In 2025, mobile apps were everything: digital storefronts, service engines, and branding windows for companies ranging from finance, retail and health-to logistics. The emergence of mobile-first consumer behavior paired with rapid enterprise digital transformation forces companies to realize that launching a mobile app is a business strategy that cannot be ignored. When it comes to startups, having a mobile app could be the difference between acquiring users, getting investment, or scaling. Established businesses need to have mobile apps in order to facilitate consumer engagement or deliver on-demand services, as competition will continue to increase within the app economy.
With over 3.55 million applications on the Google Play Store and over 1.8 million on Apple’s App Store, a marketplace certainly exists, but a saturated marketplace. The new race is not just about creating a great app; it is about getting your app to market quickly and successfully, enabling discoverability, and optimizing your app for user retention. Which brings us back to a very basic yet often overlooked question:What is the cost to register as an app store developer?
Most businesses concentrate primarily on the development, being design, coding, backend infrastructure, etc. However, reality presents a few other charges into publishing an app on or in the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Amazon Appstore, i.e., financial, procedural, and strategic.
In the year 2025, in light of stricter privacy regulations, better and smarter review algorithms, and changes in monetization models across platforms, it becomes quite important to understand these costs. Publishing an app is not simply a price you pay, but rather a combination of developer registrations, compliance, certification, and ongoing platform costs.
In this guide, we will clarify the exact costs of each major platform, discover what hidden or extra costs you might not have prepared for, and provide you with the step-by-step publishing process. There will be information for founders of a startup assessing their MVP launch, developers, and their teams preparing to publish on multiple platforms, and anyone wanting to know the costs and what it really takes to publish an app in the current state of the app store ecosystem.
In our current mobile-first digital world, app stores are the gateways through which developers initiate innovation for the users, and businesses extend their reach. An app store isn’t simply a repository for software – it’s a curated ecosystem where applications are found, downloaded, rated, and monetized. When you check in on your bank account, play an augmented reality video game, book a cab, or get your team aligned and productive, there’s an app (and an app store) doing that for you.
At its most basic, an app store is a digital distribution medium. It enables developers to submit their mobile applications to a centralized online store, where users can explore, search for, download, and install the apps directly onto their devices. In exchange, the store encompasses everything from payment processing and security validation to software publishing of updates and analytics. For developers, this removes the burdensome task of establishing a distributed structure pipeline to be able to publish on app stores without being responsible for device-level compatibility relevant to millions of users.
It should be noted that app stores are more than just technical facilitators - they have also emerged as potent gatekeepers of the mobile economy. Each store has its own rules, design standards, content standards, and privacy policies to establish trust and quality standards - and thus, to some extent, its users create a sense of safety and trust since an app that is available in the App Store or Play Store has a certified merit based on the platform.
Let us just take a moment to revisit the three platforms that currently are leading mobile distribution:
The Apple App Store officially commenced in 2008, with the launch of the first ever app marketplace for iPhones, iPads, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. By 2025, the platform offers access to more than 1.8 million applications. Essentially, it represents a premium, controlled environment; Apple has a reputation for putting a lot of emphasis on the review process, often taking several days before they come to a decision, and will typically apply a nuanced set of standards related to their App Store Review Guidelines. With that process, developers are being provided with access to users who likely spend more than 40% more than the average mobile user, and the context of Apple hardware and services (Siri, iCloud, HealthKit etc.) that will facilitate that service
Serving as the primary marketplace for Android devices globally, the Google Play Store boasts more than 2.5 billion active Android users. The catalogue has over 3.5 million apps, which makes the Google Play Store the largest mobile app marketplace in the world. Google's ecosystem is relatively more relaxed, friendlier to developers, and has a faster app review time (24 hours or less). The Play Store also allows more monetization strategies (freemium, subscriptions, in-app ads, etc.) and is perfect for developers wanting to reach a variety of global markets.
The Amazon Appstore is somewhat of an afterthought and creates a niche and strategic distribution option especially for apps targeting Kindle Fire users, Fire TV users, and Alexa device users as users of those platforms are relatively limited compared to Apple and Google. The Amazon Appstore doesn't really compete on volume with Apple or Google, but it provides access to a loyal and experienced ecommerce user base, especially North American users. If your apps fall under eCommerce, entertainment, or education categories, including the Amazon Appstore in your cross-platform distribution strategy can be beneficial.
App stores have become increasingly relevant when acquiring users as the cost continues to rise and privacy policies keep tightening. App stores are now core to the discoverability, trust, and monetization of your app. They provide some built-in exposure to millions of users, other things including app performance metrics, and ways to monetize the app and maintain compliance, updates, and user engagement.
However, there is a strategy in getting and keeping your app in an app store. Each app store has different fees, technical requirements, and business model restrictions that impact your go-to-market strategy. Whether you are building a fitness tracker, productivity app, or social commerce app, telling about the app store(s) needed to be used and their cost is a first and foremost critical step.
