The Question: What's the Price Tag for Publishing an App on Mainstream App Markets?

The Question: What's the Price Tag for Publishing an App on Mainstream App Markets?

You've put in countless hours and resources to create a fucking awesome mobile app.

Now it's time to take it to the market, but first, let's talk about the expenses involved. Navigating the app market requires a solid understanding of its financial aspect, especially when it comes to figuring out the right pricing strategies.

This blog post will outline the expenses to expect when publishing your app on the top two app stores today and other crucial aspects to know. We'll dive into:

• What are the two major app stores now?
• How much does it cost to publish iOS or Android apps?
• How can you get payments from app stores?
• What's the deal with publishing on these major app stores?

Let's get it started!

Find out if your app is ready for the big leagues with this FREE compliance checklist!

What are the 2 major app stores today?

When it comes down to distributing your app, two main players stand out - the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Here's a quick glance at what each store has to offer:

| Metrics | Apple App Store | Google Play Store || --- | --- | --- || Number of Users | Over 2.2 billion active devices | Over 3 billion active devices || Average Revenue | $89.3 billion in 2023 | $47 billion in 2023 || Number of Apps | Over 1.6 million | Over 3.5 million |

Apple App Store

As an app publisher, the Apple App Store is a great place to reach millions of iPhone, iPad, and iWatch users worldwide. With over 2.2 billion active Apple devices, it's a massive market for your app.

Thanks to its strict quality standards, the App Store has generated staggering revenue of $89.3 billion in 2023 alone. With such potential revenue from app sales, in-app purchases, and subscriptions, the App Store is a worthwhile platform for publishing your app.

And with over 2.2 million apps, it's competitive, but there's plenty of space to stand out if your app has got what it takes.

For inspiration, take a look at 5 Killer Mobile App Features and Examples to see what successful apps look like.

Google Play Store

The Google Play Store is the hub for Android app distribution. With over 3 billion active Android devices, it offers a massive audience for your app.

The Play Store generated a revenue of $47 billion in 2023. Sure, it's not as high as the App Store, but it's still a significant chunk of change.

A key advantage is the sheer variety on the Play Store, with over 3.5 million apps. As with the App Store, it's all about finding your niche and taking your app to the next level.

Take, for example, MyDeal, which skyrocketed from zero to above Uniqlo, Asos, Wish, H&M, and Groupon. Check out My Deal's case study for more on their remarkable journey and strategies for success.

How Much Does It Cost to Publish Apps in the App Stores?

Now that you've got a handle on the major app stores, it's important to know the costs involved in getting your app listed.

No matter if you're targeting iOS with the App Store or Android with the Play Store, understanding the costs will help you plan your app development budget.

Cost to put an app on the Apple App Store

The Apple App Store is known for its high standards, but getting your app on there won't break the bank. Here's a breakdown of the costs:

Annual developer program fee

Apple charges an annual developer program fee of $99 for individuals and $299 for organizations. With this fee, you'll get access to resources, tools, and support to help create and publish your app.

Commission on app sales and in-app purchases

In addition to the dev program fee, Apple also takes a commission when your app generates revenue through app sales or in-app purchases. This commission comes to 30% of the total transactions.

However, some types of subscriptions may qualify for reduced commission rates of 15% if they exceed a year.

For instance, if someone purchases a subscription for $10 per month through your app, Apple would take a $3 commission, leaving you with $7 for each monthly payment.

Cost to submit an app on the Google Play Store

Here's how much it costs to submit your app on the Google Play Store:

One-time registration fee

Unlike Apple, Google only charges a one-time fee for the Play Store registration, which comes to $25. Once registered, you can publish multiple apps without any additional expenses.

Commission on app sales and in-app purchases

Just like Apple, Google also takes a cut of your app sales and in-app purchases. Their commission is set at 30% of the total transaction amount.

If a user buys an in-app item for $5, Google would keep a $1.50 commission, leaving you with $3.50.

Cash out those earnings from the app stores

You've worked hard to create your app and get it published on one of the major app stores, now it's time to make some money! Let's talk about how to get your well-deserved returns.

Here's a quick overview of the payment policies for the App Store and the Play Store:

App Store Payments

• Monthly payouts: Apple processes payments regularly and pays developers monthly for their app earnings.
• Payment time: After each month, Apple takes about 45 days to send out payments. So January earnings would hit your account around mid-March.
• Minimum payment threshold: Developers need to meet a minimum payment threshold based on their location. If you fail to hit this amount in a single month, the earnings will roll over to the following month.
• Payment methods: You can opt for either a bank transfer or PayPal to receive your payments. You can set up your preferred method in the App Store Connect, which is Apple's developer portal.

