What should a mobile app development proposal include?

The app's purpose and users, platforms and approach (native or cross-platform), screens and features in scope, the backend, design, testing and store submission, a phased timeline, pricing options, a maintenance plan, and terms covering payment, changes and ownership.

Should I build for iOS and Android at the same time?

It depends on budget and audience. A cross-platform build can cover both from one codebase. If budget is tight, launching on the platform most of the client's users have and adding the other later is a sensible option.

How long does it take to get an app into the stores?

Allow time for review and testing. Apple reviews every app and update. At the time of writing, new Google Play personal developer accounts must run a closed test with at least 12 testers for at least 14 days before they can apply for production access.

How much does it cost to publish an app?

At the time of writing (October 2026), the Apple Developer Program costs $99 per membership year and Google Play has a one-time $25 registration fee. The client should pay these directly so the accounts are theirs.

How should I price app development as a freelancer?

Price by milestone against a written specification, or charge time and materials with an estimate and a cap. For rough ideas, sell a paid discovery phase first. Add a monthly maintenance plan for updates after launch.

Who owns the app and the code?

Agree it in writing. A common arrangement is that the client owns the custom code, designs and store listings once paid in full, while third-party libraries keep their own licences. For larger projects, ask a lawyer to check the contract.

Can I use this template for Upwork or Freelancer.com bids?

Use the short bid version as your first message, then send the full proposal once the client replies and you've agreed the first version's scope.

Proposal template

Mobile app development proposal template

Updated 23 October 2026

Quick answer

A mobile app development proposal should say which platforms you'll build for (iOS, Android or both) and how (native or cross-platform), list the features and screens in scope, and cover the backend, testing and app store submission. It also needs milestones, pricing and a maintenance plan for future OS updates. Copy the template below and replace every [bracket] with the client's details.

The mobile app development proposal template

App clients usually arrive with an idea and a deadline, and often without a clear picture of everything around the app itself: the backend, the admin panel, the developer accounts, store review and the updates every new phone OS will need. A good proposal makes all of that visible before you start, so the price makes sense and nothing turns into an argument later.

This template works for new apps, a first version of a startup product, and rebuilds of existing apps. Adjust the platform and backend sections to match how you work.

The filled-in example further down uses a fictional client. Its names, prices and dates are illustrations, so use your own numbers.

Mobile app development proposal: [app name]

Prepared for: [Client name], [Company]
Prepared by: [Your name], [portfolio link or links to apps in the stores]
Date: [date]
Valid until: [date]

1. Summary
[App name] is [what the app does, in one sentence] for [who uses it]. The first version needs to let users [the core action], so you can [the business goal: test demand, replace a manual process, sell a subscription].

2. Goals for the first version
- [Goal 1, e.g. users can sign up and book a class in under a minute]
- [Goal 2, e.g. staff can manage classes from a simple web admin panel]
- [Goal 3, e.g. live in both app stores by (date)]

3. Scope of work
Platforms: [iOS / Android / both], built [natively / with a cross-platform framework such as (name)], supporting [minimum OS versions].
Screens: [list, e.g. onboarding, sign-up and login, home, search, detail, booking, profile, settings]
Features:
1. [As a (user), I can (action)]
2. [Feature]
3. [Feature]
Backend: [user accounts, database, admin panel, push notifications, payments, APIs], hosted on [provider].
Store requirements included: privacy details for both stores, in-app account deletion [if accounts are used], store listing set-up.
Not in this version: [features left for later, e.g. chat, offline mode, tablet layouts].

4. Deliverables
- User flows and wireframes for every screen
- Visual design for [number] key screens [or: built from your existing designs]
- The app for [platforms], plus the backend and admin panel
- Beta builds for your testers on both platforms
- Submission to the App Store and Google Play
- Source code in a repository you own, with set-up and release notes

5. Timeline
Phase 1, discovery, user flows and wireframes: [X weeks]
Phase 2, visual design: [X weeks], including [2] rounds of changes
Phase 3, build of core features and backend: [X weeks]
Phase 4, remaining features and integrations: [X weeks]
Phase 5, beta testing, fixes and store submission: [X weeks]
Store review times are outside my control, so the launch date depends on approval. New Google Play personal accounts need a closed test of at least 14 days before launch.