These are just the base costs. Factoring in things like development, testing, and marketing, your total app launch cost could grow significantly, marketing, and compliance can significantly increase the total investment.
Note: The prices outlined in the table above are the most current at the time of writing (2025). These are the base publishing fees for created a developer account and to publish your app on each platform. Your price will vary based on the country-specific policies to set up an account, developer type (individual or organization), and any changes on the platforms from time to time. To find accurate and current pricing, see the official links to each platform below:
Apple App Store: Apple Developer Program Enrollment
Google Play Store: Register a Developer Account through the Google Play Console
Amazon Appstore: Amazon Developer Portal
One of the initial costs to consider when releasing an iOS app is the fee for listing it on the Apple App Store. Apple's tightly managed ecosystem emphasizes user trust, security, and high-quality standards.This comes with a cost every year.
To publish apps on the Apple App Store, you need to join the Apple Developer Program, which requires an annual payment of $99. This is the requirement for
individual and small teams who want to share their app with the public to view from the App Store.
- App distribution across Apple platforms: Your membership enables you to publish on not just iOS for iPhones but also on iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS.
- Use of beta tools and SDKs: You’ll receive pre-release access to Apple’s beta software, including new capabilities for apps and developer tools you’ll need to build great apps.
- TestFlight integration is Apple’s official beta testing tool that lets you invite users to try your app before its official launch, enabling you to collect valuable feedback beforehand.
- Code signing and certificates: The program allows for the use of provisioning profiles and certificates necessary to sign your apps and let Apple devices run trusted software.
For larger businesses or organizations that would need to deploy proprietary apps internally and not via the public App Store, Apple offers the Apple Developer Enterprise Program for $299 per year. This program is set up for businesses to facilitate the secure distribution of internal-use apps to employees without making the apps available publicly.
The Enterprise Program is, nonetheless, more restrictive in terms of access. Apple requires applicants to show that they have a legitimate business use case, an internal development team, and an active D-U-N-S Number (the universal business identifier).
Waivers for Nonprofits, Educational Institutions & Government Bodies
An almost hidden yet much coveted feature in Apple's policy is the potential for fee waivers for the $99/year developer program if one is eligible as a nonprofit, an accredited educational institution, or a governmental entity. The program supports the initiatives toward communities, innovations, and access to technologies.
An organization needs to be in one of the selected countries where this program is supported and go through a designated process administered by Apple. This program effectively lowers the cost to entry for schools and nonprofit organizations to build and distribute their apps.
Pro Tip: If you find yourself unsure about pursuing either the standard Developer Program or the Enterprise Program, consider this: Is your app to be issued to the public or is it going to be used internally within your company only? Keeping that distinction in mind should definitely point you in the right direction for what plan and pricing fits your needs.
Google Play Store ensures that you get the widest user base and a developer-friendly structure to publish your newest mobile application. The unassailable part of the Play Store is its affordability, laying it open for startups, indie developers, or corporate teams trying their hands in Android territory.
Where Apple asks for an annual plan fee, Google, on the other hand, asks its developers to pay a registration fee only once for $25. That is about it. Once you have paid the fee and your account is accepted, you now have lifetime access to the Google Play Developer Console where unlimited apps can be published under one account.
This was the lowest barrier to experimentation, innovation, and iteration, which especially benefited those developers confirming their app ideas or who were launching MVPs (Minimum Viable Products).
The $25 price tag is a small fee for some pretty powerful tools and insights.
The entire platform revolves around the Play Console. It is the place for app listing management, tracking installs, price setting, update pushing, and user rights management.
Your app is securely signed through Google so that your app is protected and updates are deemed as authentic.
Real-time diagnostics and performance reports are provided to developers through a suite of tools called Android Vitals that allow the developer to identify quick fixes for slow startup time, ANRs (App not responding), battery drains, and much more.
Talk to your users by replying to reviews inside the console and start working on incorporating their feedback in the next app version.
With support in over 190 countries, it is easy to localize your app and meet worldwide audiences by setting language, prices, and store listing adjustments per region.
Not having to pay annually is one of the great differentiating features of the Google Play Store. It would have saved you from opening your wallet over and over again, enabling you to keep your developer account forever, even for those rare moments when you publish something.
This is particularly helpful for:
- Indian developers testing hobby projects
- Freelancers managing client apps
- Companies with infrequent update cycles
- Startups in early stages are trying to be mindful of budgets
Mobile app distribution sees the Amazon Appstore as a smart but often ignored option—for Android-focused developers. Google Play rules the Android world, but Amazon's Appstore gives you a chance to spread out your distribution, find new users, and make more money—without spending a time.
No Fees to Publish – Good for Developers
The best thing about the Amazon Appstore? It doesn't cost anything to sign up and put your app out there. You don't pay anything upfront, you don't pay for a subscription, and you don't have to keep paying to be part of their developer program. This makes it one of the cheapest platforms around, which is great for small developers, new companies, and app makers who want to reach more people without spending more money.
