How Long Does It Take to Build a Mobile App?

iOS, Android, and React Native development timelines for every complexity level.

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Week-by-week timeline

Design & architecture

Week 1

✓Screen designs for iOS and Android
✓Navigation structure
✓API design
✓State management architecture

🏁 Approved screen designs

Development

Weeks 2–3

✓React Native / Expo setup
✓Core screens and features
✓API integration
✓Push notification setup
✓RevenueCat subscription setup

🏁 Functional app on TestFlight/Beta

QA & submission

Week 4

✓Device testing (iOS + Android)
✓Performance optimization
✓App Store listing (screenshots, description)
✓Submission to App Store and Play Store

🏁 Approved and live in both stores

What affects the timeline

Native vs cross-platform

React Native (one codebase for iOS + Android) is 40–60% faster than building both natively. We default to React Native + Expo for all mobile projects.

Offline functionality

Apps that work offline (reading, creating content without internet) require local database sync (MMKV, WatermelonDB) — adds 1–2 weeks of complexity.

App Store review time

Factor in 1–7 days for App Store review and 3–7 days for Play Store. First submissions are slower; rejected apps reset the clock.

Device-specific features

Camera, GPS, biometrics, Bluetooth, and ARKit integrations each add 2–5 days. Third-party SDK integrations (Plaid, Stripe) add 2–4 days each.

Timeline comparison

Option	Timeline	Notes
React Native + Expo (cross-platform)	3–4 weeks	One codebase for iOS and Android
Native iOS only (Swift)	4–6 weeks	Best performance, iOS only
Native Android only (Kotlin)	3–5 weeks	Google Play only
Both native apps	8–14 weeks	Two separate codebases
Flutter	4–6 weeks	Good for complex custom UI

Frequently asked questions

How long does App Store approval take?

First submission: 1–3 days for standard apps, up to 7–14 days for apps with in-app purchases or sensitive categories. Rejections add 3–7 days for revision and resubmission. We handle all submissions.

Should I start with iOS or Android?

iOS first — the App Store submission process is stricter, so passing iOS review means your app meets higher quality standards. iOS users also spend more on apps. Add Android in v2.