iPhone apps, built once for iOS and Android

Simple apps with straightforward functionality typically take 2 to 3 months from concept to App Store submission, while more complex apps with custom backends, integrations, or advanced features may take 4 to 6 months or longer. We provide a detailed timeline after understanding your requirements during the discovery phase. Our process includes design, development, testing, and App Store submission, with regular progress updates so you always know where the project stands.

Yes, we manage the entire App Store submission process from start to finish. This includes preparing App Store screenshots, writing optimised descriptions, configuring metadata for discoverability, and responding to any feedback from the Apple review team. Our experience with Apple guidelines means we anticipate and address common rejection reasons before submission. We also handle age ratings, privacy policy requirements, and any supplementary documentation Apple requests.

We typically support the current iOS version and two versions back, which covers over 95% of active iOS devices in New Zealand. This balance ensures broad compatibility without the overhead of maintaining support for very old versions that only a tiny fraction of users still run. If your app targets a specific audience that may use older devices, such as enterprise or education users, we can discuss extending support further back based on your specific requirements.

Yes, we regularly take over maintenance and development of existing iOS apps built by other teams. We start with a thorough code review to understand the architecture, assess code quality, and identify any immediate issues or technical debt. From there, we can add new features, modernise the codebase to support the latest iOS versions and devices, fix existing bugs, or rebuild specific components that are causing problems. We provide an honest assessment of the app current state before quoting any work.

iOS app development costs vary significantly based on complexity, features, and design requirements. A simple utility app costs less than a complex app with custom animations, real-time data, third-party integrations, and a custom backend. We provide detailed estimates after a discovery phase where we define the scope and features together. For New Zealand businesses, we structure projects with clear milestones so you can manage cash flow and see value being delivered throughout the build rather than waiting until the end.

It depends on what your app does. Apps that need to store user data, sync across devices, send push notifications, or connect to third-party services require a backend server or cloud service. Simpler apps that function independently on the device may not need one. We use services like Firebase, AWS, and custom backends depending on your requirements and scale. Backend costs are an important part of the total project budget, and we help you choose the most cost-effective approach for your specific needs.

Launching is just the beginning of your app journey. After launch, your app needs ongoing maintenance to stay compatible with new iOS versions released annually, security patches for any vulnerabilities in dependencies, and bug fixes based on real-world user feedback. Most successful apps also require regular feature updates to keep users engaged and attract new downloads. We offer maintenance plans that cover all of this, or we can hand over the codebase with documentation if you prefer to manage it in-house.

We handle App Store Optimisation (ASO) as part of our submission process, including keyword research for your app title and description, compelling screenshot design, and optimised metadata to improve discoverability in App Store search results. For broader app marketing strategy, including launch campaigns, user acquisition, and growth tactics, we can collaborate with your marketing team or connect you with specialists in mobile app marketing. A great app needs both solid development and smart marketing to succeed in the competitive App Store.