Play Store Payments

• Monthly payouts: Similar to Apple, Google also pays developers monthly for their app earnings.
• Payment time: The Google Play Store takes roughly 15 days after the end of the month to send out payments. So January earnings are usually paid by mid-February.
• Minimum payment Threshold: A minimum threshold is enforced, based on the currency used for payouts. If you don't reach this amount in a month, your earnings will be held over to the next month.
• Payment Methods: Google offers options like direct bank transfers and Google Wallet for receiving your payments. Set up your preferred method in the Google Play Console, which is Google's developer portal.

Is it worth it to publish on the major app stores?

Reimagining the olden days of bustling shopping malls, publishing your app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store can be likened to securing a spot for your merchandise within a major department store. You'll face challenges in getting your app approved, negotiating terms, and ultimately hoping it falls into the hands of potential users.

But by doing so, you unlock immense exposure to millions of potential users worldwide. Picture game shops in malls attracting crowds - it's much the same with these app stores, as both attract the most footfall in the app world.

Of course, if you're targeting a niche market, it's a good idea to explore other app distribution platforms too. Do your homework and weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each platform, considering factors such as audience demographics, revenue models, and developer support.

Check out Explore the Appverse: A List of the Mobile App Stores in 2024 to get a better grasp of the app universe and find the right platform for your app.

BONUS: How to Get Started with Publishing Your App in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store

Here's a step-by-step guide to get your app published in both app stores:

For iOS apps:

1. Sign up for an Apple Developer account. You'll need to provide details about yourself or your organization and pay the annual fee.
2. Prep your app to meet the App Store's guidelines and interface recommendations. Test your app entirely to find and resolve bugs and issues.
3. Gen the necessary certificates and profiles. Use the Apple Developer portal to create a distribution certificate and provisioning profile to sign your app for submission.
4. List your app on the App Store. Prepare all the essential assets, including an icon, screenshots, description, and keywords. These will help users discover and understand your app. Get your app store listing optimized for maximum visibility.
5. Upload your app to App Store Connect and provide all required details about your app, like its name, category, pricing, and privacy policy.
6. Submit for review after uploading your app. Allow Apple's App Review team to scrutinize your app for compliance with their guidelines and policies.
7. Wait for approval. Your app will head for review, which typically takes about 24-48 hours. However, it may take longer in some instances.
8. Release your app once it's approved. Choose to release it right away or schedule a specific release date. Users will be able to find and download your app from the App Store.
9. Track performance. Keep an eye on your app's performance metrics, including downloads, user reviews, and ratings. Use this feedback to improve and update your app over time.

For Android apps:

1. Sign up for a Google Play Console account using your developer credentials. Here, you can manage your app's listing, releases, and updates. Keep in mind you'll need to pay the one-time registration fee.
2. Prep your app to match the Google Play Developer Program Policies and guidelines. Thoroughly test your app to uncover and fix any bugs or issues.
3. Create a signed APK file of your app using Android Studio or another compatible development environment. This file is required for uploading your app to the Google Play Console.
4. List your app by providing all necessary information about it, including its title, description, screenshots, and promotional graphics. Ensure you choose the right category for your app and select your target audience.
5. Upload your APK to the Google Play Console, along with details about your app's content rating, pricing, and distribution settings.
6. Submit for review. Allow the Google Play team to scrutinize your app for compliance with their policies and guidelines.
7. Wait for approval. Your app will enter review and should be approved within a few days.
8. Release your app. Once approved, release your app right away or schedule a specific release date. Users will be able to find and download your app from the Google Play Store.
9. Monitor performance. Maintain close tabs on your app's performance metrics, including downloads, user ratings, and reviews. This feedback helps you make ongoing improvements and updates to enhance your app's success over time.

Using the information provided, here are two sentences that incorporate the words 'app development' and 'technology':

1. To ensure your app development process yields the best results, understanding the technology trends of the major app stores is crucial, as it can help your app stand out among over 1.6 million apps in the Apple App Store and over 3.5 million apps in the Google Play Store.
2. As you work through your app development journey, keep in mind the financial aspects of technology related to publishing your app, such as the annual developer program fee ($99 for individuals or $299 for organizations) and the commission on app sales and in-app purchases (which can range from 15% to 30%).

Read also: