Error: work runs on spreadsheets
Teams track jobs, orders or customers in spreadsheets, email and paper.
( build · web & mobile apps
Custom App Development Company for Web & Mobile Apps
We design and build custom web and mobile apps — iOS, Android, cross-platform and browser-based — for companies that need software built around how their customers and teams actually work.
// overview
What is custom app development?
Custom app development is designing and building a web or mobile application specifically for your business — your users, your workflows and your systems — instead of adapting an off-the-shelf tool. It covers strategy, UX design, development, integrations, testing, launch and ongoing improvement.
Custom apps make sense when a generic tool cannot do the job: customers need a better experience than a template allows, teams are stuck in spreadsheets and paper, or your business depends on workflows nobody else has.
Choose the right type first: mobile app development for iOS and Android, web app development for browser-based tools and portals, or cross-platform apps for one codebase everywhere. Building a subscription product? See SaaS development.
// sound familiar?
Signs you need a custom app
If three or more of these sound familiar, an off-the-shelf tool is costing you more than it saves.
Warning: customers expect an app
Clients ask for a faster way to book, order, pay or track — on their phone.
Error: tools do not talk to each other
Data is copied by hand between your CRM, ERP and everything else.
Warning: off-the-shelf does not fit
You pay for software that only covers half of how your business works.
Error: the current app is failing
Crashes, bad reviews or an ageing codebase are hurting customers.
Warning: competitors launched first
Rivals now offer a mobile or online experience you cannot match.
Already have an app that needs rebuilding? See modernizing an existing app below.
// what's included
Our app development services
Everything needed to plan, build and grow a web or mobile app — under one team.
App Strategy & Discovery
Users, goals, features and budget agreed before a line of code is written.
App UX/UI Design
Prototypes and interfaces tested with real users. See UX / UI design.
Mobile App Development
Native-quality iOS and Android apps. See mobile apps.
Web App Development
Portals, dashboards and internal tools in the browser. See web apps.
Cross-Platform Apps
One codebase for iOS, Android and web. See cross-platform.
APIs, Back-End & Integrations
Secure back-ends connected to your CRM, ERP, payments and data.
AI Features
Assistants, smart search and automation built into the app. See AI development.
Launch, Support & Maintenance
App store launch, monitoring, updates and new features after release.
// free download
Get the App Project Brief Template
A simple template covering users, features, platforms, integrations and budget — so you can brief any app development company clearly and compare quotes fairly.
// process
Our app development process
A clear app development process that ships working software early and keeps you in control.
Start Your App Project →01Discovery
Users, goals, features, platforms and integrations agreed and prioritised.
→ app brief + prioritised backlog
02UX & prototype
User flows and a clickable prototype tested with real users.
→ approved prototype
03Build in sprints
Working app builds every sprint, with testing and demo sessions.
→ test builds on your devices
04Test & launch
Quality, security and performance checks, then store and web release.
→ live app + launch report
05Support & grow
Monitoring, updates and new features based on real usage.
→ ongoing roadmap
// how we measure
What we measure on app projects
We agree these measures with you at the start and report on them in plain language.
01
// active users after launch
02
// hours of manual work removed
03
// repeat users after launch
// a typical challenge
Field-service company running jobs on paper forms and phone calls.
// how we approach it
Cross-platform field app with offline forms, photo capture and live sync to the office system.
// what we report
Progress against the measures above, every month, in plain language.
// who it's for
App development for growing businesses
For companies where an app makes customers happier or teams faster.
Startups & Founders
Prove an idea first. See MVP development.
Healthcare App Development
Patient and clinic apps with privacy and accessibility built in.
Fintech App Development
Secure apps for payments, lending and financial services.
Enterprises & Operations
Apps for field teams and operations. See enterprise apps.
// existing app?
Modernize or rebuild an existing app
Ageing code, poor reviews or an app that no longer fits the business? We audit what you have, keep what works and rebuild the rest — moving users and data across without disruption.
Running older desktop or on-premise software? See legacy software modernization.
- old native appcross-platform
- desktop toolweb app
- paper formsmobile app
- spreadsheetsweb portal
- slow appfast rebuild
- no apiintegrated
// platforms
Choose the right kind of app
The right platform depends on your users, budget and how the app will be used. Each option has its own page.
01 / mobile
Mobile App Development
Native-quality iOS and Android apps for customers and teams on the go.
