iOS App Development Cost in UK (2025 Guide)

In today’s digital-first world, having a mobile app has become essential for businesses across industries. With over 1.5 billion active iPhone users globally and the UK being a hub for tech-savvy customers, iOS apps hold a massive market potential. Whether you are a startup, SME, or enterprise, investing in iOS app development is one of the best ways to reach high-value customers.

But the most common question entrepreneurs and businesses ask is:

How much does iOS app development cost in the UK?

The answer depends on several factors such as features, complexity, design, and development approach. In this blog, we will break down the iOS app development cost in the UK, explain the key cost factors, provide pricing examples, and help you choose the right iOS app development partner.

Why Invest in iOS App Development in the UK?

iOS apps provide several benefits that make them a popular choice for businesses:

• High-value customer base: iPhone users are more likely to spend on premium apps and in-app purchases.
• Global reach: Launching on the Apple App Store gives businesses access to millions of potential users.
• Enhanced security: iOS provides strong data privacy and app security, crucial for finance, healthcare, and eCommerce businesses.
• Brand credibility: A well-designed iOS app improves customer trust and strengthens your digital presence.
• Revenue potential: iOS apps generate higher revenue per user compared to Android apps.

Average iOS App Development Cost in the UK (2025)

The cost of developing an iOS app in the UK ranges from £20,000 to £250,000+, depending on the type and complexity of the app.

Type of iOS App	Estimated Cost in UK (£)	Development Timeline
Basic iOS App (informational)	£20,000 – £40,000	2 – 3 months
Mid-level iOS App (eCommerce, booking)	£40,000 – £80,000	3 – 6 months
Advanced iOS App (AI, AR, fintech, healthcare)	£100,000 – £250,000+	6 – 12 months
Game Apps	£70,000 – £200,000+	6 – 12 months

Key Factors That Affect iOS App Development Cost in the UK

1. App Complexity

Simple Apps: Limited screens, static content, basic features.

Moderate Apps: APIs, databases, payment gateways, chat integration.

Complex Apps: AI/ML, AR/VR, real-time tracking, custom algorithms.

The more complex the app, the higher the development cost.

2. Features & Functionalities

Common features that impact cost include:

• User registration & authentication
• Push notifications
• In-app purchases & payment gateway integration
• Geolocation & maps
• AI-powered chatbots
• Social media integration
• AR/VR features

3. App Design (UI/UX)

iOS users expect premium design and smooth performance.

• Standard UI: Affordable but simple.
• Custom UI: Expensive but provides a unique brand experience.

4. Development Team Size & Expertise

• Freelancers: Lower cost, but limited reliability.
• In-house team: More control, but expensive in the UK.
• Outsourced iOS app development company: Cost-effective with quality assurance.

5. Technology Stack

Choosing the right tech stack impacts performance & cost:

• Languages: Swift, Objective-C
• Frameworks: SwiftUI, UIKit, CoreData
• Databases: Firebase, Realm, MySQL
• APIs & Integrations: Payment APIs, AI/ML SDKs

6. App Testing & Quality Assurance

Testing ensures the app runs smoothly across different iPhone and iPad devices.
QA adds 10–20% to the overall cost.

7. App Maintenance & Updates

After launch, you need to consider:

• Bug fixes
• OS updates
• Feature upgrades
• Security patches

This can cost 15–20% of the original development budget annually.

Cost Breakdown: iOS App Development in the UK

Stage	Cost Range (£)
Market Research & Discovery	£5,000 – £15,000
UI/UX Design	£5,000 – £20,000
Development (Frontend + Backend)	£15,000 – £150,000+
API Integrations	£5,000 – £40,000
Testing & QA	£5,000 – £25,000
Launch & Deployment	£3,000 – £10,000
Maintenance (annual)	£5,000 – £30,000

iOS App Development Cost Examples

• eCommerce App in UK: £50,000 – £120,000
• On-demand Taxi App (Uber-like): £100,000 – £200,000
• Healthcare App with AI features: £80,000 – £180,000
• Social Media App: £120,000 – £250,000+

Cost-Saving Tips for iOS App Development in the UK

• Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
• Use cross-platform frameworks if targeting both iOS & Android
• Prioritize essential features first
• Outsource to an experienced iOS app development company
• Choose cloud-based backend services

Best iOS App Development Company in the UK

When selecting an iOS app development partner, consider:

• Portfolio & past projects
• Client testimonials
• Industry experience
• Post-launch support

Fulminous Software stands out as one of the leading iOS app development companies in the UK, offering:

• 6+ years of expertise in iOS and cross-platform development
• Tailor-made apps for healthcare, fintech, eCommerce, and more
• End-to-end support: design, development, deployment, and maintenance
• Affordable pricing models without compromising on quality

Conclusion

The cost of iOS app development in the UK ranges from £20,000 for simple apps to £250,000+ for advanced apps, depending on complexity, features, design, and team structure. Businesses should carefully plan their budget, define core features, and choose the right development partner for long-term success.

By investing in a professionally developed iOS app, businesses can reach premium customers, build brand trust, and maximize revenue opportunities in 2025 and beyond.

FAQs

Q1. How much does it cost to develop a basic iOS app in the UK?

A simple iOS app with basic features can cost between £20,000 – £40,000 in the UK.

Q2. How long does iOS app development take in the UK?

The timeline ranges from 2–3 months for simple apps to 12+ months for complex apps with AI, AR, or fintech features.

Q3. Is iOS app development more expensive than Android?

Yes, iOS app development is slightly more expensive due to design expectations, security standards, and Apple’s strict guidelines.

Q4. What are hidden costs in iOS app development?

Hidden costs may include annual Apple Developer License fees, third-party integrations, app marketing, and long-term maintenance.

Q5. Can I reduce the cost of iOS app development in the UK?

Yes, by starting with an MVP, outsourcing development, and focusing on essential features first, businesses can cut costs significantly.