How Much Does it Cost to Put an App on App Store?

The process of publishing an app is an essential part of Android and iPhone app development services and it involves a number of steps. When it comes to app publishing, there are two platforms mostly used – Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Both platforms play a big role in expanding the entire app industry but they have different guidelines and charge different fees for app upload and in-app purchases.

In this blog, we are going to explore how much does it cost to put an app on app store and also highlight key steps for app upload. Let’s get started.

How Much Does it Cost to Put an App on App Store?

Here is the table that shows the timeline and actual fees to publish an iOS app on the Apple App Store:

How Much Does it Cost to Put an App on Play Store?

Here is the table that shows the timeline and actual fees to publish an Android app on the Google Play Store:

What is an App Store? 

An App Store is, on iOS devices, an online portal to download or purchase mobile applications. With an increasing number of mobile devices, making an application has become necessary even though it has extended to several desktop operating systems and web browsers.  

Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome even offer app stores where you can quickly download and install web-based programs.  

Each major mobile operating system supplier, including Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Blackberry, has app stores where they may govern the programs available on their platforms. 

Key Features: 

1. Catalog of Apps: Provides various programs organized by category for simple browsing. 

2. Search and Recommendations: Users can search for specific apps and receive personalized recommendations. 

3. Ratings and Reviews: Users can score apps and provide reviews to assist others in picking which ones to download. 

4. Updates: Provides updates for installed apps, ensuring they function smoothly and are secure. 

5. Developer Access: Developers can submit applications for publication on the platform. 

6. Payment System: Allows for safe in-app or app purchasing. 

What Factors Affect on Cost to Put an App on App Store?

The total cost of app publishing depends on a number of factors. Some of the prime factors include: 

Publishing platform: The platform you select for your app publishing directly impacts total costs. Android and iOS both have different associated costs. Apart from that, you need to follow separate guidelines and pay different registration fees to publish any app on the Play Store or Apple App Store.

App Complexity Levels:

The complexity level of your application highly influences the publishing costs. Basic apps with custom design features and functionalities will cost less to publish in comparison to highly complex mobile apps. This is because complex apps require custom user interface design, advanced integrations, and top-notch functionalities. 

Design Requirements: Premium quality app design improves overall user experience & makes the application more visually appealing. However, customized app design including graphic assets or UI/UX design significantly influences app development and publishing costs. 

App Features: The total number of features and functionalities added to the application directly impacts associated costs. Basic app functionalities with simple features can be cost-effective in comparison to developing apps with complex features like social media integration, real-time updates, geolocations, etc. 

Quality Assurance & Testing: Appropriate app testing is important to determine your app performance across devices & operating systems like iOS, Android, etc. Testing methods like compatibility testing, automated testing, and manual testing influence overall iOS app development app publishing costs.

Steps to Publish an App on The Apple App Store

The process of publishing an application on the App Store involves a number of steps. However, before you get into the key steps, you have to know the guidelines for app submission on the app store mentioned by the App Store for any app submission. Guidelines include:

1. iPhone app developers must be responsible for making sure that the app will perfectly comply with Apple’s guidelines, including third-party SDKs, analytics services, ad networks, etc.
2. Your app will be removed in case if you manipulate ratings and cheat the review system 
3. You have to comply with Apple’s “apps for kids” guidelines
4. Apps should be free of objectionable content like explicit materials, discrimination, etc.
5. The privacy policy of the app should comply with Apple’s guidelines
6. Apps should be functional before you publish it
7. You must follow Apple’s all software standards and technical requirements properly
8. You never copy another application & make changes for the final release
9. Apps should be designed with minimum functionalities

Technically, the entire App Store Guidelines are lengthy. There are 5 important categories including safety, business, performance, legal, and design. Here is an overview of the iOS app publishing process:

Step 1: Enroll in the Apple’s Developer Program:

Before you put your app on the Apple App Store, you have to join the Developer Program. To successfully enroll in this program, you must have an Apple ID and enable two-factor authentication. For Apple ID, the following things are required:

Step 2: Prepare your application for final submission

Now, you need to prepare your app for the final submission. To do that, you need to consider the following things:

1. Build the app: Develop the app & thoroughly test it to ensure that it meets all standards and guidelines mentioned by Apple.

2. App Icons & screenshots: Create top-notch app icons & screenshots to showcase all features and functionalities of your app.
3. App Store Description: Write a proper description regarding your application for the App Store. You must include all key functions and features of your app in the description.