6. Pricing options
Option A, one platform first: [platform], full scope above, [price].
Option B, iOS and Android (recommended): full scope on both platforms, [price].
Option C, first version only: [core features] on [platforms], [price], to test with real users before building the rest.
Maintenance after launch: [price] per month for OS updates, bug fixes, store policy changes and up to [X] hours of small changes.

7. What I need from you
- Apple Developer and Google Play developer accounts in your company's name, with access for me
- Branding: logo, colours, fonts, or approval to design them
- App copy, privacy policy and any legal text
- A list of beta testers (at least 12 for a new Google Play personal account)
- One decision maker who can review builds within [X] working days

8. Terms
Payment: [X%] to start, then each phase invoiced on approval, due within [X] days.
Changes: new screens or features are estimated in writing before work starts.
Bugs: defects in agreed features reported within [30] days of launch are fixed at no charge.
Ownership: once paid in full, you own the custom code, designs and store listings. Third-party libraries keep their own licences.
Store fees, hosting and third-party services are paid by you directly.

9. Next steps
1. Choose an option, or send me your questions.
2. I'll send the agreement and first invoice.
3. We hold a kick-off call and I share the first user flows within [X] working days.

[Your name]
[email] | [phone or messaging link]

Replace every [bracket] with your own details. Want a version written for a specific client brief? Paste it into the free proposal generator.

What to include in a mobile app development proposal

Clients compare app quotes that can be very far apart. The difference is usually scope that one proposal spelled out and another left implied, so spell it out.

The idea in one paragraph: who the app is for and the main thing they'll do with it.
Platforms and approach: iOS, Android or both, and native or cross-platform, with a plain reason for your choice.
Screens and features, grouped into what's in the first version and what comes later.
The backend: user accounts, database, admin panel, push notifications, payments and any APIs.
Design: wireframes and visual design, and who provides the branding.
Testing on real devices, beta testing with real users, and app store submission.
Milestones, pricing, a maintenance plan, and who owns the code and the store listings.

Native or cross-platform: explain the choice in plain words

Clients rarely care about frameworks; they care about cost, speed and how the app feels. Say what you recommend and why. Native apps (Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android) give the closest fit to each platform and full access to device features. Cross-platform frameworks such as Flutter or React Native share most of the code between iOS and Android, which can reduce cost and time for many apps.

If the app depends heavily on device hardware, background processing or platform-specific features, say so and explain how that affects the choice. If budget is tight, offer to launch on one platform first and add the second once the idea is proven.

App store accounts, review and privacy requirements

Store set-up is where app timelines quietly slip, so put it in the proposal. The client should own both developer accounts in their own or their company's name. At the time of writing (October 2026), the Apple Developer Program costs $99 per membership year and Google Play charges a one-time $25 registration fee.

Build review and testing time into the plan. New Google Play personal developer accounts (created after 13 November 2023) must run a closed test with at least 12 testers, opted in for at least 14 days in a row, before they can apply for production access. Apple reviews every app and update before it goes live.

Both stores ask for privacy information: Apple's app privacy details and Google Play's Data safety form are needed before you can publish.
If the app lets people create an account, both Apple and Google require a way to delete that account from within the app, and Google also asks for a web link where deletion can be requested.
Store listing assets: app name, description, screenshots, icon and a privacy policy link. Say who prepares each one.
Check the stores' current rules before you submit; they change regularly.

How to price mobile app development

Price app work either by milestone against a written specification, or as time and materials with an estimate and a cap. A fixed price for the whole app only makes sense once the screens and features are agreed. For rough ideas, sell a short paid discovery phase first: user flows, wireframes, a feature list and a firm quote.

Don't forget life after launch. Every year brings new iOS and Android versions, new devices and store policy updates, so offer a monthly maintenance plan or an hourly rate for updates.

One platform or two, and native or cross-platform.
Number of screens and user roles.
Backend work: accounts, admin panel, database, push notifications.
Payments, subscriptions or in-app purchases.
Offline use, maps, camera, Bluetooth or other device features.
Integrations with the client's existing systems or third-party APIs.
Design: whether you're designing the interface or building from someone else's designs.

Mobile app development proposal example

Illustration only: a fictional client with made-up prices and dates.

Mobile app development proposal: StudioFlow class booking app

Summary
StudioFlow runs four yoga and pilates studios. Members book through a website that's awkward on phones and miss classes because they forget. The app lets members book, cancel and get reminders, and lets staff manage the timetable.

