How Much Does News App Development Cost in the UK

Today, most people prefer getting their news directly on their phones. Whether it is the latest headlines, detailed articles, or live updates, they want information that is easy to find and read.

That is why news apps have become essential for media companies, independent journalists, and even bloggers. A well-designed app helps keep your audience engaged, informed, and returning for more.

If you are thinking about developing a news app in the UK, you are probably wondering: “How much is this going to cost me?” The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

The cost depends on various factors, such as the features you want, the technology you use, and the team you hire.

Think of it like buying a car. Do you need a basic model that gets you from point A to B, or are you looking for something with advanced features like navigation, heated seats, and the best safety systems? The more features and customisations you add, the higher the cost.

The same idea applies to developing a news app. This blog will explore the news app development cost in the UK and the factors that affect the total price.

We will also learn the costs for different types of apps, key features that can impact your budget, and more. Let’s get started!

Why news apps are gaining popularity?

News apps have become a daily essential for many people, giving them quick access to the latest news and breaking stories in real time.

Their growing popularity is due to various reasons, including changing habits. People now prefer to get news on their phones whenever they want instead of relying on traditional sources like TV or newspapers.

News apps offer convenience, speed, and the ability to stay updated on the go.

1. Instant Access to Information

People now want news right away, not hours or a day later. People no longer want to wait for the 6 o'clock news or the next day’s newspaper.

News apps send breaking news notifications directly to your phone, ensuring you stay updated with important events as they happen.

You can quickly check the news throughout the day, whether you are on your way to work or during a break, which helps keep you informed and engaged.

2. Personalised User Experience

Another reason why news apps are so popular is that they can personalise the news for you. These apps use AI and machine learning to create custom news feeds based on your preferences.

Whether you are into politics, tech, sports, or entertainment, the app will send you the latest stories in your preferred categories, ensuring that the information you receive is updated.

3. Convenience and Accessibility

Smartphones are now an essential part of our daily lives, and people use them for almost everything, including reading the news. News apps make it easy and convenient to stay updated anytime, anywhere.

Whether you are waiting in line, on public transport, or have some free time, you can quickly check the news without having to sit down and watch TV or read a full newspaper.

4. Interactive and Engaging Content

Today, news apps are no longer just text-based. They offer many multimedia content, including videos, infographics, podcasts, and live broadcasts. This type of content makes the news more interesting and engaging, which keeps users engaged and creates a more immersive experience.

Plus, features like commenting on articles or sharing stories on social media allow users to participate in the news cycle, making the app even more popular.

5. More Are Turning to Digital Options

As younger people move away from various media forms such as TV and newspapers, they turn to digital options like news apps. These apps offer a more flexible way to access information, which is perfect for today’s generation, who prefer on-demand content and easy-to-use apps.

6. Better Content Discovery and Curation

With so much information online, finding trustworthy and credible news can be difficult. News apps solve this problem by picking out the top stores and offering editorial picks.

Many apps also use algorithms to show trending news based on your preference and location, making it easier for users to spot stores they may have not looked for.

7. Monetisation and New Revenue Streams

News apps have opened new revenue streams for news outlets and content creators, which makes starting a news app one of the best new business ideas.

Instead of just relying on ads, they can earn profits using monetisation strategies, like premium content, paywalls, subscriptions, and sponsored content. These methods help generate income while still giving users valuable and the best quality news.

Overview of Total News App Development Cost in the UK

The total news app development cost in the UK ranges between £20,000 and £150,000+, which can vary depending on the app’s complexity, the features you require, the platform you choose, the technology stack, news app development companies you choose, and the development team you hire.

Building a news app with essential features like news feeds, push notifications, and limited user interaction will cost less than a complex and feature-rich news app.

The same goes for the platform you choose; if you are developing your news app for a single platform, the development cost can be less than building a cross-platform app that works on both iOS and Android.

However, if you are going to create a separate app for both platforms, cross-platform is the better and cost-effective option.