Apart from that, Apple also allows you to create the app category with the submission. This is developed to help app users find your application in the App Store seamlessly. Key options include:

Step 3: Generate profiles & certificates

Now, set up your provisioning profiles and distribution certificates to sign & package your application for distribution. This is highly required for submitting any apps to the Apple App Store.

Step 4. Create App Store Connect

App Store Connect refers to a platform that is used to manage and distribute apps. All you need to do is set up your application on this platform by providing information like application name, features, and description, pricing, keywords, primary language, category, metadata description, etc.

Step 5: Use Xcode for app upload

Use Application Loader or Xcode to upload your application to the App Store. Before that, you need to make sure that your app is completely functional and bug-free. Don’t proceed with this stage until you make sure that your app meets all of Apple’s guidelines and industry standards.
Once you have done, start uploading your application from Xcode. It will check a few steps and ensure that your app is not broken. If any problem arises or something is missing, Xcode will stop the uploading process & ask you to modify the app.

Step 6: Submit and review

Wait until App Store Connect processes your application completely. You will get an email once the app is processed & ready to publish officially. This will save time and you do not have to check it manually. The review process mainly ensures that the app perfectly complies with Apple’s guidelines.

Step 7: Release your app

After submission, you can easily track your app status in the App Store Connect. It usually takes 1 to 2 days for approval. Once the app is approved, you can release it manually or set a release date. After that, your app will be available on the App Store.

What is Google Play Store? 

Google Play Store is the digital distribution medium for Android smartphones which Google makes. The most critical user marketplace used to have most apps, games, books, films, series, and more. 

The Google Play Store confirmed its status as the world’s largest app store, with more than 2.3 million Android apps presented in August 2020, according to Statista. 

Key Features: 

1. Apps and Games: The store has millions of Android apps and games, both free and paid, in categories such as productivity, entertainment, education, health, and more. 

2. Media Content: Users can buy or rent digital movies, TV shows, music (in select locations), and eBooks. 

3. Automatic Updates: It allows users to automatically update programs, ensuring they get the most recent features and security patches. 

4. In-App Purchases: Many apps and games provide in-app purchases, which allow users to unlock more features or content. 

5. Parental Controls: Provides capabilities for blocking access to specific sorts of content based on age. 

6. Google Play Protect: A built-in security function that detects and certifies apps for malware and malicious behavior. 

7. Subscription Management: Users can easily manage and pay for app or service subscriptions. 

Steps to Publish an App on The Play Store

The process of putting an Android app on the Google Play Store involves a number of steps. For a hassle-free upload, you have to follow the below steps carefully:

Step 1: Create a Developer’s Account

You have to start this process by opening a developer’s account or dashboard. The overall account registration process is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is go to Google Play Console which is the backend controlling center and then pay $25 (one-time registration fee) to start signing in.
During the process, fill in all your credentials for the account including your name and location. Once you have done this, wait until you give approval. Generally, it takes 1 to 2 days for final approval.

Step 2: Link your Google Wallet Merchant Account

Next, if you want to release a paid application or sell in-app purchases, you have to open a merchant account. To open this account, you need to follow below steps:

Once you have done so, your account will get linked to the console. This will allow you to manage monthly payouts and app sales.

Step 3: Set up the Application

Once you have linked your merchant account, you have to set up your application thoroughly. Steps that you must follow for this stage include: 

1. Go to the ‘All applications’ tab in the menu 
2. Click the ‘Create Application’ button
3. Find your app’s default language from the drop-down list
4. Enter your app title (You may edit it later)
5. Select “Create” button

After that, your application will start displaying on the Play Store once it has been published. As the app title is changeable, you can change or modify it later.

Step 4: App Store listing

App store listing is a very crucial stage that you need to consider before you release your application. With this stage, you can add valuable info and app details that will be helpful for your users. One of the major benefits of the app store listing stage is that you can make your draft & visit again to make changes before you launch the app. Different categories of app store listing include:

1. App’s General Info
2. Graphical Assets
3. Languages and Translations
4. Categorization
5. Contact Details
6. Privacy Policy

Step 5: Upload App Bundles or APK

Next, you have to use App bundles or APK files for the final release. Technically, APK is the Android Package Kit used for app installations and distributions. An APK file contains several elements that are required for your app. Google offers different methods to release APKs. In this step, you need to select ‘App Release’ in the Google Play Console and then select the ‘Create Release’ option.

Once you have done this, it will be redirected to the production page. Here, you have to make decisions whether you opt for app store signing or not. If you select the latter, select ‘OPT-OUT’ to proceed. Now, choose ‘Browse files’ and check how to execute the APK uploading process to the Play Store. Then select the ‘Review’ button for confirmation and then press ‘Save’.