First version
Platforms: iOS and Android from one cross-platform codebase.
Screens: sign-up, timetable, class detail, my bookings, membership, settings.
Features: book and cancel classes, waiting list, reminder notifications 2 hours before class, in-app account deletion.
Backend: member accounts, class timetable, web admin panel for staff.
Not in this version: payments in the app (memberships stay on the website), video classes.

Timeline
Discovery and wireframes: 2 weeks. Design: 2 weeks. Build: 6 weeks. Beta test and store submission: 3 weeks, including the 14-day Google Play closed test.

Pricing
A, iOS only: $14,000
B, iOS and Android: $18,500 (recommended)
C, first version without the waiting list and admin reports: $13,000
Maintenance: $600 a month, including updates for new OS releases.

Use your own real work, numbers and prices in yours.

Short mobile app development bid for Freelancer.com or Upwork

Marketplace clients read short bids, not documents. Send this first, and the full proposal once they reply.

Hi [client name],

You want an app that lets [users] [core action] on their phones, and it needs to be live in [the App Store / Google Play / both] by [their deadline].

Here's how I'd approach it:
1. Map the user flows and screens with you, then agree a first version we can launch quickly
2. Build the app and its backend in milestones, with test builds on your phone every [week / fortnight]
3. Run a beta with real users, fix what they find and handle the store submission

[proof: an app you built, with a store link or a short description]

Quick question: do you already have Apple and Google developer accounts in your company's name?

I can deliver the first version in [timeline] for [price], with source code in a repository you own.

[Your name]

More on bids in our Freelancer proposal template and how to bid on Freelancer.

Mistakes that lose mobile app development clients

Quoting the app without the backend, admin panel or push notifications it obviously needs.
Leaving app store review, beta testing and Google Play's closed test for new personal accounts out of the timeline.
Setting up the developer accounts in your own name, which makes moving the app later difficult.
Promising a launch date that depends on store approval you don't control.
Skipping a maintenance plan, then being asked for free fixes after every major OS update.
Recommending a framework without explaining, in plain words, what it means for cost and the user experience.

More proposal templates

Frequently asked questions

What should a mobile app development proposal include?: The app's purpose and users, platforms and approach (native or cross-platform), screens and features in scope, the backend, design, testing and store submission, a phased timeline, pricing options, a maintenance plan, and terms covering payment, changes and ownership.
Should I build for iOS and Android at the same time?: It depends on budget and audience. A cross-platform build can cover both from one codebase. If budget is tight, launching on the platform most of the client's users have and adding the other later is a sensible option.
How long does it take to get an app into the stores?: Allow time for review and testing. Apple reviews every app and update. At the time of writing, new Google Play personal developer accounts must run a closed test with at least 12 testers for at least 14 days before they can apply for production access.
How much does it cost to publish an app?: At the time of writing (October 2026), the Apple Developer Program costs $99 per membership year and Google Play has a one-time $25 registration fee. The client should pay these directly so the accounts are theirs.
How should I price app development as a freelancer?: Price by milestone against a written specification, or charge time and materials with an estimate and a cap. For rough ideas, sell a paid discovery phase first. Add a monthly maintenance plan for updates after launch.
Who owns the app and the code?: Agree it in writing. A common arrangement is that the client owns the custom code, designs and store listings once paid in full, while third-party libraries keep their own licences. For larger projects, ask a lawyer to check the contract.
Can I use this template for Upwork or Freelancer.com bids?: Use the short bid version as your first message, then send the full proposal once the client replies and you've agreed the first version's scope.

MoreGigs is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Freelancer.com. You're responsible for how you use your Freelancer account and for following Freelancer's own terms.

Proposal template

Mobile app development proposal template

Updated 23 October 2026

Quick answer

The mobile app development proposal template

This template works for new apps, a first version of a startup product, and rebuilds of existing apps. Adjust the platform and backend sections to match how you work.

The filled-in example further down uses a fictional client. Its names, prices and dates are illustrations, so use your own numbers.

Mobile app development proposal: [app name]

Prepared for: [Client name], [Company]
Prepared by: [Your name], [portfolio link or links to apps in the stores]
Date: [date]
Valid until: [date]

1. Summary
[App name] is [what the app does, in one sentence] for [who uses it]. The first version needs to let users [the core action], so you can [the business goal: test demand, replace a manual process, sell a subscription].

