# Frequently Asked Questions > Get answers to common questions about app development cost, timeline, process, technology, and working with App369. Founder-led studio in Miami, Florida. Canonical: https://app369.com/faq/ Everything you need to know about working with App369, from cost and timeline to technology and post-launch support. Section 01 ## **Cost & Pricing** ### **How much does custom app development cost?** It depends on complexity, platform choices and features. Our published rates are on the [fee structure](https://app369.com/fee-structure/) page, and the free [app cost calculator](https://app369.com/tools/app-cost-calculator/) gives a range with every assumption listed. Get a personalized estimate with our [instant quote](https://app369.com/instant-quote/). ### **What factors determine app development cost?** The biggest cost drivers are: **feature complexity** (simple CRUD vs. real-time, AI, payments), **platform choice** (iOS-only vs. cross-platform), **design requirements** (standard UI vs. custom animations), **third-party integrations** (APIs, payment gateways, CRMs), and **backend infrastructure** (simple database vs. scalable cloud architecture). Read our detailed [2026 app development cost guide](https://app369.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-build-an-app-2026/) for full breakdowns by app type. ### **Can cross-platform development with Flutter reduce my costs?** Yes. [Flutter development](https://app369.com/service/flutter-development/) lets you build iOS, Android, and web from a single codebase instead of building two separate native apps. You also save on long-term maintenance since updates only need to be made once. ### **How are payments structured?** Fixed-price offers are paid in full before work starts. Larger builds start with a paid scoping and are then quoted in writing, with their payment schedule, and start only with your yes. Ongoing work runs on the Monthly Dev Subscription, billed monthly. See the [fee structure](https://app369.com/fee-structure/) for details. ### **What is the minimum project budget?** Fixed-price services start at **$450** (see [fixed-price services](https://app369.com/fixed-price/)), and consultations are $100 per 15 minutes. For custom builds on a smaller budget, we offer our [MVP development service](https://app369.com/service/mvp-development/) designed to validate your idea with the essential features first, then scale based on user feedback. ### **Do you offer fixed-price quotes?** Yes. After our initial discovery phase, we provide a **detailed fixed-price proposal** with a clear scope of work, timeline, and deliverables. This protects you from unexpected cost overruns. If scope changes arise during development, we discuss and agree on adjustments before any additional work begins. Section 02 ## **Timeline & Process** ### **How long does it take to build a mobile app?** A web app MVP takes **about 4 weeks** from the signed quote. A mobile app takes longer, and the timeline is in your written quote. Try our [app timeline calculator](https://app369.com/tools/app-timeline-calculator/) for a personalized estimate. ### **What does your development process look like?** We follow an [agile development](https://app369.com/glossary/what-is-agile-development/) process with six phases: **1) Discovery & Strategy**: understanding your goals and users. **2) UI/UX Design**: wireframes and interactive prototypes. **3) Development**: building in 2-week sprints with regular demos. **4) QA & Testing**: thorough testing across devices. **5) Launch**: app store submission and deployment. **6) Post-Launch Support**: monitoring, updates, and iteration. ### **How will I know the status of my project?** Everything is in writing. You get **written progress updates**, pull requests you can review, and staging builds so you can test features as they’re completed. Simon, who builds the app, is your single point of contact. There are no standing meetings; live calls are available at $100 per 15 minutes. ### **Will I be involved in the development process?** Absolutely. We believe the best products come from close collaboration. You’ll be involved in **design reviews, sprint demos, and key decision points** throughout the project. That said, we respect your time, so we handle the technical complexity so you can focus on your business while staying informed and in control. ### **What information do you need from me to get started?** To provide an accurate estimate, we need: a **description of your app idea** and its core purpose, your **target audience**, key **features and functionality** you envision, any **design preferences or brand guidelines**, and your **budget range and timeline expectations**. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything figured out. Our [consultation service](https://app369.com/service/consultations/) helps shape ideas into actionable plans. Section 03 ## **Technology & Platform** ### **Can you build for both iOS and Android?** Yes. We build for **iOS, Android, and web**, often simultaneously using [Flutter](https://app369.com/service/flutter-development/). We also offer dedicated [iOS (Swift)](https://app369.com/service/ios-development/) and [Android (Kotlin)](https://app369.com/service/android-development/) development for projects requiring native-only capabilities like advanced AR or platform-specific hardware integrations. ### **Native vs. cross-platform: which should I choose?** For most businesses, **cross-platform (Flutter) is the better choice**: one codebase for iOS and Android usually costs less and ships sooner than two native apps. Choose native only if you need advanced platform-specific features (advanced ARKit, Bluetooth LE, or NFC). We cover this in depth in our [native vs. cross-platform comparison](https://app369.com/compare/native-vs-cross-platform/). ### **What technologies and frameworks do you use?