What Is Mobile App Development? A Beginner’s Guide for Startups
Launching an app in 2026 is faster, cheaper, and more accessible than ever — but it still starts with understanding the basics. If you're a startup founder, product owner, or SME exploring your first app, this beginner's guide will help you understand: • What mobile app development is • Native vs hybrid app types • Key stages of the development process • How to plan for costs and timelines
Date Published
06 Nov 2025
Date Updated
21 Nov 2025
Written By
Exline Labs Team
Reading Time
3 min read
Service Type
Mobile ApplicationsIntroduction
Launching an app in 2026 is faster, cheaper, and more accessible than ever, but it still starts with understanding the basics.
If you're a startup founder, product owner, or SME exploring your first app, this beginner's guide will help you understand:
· What mobile app development is
· Native vs hybrid app types
· Key stages of the development process
· How to plan for costs and timelines
What Is Mobile App Development?
Mobile app development is the process of building software applications that run on mobile devices, typically iOS (Apple) and Android.
Apps can be:
· Native: Built specifically for iOS or Android using platform languages
· Hybrid: Built once using cross-platform frameworks (like React Native)
· Web-based: Mobile-friendly websites that feel like apps (PWA)
Each has pros and cons when comparing Native vs Hybrid development, but the core development process remains similar.
Why Startups Build Mobile Apps
· Reach users directly on their phones
· Enable custom functionality (notifications, location, offline access)
· Offer better UX than mobile websites
· Monetise with subscriptions, in-app purchases, or ads
· Build recurring user engagement
Mobile apps give startups a direct line to customers with personalised experiences that websites can’t match. For founders in the UK, understanding what influences development cost early helps prioritise the right features and launch lean without compromising long-term value.
Mobile App Development Platforms
| Platform | Languages | Audience |
| iOS (Apple) | Swift, Objective-C | iPhones, iPads |
| Android (Google) | Kotlin, Java | Samsung, Google Pixel, etc. |
| Cross-Platform (Hybrid) | JavaScript, Dart | Both platforms (via React Native, Flutter, etc.) |
Types of Mobile Apps
| App Type | Best For | Examples |
| Native | Performance, custom features | Banking, gaming, healthcare |
| Hybrid | Startups, MVPs, fast development | Marketplaces, SaaS |
| Progressive Web App (PWA) | Simple tools, offline apps | News apps, booking tools |
The Mobile App Development Process
1. Idea Validation
Research the problem, audience, and solution.
2. Planning & Scope
Define features, platforms, tech stack, and timelines.
3. UI/UX Design
Create wireframes and visual mockups.
4. Development
Frontend + backend coding, integrations, APIs.
5. Testing
QA, bug fixing, device testing (across OS and screen sizes).
6. Launch
Publish to App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android).
7. Post-launch Support
Updates, analytics, bug fixes, performance optimization.
How Long Does It Take?
| App Type | Timeline |
| Simple hybrid MVP | 3–6 weeks |
| Mid-range custom app | 8–12 weeks |
| Large-scale app | 3–6 months |
At Exline Labs, we help startups go from idea to launch in 6–10 weeks with hybrid or native solutions.
Have any Questions?
What is mobile app development?
It’s the process of designing, building, and launching applications for smartphones and tablets.
What platforms are mobile apps built for?
The most common are iOS (Apple) and Android (Google).
Do I need to build separate apps for iOS and Android?
Not always - hybrid development lets you build once and run on both platforms.
What is hybrid app development?
Hybrid apps use a single codebase for both platforms. Tools include React Native, Flutter, etc.
How long does it take to build a mobile app?
It varies - MVPs take 4–8 weeks, while full products can take 3–6 months.
Do I need a backend server for my app?
Yes, if your app stores user data, manages accounts, or requires login/authentication.
Can mobile apps work offline?
Yes please. Native and hybrid apps can include offline capabilities with caching.
Can mobile apps work offline?
Yes please. Native and hybrid apps can include offline capabilities with caching.
Is mobile app development expensive?
Costs vary based on scope. Small MVPs can start at £4,000–£6,000.
Do I need to submit my app to Apple/Google myself?
No. Your development partner (like Exline Labs) will handle the submission and store approval.
How does Exline Labs help with mobile apps?
We guide startups from idea to launch that covers designing, developing, and scaling mobile apps across platforms.
How does Exline Labs help with mobile apps?
We guide startups from idea to launch that covers designing, developing, and scaling mobile apps across platforms.
Related Articles
How to Choose a Mobile App Development Company (UK/EU Guide)
Choosing the right mobile app development company can make or break your startup. Whether you’re in London, Berlin, Dublin, or Paris,...
Top Mobile App Frameworks for 2026 (React Native, Flutter & More)
Choosing the right mobile app framework is a crucial decision for any startup or digital product team. In 2026, the landscape...