2. Goals for the first version
- [Goal 1, e.g. users can sign up and book a class in under a minute]
- [Goal 2, e.g. staff can manage classes from a simple web admin panel]
- [Goal 3, e.g. live in both app stores by (date)]

3. Scope of work
Platforms: [iOS / Android / both], built [natively / with a cross-platform framework such as (name)], supporting [minimum OS versions].
Screens: [list, e.g. onboarding, sign-up and login, home, search, detail, booking, profile, settings]
Features:
1. [As a (user), I can (action)]
2. [Feature]
3. [Feature]
Backend: [user accounts, database, admin panel, push notifications, payments, APIs], hosted on [provider].
Store requirements included: privacy details for both stores, in-app account deletion [if accounts are used], store listing set-up.
Not in this version: [features left for later, e.g. chat, offline mode, tablet layouts].

4. Deliverables
- User flows and wireframes for every screen
- Visual design for [number] key screens [or: built from your existing designs]
- The app for [platforms], plus the backend and admin panel
- Beta builds for your testers on both platforms
- Submission to the App Store and Google Play
- Source code in a repository you own, with set-up and release notes

5. Timeline
Phase 1, discovery, user flows and wireframes: [X weeks]
Phase 2, visual design: [X weeks], including [2] rounds of changes
Phase 3, build of core features and backend: [X weeks]
Phase 4, remaining features and integrations: [X weeks]
Phase 5, beta testing, fixes and store submission: [X weeks]
Store review times are outside my control, so the launch date depends on approval. New Google Play personal accounts need a closed test of at least 14 days before launch.

6. Pricing options
Option A, one platform first: [platform], full scope above, [price].
Option B, iOS and Android (recommended): full scope on both platforms, [price].
Option C, first version only: [core features] on [platforms], [price], to test with real users before building the rest.
Maintenance after launch: [price] per month for OS updates, bug fixes, store policy changes and up to [X] hours of small changes.

7. What I need from you
- Apple Developer and Google Play developer accounts in your company's name, with access for me
- Branding: logo, colours, fonts, or approval to design them
- App copy, privacy policy and any legal text
- A list of beta testers (at least 12 for a new Google Play personal account)
- One decision maker who can review builds within [X] working days

8. Terms
Payment: [X%] to start, then each phase invoiced on approval, due within [X] days.
Changes: new screens or features are estimated in writing before work starts.
Bugs: defects in agreed features reported within [30] days of launch are fixed at no charge.
Ownership: once paid in full, you own the custom code, designs and store listings. Third-party libraries keep their own licences.
Store fees, hosting and third-party services are paid by you directly.

9. Next steps
1. Choose an option, or send me your questions.
2. I'll send the agreement and first invoice.
3. We hold a kick-off call and I share the first user flows within [X] working days.

[Your name]
[email] | [phone or messaging link]

Replace every [bracket] with your own details. Want a version written for a specific client brief? Paste it into the free proposal generator.

What to include in a mobile app development proposal

Clients compare app quotes that can be very far apart. The difference is usually scope that one proposal spelled out and another left implied, so spell it out.

The idea in one paragraph: who the app is for and the main thing they'll do with it.
Platforms and approach: iOS, Android or both, and native or cross-platform, with a plain reason for your choice.
Screens and features, grouped into what's in the first version and what comes later.
The backend: user accounts, database, admin panel, push notifications, payments and any APIs.
Design: wireframes and visual design, and who provides the branding.
Testing on real devices, beta testing with real users, and app store submission.
Milestones, pricing, a maintenance plan, and who owns the code and the store listings.

Native or cross-platform: explain the choice in plain words

App store accounts, review and privacy requirements

Both stores ask for privacy information: Apple's app privacy details and Google Play's Data safety form are needed before you can publish.
If the app lets people create an account, both Apple and Google require a way to delete that account from within the app, and Google also asks for a web link where deletion can be requested.
Store listing assets: app name, description, screenshots, icon and a privacy policy link. Say who prepares each one.
Check the stores' current rules before you submit; they change regularly.

How to price mobile app development

Don't forget life after launch. Every year brings new iOS and Android versions, new devices and store policy updates, so offer a monthly maintenance plan or an hourly rate for updates.

