How Hard is it to Make an App: Guide For Non-developers 2025
Creating an app in 2025 is no longer limited to developers. With modern no-code and low-code tools like Adalo, Glide, or FlutterFlow, non-developers can now build apps quickly, affordably, and without technical expertise. This guide walks you through each stage — from validating your idea and choosing the right platform, to designing, building, testing, and launching. It also compares different development approaches (no-code vs full-code), helping you understand what’s realistically achievable for beginners and when to hire experts.
What is Mobile App Development?
Mobile app development is the process of building software applications specifically for mobile devices. The process begins with the generation of ideas and market research, followed by the design of the user interface and the coding of the app's features. In addition, ongoing support is provided after launch to ensure a seamless user experience.
Mobile apps are expected to produce more than 613 billion US dollars in revenue by 2025, with mobile games that accounts for the largest revenue share among all app genres. This figure highlights the huge potential for app creators.
To create an app you need several key components. First, one must identify the target audience, Understand who will use the app and help influence the design and functionality. Next, define the app's purpose. A clear objective guides the development process.
The platform choice is another important element. It is possible to create apps for iOS, Android, or both. Every platform has a unique set of needs and target audience. As a result, deep knowledge on how to create an app for each platform is necessary for success.
How Hard is to Create an App?
It ranges from very easy to very difficult — depending on your approach. No-code tools make it simple for beginners, while custom apps require development skills or an agency.
Factors Affecting Difficulty:
- App Complexity:
Simple apps (like calculators or to-do lists) are much easier to build than complex apps with real-time features, multiple integrations, or custom animations.
- Technical Skills:
Your coding knowledge or lack thereof plays a big role. No-code tools lower the barrier, but custom apps require programming expertise.
- Platform Choice:
Developing for iOS, Android, or both can affect difficulty and cost. Cross-platform frameworks like Flutter or React Native help reduce complexity.
- Design Requirements:
Highly customized UI/UX designs take more time and skills to implement than basic templates.
- Backend Infrastructure:
Apps needing servers, databases, user authentication, or third-party APIs require additional setup and maintenance.
- Budget & Timeline:
Limited budgets and tight deadlines can add pressure and affect how smoothly development goes.
- Tool Selection:
Choosing the right no-code, low-code, or full-code platform that fits your needs makes the process easier.
No-Code vs Low-Code vs Full-Code App Development:
| Development Type | Skill Level Required | Cost Estimate | Development Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-Code | Beginner (Non-technical) | Low ($0–$500/mo) | Very Fast (1–3 weeks) | MVPs, internal tools, quick prototypes |
| Low-Code | Basic tech knowledge | Medium ($500–$5k) | Fast (2–6 weeks) | Startups, small businesses, scalable MVPs |
| Full-Code | Advanced (Developers) | High ($5k–$100k+) |
Slower (1–6 months) |
Custom apps, large-scale platforms, APIs |
How to Create an App for Android
Android app development involves several steps. One needs to select appropriate tools and technologies for the development process. The official Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for creating Android smartphone apps exists through Android Studio. This tool contains vital capabilities like code manager functions alongside debugging tools along with tools for performance examination.
Choose the Right Tools
- To create an app for Android, start with the right tools. Android Studio provides a comprehensive setup for develop apps. The two primary languages used for Android apps are Java and Kotlin.
- Learn these languages to write clear and strong code. If you need help, hire Android app developers to make the process easier.
Plan the User Interface
- Once the tools are ready, think about how the app looks and feels. A clean and simple layout makes the app easy to use. The design should match what your app does and what your users expect.
- A nicely planned interface helps people enjoy using your app and keeps them coming back.
Start the Code
- After the design is ready, developers begin the next step. To create an app for Android, they use Java or Kotlin. Kotlin gives modern features and easy code. Java works well for strong and stable apps. Pick the language that fits your app needs best.
Testing the App
- Quality Assurance is another critical aspect of Android app development. This procedure needs to be complete to validate that the application performs well across multiple devices and screen sizes.
