Your app idea,
built and shipped.
From a first prototype to an app in the App Store and Google Play, describe your idea and get quotes from app developers.
What to expect
from your pro.
App development can mean many things: a simple prototype to test an idea, a booking app for your business, or an update to an app that already exists. Some apps work on iPhone only, some on Android only, and many are built once to run on both.
On AYS you describe your project and pros send you a quote. Explain who the app is for, the main things it must do, whether people need accounts or payments, and if it has to connect to a website or another system. Rough sketches or screenshots of apps you like help a lot.
Agree the important details before work starts. Ask who will own the code and design files, and get it in writing. Publishing needs an Apple Developer account and a Google Play developer account, and these should be set up in your own name or your company's, not the developer's, so you keep control of the app. Ask about ongoing costs too, such as servers, developer account fees and updates when phones and stores change their rules.
Common jobs
we cover.
Not on the list? Describe it and ask for free quotes.
Prototype or MVP
A first working version with the core features, so you can test the idea with real users before building more.
iPhone and Android apps
Building an app for one platform or both, often from a single codebase, ready to submit to the stores.
Business and booking apps
Apps for customers to book, order, pay or check loyalty points, linked to the systems your business already uses.
App updates and fixes
Fixing bugs, adding features and updating an existing app so it keeps working on new phone software.
Store submission
Preparing screenshots, descriptions and privacy details, and guiding the app through App Store and Google Play review.
App design
Screen layouts, user journeys and clickable mock-ups, so you can see and test how the app will work first.
Backend and integrations
Setting up the servers, database and logins behind the app, and connecting it to payments or other services.
Quotes first,
then you decide.
Describe the job
Add your postcode, a few lines about the job and photos if they help.
Get free quotes
Local pros who cover your area send a price. There is no obligation to accept.
Pick one and book
Choose the quote that suits you, pick a time and pay securely through AYS.
How the price
is worked out
App projects are quoted, because the work varies so much. You describe your idea and developers send a price. What changes the price: one platform or two, the number of screens and features, user accounts, payments, connections to other systems, design work, and support after launch. Ask each quote to show ongoing costs, such as servers and store accounts, separately from the build. Quotes are free and you are not obliged to accept one.
How to get
ready
- Write down who the app is for and the three things it must do.
- Sketch the main screens, even roughly on paper.
- Collect screenshots of apps you like and note why.
- Decide whether you need iPhone, Android or both.
- Be ready to open developer accounts in your own or your company's name.
Choosing the right pro
Every developer on AYS passes a photo ID check and a review by our team before they can take bookings. Pros can also upload qualifications and insurance for us to check, shown on their profile. Ask to see apps they have published, and ask how they will hand over the code, accounts and passwords when the project ends.
Who owns the code for my app?
Under UK copyright law, the person who creates a commissioned work is usually its first owner unless you agree otherwise in writing. If you want to own the code and designs, ask for a written assignment of copyright signed by the developer. Also agree that you receive the source code and access to any accounts and services the app depends on.
Why should developer accounts be in my name?
The Apple Developer account and Google Play developer account control who can publish and update the app. If they belong to your developer, moving the app later can be difficult. Apple shows the account holder as the seller, and companies enrolling with Apple need a D-U-N-S number. Set the accounts up yourself and give your developer access.
How does App Store and Google Play review work?
Both stores check apps before they go live, against their own rules on content, privacy, payments and how the app works. Apps can be rejected and need changes before resubmitting. New personal Google Play accounts must also run a closed test with at least 12 testers for 14 days before publishing. Allow time for this in your plan.
Should I build for iPhone, Android or both?
It depends on who your customers are. Many developers build one app that runs on both, which can save time compared with two separate apps. If your users are mainly on one type of phone, starting there and adding the other later is also an option. Ask your developer what they recommend and why.
What ongoing costs does an app have?
Apps have running costs after launch. Apple charges a fee for each membership year, and Google Play charges a registration fee. Many apps also need servers, a database, email or text services and paid tools. Phones and store rules change, so plan for regular updates. Ask for a list of every cost and whose account it sits in.
What is a prototype and do I need one?
A prototype is an early version of your app, sometimes just clickable screens, sometimes a basic working build. It lets you test the idea with real people before paying for the full app. It is a sensible first step if the idea is new or you are not yet sure which features matter most.
App development
near you.
AYS opens area by area. Pick your city for local tips, or check your postcode at the top of this page.
Often booked
together.
Do you offer app development?
Get booked for it.
Join AYS as a pro. Choose the postcodes you cover, set your prices and take bookings from local customers.