One platform or two, and native or cross-platform.
Number of screens and user roles.
Backend work: accounts, admin panel, database, push notifications.
Payments, subscriptions or in-app purchases.
Offline use, maps, camera, Bluetooth or other device features.
Integrations with the client's existing systems or third-party APIs.
Design: whether you're designing the interface or building from someone else's designs.

Mobile app development proposal example

Illustration only: a fictional client with made-up prices and dates.

Mobile app development proposal: StudioFlow class booking app

Summary
StudioFlow runs four yoga and pilates studios. Members book through a website that's awkward on phones and miss classes because they forget. The app lets members book, cancel and get reminders, and lets staff manage the timetable.

First version
Platforms: iOS and Android from one cross-platform codebase.
Screens: sign-up, timetable, class detail, my bookings, membership, settings.
Features: book and cancel classes, waiting list, reminder notifications 2 hours before class, in-app account deletion.
Backend: member accounts, class timetable, web admin panel for staff.
Not in this version: payments in the app (memberships stay on the website), video classes.

Timeline
Discovery and wireframes: 2 weeks. Design: 2 weeks. Build: 6 weeks. Beta test and store submission: 3 weeks, including the 14-day Google Play closed test.

Pricing
A, iOS only: $14,000
B, iOS and Android: $18,500 (recommended)
C, first version without the waiting list and admin reports: $13,000
Maintenance: $600 a month, including updates for new OS releases.

Use your own real work, numbers and prices in yours.

Short mobile app development bid for Freelancer.com or Upwork

Marketplace clients read short bids, not documents. Send this first, and the full proposal once they reply.

Hi [client name],

You want an app that lets [users] [core action] on their phones, and it needs to be live in [the App Store / Google Play / both] by [their deadline].

Here's how I'd approach it:
1. Map the user flows and screens with you, then agree a first version we can launch quickly
2. Build the app and its backend in milestones, with test builds on your phone every [week / fortnight]
3. Run a beta with real users, fix what they find and handle the store submission

[proof: an app you built, with a store link or a short description]

Quick question: do you already have Apple and Google developer accounts in your company's name?

I can deliver the first version in [timeline] for [price], with source code in a repository you own.

[Your name]

More on bids in our Freelancer proposal template and how to bid on Freelancer.

Mistakes that lose mobile app development clients

Quoting the app without the backend, admin panel or push notifications it obviously needs.
Leaving app store review, beta testing and Google Play's closed test for new personal accounts out of the timeline.
Setting up the developer accounts in your own name, which makes moving the app later difficult.
Promising a launch date that depends on store approval you don't control.
Skipping a maintenance plan, then being asked for free fixes after every major OS update.
Recommending a framework without explaining, in plain words, what it means for cost and the user experience.

More proposal templates

Frequently asked questions

What should a mobile app development proposal include?: The app's purpose and users, platforms and approach (native or cross-platform), screens and features in scope, the backend, design, testing and store submission, a phased timeline, pricing options, a maintenance plan, and terms covering payment, changes and ownership.
Should I build for iOS and Android at the same time?: It depends on budget and audience. A cross-platform build can cover both from one codebase. If budget is tight, launching on the platform most of the client's users have and adding the other later is a sensible option.
How long does it take to get an app into the stores?: Allow time for review and testing. Apple reviews every app and update. At the time of writing, new Google Play personal developer accounts must run a closed test with at least 12 testers for at least 14 days before they can apply for production access.
How much does it cost to publish an app?: At the time of writing (October 2026), the Apple Developer Program costs $99 per membership year and Google Play has a one-time $25 registration fee. The client should pay these directly so the accounts are theirs.
How should I price app development as a freelancer?: Price by milestone against a written specification, or charge time and materials with an estimate and a cap. For rough ideas, sell a paid discovery phase first. Add a monthly maintenance plan for updates after launch.
Who owns the app and the code?: Agree it in writing. A common arrangement is that the client owns the custom code, designs and store listings once paid in full, while third-party libraries keep their own licences. For larger projects, ask a lawyer to check the contract.
Can I use this template for Upwork or Freelancer.com bids?: Use the short bid version as your first message, then send the full proposal once the client replies and you've agreed the first version's scope.

MoreGigs is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Freelancer.com. You're responsible for how you use your Freelancer account and for following Freelancer's own terms.