App development costs: What to expect in 2026

On the other hand, bespoke applications from The Distance are tailor-made to suit your unique business needs. We offer a higher level of customisation and flexibility, allowing you to incorporate features and functionalities that are essential to your business operations or user requirements.

Although bespoke applications may be a bigger investment and involve a longer development process initially, they provide a tailored, scalable solution that supports long-term growth and helps your business stand out from competitors.

Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each solution so you can weigh up what works best for your business.

Pros:

• Cost effective - They have generally lower upfront costs compared to bespoke solutions.
• Quick deployment - Ready-made features and functionalities allow for quicker implementation.
• Minimal technical expertise required - They’re more suitable for businesses without extensive technical knowledge.

Cons:

• Lack of customisation - Limited ability to tailor the app to specific business needs.
• Limited scalability - It may not accommodate future growth or changing business requirements.
• Potential for generic user experience - Less opportunity to create a unique user interface or user experience.
• Dependency on the supplier - You’re reliant upon the supplier to resolve issues at their own pace and unfortunately don’t have control of the platform.

Pros:

• Customisation - Tailored to meet specific business requirements and objectives you’re looking for.
• Scalability - Can be designed to accommodate future growth.
• Unique user experience - Allows for the creation of a distinct and branded user interface.
• Intellectual property - If you work with the right partner you will own the intellectual property of the application.

Cons:

• Higher cost - Typically involves higher upfront costs in comparison to out-of-the-box solutions.
• Longer development time - Custom development requires more time to design, develop, and test.
• Technical complexity - Requires expertise in app development and may involve more technical challenges.

It’s also worth considering whether you require an onshore, offshore, or blended team, as this can significantly affect both cost and communication.

Be sure to weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully and consider your business’s long-term goals and budget constraints. By focusing on the problem your app solves and thinking long-term, you can justify which is worth the investment in app development.

Remember, an app is not just a digital product, but an investment in the future success of your business.

The cost of app development varies depending on various factors, including the type of solution, discovery requirements, and long-term goals.

By understanding the differences between out-of-the-box and bespoke solutions and carefully evaluating your business needs and budget, you can make an informed decision that will benefit your business in the long run.

For us to deliver an application, a typical Minimal Lovable or Scalable Product built on The Core usually falls between £60,000 and £90,000. From there, fully bespoke builds can scale upwards depending on complexity, integrations and long-term ambition, often reaching £300,000+ for more advanced products.

If you’d like a clearer idea of cost, scope and what’s actually involved, we’d need to discuss your app idea and its goals.