Many people who are about to order a mobile app do not know how the work goes, how long it takes or what is needed from them. In this article we walk through how we build an app, from the first call to the App Store and Google Play.
1. Conversation and the problem
First we find out what problem the app should solve, who will use it and how it will earn or save you money. After this step it is clear whether you need an app at all or a good website is enough. Sometimes the honest answer is the second one.
2. The MVP scope
An MVP is the first version of the app with only the features it cannot work without. Everything else moves to later phases. This way the app reaches real users sooner and you spend the budget on what is actually needed.
3. Choosing the technology
For most business apps we choose React Native or Flutter: one codebase runs on both iOS and Android. If the app works deeply with the device (Bluetooth, camera processing, AR), we recommend native development. We always explain the choice in writing.
4. Design and prototype
We prepare the screen layouts and then the full design. You see and tap through the prototype before any code is written. Design revisions are unlimited, and we follow Apple's and Google's guidelines so the app passes store review without trouble.
5. Development and backend
In parallel we build the app, the server side (backend) and the admin panel where your team manages products, orders and users. We connect payments (any Armenian bank, ArCa, Idram, Telcell, Stripe, PayPal and others), push notifications and your systems, such as 1C. At the end of every phase we show a working version.
6. Testing and publishing
We test on real iPhone and Android devices. Then we prepare the store pages (description, screenshots, privacy policy) and submit the app for review. You will need developer accounts: Apple charges 99 USD a year and Google a one-time 25 USD. We open the accounts in your company's name so the app belongs to you.
7. After launch
The app comes with a warranty and can stay under our maintenance for years: updates for new iOS and Android versions, bug fixes, new features. The source code and all accounts are handed over to you.
How long it takes
| App type | Example | Timeline |
|---|
| Simple app / MVP | catalogue, booking, bonus card | from 2 weeks |
| Mid-complexity business app | orders, payments, user account, notifications | 5–7 weeks |
| Marketplace or complex system | several roles, real-time data, integrations | 8–10 weeks |
The timeline and price are fixed in the contract, and you pay after accepting the work. We wrote about prices in detail in this article.
What to prepare before the first meeting
- A few sentences on what problem the app solves and who it is for.
- 2–3 apps you like, and why.
- Which systems you already have (website, 1C, CRM).
- Your preferred timeline and a rough budget range.
Examples from our work
More than 200 ProMobile employees use the app we built every day. The MedMeet app and QR entry are built for 20,000 participants. BonPharm's pharmacy app works in Armenia, the USA and the UAE. All projects are on the mobile app development page.