How Long Does It Take to Build an App?

How to Build an App Quickly with Appy Pie’s App Builder?

You can build a professional app in just a few steps using Appy Pie’s App Builder. This no-code platform lets anyone create feature-rich apps without technical knowledge, cutting down months of development to mere days.

Start by visiting the Appy Pie's App Maker website, accessible worldwide. Click the “Get Started” button to begin your app creation journey.

Type your app name which could reflect your business or idea. This will be used for branding and app store listings later. Click “Next” to continue.

Choose the category to match a visual content-sharing format. It’s ideal for curated collections and media-driven apps.

Pick a color theme that complements your app’s personality and brand identity. Light and minimal themes work well for content-forward applications.

Select between Android or iOS to preview your app on a mobile simulator. This helps you evaluate the design, layout, and user experience instantly.

Suggested Read: How to test an app with TestFlight?

Create a new Appy Pie account or log in with your credentials. This unlocks the drag-and-drop editor and feature customization panel.

Select a subscription plan based on your publishing and feature needs. Appy Pie offers Basic, Gold, and Platinum tiers to support all types of creators globally.

Edit your app using the visual editor. Add user profiles, image-sharing functionality, social buttons, and branding assets to personalize the experience.

Scan the QR code to test the app live on your smartphone. Review the performance, design, and usability across different devices and fix any issues before launch. For a step-by-step walkthrough, check out our detailed mobile app testing guide for 2025.

Use the Publish option to go live on Google Play Store (all plans) and Apple App Store (Platinum only). Your app becomes accessible worldwide after review and approval. Appy Pie’s App Maker is optimized for speed and scalability, making it ideal for businesses of all sizes. Its intuitive interface, AI-powered modules, and real-time preview capabilities help users build, refine, and deploy apps faster than traditional methods.

What Factors Affect How Long It Takes to Build an App?

Several factors influence how long it takes to develop an app—from complexity to platform choice and team size. Understanding these elements helps you set realistic timelines and avoid development delays.

• App Complexity: A simple app with static content takes less time than a dynamic app with real-time features or integrations.
• Features and Functionality: Adding advanced features like chat, payments, AI, or GPS significantly increases development time.
• Platform Selection: Developing for both iOS and Android may take longer unless you use cross-platform frameworks or no-code tools.
• Backend Infrastructure: If your app requires server-side development, APIs, or database integrations, time increases.
• Development Team Size: A larger, more experienced team can move faster, but coordination becomes crucial.
• Testing and QA: Thorough testing is essential. Bugs, feedback loops, and versioning add to the overall timeline.

Using an AI App Builder can streamline most of these processes and accelerate deployment time. By leveraging templates and automation, you can skip weeks of manual backend and frontend development work.

What’s the Final Verdict on App Development Time?

The time it takes to develop an app depends on your tools, scope, and workflow—but it can range from days to months. Traditional development may take 4–9 months, while using a no-code App Builder like Appy Pie’s App Maker can reduce that to a few days. Time isn't the only factor—learn how much it costs to build an app and plan your development accordingly

Using a no-code AI App Maker gives non-technical users the power to create professional-grade apps faster and more affordably. It also simplifies maintenance and updates, removing dependency on expensive developer cycles and long timelines.

Whether you're building a startup MVP, a business productivity app, or a customer engagement tool, there's an app builder that fits your timeline. Now that you know how long it takes to make an app, you can plan better and move faster with the right tools like Appy Pie.

FAQs on App Development Timelines

1. How much faster can I build an app using no-code tools compared to traditional coding?

   No-code tools can reduce development time by up to 80%. While traditional coding may take several months, platforms like Appy Pie’s App Builder allow you to launch a functional app in just a few days—eliminating complex coding, manual deployment, and time-consuming backend development.

2. What are the key stages that most influence the overall app development timeline?

   The most time-consuming stages include app design, feature development, and testing. Planning and MVP definition also significantly impact duration. Streamlining these stages with AI automation and drag-and-drop features can drastically cut the overall development time and prevent bottlenecks.

3. How does platform choice impact the total time to launch my app?

   Choosing to build for Android, iOS, or both influences development time. Native apps require separate coding efforts, while cross-platform or no-code solutions like Appy Pie let you launch across multiple platforms at once—saving significant development and debugging time.

4. Why does UI design and wireframing take up to 12 weeks in some projects?

   Complex apps often require extensive design iterations and user testing. This can extend the wireframing process. Using no-code tools with built-in templates and real-time previews can shorten this phase without compromising user experience.

5. How can AI-powered app builders reduce delays during testing and deployment?

   AI-powered builders offer automated testing, real-time previews, and error detection. This minimizes the back-and-forth usually seen in manual QA cycles. Tools like Appy Pie ensure your app is deployment-ready faster with one-click publishing options.