Mobile app development
MS Labs builds custom iOS and Android apps from a single Flutter codebase, together with the backend, an admin dashboard and the release to the App Store and Google Play.
What is custom mobile app development
A custom mobile app is an app built for your business, with the features, brand and rules you need. It can be a product your customers download from the stores, or an internal tool your team uses in the field.
MS Labs builds iOS and Android apps with Flutter, which lets us ship both from one codebase with native performance and feel.
The app is usually one part of a larger custom software development project, together with the backend and admin dashboard we also build.
When an app makes sense
Not every project needs an app. Sometimes a responsive web app solves it better for less. An app makes sense when:
- people use it often and want to open it with one tap;
- you need device features: camera, GPS, notifications, audio, biometrics;
- your team works in the field, sometimes offline, and needs to sync later;
- being in the App Store and Google Play is part of the product strategy;
- the experience needs gestures, animation and instant response that the web doesn't deliver as well.
What you get
- An iOS and Android app from a single Flutter codebase;
- Backend and APIs for login, data, payments and notifications;
- A web admin dashboard for your team to manage content and users;
- Interface design for one-handed use and small screens;
- Release to the App Store and Google Play under your company's accounts;
- Error monitoring and updates after launch.
How it works
- Discovery. We learn who will use the app, in what situation, and what the first version must do.
- Proposal. Scope by screen and feature, timeline and price, in writing.
- Development in cycles. You install test builds on your own phone throughout the project.
- Release. We prepare the store listings and handle Apple and Google review.
- Evolution. New versions are planned from real usage and user feedback.
Technology
| Layer | Technologies |
|---|---|
| App | Flutter (iOS and Android) |
| Backend and APIs | Node.js, Python, PostgreSQL |
| Admin dashboard | React, Next.js |
| Device features | camera, GPS, notifications, audio, offline storage |
How much an app costs
App cost depends on the number of screens and flows, backend complexity, integrations (payments, maps, legacy systems) and what must work offline. An app with login, a few content screens and notifications is very different from one with payments, chat and offline mode.
After discovery you get a fixed price for the first version. Our guide on how much custom software costs explains the factors.
Have an app idea, or a team that needs a tool on their phone? Tell us what you need.
Frequently asked questions
Does one app work on both iPhone and Android?
Yes. With Flutter we write one codebase that produces both native apps. That reduces cost and time compared to maintaining two separate projects.
Do you publish the app to the stores?
Yes. We handle preparation and submission to the App Store and Google Play. The developer accounts are owned by your company.
Does the app need a backend?
Almost always. Login, data shared between users, payments and notifications depend on a server. We build the backend together with the app.
What if I only have the idea?
That is a great starting point. Discovery exists to turn the idea into a small, testable first version with a known cost.
Can the app use phone features like camera and GPS?
Yes. Camera, location, notifications, biometrics, audio and offline storage are features we use often.