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Straight answers to the questions people actually ask before building an app.

FEATURED GUIDE 3 min read · Published September 2026 · Pricing & Budgets

How much does it cost to build an app in the UK in 2026?

A basic MVP app in the UK starts at around £500 with Appin500. Most UK agencies quote between £5,000 and £50,000 or more for a comparable first version.

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Recent Practical Guides

9 Guides

MVP Scoping 3 min read

What is an MVP, and why your first app should be one

An MVP, minimum viable product, is the smallest version of your app that still solves one real problem for one real user.

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How to turn your app idea into a real product

Turning an app idea into a real product starts with writing down the one problem it solves and who it solves it for.

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Do I need an app, or is a website enough?

If people need to come back to you regularly, book something, or get notified, an app usually earns its cost. If not, a website is enough, and cheaper.

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How long does it take to build an app?

A focused Starter app typically takes 7 to 14 days once scope is agreed. Larger builds take longer, and app store review can add 1 to 2 weeks.

Tech & Code 2 min read

Who owns the code when you hire an app developer?

With Appin500, you do, fully, the moment your final payment clears. That’s not universal across this industry, which is why it’s worth asking.

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A small business guide to launching on the App Store

Publishing on the App Store means an Apple Developer account, a completed app review, and a handful of assets ready before you submit.

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Native vs cross-platform: which is right for a first app?

For a first app, cross-platform usually wins, it gets you on both iOS and Android from one build, at a lower cost than two separate native apps.

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12 app ideas for UK small businesses

If you run a small business in the UK and keep wondering whether an app makes sense for you, these twelve concepts are a good place to start.

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What to prepare before your first developer call

You don’t need a formal document. You need clear answers to five questions before your first developer call.

GOOD QUESTIONS

Before you Take a Leap

Can you build any app for £500?

No. £500 is the starting point for a tightly scoped MVP with one core function. We’ll tell you what fits, what needs a larger package and what can wait for a later phase.

Is this a working app or just a design?

The agreed deliverable is a functional first version, not only static screens. The exact platform, features, backend and handover are defined before work begins.

Will I own my app?

You receive the project source code after final payment. Any third-party components remain subject to their own licences, which are identified during handover.

Can I add features later?

Yes. We can quote separately for additional features, integrations and ongoing support as your product grows.

How quickly can I launch?

Starter projects target 7–14 days after scope approval and receipt of required content and access. Complex features and app store review can take longer. Your quote confirms the delivery plan.

LET’S MAKE SOMETHING REAL

That app idea? Let’s hear it.

You don’t need a perfect brief. Just tell us what you have in mind — we’ll help you find the right first step.

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