# Mobile app development that serves a clear purpose > Mobile app development for companies in Romania: from a simple app to a product with a full backend. Fixed price after discovery. URL: https://thenichesociety.ro/en/mobile-app-development Mobile app development doesn't mean building one just because "we need to have an app." We look at whether it makes more sense than a responsive web app (far cheaper) and, if it does, **we build exactly what you need** — not an endless list of unused features. ## Native app or responsive web app? The most expensive mistake on mobile is building a native app when a responsive web app would have solved the same need at a fraction of the cost, and without the App Store review process. We recommend a native app only when you have a real need for push notifications, constant camera/GPS access, offline functionality, or when being in the app store matters strategically (e.g. a consumer product, not an internal tool). For companies in Romania asking for a quick estimate, a useful rule of thumb is that mobile app development starts from a simple scope and grows as real requirements come up. ## App + backend, not just the interface A mobile app does not live in isolation — it needs a backend that manages users, data and notifications. We build both parts coherently, reusing the same infrastructure as on web platforms (Supabase/Postgres) where it makes sense. For a fuller answer than the benchmarks above, we explain separately [what a mobile app costs, and when you do not need one](https://thenichesociety.ro/en/blog-cat-costa-aplicatie-mobila), with examples of complexity thresholds. **iOS + Android from the same codebase** React Native — a single codebase for both platforms, easier to maintain. **The app's data, handled correctly** Authentication, sync, push notifications — the infrastructure behind it. **The review process, handled by us** Developer account, compliance with Apple/Google guidelines, post-launch updates. ## Why the price varies so much A simple app (e.g. catalog plus contact form) costs far less than one with user accounts, in-app payments and offline sync. The price depends on the real complexity of the flows, not the number of screens. A mobile app’s price varies so much precisely because of that complexity — from a simple catalog all the way to user accounts, in-app payments and offline sync, with every level shifting the budget. Mobile app development pricing mostly varies by three complexity thresholds — a simple catalog with no account, a user account with persistent data, and payments or offline sync — each threshold adds real development time, not just lines of code. ## A mobile app needs ongoing maintenance Unlike a website, a mobile app needs updating when Apple or Google change their OS requirements — otherwise you risk disappearing from the store. We discuss this explicitly before starting, not after launch. ## Discovery, then an informed decision The first conversation clarifies whether you have a real need for native. If so, we move forward with scope, architecture and a fixed price. Discovery pins down exactly which features matter, so the mobile app's price reflects the real need, not a list of "might be useful" options. ## Common mistakes with a first mobile app The most common mistake isn't technical, it's about scope: starting from "we want an app" without clarifying what problem it solves for the user or the company. The result is an app with lots of screens, but no clear reason for anyone to open it a second time. The second common mistake is underestimating maintenance — a published app isn't a static deliverable, it's an ongoing commitment, because Apple and Google periodically change the technical OS requirements. The third mistake is choosing native when a responsive web app would have covered the same need, at a much lower cost and delivery time — that's why we always discuss this explicitly before starting. ## What happens after the app is published Publishing to the App Store and Google Play is just the start — each platform's review process follows, and it can call for minor adjustments before approval. After launch, we monitor the first real usage sessions together, to see whether the flow works as intended, not just as it was tested internally. ## A fixed price, after a short discovery call. - no app store review process - instant update, no app update needed - much lower cost - iOS + Android - publishing included - simple backend - full backend - payment integration - recommended maintenance Every project has a different context, workflows and infrastructure, so the price is set after a short, paid discovery and does not change along the way. ## Frequently asked questions ### How much does mobile app development cost? We don't give a single figure without discovery. ### Do I really need a native app? Not always. If you don't need push notifications, constant camera/GPS access, or offline functionality, a responsive web app is often enough and far cheaper. Source: editorial ### Who handles publishing to the App Store and Google Play? We do — including managing the developer account and meeting each platform's review requirements. Source: editorial ### What happens if Apple or Google change their requirements? Native apps need periodic updates to stay compatible. That's a real maintenance cost, and we discuss it starting with the first quote. Source: editorial ### Can you also build the backend, not just the app? Yes — we usually build both together, so they're consistent from the start. Source: editorial ### Do you also support push notification integration? Yes, as part of the backend — we configure the notification service (Firebase/APNs) depending on the platform. Source: editorial ### Roughly, how much does mobile app development cost? It depends directly on complexity — a simple catalogue costs far less than an app with user accounts, payments and offline sync. We give a fixed price only after discovery, never a list rate. ### Let's see what can be automated in your business. A free 30-minute session: we'll tell you what can be automated, how long it takes and what it costs, with a fixed price after discovery. We reply the same business day.