You can check the table for a clear idea of the cost of different types of news app development in the UK.

Breakdown of Cost by App Complexity

The complexity of the news app is the biggest factor in determining the total news app development cost in the UK. Here is a more detailed breakdown of costs based on app complexity.

🔘Basic News App

Cost Range: £10,000 to £25,000

A basic news app usually includes a simple news feed, push notifications, user registrations, and a simple design. These apps are easy to develop and are good for startups or organisations new to mobile apps.

So, if you have any new startup business ideas, you can start with developing a basic news app, as it will also fit within your budget and meet your needs.

However, they won’t have advanced features like personalised content, multimedia support, or interactive elements.

🔘Medium Complexity News App

Cost Range: £25,000 to £50,000

A medium-complexity news app has features like personalised news feeds, multimedia support (videos, images), comment sections, user profiles, and social media integration.

It could also offer content categorisation and allow users to share stories. These apps require more development time and a more advanced backend system to handle user data and content management.

🔘Advanced News App

Cost Range: £50,000 to £150,000+

Advanced news apps have features like AI recommendations, live streaming, offline reading modes, subscription management, and premium content.

They may also feature detailed analytics, location-based news, and integration with other services or platforms. The development of these apps requires a skilled development team and more complex systems, thus increasing the cost.

Development Cost Based on Platform

The platform you choose for developing your app, whether iOS, Android, or both, plays an essential role in news app development costs in the UK. Let’s learn in detail the development costs based on your platform choice.

🔘iOS App

Cost Range: £15,000 to £40,000

iOS app development is usually more expensive because Apple has strict guidelines for app design and functionality.

Developing for iOS requires knowledge of Swift, Apple’s programming language, and often needs more testing and optimisation to meet the high standards of the Apple Store. If you want a top-quality, native iOS app, it will likely cost more.

🔘Android App

Cost Range: £15,000 to £40,000

Developing an Android app costs falls within a similar price range as iOS development. However, Android development can take longer because of the various devices and screen sizes that need to be considered, which means more testing and optimisation.

Developers also need to work with Kotlin or Jave to ensure compatibility across all types of Android devices.

🔘Cross-Platform Development

Cost Range: £25,000 to £60,000

Cross-platform development allows you to build an app that works on both iOS and Android using a single codebase, which helps save time and money.

While this approach is more cost-effective, some features may not work as smoothly as native apps. It is an excellent option for businesses that want to reach more people without the high cost of developing two separate native apps.

Essential Features and Their Cost Impact

When building a news app, the features you choose will affect both how the app performs and the total development cost. Some features are basic necessities, while others add advanced options that improve the user experience but increase the cost.

At the basic level, every news app needs features like user registration, news feed, and push notifications. These are easy to develop and cost between £10,000 to £25,000, depending on the design complexity and backend integration.

However, when you add advanced features like personalised news, AI recommendations, live streaming, or subscription options, the news app development cost in the UK can increase by £20,000 to £50,000.

For example, a content management system (CMS) to manage and publish articles (CMS) can cost between £5,000 to £15,000, depending on how advanced it is. Features like offline reading modes or real-time analytics dashboards also add to the development time and cost.

In short, the more complex and interactive the features are, the higher the app-making charges. It is important to prioritise features based on your user's needs and business goals, especially if you are working with a limited budget.

Cost Breakdown Based on Development Approach

The cost of news app development in the UK varies greatly because of your chosen development approach. There are various methods to consider, each with its pros, cons, and cost implications.

🔘Native Development (iOS and Android)

This approach means building separate apps for iOS and Android, using languages like Swift for iOS and Kotlin for Android. Native apps offer the best performance, user experience, and access to device features.

However, since you are building two different apps, the cost can be higher, ranging from £30,000 to £80,000 for each platform.

Recommended Reads: Top 10+ Native App Development Companies in the UK

🔘Hybrid Development

Hybrid apps combine elements of both native and web applications. They are built using the latest web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and then wrapped in a native container. This approach is more cost-effective, costing between £20,000 and £50,000, but the performance may not be as good for more complex apps.