Step 6: Focus on your app rating

Next, you need to rate your app on the Google Play Store. Without a proper app rating, your app can be placed on the ‘Unrated’ list. In many cases, Google can permanently remove ‘Unrated’ applications from the Play Store.

In this step, you need to fill up a questionnaire based on content rating and make sure the information that you have filled out is correct. Misrepresentation also leads to permanent app removal from the Play Store. An accurate app rating helps you reach a broader audience and boost your app engagement significantly.

Step 7: Set up your app distribution and pricing

In this step, you need to determine your app monetization strategy and assign the cost. If you want to make your application for free then no changes will be required as Google does not allow iOS app developers to convert free apps into paid ones. You just open the app distribution and pricing tab and make your decision regarding the paid or free version of your app. Moreover, if your app is not harmful to kids, click ‘Yes’ and otherwise select ‘No’ to proceed further.

Step 8: Publish the app

After all things are checked and evaluated, you can start publishing your application. Before the final release, kindly go through the content rating, app pricing & distribution, and store listing properly. Once done, select ‘Release management’ and click ‘App releases’ for final upload.

Advantages of Apple App Store and Google Play Store

App Store & Play Store both app publishing platforms provide a number of benefits for users and developers. Let’s have a look at some of the prime advantages of these platforms.

Apple App Store: 

1. User Privacy & Security: Apple always focuses on their user privacy and app security levels. Due to Apple’s strict privacy policies and security guidelines, users can download and install apps from the app store with complete peace of mind.

2. Integrated Ecosystem: Apple’s ecosystem allows users to integrate their apps with any iOS device, whether it’s an iPhone or iPad seamlessly. This significantly improves user experience and engages users with several Apple products.

3. Top-notch User Experience: As Apple provides a strict app reviewing process, it ensures that all apps available in the App Store are finely designed and developed. This leads to an unparalleled user experience for iOS users. 

4. Excellent App Monetization Options: The Apple App Store offers diverse monetization opportunities for iOS developers such as in-app purchases, subscriptions, paid apps, etc. This allows users to pay for premium iOS apps as well as services.

Google Play Store

1. Better Device Compatibility: In comparison to iOS, Android has wider device compatibility. This is because Play Store caters to a broad range of Android devices such as smartphones, wearables, tablets, and much more. 

2. Excellent Monetization Opportunities: Just like Apple, Google also supports different monetization models such as in-app purchases, ad-based revenue, subscriptions, paid apps, and so on. With these opportunities, developers can choose the best strategy for apps.

3. Open Ecosystem: Play Store is known for its open ecosystem feature. This advantage gives high flexibility to Android app developers in terms of the latest app updates, monetization strategies, etc. 

4. Google Services Integration: Google allows users to seamlessly integrate Android apps with several Google services like Google Assistant, Google Drive, Google Maps, and more. This effectively improves app usability and user experience.

What are The Differences Between The Google Play Store and Apple App Store?

In general, Google Play Store & Apple App Store both have a similar objective which is to offer top-notch apps to the users. However, there are many differences in terms of revenue, app submission process, publishing fees, and much more. Check out the key differences between these mobile app stores below:

Which Platform is Right for Me? 

Choosing between the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store depends on several factors, including your target audience, app goals, budget, and technical expertise.  

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide: 

Target Audience 

Generally, consumers are more willing to pay for apps, in-app purchases, and subscriptions using their Apple App Store in iOS. The platform has received good acceptance in developed markets: the US, Canada, Western Europe, and Australia. The App Store is the best option for your app if your target audience falls into these categories or if you will focus specifically on people who crave premium experiences. 

On the other hand, the Google Play Store is likely to reach parts termed emerging areas: Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Android rules the world of smartphones and is the place for apps developed with a global user in mind. However, Android consumers do not spend as much as iOS users on app purchases; thus, this would be more favorable for apps monetized through ads or a freemium model instead. 

Development Costs and Complexity 

Developing applications for an Apple app store is generally more expensive because of its tightening rules and because it needs very specific hardware, like Mac laptops and iOS devices, to test the application in real time. It is, however, easier to maintain applications because, with one platform, iOS, the designers need to deal with very little variation in devices compared to other platforms. If you want high-quality, seamless experiences and can afford premium development tools, iOS is a viable option. 

In general, developing the Google Play Store is less expensive. Android apps can be created with readily available tools and tested on a wider range of devices, including low-cost options. However, the variety of Android devices causes fragmentation, requiring developers to verify compatibility across screen sizes, hardware requirements, and operating system versions. This increases the difficulty of testing and optimization while providing access to a broader audience. 