- iOS
- Android
- App stores
02 / web
Web App Development
Browser-based apps, portals and internal tools that work on any device.
- Portals
- Internal tools
- PWA
03 / cross-platform
Cross-Platform Apps
One codebase for iOS, Android and web with React Native or Flutter.
- React Native
- Flutter
- One codebase
04 / enterprise
Enterprise Apps
Secure apps with SSO, device management and deep integrations.
- SSO
- MDM
- Integrations
Building a subscription software product instead? See SaaS development →
// compare
Why choose Tech Pumpkin as your app development agency
Thinking of hiring app developers directly or using an offshore team? Here is how the options compare.
| Feature | tech pumpkin | Freelance app developers | Offshore app agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strategy & UX | ✓ Discovery and user testing | Rarely | Spec-driven |
| Web, iOS & Android | ✓ One team for all | Usually one platform | Varies |
| Integrations & back-end | ✓ Built in-house | Varies | Varies |
| Security & quality | ✓ Testing and reviews every sprint | Varies | Varies |
| Launch & growth | ✓ Store launch, SEO and ads in-house | ✕ | ✕ |
| Code & IP ownership | ✓ Yours from day one | Check contract | Check contract |
// go deeper
App development, explained
What businesses ask before building an app.
How much does it cost to build an app?
App development cost depends on scope and complexity, not on a fixed price per app. The biggest cost drivers:
- Number of screens, user roles and workflows
- Platforms: iOS, Android, web or all three
- Back-end, integrations and data needs
- Offline use, security and compliance
- AI features
- Design depth and user testing
We do not sell fixed packages. After a scoping call you receive a written scope and estimate.
How long does it take to build an app?
Timelines depend on scope, platforms and integrations, and we agree yours during discovery., depending on scope, platforms and integrations. A focused first version ships faster; features are added in later releases. App store review adds a short wait before launch.
The app development process, step by step
Good apps are built in short cycles with real users involved from the start.
- Discovery: users, goals and must-have features
- UX: user flows and a clickable prototype
- Development in sprints with regular test builds
- Testing: devices, security and performance
- Launch to app stores and the web
- Support, updates and new features
Native vs cross-platform apps
Native apps are built separately for iOS and Android; cross-platform apps share one codebase.
| Factor | Native | Cross-platform |
|---|---|---|
| Codebases | Two | One |
| Cost & time | Higher | Lower |
| Performance | Best | Near-native for most apps |
| Best for | Heavy graphics, device-specific features | Most business and customer apps |
More detail on our cross-platform app development page.
// faq
App development FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear before every app project.
How much does it cost to build an app?
App development cost depends on scope: screens and user roles, platforms, back-end and integrations, offline and security needs, AI features and design depth. We do not use fixed packages; after a scoping call you receive a written scope and estimate.
How long does it take to build an app?
Timelines depend on scope, platforms and integrations, and we agree yours during discovery. A focused first version ships faster, with features added in later releases.
Should we build a mobile app or a web app?
Choose a mobile app when users need it on the go, offline or with device features like the camera or notifications. Choose a web app for portals, dashboards and tools used mostly at a desk. Many businesses use both.
Native or cross-platform?
Cross-platform works for most business and customer apps and costs less because there is one codebase. Native is best for graphics-heavy apps or deep device features. We recommend after discovery.
Do you build both iOS and Android apps?
Yes. We build iOS and Android apps, natively or with one cross-platform codebase, and handle app store submission for both.
Can you integrate the app with our existing systems?
Yes. We connect apps to CRMs, ERPs, payment providers, identity systems and your own databases through secure APIs.
Can you take over or rebuild an existing app?
Yes. We start with a code and UX audit, then fix, modernize or rebuild — moving users and data across without disruption.
Do you provide support after launch?
Yes. We offer monitoring, updates for new iOS and Android versions, bug fixes and ongoing feature development.
Will you sign an NDA?
Yes. We are happy to sign an NDA before you share your idea.
Who owns the app and the code?
You do. You own the source code, designs, data, app store listings and accounts from day one. We document everything and offer ongoing support, but you are never locked in.
// let’s build your app
Ready to start your app project?
Tell us about your idea, users and goals. You will get a clear plan and estimate — no obligation, and an NDA if you need one.
- 01Discovery call — users, features and platforms
- 02Written scope and estimate
- 03Kickoff with your dedicated team