Breaking Down the Cost of Augmented Reality App Development

Augmented Reality App Development

Augmented reality app development is a growing technology that transforms industries by merging the physical and digital worlds seamlessly, offering an immersive and interactive experience. Augmented reality is utilized in various scenarios, such as when you browse furniture online, you can position the phone screen on a plain wall, allowing you to virtually experience the furniture. In this article, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of the expenses involved in the development of an AR.

What is Augmented Reality Development?

Augmented reality development involves crafting virtual elements that are visible and can be engaged with in the physical world. AR development is an engaging, immersive process. This advancement enhances the practical knowledge within a simulated setting. Augmented reality offers digital content that blends seamlessly with the real world, thanks to the use of specialized glasses, software, and apps. Enhancing User Engagement and Learning Through Interactive Platforms.

Developers craft the image, animations, or 3D models. Some examples of AR are given below:

• Snapchat filters.

• IKEA's app enables you to virtually place furniture in your living space.

• Playing games such as Pokémon Go.

Factors that Influence AR Development Cost 

AR becomes integrated into our everyday existence. From online shopping to gaming, all of these activities are part of the apps available on your phone. The complexity of an app depends on various significant factors that contribute to its simplicity or complexity. These are some crucial factors that influence the cost of augmented reality app development, which can assist you in AR/VR app development services.

Complexity of Application.

The cost of the application changes based on the level of complexity it provides. As complexity increases, cost increases. A simple app will be more affordable, but an advanced AR game with multiplayer capabilities and artificial intelligence requires a significant investment. Here are some classifications.

• Basic app - filters, virtual product reviews.

• The moderate complexity includes location-based object recognition.

• High complexity apps - games that require advanced skills, cloud-based technology, and multiplayer capabilities. 

  
  

Type of AR Technology

AR development comprises various technologies, such as marker-based AR. You can divide technologies into two categories. The first one is based on markers, while the second one is not. Marker-based augmented reality offers a series of QR codes. Markerless augmented reality utilizes GPS, cameras, and sensors to determine the appropriate response for any given task or activity. Here are some crucial technologies:

• Markerless AR.

• Projection-based AR.

• SLAM-based AR.

  
  

Platform Choice

When developing a platform for both iOS and Android devices, it can extend the development time and increase the overall cost. Some developers employ cross-platform tools to optimize time. However, when compared to cross-platform apps, native development offers superior performance for augmented reality applications.

Design and 3D Content 

In the realm of augmented reality, the significance of good design cannot be overstated. Visually appealing 3D models play a crucial role in determining the cost and budget. While custom 3D designs and animations come with a premium price tag, they significantly enhance the overall user experience.

Development Team Location

The development cost of augmented reality varies depending on the location:

• In the USA and UK, the cost ranges from $100 to $250 per hour.

• In Eastern Europe, the hourly rate falls between $42 and $100.

• In India and Southeast Asia, the cost typically ranges from $25 to $75 per hour.

  
  

Average Augmented Reality App Development Cost by Type 

App type	Estimated Cost
Basic AR App	$10,000 – $30,000
Product Preview App	$25,000 – $70,000
AR Education App	$40,000 – $100,000
AR Retail App	$50,000 – $120,000
Augmented Reality Game Development	$50,000 – $100,000
Advanced AR Games	$100,000 – $250,000

Development Phases and Cost Distribution 

Augmented reality development costs spread across many stages, such as research, discovery, design, and development, etc.

• Research and discovery take 5 to 10% of the original costs. This includes competitor analysis, market research, and future planning. 

• Design takes 15 to 20% of the original costs. Designers work on UI and UX, user flow, and 3D content.

• Development is a core part of AR development. It takes 40 to 50%

• Testing test 10 to 15%  of the original cost. The QA team tests on multiple devices to give you perfect function and performance. 

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Hidden an ongoing cost in AR development 

Some hidden and recurring costs are 3D assets licensing fees, cloud, server hosting, maintenance, and updates.

3D assets 

3-D assets can cost $50- $1000+. It depends on complexity. 

Licensing Fees

Licensing fees are based on usage.

Cloud and server hosting 

Cloud and Server hosting can add a monthly cost that ranges from $20-$500. 

Maintenance and updates 

Maintenance and updates take 15 to 20% of the original cost. 

How much does it cost to develop an augmented reality app?

Here is the clear breakdown of an augmented reality app that depends on features, game design, platforms, and the location of the development team.

Basic AR app 

The basic AR app costs $10,000-$30,000. These apps use simple features such as face filters, objects, placement, QR codes, or images.

Moderate AR app 

Moderate apps provide more interaction, user accounts, simple analytics, and camera-based object recognition. These apps cost $30,000 to $1,00,00.

Advanced AR app 

Some advanced features like SLAM, AI, real-time, environment mapping, cloud connectivity, and multiplayer functionality are in the advanced AR app. They cost $1,00,000 to $2,50,000. 

After that, some other cost factors are also here, such as custom 3D models, animation, back-end development, UI UX design, AR, SDK licensing app, maintenance, etc. 

Conclusion

Augmented reality app development is a process where we work on thoughtful planning and our budget. The augmented reality costs from $10,000-$25,000. The cost of AR apps depends on the ideas. As AR is growing rapidly, people are also taking an interest in this technology. Although it sounds expensive, AR apps bring a lot of value and allow you to remove your competitors' brand.