Phase 01
Discover and Scope
We agree who the users are, the one job the app must do well, and what the first version includes. You get a written scope and a technology recommendation with reasons.
MOBILE APPS · iOS & ANDROID
Mobile App Development Company UK
We're app developers for UK businesses, building iOS and Android apps with Flutter, React Native, or native Swift and Kotlin. One team builds the app, the backend and the admin panel behind it, gets it through App Store and Google Play review, and supports it after launch. You own the code and the store accounts.
At a Glance
- iOS and Android
- Flutter, React Native, Swift, Kotlin
- App, backend and admin panel
- Store launch and support
- Outcome 01
- Customer apps
- Outcome 02
- Staff and field apps
- Outcome 03
- First versions (MVPs)
- Outcome 04
- Apps connected to your systems
WHAT WE BUILD
Mobile App Development Services
Customer apps. Ordering, booking, accounts, loyalty, subscriptions and support: apps customers download and keep using, with card, Apple Pay and Google Pay payments through a payment provider.
Staff and field apps. Apps for engineers, drivers, care workers and sales teams, with offline use where the signal drops and data that syncs when the phone reconnects.
First versions (MVPs). The smallest version of your idea that real users can try, so you learn what they need before paying for everything else.
Apps connected to your systems. Your app and your back office share the same data: CRM, accounting, stock, booking or an existing web platform, through their APIs.
The backend and admin panel. The app on the phone is often less than half the work. Behind it sits the server that stores users, orders and content, sends notifications and runs integrations, and a web dashboard where your team manages it all. We build all three so they work together.
Rescuing an existing app. Taking over an app another developer built: reviewing the code, fixing what's broken, updating it for current iOS and Android versions, and planning what comes next.
CHOOSING THE TECHNOLOGY
Flutter, React Native or Native?
We build with all of them, so we recommend what suits your app rather than the one tool we happen to know:
| Approach | What it means | When it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Flutter | One codebase for iOS and Android, with its own rendering engine | Most business apps, especially with a custom design that should look the same on both platforms |
| React Native | One codebase for both platforms, written in JavaScript or TypeScript | Apps that share logic, components or developers with a React website |
| Native (Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android) | A separate app for each platform | Heavy processing, deep use of device hardware (camera, Bluetooth, sensors), or the very best performance |
| One platform first | Launch on iOS or Android, add the other once the idea is proven | Tight budgets where most target users are on one platform |
For most business apps, a cross-platform build is the more economical choice, because each feature is built and tested once for both stores. Native is worth the extra effort when the app depends on the phone's hardware or needs to feel as fast as possible. We'll explain the trade-offs for your app before you decide.
HOW WE WORK
How an App Project Runs
Short stages with working builds, so you can try the app on your own phone long before launch.
Phase 02
Design
We design the main screens and turn them into a clickable prototype, following Apple's and Google's design conventions and accessibility guidance, so you can test the flow before code is written.
Phase 03
Build in Stages
We build the app, backend and admin panel in short stages. Test builds reach your phone through Apple TestFlight and Google Play internal testing, so you see real progress.
Phase 04
Launch and Support
We prepare the store listings and privacy details, run the testing the stores require, submit for review and launch. Then we stay on for fixes, OS updates and new features.
STORES, PRIVACY AND OWNERSHIP
Publishing to the App Store and Google Play
Publishing is where many first app projects get stuck. What to plan for:
- Developer accounts in your company's name. Register the Apple Developer Program and Google Play Console accounts as your organisation, not as the developer. Organisation accounts need a D-U-N-S number, which can take time to obtain.
- Review and testing. Apple reviews every release. New personal Google Play accounts must run a closed test with at least 12 testers for 14 days before publishing; organisation accounts avoid that requirement.
- Store listings. Screenshots, descriptions, age ratings, and the privacy information both stores ask for (Apple's privacy labels and Google Play's data safety section).
- In-app purchases. Selling digital content or subscriptions inside the app usually has to use Apple's and Google's billing, which take a commission. Physical goods and services can use a normal payment provider.
Privacy and Accessibility
If your app collects personal data, UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 apply: a clear privacy notice, a lawful basis for each use of data, sensible retention, and security. If it uses tracking or analytics SDKs, consent rules apply too, and Apple requires permission before tracking users across other companies' apps. We design for accessibility from the start (text sizes, contrast, screen readers), because it makes the app better for everyone.
You Own the App
You receive the source code, the designs, and admin access to the backend, hosting and store accounts. If you ever change developers, the app stays yours.
AFTER LAUNCH
Keeping Your App Working After Launch
An app is never quite finished. Apple and Google release new OS versions every year, and Google Play requires apps to target a recent Android version to stay available to new users. After launch, we:
- Monitor crashes and errors, and fix issues quickly.
- Update the app for new iOS and Android versions, and keep libraries and security patches current.
- Keep the backend healthy: hosting, backups and performance as your users grow.
- Add features in planned releases as your users ask for them.
What Affects the Cost of an App?
We don't publish prices, because two "simple apps" can be very different pieces of work. What drives the cost: the number of features and user types, whether you need one platform or both, how much backend and admin work sits behind the app, integrations with your systems, the design, and the support you need after launch. After a short discovery, we give you a written scope so you know exactly what's included.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about mobile app development: cost, timelines, technology, ownership and support.
How much does it cost to build an app in the UK?
It depends on the features, the platforms, and what sits behind the app (the backend, admin panel and integrations). We don't publish price ranges; after a short discovery we give you a written scope for your app.
How long does it take to build an app?
A focused first version usually takes a few months, including design, the backend, testing and store review. You get test builds along the way, so you can try the app early.
Should we build native or cross-platform?
For most business apps, cross-platform with Flutter or React Native is the more economical choice, because each feature is built once for both platforms. Native Swift and Kotlin are worth it for heavy processing, deep hardware use or the very best performance. We recommend one after understanding your app.
Do you build the backend and admin panel too?
Yes. Almost every business app needs a server and a web dashboard behind it. We build all three so they're designed to work together.
Who owns the app's code and store accounts?
You do. The Apple and Google developer accounts should be in your company's name, and you receive the source code, designs and admin access to everything.
Can you take over an app another developer built?
Yes. We start with a code review, fix what's urgent, update the app for current iOS and Android versions, and then plan improvements with you.
Do you support the app after launch?
Yes. We fix issues, update the app for new iOS and Android versions, keep the backend running and add features as your users ask for them.
EXPLORE FURTHER
Related Services
Have an app idea?
Tell us who the app is for and what it should do. We'll help you shape a first version that's worth launching.