How Long Does It Take to Build an App? Real Timelines

How long it takes to build an app depends mostly on two things: how much the app does and how you build it. A focused business app built with an AI app builder can be live in a few weeks. A custom-coded consumer app with payments, chat and an admin panel can take the better part of a year. Most projects land somewhere in between.

Below are realistic ranges by approach and by app type, the store review times you need to plan around and the things that actually slow projects down.

How long does it take to build an app by approach?

The way you build changes the timeline more than anything else. These are typical ranges for a first version that real users can rely on, not a demo.

For a reference point on custom builds, a GoodFirms survey of more than 150 software development companies found most firms deliver custom software in an average of 4.5 months, with projects ranging from one to nine months depending on type, requirements and technology.

Not sure which approach fits? Our guides to no-code app builders and how much it costs to build an app cover the trade-offs.

How long does it take by type of app?

Complexity drives time. Every login type, payment flow, integration and admin screen adds work. These rough ranges assume a modern approach with an experienced team.

If you're building an MVP, the fastest path is cutting scope, not working faster. Our MVP development guide shows how to pick the one workflow that matters.

What are the stages of building an app?

Most app projects move through the same six stages. Skipping one rarely saves time. It usually moves the delay to the end.

1. 1Discovery (a few days to 2 weeks): who it is for, the core workflow, what success looks like and what is out of scope.
2. 2Design (1 to 4 weeks): screens, user flows and the data model. AI builders compress this, but the decisions still need making.
3. 3Build (2 weeks to several months): the app itself, logins, data, integrations and admin tools.
4. 4Testing (1 to 3 weeks): real devices, real accounts, edge cases and a security check.
5. 5Store preparation (a few days to 2 weeks): screenshots, descriptions, privacy details, demo accounts and developer account setup.
6. 6Review and launch (1 day to 3 weeks): Apple review, Google Play testing and review, then release.

How long does App Store and Google Play review take?

Apple review is usually fast. Google Play review is usually fast too, but new personal developer accounts have a required testing period that adds at least two weeks.

Apple's App Review page says it reviews "at least 50% of submissions in less than 24 hours and 90% in less than 48 hours." Rejections reset the clock, so the real risk is getting rejected, not the review itself. Our list of App Store rejection reasons covers the common ones.

Google Play has two things to plan for. First, Google says that for certain developer accounts it takes more time to review apps, which "may result in review times of up to seven days or longer in exceptional cases." Second, Google requires that developers with personal accounts created after November 13, 2023 run a closed test with "a minimum of 12 testers who have been opted in continuously for at least 14 days" before they can publish to everyone.

Also allow time for developer accounts. Enrolling in the Apple Developer Program as an organization requires verifying your business, which can take days, so start early. Our guide to Apple Developer account costs covers the steps, and how to publish an app on the App Store walks through the submission.

What slows app projects down?

The biggest delays are rarely technical. They are decisions, feedback and content that arrive late.

• Scope creep: each "small" addition touches screens, data, testing and store listings. Keep a list for version two.
• Slow feedback: a week waiting for approval on a design is a week of nothing happening. Agree on a feedback rhythm up front.
• Missing content: copy, images, pricing and policies often show up last and hold up testing and store listings.
• Third-party approvals: payment processors, texting registrations, API access and business verification all run on someone else's schedule.
• Integrations: connecting to an older system or an app with a thin API can take longer than building the app itself.
• Rework from AI prompts: on AI builders, broad prompts can change parts of the app you already approved. Small, specific requests are faster in the end.

How can you build an app faster?

Build less, decide faster and start the slow outside processes on day one.

1. 1Write down the one workflow the first version must do perfectly, and cut everything else.
2. 2Use an AI app builder or a no-code platform for the first version unless you have a clear reason not to.
3. 3Open your Apple and Google developer accounts in the first week.
4. 4Prepare store content (screenshots, description, privacy policy, support page) while the app is being built.
5. 5Start Google Play closed testing as soon as you have a stable build.
6. 6Hold a short weekly review so decisions never wait more than a few days.

That's how we work at Virtual Horizons. As a Base44 Legend Partner, Ambassador and Community Pillar, we build most business apps on Base44 for speed, then handle the production work and store submissions ourselves. See our app development and mobile publishing services.

Roenic Natarelli

Founder, Virtual Horizons

Roenic runs Virtual Horizons and is a Base44 Legend Partner, Ambassador and Community Pillar, Base44 Shark Tank winner and multiple-time Vibe Sprint winner. The studio builds web and mobile apps, AI voice agents and automations, with more than 10 apps live on the App Store and Google Play. More about us