If you’ve got a great idea for an app—whether it’s for customers, internal tools, or a new startup—the first big question is usually:
“How long is this going to take?”
The short answer: it depends.
The more helpful answer: here’s a realistic breakdown of what’s involved, and what kind of timeline you can expect.
1. Discovery & Planning (1–2 weeks)
Before a single line of code is written, we need to understand:
- What the app does
- Who it’s for
- What features are must-haves
- What success looks like
This is where we define the scope, wireframes, tech stack, and timeline. Rushing this part often leads to expensive changes later—so we keep it lean, but thorough.
Typical output: Requirements document, user flows, and clickable mockups.
2. UI/UX Design (1–3 weeks)
Design isn’t just about how it looks—it’s about how it works.
We translate ideas into user interfaces that feel intuitive and on-brand. Expect:
- Mobile or web layout designs
- Color schemes, typography, icons
- Clickable prototypes for feedback
Timeline tip: If you’re okay with starting development while final designs are refined, we can overlap this with early coding.
3. Development Phase (4–12 weeks)
This is where the app is actually built—frontend, backend, and everything in between. Timeline depends on:
- Number of screens & features
- Complexity (e.g., user accounts, payments, APIs, etc.)
- Platform: web, mobile (iOS/Android), or both
We typically work in weekly sprints and give regular progress updates.
Quick builds: 4–6 weeks
Mid-sized apps: 8–10 weeks
Complex apps or platforms: 12+ weeks
4. Testing & QA (1–2 weeks)
No app goes live without careful testing:
- Functionality testing
- Bug fixing
- Mobile/responsive checks
- Edge cases and stress testing
We test both manually and with automated tools when needed.
Bonus: We encourage early user feedback to catch usability issues before launch.
5. Launch & Handover (1 week)
Once testing is done, we prep for launch:
- Set up hosting or app store listings
- Final walkthrough with your team
- Handoff of code, documentation, and access
Need help post-launch? We offer ongoing support and updates too.
So… What’s the Total Time?
Here’s a rough idea, start to finish:
| App Type | Estimated Timeline |
|---|---|
| MVP / Simple Utility | 5–8 weeks |
| Business App / SaaS | 8–12 weeks |
| Large / Custom Platform | 12–16+ weeks |
These estimates assume focused collaboration and no massive mid-project scope changes (though we’re used to a few tweaks).
Final Thoughts
Building a great app takes more than just coding—it takes planning, collaboration, and clear priorities. The good news? With the right team and a clear scope, we can move fast and stay flexible.
