6 Things to Check Before You Hire an App Developer

A mobile app is a bigger commitment than a website — it costs more to build, takes longer to ship, and has two gatekeepers (Apple and Google) standing between you and your customers. If you're thinking about hiring someone to build one, here are six things worth checking first.

1. Do they build for iOS, Android, or both?

Some developers specialise in one platform only. Ask directly whether they build native apps for both iOS (Swift) and Android (Kotlin), or whether they use a cross-platform framework — and what that choice means for cost, performance, and how quickly new platform features become available to you.

2. Who owns the app once it's live?

This is the one people forget to ask. Make sure the Apple Developer and Google Play accounts the app is published under are yours, not the developer's personal accounts — otherwise you could lose control of your own app if you ever part ways.

3. Do they handle store submission — including rejections?

Both Apple and Google review every app before it goes live, and first submissions get rejected more often than people expect, usually over small policy details. Ask whether store submission and handling any rejections is included, or treated as a separate cost.

4. What happens when iOS or Android updates break things?

Apple and Google update their operating systems every year, and apps that aren't maintained can quietly stop working or get pulled from the store. Ask what ongoing maintenance is included, and for how long, before you're on your own.

5. Does the app need a backend — and do they build that too?

If your app needs to store data, handle logins, or send push notifications, it needs a server behind it, not just the part customers see on their phone. Confirm whether that backend work is included in the quote or handled separately.

6. What's the realistic timeline, including review time?

Development is only part of the timeline — Apple's review alone can take several days, and that's after the build is finished. Ask for an end-to-end estimate that includes testing and store review, not just the development phase.

None of these questions are awkward to ask, and a developer who's done this before will have clear answers ready. If you get vague responses on ownership or post-launch support specifically, treat that as a warning sign.