If a developer says "we will use Flutter and Android Studio," it helps to know what that means for your cost, your timeline and who controls the project. This guide explains the main mobile app development tools in plain language and what a business owner should ask about each.
The short answer
You do not need to learn the tools. You need to know that there are three paths: native Android, native iPhone, or one cross-platform codebase for both. Each path comes with a toolset, and a few fixed publishing fees that apply whichever path you pick.
The main tools
| Tool | What it is for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Android Studio | Building native Android apps | Free download for Windows, Mac, Linux and ChromeOS, per Google's download page |
| Xcode | Building native apps for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro and Apple Watch | Apple's official IDE, listed among the tools in the Apple Developer Program |
| Flutter | One codebase for mobile, web, desktop and embedded | Open-source, backed by Google, uses the Dart language |
| React Native | One codebase for iPhone and Android using JavaScript | Its own docs recommend using a framework such as Expo for new apps |
| Expo | A framework and build services around React Native | Free plan with 15 Android and 15 iOS builds; paid plans start at $19 a month plus usage |
Native or cross-platform?
Native (Android Studio and Xcode) means two separate apps, one per platform. It costs more and takes longer, but suits apps that rely heavily on device features.
Cross-platform (Flutter or React Native) means one team builds one app for both stores. For most business apps this is the cost-effective choice. We compare the two in Flutter vs React Native in 2026, and our tech stack guide for startups covers how this fits with the rest of your product.
The fixed costs nobody lists in the quote
- Apple Developer Program: 99 USD per membership year, according to Apple. The membership lists Xcode among its tools, makes you eligible to distribute on the App Store, and includes 25 compute hours a month of Xcode Cloud.
- Google Play registration: a one-time 25 USD fee, per Google's Play Console help. Personal accounts created after 13 November 2023 must meet app testing requirements before an app can be released.
- App Store commission: Apple states 30% on digital goods and services sold through the App Store, or 15% under programs such as the Small Business Program and for qualifying subscriptions.
- Build and release services: Expo's free plan includes 15 Android and 15 iOS builds, and the Starter plan is listed at $19 a month plus additional usage.
These are separate from the development bill. For development budgets, see app development cost in India.
What to ask your app team
- Which toolset are you using, and why is it right for our app?
- Who owns the Apple and Google developer accounts? (It should be your company.)
- Who owns the source code, build settings and signing keys?
- Do we need a Mac or a cloud build service for the iPhone version, and who pays?
- How are updates built and released, and how long does that take?
- Which paid services are you adding, and what do they cost per month?
- What happens if you leave the project? Can another team pick it up?
How we can help
At Susraj Tech we build Android, iPhone and cross-platform apps for businesses in India and the US, and we put the accounts and code in your name from day one. See our mobile app development service or ask for a free quote. If you are starting from scratch, how to make a mobile app for your business walks through the first steps.
