What Does It Cost to Develop an iOS App?
A pure iOS app in Swift typically costs SEK 300,000–2,000,000 or more in Sweden in 2026, depending on complexity. iOS-first is often right when the target audience is high-spending and you want to test quickly on one platform. On top of development, Apple's developer account costs USD 99 per year.
Considering a pure iOS app in Swift? Here’s the price picture, when iOS-first pays off, and which fees Apple adds on.
Price picture for native iOS
A native iOS app ranges from around SEK 300,000 for a simple app to SEK 2 million or more for an advanced one. Just like for apps in general, scope is what drives the price – backend, integrations, and design ambition weigh more than the platform choice itself.
When iOS-first is right
Starting with iOS only can be a smart strategic choice:
- High-spending audience. iOS users spend more in apps on average, which can make the platform the right starting point for a paid service.
- Faster test cycle. One platform means less to build and test, so you reach the market faster and learn faster.
- Uniform hardware. Fewer device variants than Android make testing more predictable.
Apple’s fees to budget for
On top of development, an Apple Developer account costs USD 99 per year. If you sell digital goods in the app, Apple also takes a commission. Want to weigh iOS against reaching both platforms right away? Read the full price guide or get in touch and we’ll talk through the right strategy for your idea.
Frequently asked questions
When is iOS-first the right strategy?
When your target audience is high-spending and iOS-heavy, or when you want to validate quickly. Building for one platform gives you a shorter and cheaper test cycle before you potentially expand to Android.
What do Apple's fees cost?
An Apple Developer account costs USD 99 per year and is required to publish on the App Store. Apple also takes a commission on purchases made in the app, which is worth factoring into a business model with payments.
Is a native iOS app more expensive than a cross-platform app?
For iOS only, native is often comparable in price. If you want to reach both iOS and Android, cross-platform is usually cheaper, since the code is largely shared between platforms.
How long does an iOS app take?
A simple iOS app can be done in 2–3 months, while an advanced one takes considerably longer. The timeline is driven by the backend, integrations, and design ambition.