- Developers utilize Espresso together with JUnit to produce automated testing. The application reliability increases when developers find and resolve errors at an early development stage.
App Launch
- After testing, developers prepare for launch. A developer account should be created before Google Play Store publication of an app.
- The successful approval process becomes possible by following official submission guidelines. Effective marketing strategies can also boost visibility and downloads.
How to Build an iOS App
iOS app development requires a different approach. The official IDE provided by Apple which developers use to create iOS applications is XCode. Through XCode developers can access multiple tools which assist them in design and develop the application before they perform testing activities.
Set Up the Development Environment
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The first step in iOS app development involves prepare the development environment. Installation of Xcode is essential for the access of its features. To streamline the development process, one must be familiar with the Xcode’s interface.
Designing the User Interface
- Building an easy to use user interface stands as the main objective during the design phase. Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines shares essential design information to build an appealing product.
- The design approach should comply with user expectations since it leads to better usability and user engagement.
Choose the right Programming Language
- Next, developers must choose a programming language. Swift maintains its status as the top iOS programming language because it provides developers with simplicity and performance benefits. However the usage of Objective-C continues although developers primarily use Swift.
Test the App Properly
- To create an app for iOS, testing holds great importance. Developers use XCTest to run unit tests and UI tests. These tests help check if the app works well on different devices. Early issue detection helps avoid problems during launch.
Submitting the App
- After testing the developer submits the app to the App Store for evaluation. To succeed during the submission process developers must follow Apple’s guidelines exactly to prevent Apple from rejecting the application.
- The implementation of appropriate marketing techniques enables better spread and more downloads of the app.
How to Create an App in Flutter
Flutter achieves success as a preferred development platform because this framework in programming allows developers to build applications for both Android and iOS from a single codebase. To use Flutter developers must start by installing the Flutter SDK together with setting up their development environment.
Installing Flutter SDK
- The first requirement to make a Flutter app is installing the Flutter SDK. The SDK download procedure lets you establish your development environment. Familiarizing oneself with the Flutter documentation provides valuable insights.
Design the App with Flutter
- To create an app with Flutter, use its widget system. Widgets help build clear and flexible user interfaces. Flutter also has a hot reload tool that shows changes quickly. This saves time and helps developers try new ideas with ease.
Coding the Application
- For coding, Dart serves as the programming language for Flutter. Dart presents both simple learning principles and advanced functionality that leads developers to create appealing responsive apps.
- It is wise to evaluate the Flutter vs React Native debate before deciding on a framework when you feel unsure about coding.
Testing the Flutter App
- Testing in Flutter involves using the built-in testing framework. Developers can conduct unit tests, widget tests and integration tests. This thorough testing process ensures the app functions correctly across platforms. Identifying issues early improves the overall quality.
Launch the App
- To create an app with Flutter, end the process by launching it. Build separate files for Android and iOS. Follow the rules of each app store before submission. Use smart marketing methods to reach more users and grow your app.
How to Create a Hybrid App
The fundamental design principle of hybrid applications merges native and web-based application characteristics. With this approach developers build one application that operates across multiple system platforms. Hybrid app development frameworks consist mainly of React Native and Ionic.
Selecting the Right Framework
- The first step involves selecting the right framework in programming. The programming language of React Native consists of JavaScript whereas Ionic applications run on HTML together with CSS and JavaScript.
- A developer selects their framework by assessing their skill level and project specifications. Business decisions become simpler when developers know framework strengths.
Designing the User Interface
- Designing a hybrid app requires a focus on responsiveness. Developers must implement design features that adapt to different screen dimensions and orientations in the application.
- Structured user interfaces both improve user experience and enhance their engagement level.
Write Code in a Hybrid Setup
- To create an app in a hybrid setup, use web technologies. Developers reuse web apps and place them inside a hybrid shell. Clean code gives better speed and smooth user flow.