🔘Progressive Web App (PWA)

PWAs are web apps that function like mobile apps but run in a browser. They are the most affordable option, costing between £15,000 and £40,000, and can work on any device. However, they lack some features of native apps, like GPS or offline access, which can limit their functionality.

Key Factors Affecting News App Development Cost

So far, we have learned that app complexity, the chosen platform, features, and development approach affect the news app development cost in the UK.

However, there are some more factors that influence the development costs, and here are some of them.

1. App Complexity

As we already know, the complexity of a news app affects its cost. A basic or an MVP app with features like a simple news feed, categorisation, and push notifications is more affordable.

However, it will take longer and cost more if you want advanced features like AI news recommendations, live streaming, or multimedia support.

The more features you add, the higher the cost due to increased coding, testing, and maintenance efforts.

2. Platform Choice (iOS, Android, or Both)

Choosing whether to build your app for iOS, Android, or both affects your budget. A single-platform app is more cost-effective, but if you want to reach more people, you might need to develop for both platforms, which costs more.

Another option is hybrid development using Flutter or React Native. This allows you to use one code for both platforms, saving money while still offering good performance.

3. UI/UX Design

A visually appealing and user-friendly design enhances user experience but also increases development costs.

A simple design with standard elements is affordable, but a custom design with animations, interactive features, and high-quality graphics needs skilled designers, which increases the cost.

Investing in a well-designed UI/UX ensures better user engagement and keeps people using the app, helping it succeed in the long run.

4. Backend Development & Database

A good backend is essential for storing, managing, and delivering news content smoothly. The cost stays lower if your app uses a simple backend architecture with limited data sources.

But if you need real-time updates, AI recommendations, complex user management, or secure databases, the backend development cost will increase. Using cloud storage, content delivery networks (CDNs), and scalability can also add to the cost.

5. Third-Party Integrations

Integrating third-party services and APIs can improve app functionality, but it can also increase a news app development cost in the UK.

Common integrations include News APIs (like Google News API or NewsAPI.org) for getting content, payment gateways for subscriptions, social media sharing, and cloud storage services like AWS or Firebase.

Each service has its own costs for licenses and maintenance, which should be considered when budgeting for development.

6. Security & Compliance

Security is very important, especially for apps that handle user data. A basic level of security, like data encryption and secure logins, is essential.

However, if your app needs advanced security features, such as multi-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, and GDPR compliance (required in the UK and EU), the cost will go up. Investing in security keeps user data safe and helps build trust with your users.

7. Development Team & Location

The cost of hiring a development team depends on their location and expertise. Developers in the UK usually charge between £50 – £150 per hour because of higher labour costs, but they offer quality work and are reliable.

Offshore developers from places like Eastern Europe or Asia may charge £20 – £80 per hour, offering cost-effective solutions, though there can be challenges with communication and time zones.

Hiring freelancers is another option, but their reliability and quality can vary, making it a riskier choice.

8. App Maintenance & Updates

After your app is launched, regular maintenance is needed to fix bugs, improve security, and add new features. Basic maintenance, like small bug fixes and security updates, might cost £5,000 – £10,000 per year.

However, if your app needs frequent feature updates, major improvements, or changes to handle more users, app maintenance costs can be around £30,000 per year or more. Regular updates help keep the app running smoothly and improve the user experience.

Hiring the Right Development Team

The team you hire can make a difference in the cost and quality of your news app. There are many options you can consider based on your budget, project complexity, and long-term goals.

🔘In-House Team

Cost Range: £60,000 to £150,000

Hiring an in-house team gives you complete control over the development process. You can easily track progress, ensure quick feedback loops, and maintain a consistent workflow. However, it is the most expensive option because of salaries, benefits, office space, and equipment costs.

