keep in mind, this fee covers only the publishing aspect. The actual development costs, such as design, coding, and testing, are separate and can vary depending on the app’s complexity.
How much does it cost to keep an app running?
The cost to keep an app running is an ongoing investment that many people overlook. Usually, app maintenance and operational costs account for about 15% to 20% of the initial development cost per year. So, if you spent $50,000 building your app, you should expect to spend around $7,500 to $12,500 annually to keep it running smoothly.
These costs cover things like server hosting, third-party APIs, bug fixes, regular updates, and adapting to new iOS versions. If your app has advanced features like real-time messaging, video streaming, or cloud storage, the monthly or yearly costs could be even higher.
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Rida Shahzad is a business graduate and seasoned content writer at WareGo, where she transforms complex concepts into clear, actionable content. With a strong background in creating how-to guides, conversion-focused content, and technical documentation, Rida excels at bridging the gap between advanced technology and real-world business needs. Off the page, she’s a curious mind with a love for ancient history, tech trends, and creative sketching.
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