Test the Hybrid App
- Use tools like Appium or Detox to run tests. These tools check how the app works on different phones and systems. Strong testing helps catch errors and improve the app before launch.
Submit the Hybrid App
- After tests, move to the launch step. Submit the app to stores by following native app rules. Good marketing helps more users find and install your app.
The App Development Process
App development starts with ideas, then moves to design, coding, testing, and finally launching the product. Each stage requires planning, teamwork, and tools to ensure quality, functionality, and a smooth user experience. Continuous feedback and testing help refine the app before reaching users on Android, iOS, or the web.
The app development process consists of several stages. Each stage requires careful planning and execution.
Ideation Phase
- The initial ideation stage begins by generating concepts before establishing the main purpose of the app. The foundation for the entire project gets established at this stage.
- Effective stakeholder involvement during the development process leads to increased creativity alongside innovative solutions.
Design Phase
- Wireframes along with prototypes receive attention during the design phase. The graphic design assists users in comprehending how the app looks and how it functions.
- Effective design improves communication and alignment among team members.
Coding Phase
- The coding phase follows, where developers write the actual code. This stage requires collaboration among team members to ensure consistency and quality.
- Utilizing version control systems enhances teamwork and code management.
Test the App at Every Step
- In learning how to create an app, testing plays a key role. Run tests throughout the process to catch problems early. Let users try a beta version to collect feedback and improve the app.
Launch the App with a Clear Plan
- At the final step, publish the app on the app stores. Use strong marketing efforts to reach users. A well planned launch increases your chances of success.
Technology Used in App Development
Your tool selection is based on the platform and requirements of the app. Kotlin or Java are used in Android apps. Apps for iOS run on Objective-C or Swift.
Flutter apps use a widget-based architecture and are compatible with Dart. HTML, CSS and JavaScript are web tools that hybrid apps use. Understand these tools helps developers make better decisions throughout the process.
Your program is also supported by backend systems. Ruby on Rails, Python and Node.js are used by many developers. AWS and Firebase are two cloud platforms that support data storage and app maintenance.
Which Platforms Used to Make an App?
- Choosing the right platform is critical for app success. The mobile app market is ruled by Android alongside iOS. The platforms feature separate user groups who need different features.
- Android dominates a substantial portion of the market which makes it appealing to developers. The Google Play Store gives Android apps broad marketplace access yet iOS markets itself toward different demographic groups.
- The users of this platform demonstrate a higher tendency to purchase mobile applications and pay for additional features within those applications.
- Developers must consider their target audience when selecting a platform. Understanding user preferences can influence design and functionality decisions.
Native App Development (Best Performance)
Android Studio (for Android)
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Official tool by Google for building Android apps
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Full-featured environment with everything you need
Xcode (for iOS)
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Apple's official tool for building iOS apps
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Used with Swift or Objective-C languages
Swift & Kotlin
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Swift is for iOS; modern, fast, and secure
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Kotlin is for Android; easier than Java and widely supported
Cross-Platform Development (One Codebase, Multiple Platforms)
React Native
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Build apps using JavaScript
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Runs on both Android and iOS
Flutter
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Created by Google
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One codebase for Android, iOS, web, and desktop
Ionic
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Uses web tech (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
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Great for building simple, multi-platform apps
Cordova (Apache Cordova)
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Wraps web apps into native shells
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Good for quick, hybrid solutions
Xamarin
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Uses C# and .NET via Microsoft tools
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Builds native apps for Android and iOS
NativeScript
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Use JavaScript, TypeScript, or Angular
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Builds truly native mobile apps
No-Code / Low-Code Platforms (No Coding Needed)
AppMySite
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Great for turning websites into mobile apps
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Quick and customizable
Bubble
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Drag-and-drop builder for web & mobile apps
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No coding skills required
Zoho Creator
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Low-code builder focused on business apps
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Easy to automate and customize workflows
Adalo
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Design apps visually for iOS and Android
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Perfect for MVPs and startups
Firebase (by Google)
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Backend service for apps
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Offers hosting, database, analytics, and more
What is the Best Monetization Strategy for Apps?