** Our core stack includes: **Flutter & Dart** for cross-platform mobile, **Swift** and **Kotlin** for native iOS/Android, **Vue.js & Nuxt** for web applications, **Firebase & Google Cloud** for backend and infrastructure, and **Node.js** for custom APIs. We choose technologies based on your project’s specific needs. See our full [technology stack](https://app369.com/technology/). ### **How is AI being integrated into modern apps?** AI is transforming apps through **intelligent chatbots, personalized recommendations, predictive analytics, image/voice recognition, and workflow automation**. Our [AI integration service](https://app369.com/service/ai-integration/) can add smart features to both new and existing applications. ### **What happens to my app when new OS versions release?** Apple and Google release major OS updates annually, which can affect app compatibility. With our [maintenance service](https://app369.com/service/ongoing-maintenance/), we proactively test your app against beta OS releases and apply necessary updates **before** the public launch. This ensures your users never experience broken functionality after updating their devices. Section 04 ## **Post-Launch & Maintenance** ### **Do you provide ongoing support and maintenance?** Yes. Plan a yearly maintenance budget from the start; our [app maintenance cost guide](https://app369.com/blog/app-maintenance-cost-guide-2026/) explains what drives it. We offer flexible [maintenance packages](https://app369.com/service/ongoing-maintenance/) covering bug fixes, OS compatibility updates, performance optimization, security patches, and feature enhancements, all available on an a la carte or retainer basis. ### **How often should I update my app?** We recommend **minor updates every 2–4 weeks** (bug fixes, performance improvements) and **major feature updates quarterly**. Regular updates signal to app store algorithms that your app is actively maintained, which can improve your search ranking. We also recommend updating immediately when critical security patches are needed. ### **Can you improve or continue an app other developers built?** Yes. We start with a **thorough code audit** to assess the current state, identify technical debt, and create a roadmap for improvements. Whether you need bug fixes, new features, or a complete refactor, we can work with most modern tech stacks. ### **Do you help with App Store and Google Play submission?** Yes. We handle the **entire submission process** including app store asset creation (screenshots, descriptions, metadata), compliance review, submission, and any revision requests from Apple or Google reviewers. We also optimize your store listing for **App Store Optimization (ASO)** to maximize organic downloads. Section 05 ## **Security, IP & Legal** ### **Will I own the source code and intellectual property?** IP ownership and source code rights are **defined in the contract for each project**. We offer flexible arrangements, including full IP transfer, shared licensing, or work-for-hire agreements, depending on the scope and nature of the engagement. We recommend discussing IP terms early in the process so both sides are aligned before development begins. [Contact us](https://app369.com/contact/) to discuss your specific needs. ### **Will you sign an NDA?** Absolutely. We sign **Non-Disclosure Agreements before any project discussions begin**. Your idea, business data, and proprietary information are protected from the very first conversation. We take confidentiality seriously. ### **How do you keep my app and data secure?** Security is built into every phase of development. We implement **encrypted data transmission (TLS/SSL), secure authentication (OAuth 2.0), encrypted data storage, role-based access controls, and regular security audits**. Section 06 ## **Choosing a Developer** ### **How much does app development cost in Florida or Miami compared with offshore teams?** Offshore teams usually charge less per hour. App369's [app cost guide](https://app369.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-build-an-app-2026/) gives rough market ranges, not measured averages: mid-tier US teams at about $100 to $150 an hour, Eastern Europe $40 to $80, South America $30 to $60 and Asia $20 to $50. Miami agencies listed on Clutch often set $10,000 or $25,000 minimum projects, and offshore teams can mean large time zone gaps. App369, in Miami, prices defined jobs instead, such as a web app MVP from $6,000 after a $450 written scoping. ### **Which Miami software companies should I shortlist to build a web app?** Four app development companies show a Miami street address on their own website: Foonkie Monkey, Leenspace, SpaceDev and Synergy Labs, and App369 is also based in Miami (see the [Miami shortlist](https://app369.com/blog/best-app-development-company-miami-florida-2026/)). A Miami address is not always a large local office: two of them list the same street address. None of the four publishes a project price, and their Clutch minimums start at $10,000 or more. App369 publishes that guide and is one of the options in it, so compare at least two; it lists a web app MVP from $6,000 after a $450 written scoping. ### **Which AI developers in Miami can add LLM features or agents to an existing product?** App369, based in Miami, adds one LLM feature or agent to an app or internal tool you already run, as the [AI Feature or Agent Build](https://app369.com/fixed-price/ai-feature-development/): $2,500 fixed, 10 business days after the spec is agreed and repo access and test keys arrive. It is built on the Claude or Gemini API, or another model API you already use, on your own provider account, with an eval set of up to 50 cases so you can see how well it works. You pay your model provider directly for usage. ### **Which software companies in South Florida build a startup MVP?