No two apps are the same, they vary in structure and are dependent on the mix of features and components. Therefore no two apps are really priced the same. In this article, it is our aim to give you an overview of the types of apps you can choose from according to your requirements. We also introduce some main “structural” features that need to be regarded in the app outlining and decision-making stage.

In order to arrive at a decent cost estimation for an app development cost, at least for the cost of creating an app in Singapore, let’s jump right into the two main factors to consider: the type of app required; and its features.

Type of App

There are many ways we can create an app, depending on the business stages, strategies and timelines, there are three main options, with different strengths and weaknesses, to deliver a positive experience for users. All options are here to stay, and the choice between them should be made based on the goals of the project – mainly timeline & cost.

Progressive Web app (PWA) vs. Hybrid app vs. Native app

In summary, Progressive Web Apps are ideal for reaching a vast audience with simple solutions that do not require downloads. PWAs also cater best to smaller budgets and shorter timelines.

Hybrid apps are ideal for content-based requirements or requirements that aren’t too complex. Given these apps are developed with only one code source that runs on both Android and iOS, it is a two-in-one solution.

Native apps are ideal for better security, performance and user experience. Native apps also offer tailored solutions that utilise the phone’s hardware and functionalities such as its camera for a more seamless experience.

App Features

All the features needed can be strategically built-in in two ways – building the feature within the app or integrating from another product/service on a subscription or licence basis. When a company is building an app or platform, it is wise to have a mix of these two components. Building features can be strategic intellectual property, whereas looking at existing systems can be utilised for common operations.
For example;

• Building an Email Marketing component in the backend ourselves vs using Mailchimp integration
• Building a component with Finance capabilities vs using Zoho or Xero system
• Building our own CRM vs using Active Campaign or Hubspot
• Building our own blog vs using Medium.com

Feature Considerations

Target Market

The app’s market decides if we keep a single language-only approach or go for the multi-language approach. The majority of apps in the European market support multiple languages while in Australia, a single language approach in most cases is a good choice. Multiple market launches also account for having the multi-language feature. In a country like Singapore, where there are 4 major races, official apps are also usually hosted in English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil.

In more markets we launch, the type of integrations, such as payment integrations can vary. Singapore supports GrabPay while Korea has KakaoPay, and Europe and Africa have their own payment gateways.

Number of targetted users

The number of targetted users influences how we handle the security and scalability of the systems. The infrastructure scalability (horizontal preferred) requires some strategic planning in coding from day one.

Interface required

It is important to decide on the following:

• Number of platforms to launch whether web, Android, iOS or a combination
• Number of screens
• Device types, whether Mobile phone, Tablet, iPad, or computer support
• Screen orientation modes, whether both portrait and landscape
• Supported operating systems/browsers and their versions

Other factors

Other considerations include the:

• Number of different types of users within the system (vendor, user, admin, third parties)
• Security level supported
• Special functions (such as in-app payment support, stats, Push Notifications and more)
• Integrations like social media, marketing, and analytics tools
• Hardware integrations
• Type of support needed, usually managed through a Support Level Agreement
• The number of use cases and types of user stories (for example, a food ordering app system like Grab or Deliveroo supports 3 user stories, i.e: an app for customers to order from, an app for merchants/restaurants to receive orders, and another app for the delivery personnel to track their deliveries and manage them. Depending on the complexities and the number of stakeholders involved, the cost can vary to support multiple operational points digitally)

Conclusion

App development costs and prices in Singapore can vary from S$10,000 for basic features all the way to S$70,000 for more complex features for PWAs. For hybrid apps, expect to pay up to double the amount, and for Native apps, up to 4 times the amount that you would for PWAs.
When approaching a software developer to create an app, it is important to understand the basic types and options available to you, and carefully consider the main features needed from the onset. Scalability is another factor to consider and how future versions and feature enhancements can stand on structural foundations. However, in some cases, it is perfectly fine to opt to reinvent or upgrade to a new app as the business develops and the user base increases.

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