🔘Freelancers

Cost Range: £20 to £100 per hour

Hiring freelancers can be a cost-effective option if you have a small project or need specialised skills for a short period. Rates can vary depending on their skills and location. While freelancers are affordable, managing several of them can be challenging, especially for large projects.

🔘Outsourcing Agencies

Cost Range: £30,000 to £100,000+

Development agencies provide an entire team of experts, such as app developers, designers, testers, and project managers. They handle everything from design to launch, ensuring the best results.

Outsourcing cost depends on the agency’s reputation and the project size. However, there may be communication challenges, especially with offshore teams.

🔘Dedicated Development Teams

Cost Range: £40,000 to £120,000+ annually

This option involves hiring a remote team that works only on your project. It gives you the flexibility of freelancers but the reliability of an in-house team. It is more expensive than freelancers but more cost-effective than having your own in-house team.

Additional Costs to Consider

In addition to the initial news app development cost in the UK, there are ongoing expenses to maintain and improve your news app. Not planning for these costs can result in going over your budget.

🔘App Maintenance & Updates: After your app is launched, you will need regular updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features. Maintenance usually costs 15-20% of the initial development cost each year, which could be £5,000 to £20,000 per year for most apps.

🔘Server & Hosting Costs: News apps need servers to store content, manage user data, and keep everything running smoothly. Using cloud services like AWS or Microsoft Azure can cost between £500 and £5,000 a year, depending on traffic and data storage needs.

App Store Fees: Apple and Google charge fees to publish apps on their platforms. The Apple App Store has a yearly fee of £79, while Google Play charges a one-time fee of £25.

Also Read: How Much Does it Cost to Put an App on the App Store?

🔘Marketing & Promotion: Building the app is only the first step—you will also need to market it to attract users. Costs for App Store Optimisation (ASO), paid ads, influencer marketing, and PR campaigns can range from £2,000 to £10,000+, depending on your approach.

🔘Third-Party API Costs: Many apps use third-party APIs for payment processing, analytics, or content sharing. Some APIs are free with limited usage, but others charge monthly fees that can add up quickly.

🔘Security & Compliance: Ensuring your app is secure and compliant with regulations like GDPR is essential, especially if it handles personal user data. This can involve regular security checks, encryption tools, and legal advice, costing between £2,000 to £10,000 each year.

🔘Customer Support: Offering user support through live chat, help desks, or chatbots is important to keep users happy. Depending on your setup, this can cost between £1,000 to £5,000 each year.

How to Reduce News App Development Costs?

The news app development cost in the UK may seem costly for some, but you can opt for various options to reduce the development costs.

Also, reducing the cost of news app development doesn’t mean you will have to compromise on quality.

You can save money using various strategies by focusing on the essential features and gradually adding more based on user feedback. This way, you get a great app at a lower cost without losing the key features or good user experience.

Here are some ways to reduce the news app development costs.

1. Opt for Cross-Platform Development

If you are developing separate apps for iOS and Android, the development cost can increase, but using cross-platform app frameworks like Flutter or React Native can help save money.

These frameworks allow you to write a single codebase for both platforms, reducing development time and cost. This approach will enable you to reach more people without the extra expense of building two separate apps.

2. Prioritise Essential Features

When you launch your news app, you can focus on the essential features necessary for a functional app. These can include news feeds, user registration, and push notifications.

Initially, avoid adding complex features like live video streaming or AI-drive content. You can add these features later as your app grows, which helps reduce initial development costs.

3. Use Ready-Made Templates and SDKs

Instead of building everything from scratch, consider using pre-made templates and Software Development Kits (SDKs) for common features like content management systems or user login. This reduces the development time and costs, which helps ensure your app works well from the beginning.

4. Outsource to Cost-Effective Development Teams

Hiring developers from regions with lower hourly rates, like Eastern Europe or India, can reduce costs. These regions offer good quality development services at much lower prices than the UK.

Outsourcing helps reduce costs while maintaining quality, but choosing trustworthy partners and managing the project is important.