Revenue Potential 

The Apple App Store is noted for producing more income overall, particularly for apps that use premium pricing or subscription models. If your app’s monetization strategy includes purchases or subscriptions, iOS consumers are more likely to spend than Android users. This platform is perfect for apps with a clear target audience willing to pay for high-quality content or features. 

The Apple App Store is noted for producing more income overall, particularly for apps that use premium pricing or subscription models. If your app’s monetization strategy includes purchases or subscriptions, iOS consumers are likelier to spend than Android users. This platform is perfect for apps with a clear target audience willing to pay for high-quality content or features. 

Publishing Process 

Publishing in the Apple App Store necessitates a thorough review procedure with stricter quality standards, which can take several days. This procedure ensures that only polished and secure programs are exposed to users. However, it also implies that apps are more likely to be rejected due to design inconsistencies or policy violations. Apple also charges an annual development fee of $99. 

In contrast, publishing in the Google Play Store is faster and easier. Most app reviews are finished within hours or days, and the platform’s more flexible rules minimize rejection rates. Developers also benefit from a $25 one-time registration charge, which makes the Play Store a more affordable choice for app producers, particularly those new to app creation. 

App Features and Ecosystem 

The Apple App Store integrates with Apple’s ecosystem, which includes the Apple Watch, MacOS laptops, and Siri. If the program uses features exclusive to the Apple ecosystem or targets consumers who prefer high-end hardware, the program stores an excellent choice. Its emphasis on quality and user experience makes it ideal for apps that prioritize performance and design. 

On the other hand, the Google Play Store supports a wide range of devices, including high-end smartphones, low-cost models, and even IoT devices. In this sense, applications would be targeted on a more open and flexible platform if designed for a wide audience. Whether your app focuses on unique features, price, or widespread adoption, the Play Store can reach a larger audience. 

Final Words

Publishing your app is one of the essential moments for every app owner. Therefore, it’s important to know the steps and the charges associated with it. If you are going to publish your app for the first time, you must follow the web app stores guidelines and monetization strategies for your application. If you would like to get additional support regarding your app development and publishing, talk to our experts and reach out to experienced consultants today.

FAQ’s

1. How much does it cost to register an app on the App Store?
In order to publish an iOS application on the Apple App Store, you have to register as a developer. The annual fee for the Apple Developer Program is $99 and the annual fee for the Apple Developer Enterprise Program is $299. The account cost should be renewed on a yearly basis.

2. How much do apps cost in the Apple Store?
$99 yearly for individual Developer Account. There are no additional ‘hosting’ charges. However, the cost of making an application for the App Store varies depending on different factors such as app types, features, functionalities, whether it’s paid or free, etc. Some of the major pricing models include: 

1. Free apps
2. Paid apps
3. In-app purchases
4. Subscription apps
5. Freemium Models

3. How much does it cost to publish an app on the Apple Store in India?
The table table shows the overall cost to publish an app on the App Store in India:

Store fee for Apple Developer Program	$99 per year
Store fee for Developer Enterprise Program	$299 per year
App publishing timeline	24 hours

4. What is the lowest App Store price?
The App Store price starts at just $0.29 & goes up to $10,000. Other prices can include $ 0.50, $1, $5, $10, $50, $100, etc. The pricing options usually increase across different price ranges. For instance, it may increase by $0.10 up to $10 and then $0.50 between $10 & $50.

5. How to upload an app to the app store?
The process of publishing mobile apps on Apple App Store and Google Play Store involves several steps. Here is a complete guide to publishing custom mobile application:

For the Apple App Store

Enroll the Apple’s developer programs

Prepare your app

Add app info and all other details

Create your app pricing

Set up in-app purchases

Add your app for final approval

For the Google Play Store

Create a dedicated developer’s account

Prepare your app

Set up you app listing on the Play Console

Make your app pricing & distribution

Upload the app’s APK and app bundle

6. How much does developing an app cost?
The cost of developing a feature-rich application starts from $20,000 and goes up to $200,000. Technically, this app development cost varies depending on plenty of factors including app complexity levels, core features & functionalities, customization options, development platforms, geographical locations, hourly rates, etc.

7. How much does it cost to put an app on the store?

You have to pay different charges for publishing apps on Google Play Store or Apple App Store.  Google charges a one-time fee of $25 to release an app successfully. Whereas, you have to pay a yearly fee of $99 to release an app on the Apple App Store. 

Store name	Publishing charges	Publishing timeline
Play Store	$25 (One-time reg. fee)	2 to 3 Days
App Store	$99 yearly	24 hours to Review