** Start with the [Miami](https://app369.com/blog/best-app-development-company-miami-florida-2026/) and [Boca Raton](https://app369.com/blog/best-app-development-company-boca-raton-florida-2026/) shortlists, which name the local firms and what each publishes. App369 builds for businesses in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties and works 9am to 6pm Eastern, Monday to Friday. Its MVP offer is a web app MVP from $6,000 after a $450 written scoping, and most MVPs take about 6 to 12 weeks depending on scope. ### **Is fixed-price app development better than hourly, and who offers fixed prices?** Fixed price is better when the work can be described before it starts: you know the total upfront and the developer carries the risk. Hourly (time and materials) suits work that changes as it goes, and the client carries the risk. Many projects use both: a fixed-price first step, such as a diagnosis or an audit, then a fixed quote. App369 lists a fixed price for each of its [offers](https://app369.com/fixed-price/), starting at a $450 bug diagnosis. Agencies sometimes quote a fixed bid too, so ask any developer what the price includes and excludes. See [what fixed-price development means](https://app369.com/glossary/what-is-fixed-price-app-development/). ### **How much does it cost to build an app in 2026, by type of app?** As rough market planning ranges, not measured averages: a simple app, such as a to-do list or a basic booking app, costs about $15,000 to $50,000; a medium app, such as e-commerce, fitness tracking, social or food delivery, about $50,000 to $120,000; and a complex one, such as banking, healthcare or a marketplace, $120,000 to $300,000 or more. The [app cost guide](https://app369.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-build-an-app-2026/) breaks down what drives each range. ### **How do I transfer my Firebase project and App Store app from my old developer to me?** For Firebase, the current Owner adds your Google account as Owner, the project is linked to your Cloud Billing account (moving the bill needs rights on both billing accounts, so the outgoing developer usually has to take part), the Google Analytics property is moved separately, and then the old owner's roles are removed. If the app is published from the old developer's own accounts, Apple's App Transfer is started by their Account Holder and Google Play's app transfer is submitted from their account. If it is published from your own developer accounts, you change who has access by changing users. If the iOS app moves to your Apple account, upload an APNs key from it so push notifications keep working. Step by step: [transfer a Firebase project](https://app369.com/blog/transfer-firebase-project-new-owner-2026/) and the [app handover checklist](https://app369.com/tools/app-handover-checklist/). ### **Native (Swift and Kotlin) or cross-platform: what are the trade-offs and costs?** Cross-platform usually costs less because one team builds both apps: native for iOS and Android typically needs 4 to 6 developers, cross-platform 2 to 3. As a rough estimate, not survey data, a simple app runs about $25,000 to $80,000 built natively for both platforms against $15,000 to $50,000 in Flutter. Native wins when you need peak performance, deep hardware access or platform-specific features. See [native vs cross-platform](https://app369.com/compare/native-vs-cross-platform/) and the [Flutter cost guide](https://app369.com/blog/flutter-app-development-cost-2026/). ### **Should my business build a PWA or a native mobile app?** Build a PWA when budget and reach matter most: one codebase runs on every platform and browser, users need no app store download, and it suits content-driven apps, dashboards and internal or B2B tools. Build native when you need hardware such as Bluetooth, NFC or AR, complex offline sync, platform features such as widgets or Apple Watch, or an App Store listing for trust. Full comparison: [PWA vs native](https://app369.com/compare/pwa-vs-native/). ### **Which Shopify speed optimization services are worth it, and what do they cost?** A speed service is worth it when it names what it will fix and works on a copy of your theme. Look for image, app script, font, Liquid and layout shift fixes, a checkout review, and a before-and-after report, with no guaranteed score. App369's [Shopify Speed and Checkout Tune-Up](https://app369.com/fixed-price/shopify-speed-optimization/) is $750 fixed, 5 business days after collaborator or staff access (Themes and Apps only) is granted. All work happens on a duplicate theme that you review and publish yourself. Section 07 ## **About App369** ### **Who is Simon Dziak?** Simon Dziak is the **founder and lead developer of App369**. Simon also built and runs Workspace369, a production Flutter and Firebase platform with a native iOS app. Based in Miami, Florida, he founded App369 with a mission to make professional app development accessible to businesses of all sizes. Simon is hands-on with every project, ensuring quality from architecture to deployment. Learn more on our [about page](https://app369.com/about/). ### **I have an idea but I'm not technical. Can you still help?** Absolutely. You don’t need a technical background to start with us. We guide you through the **entire process from concept to launch**, translating your vision into technical requirements, designing intuitive interfaces, and building a product your users will love. Start with a [consultation](https://app369.com/service/consultations/) ($100 per 15 minutes, paid upfront) to explore your idea. ![](https://app369.com/.netlify/images?w=44&h=44&url=%2Fimages%2Fszymon.jpg)****Simon Dziak****Founder and head developer ## **Get a personalized assessment by email** Submit your project details and Simon replies by email with a personalized assessment, usually within one business day. [**Get in touch **→](https://app369.com/contact/) [**Instant quote**](https://app369.com/instant-quote/) Prefer a call? [Consultations](https://app369.com/service/consultations/) are $100 per 15 minutes, paid upfront.