You should also know that there can be various challenges when outsourcing development teams, such as communication barriers, different time zones, and more.

However, you can hire a team with similar time zones and set up regular meetings or use collaboration tools like Slack to ensure everyone is on the same page.

5. Phased Development Approach

Another cost-effective strategy is to use a phased development approach. Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that includes only the most essential features.

After launching, the MVP development companies will help you gather user feedback and add more features over time based on user needs and market demand. This helps spread out costs and avoid spending too much at the start.

How Can Arramton Help Develop a News App Within Your Budget?

Whether you are a startup or a high-level company, Arramton can help build the best news app based on your needs and within your budget. It is a trusted partner specialising in creating high-quality news apps while staying within your budget.

Their team of experienced developers is skilled in cross-platform development or whether you want to build separate apps for both platforms.

Arramton offers flexible solutions to meet your needs and budget, prioritising the most important features or the features you want to add to your news app.

They also provide ongoing support to ensure your app runs smoothly and stays updated, helping you manage long-term costs without worrying about expensive updates.

By partnering with Arramton, you can utilise their expertise to reduce your development costs while building a high-quality news app that meets your goals and stays within your budget.

Wrapping Up

To conclude, news apps are gaining popularity for various reasons, such as instant access to information, convenience, interactive content, and opening new revenue streams.

The news app development cost in the UK depends on factors like app features, platform choice, design, backend development, and security measures.

A basic news app may cost between £10,000 – £30,000, while more complex apps with features like AI-driven recommendations, live streaming, and subscriptions can go over £150,000.

Also, you should consider additional costs like ongoing maintenance, marketing, server and hosting fees, and app store fees.

Businesses should carefully prioritise essential features, choose the right development approach, or outsource a skilled team that aligns with their budget to reduce development costs.

Investing in a high-quality news app ensures better user engagement, scalability, and long-term success.

Are you looking for a reliable development team to build a feature-rich news app? Arramton offers expert mobile and web app development services, ensuring high performance, security, and scalability.

Contact Arramton today to discuss your project and get a personalised quote!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 What is the cheapest way to develop a news app in the UK?

Ans The cheapest way is to start with a simple app with essential features like news feeds and push notifications. Outsourcing development to countries with lower labour costs, such as Eastern Europe or Asia, or hiring freelancers instead of an agency can also reduce costs. However, ensure the developers are experienced to avoid issues later.

Q2 How long does it take to develop a news app?

Ans A basic news app can take 3-6 months to develop, while a more complex app with features like AI recommendations or live streaming can take 9-12 months or longer, depending on the complexity of the features and the platform.

Q3  Is it better to develop a news app for iOS or Android?

Ans It depends on your target audience and budget.

🔘iOS Development: If your primary audience consists of iPhone users, developing for iOS first can be a good strategy.

🔘Android Development: Android has a larger global market share, making it ideal for a wider audience reach.

🔘Cross-Platform (Both iOS & Android): If you want to reach both audiences simultaneously, using Flutter or React Native can be a cost-effective solution.

If you are on a limited budget, you can start with one platform and expand later based on user demand and analytics.

Q4  Can I monetise a news app?

Ans Yes, you can definitely monetise a news app through ads, subscriptions, in-app purchases, or sponsored content. You can offer premium content, ad-free options, or exclusive reports to generate revenue.

Q5 What technology is best for news app development?

Ans If you want a high-performing app, native development using Swift (iOS) or Kotlin (Android) is an ideal option. If you are on a budget, cross-platform tools like Flutter or React Native are cost-effective. For the backend, Node.js and Ruby on Rails are commonly used, and for AI, TensorFlow can help with personalised recommendations.

Q6 Is it better to hire a UK-based team or outsource?

Ans A UK-based team offers better communication and market understanding but can be costly (£50-£150/hour). Outsourcing to countries like India or Eastern Europe can save money (£15-£50/hour) but may involve time zone challenges and require more management. The choice depends on your budget and needs.