Services
Mobile app development company in London
A successful app is one people open again next week. That’s less about the code than most agencies admit, so we start with what the app is for and why anyone would keep it on their phone.
The first question isn’t iOS or Android. It’s whether you need an app at all. Getting someone to install something is a big ask. If people will use your service a few times a year, a fast mobile website or web application may serve them better, for much less money. Apps earn their keep when people return often, when you need the camera, Bluetooth, background location or notifications, or when offline use matters.
If an app is right, the next decision is how to build it. For most business apps, cross-platform development with Flutter or React Native gives you both platforms from one codebase. Native iOS and native Android still make sense for apps leaning heavily on device hardware or the very latest platform features.
The parts people forget to budget for
The app on the phone is often the smaller half of the project. It usually needs a back end for accounts and data, an admin tool for your staff, notifications, analytics and a privacy policy that matches what the app really does. Apple and Google also review apps against their own rules, and both update their requirements regularly. Then there’s the yearly work of keeping up with new OS versions. We build all of that into the plan from the start, and our app cost guide explains how it adds up.
Mobile Apps services
Where app projects go wrong
Building everything at once
A long feature list means a long wait to find out whether anybody wants it. A focused first release tells you far sooner.
No plan for after launch
New OS versions, device changes and store requirements mean that apps need maintaining. Budget for it from day one.
A weak back end
The app itself looks great, but it’s let down by slow APIs, poor error handling and no way for staff to manage anything.
Store rejection late in the day
Missing privacy details, broken sign-in or incomplete account deletion can hold up a launch. Apple requires apps with account creation to offer deletion in the app.
What an app project includes
Discovery and prototype
Clickable prototypes tested with real users before any serious development spending.
App development
Native or cross-platform builds, with offline behaviour and push notifications where needed.
Back end and admin
APIs, user accounts, content management and admin tools for your team.
Payments
In-app purchases and subscriptions, or Stripe for physical goods and services, according to store rules.
Store submission
Listing assets, privacy declarations, review handling and phased rollouts.
Analytics and support
Crash reporting, usage analytics and ongoing maintenance after launch.
How an app gets built
Validate
Agree who it’s for and what the first version has to prove.
Prototype
Test the riskiest flows on real phones with real users.
Build and beta
Two-week cycles, with builds on your phone through TestFlight and Google Play testing tracks.
Launch and learn
Phased rollout, then use analytics and feedback to decide what’s next.
Where it fits
- Customer loyalty, ordering and account apps
- Field-service and inspection apps for staff
- Consumer and subscription products
- Companion apps for connected devices
Technology
- Flutter
- React Native
- Swift
- SwiftUI
- Kotlin
- Jetpack Compose
- Firebase
- Laravel
- Stripe
- TestFlight
Sectors we think about here
Mobile Apps questions
How much does it cost to build an app in the UK?
How long does it take to build an app?
Should we build for iPhone or Android first?
Who owns the app and the store accounts?
Interested in Mobile App Development?
Outline what you need, and we will reply by email with questions or next steps.