The process of turning an app into revenue depends on multiple strategies. Developers can choose between asking users to buy items inside their applications or charging regular fees or placing advertising content in their products.
Paid Apps
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Users pay a one-time fee upfront to download and use the app.
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This model gives immediate revenue but may limit the number of downloads.
In-App Purchases
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It allows users to buy additional features or content. This approach can generate significant revenue if executed correctly.
In-App Advertising
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Shows ads like banners or videos inside the app to earn revenue from free users.
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Developers get paid when users view or click the ads, managed by ad networks like AdMob.
Freemium Model
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Offers the app free with basic features, charging for upgrades or premium content.
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Allows most users to try the app while some pay for extra benefits.
Subscription Models
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Subscriptions provide a steady income stream. Users pay a recurring fee for continued access to the app's features. This model works well for apps that offer continuous services or regularly updated content.
"Some developers suggest a hybrid model — offering a one-time unlock with limited updates, where users pay once to access the full app and receive updates for a set period (e.g., 6–12 months). After that, they can keep using the app as-is or pay again to unlock future improvements. This model avoids unnecessary subscriptions and creates a fair balance between user value and developer sustainability."
Difference Between Ad Revenue and Subscription Revenue
Ad revenue is the money an app makes by showing ads to users. The app owner earns when people see or click these ads. Users don’t pay anything but see ads while using the app. Subscription revenue is the money an app makes when users pay regularly (like monthly) to use the app or get extra features. Users pay to avoid ads or access special content.
Example:
A projection indicated that Netflix's advertising revenue is expected to surpass seven billion U.S. dollars by 2027, while its subscription revenue is anticipated to decrease to approximately 27 billion U.S. dollars.
| Point | Ad Revenue | Subscription Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays? | Companies who show ads | Users who use the app |
| How money is made? | By showing ads to users | By users paying regularly |
| Do users pay? | No | Yes |
| What users see? | Ads during the app | No ads, plus extra features |
| Income type | Can go up and down | Steady and regular |
| Best for | Free apps with many users | Apps with ongoing content or tools |
How to Market an App?
App marketing involves building awareness, acquiring new users, and retaining them through strategies like App Store Optimization (ASO), advertising, placements, and promotions. Key tactics include optimizing your app store listing, leveraging social media, content marketing, influencer partnerships, paid ads, and in-app advertising. Tracking performance and refining your strategy are essential for success.
Simple Steps to Market Your App:
1. Build a Strong Online Presence:
- Create a dedicated website that explains your app and its benefits.
- Establish social media profiles to share updates and connect with your audience.
2. App Store Optimization (ASO):
- Use relevant keywords in your app’s title and description to improve searchability.
- Add high-quality screenshots and a demo video to showcase your app clearly.
3. Content Marketing:
- Produce valuable blog posts, videos, or articles related to your app’s niche.
- Share this content through social media and email newsletters to attract users.
4. Leverage Social Media:
- Post engaging updates and promotions regularly to maintain user interest.
- Run targeted ad campaigns to reach your ideal audience.
5. Paid Advertising:
- Use app install ads on platforms like Google Ads and Apple Search Ads to drive downloads.
- Employ retargeting ads to re-engage users who showed interest but didn’t download yet.
6. Influencer Marketing:
- Collaborate with influencers relevant to your app’s niche for wider reach.
- Provide incentives such as free app access for authentic promotion.
7. In-App Advertising:
- Display ads within your app to engage existing users and promote new features.
- Target specific user groups inside the app to encourage further interaction or downloads.
Conclusion
How hard is to create an app? While it can seem like a complex journey, it’s ultimately a rewarding one. From initial planning to the final launch, each stage requires careful consideration. Understanding the development process, technology, and platforms is crucial for success. If you want to add your unique touch to the app development process, partner with the best Mobile App Developers today. Our expertise can help turn your vision into reality. Contact UrApp Tech Today!