To get started, just make an Amazon Developer Account. Once they say okay, you can begin putting your Android apps on the store.
Why Think About the Amazon Appstore?
The Amazon Appstore might not have as many installs as Google Play, but it caters to a specific important group of users—those with Fire OS devices like:
- Amazon Fire tablets
- Fire TV devices
- Echo Show with app integrations
- Select Android-compatible hardware sold through Amazon's ecosystem
This grants you direct access to millions of Amazon device users who often lack default access to Google Play.
Although it's free to join, the Amazon Appstore provides full tools, analytics, and ways to make money. Developers get:
An easy-to-use dashboard to upload check, and launch apps, monitor performance, and handle your app collection.
Amazon offers cloud-based device testing to make sure your app works well across their devices helping to cut down on errors and compatibility problems.
Amazon gives a 70/30 revenue split (like Google and Apple), but also sometimes runs bonus programs, developer deals, and free marketing spots for chosen or top-performing apps.
Like other leading app stores, you can monetize your apps using in-app purchases, subscriptions, and ads.
The store gives you tools to try out different app descriptions and see what works best. This helps you get more users based on real info.
Amazon sometimes starts programs such as:
Amazon Appstore Small Business Accelerator – This gives a bigger share of revenue (up to an 80/20 split) to small developers who qualify and make less than $1 million each year.
Promotional Campaigns – Amazon showcases new or popular apps through banners in the store, emails to customers, and promotions on devices.
These programs are great for developers who want more people to see their apps without spending money on ads.
What Factors Affect the cost to register as an app store developer ? While the store fee is minimal, total costs are influenced by several other variables:
This includes design, development (native, hybrid, or cross-platform), QA testing, and deployment.
Paid SDKs, frameworks, or third-party services can add to the cost.
A simple app with static content is cheaper to build and publish than a dynamic one with APIs, login features, or real-time data.
For certain regions or types of apps (like fintech or healthcare), GDPR or HIPAA compliance may increase costs.
Apple TestFlight and Firebase tools for Android might involve additional costs. 6. Marketing and App Store Optimization (ASO)
From keyword research to graphic design, marketing your app effectively involves spending.
If you're looking to launch your app on Apple’s App Store, here’s an easy step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Visit Apple Developer Program site and create an account. You’ll need to pay $99 each year to become a member.
Your app must meet the rules in Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines and App Store Review Guidelines.
Create the following items through the Apple Developer portal:
- A unique App ID
- Development and distribution certificates
- Provisioning profiles
App Store Connect helps you handle your apps, manage users, check sales, and view analytics. You’ll use it to:
- Set up your app’s listing
- Add details about the app
- Upload app images and promo materials
Xcode lets you archive your app and send it straight from your Mac. Step 6: Submit for Apple’s Review
Apple reviews your app after you submit it. This takes between one to two days, but it might take more time if you’re using a new account.
You can decide to release your app on a certain date or wait to publish it after approval.
Google Play Store acts as the main platform to distribute apps on Android devices. It connects over 3 billion users offering developers a chance to reach a massive audience.
Detailed Steps to Get Your App on Google Play
By creating a Google Play Console account by submitting a one-time registration fee of $25.
This is required if your app offers in-app purchases or subscription options. Step 3: Set Up the Application
In the Play Console, start a new application by selecting your default language and entering the app’s title.
Include:
- App title and short/long descriptions
- Screenshots and feature graphic
- App icon and promo video (optional)
- Category and contact info
Use Android App Bundles (.aab) or APK files. Google recommends .aab as it optimizes downloads per device.
Respond to feedback and improve ratings—it affects visibility and trust. Step 7: Set Up App Distribution and Pricing
Define:
- Free or paid status
- Countries/regions
- Age restrictions
- Privacy policy
Click "Review and Publish" after completing all steps. Apps are usually reviewed in a few hours to a couple of days.
Features That Make Apple and Google App Stores Stand Out Apple App Store
- Higher revenue per user
- More consistent user experience
- Strong brand trust
- Excellent developer tools
Google Play Store
- Wider device reach
- One-time low entry fee
- Faster review times
- Easier beta testing and staged rollouts
- Entry Cost $99/year $25 one-time
- Review Time 24–72 hours 2–12 hours
- Revenue Cut 15–30% 15–30%
User Base Higher income users
Larger global reach
Testing Tools TestFlight Firebase & Closed Tests
Platform Support
iOS, macOS, tvOS
Android devices
How Do I Choose the Right Platform?
If your users are in North America, Europe, or the Middle East, Apple could help you earn more money. For places with growing tech use, Android leads the way.
Creating apps for iOS costs more because of its strict rules and special hardware. Where Will You Earn More?
People using iOS spend more on apps and subscriptions. This makes it a better choice to earn from paid apps or services.
Getting an app published on Android is quicker and much less complicated than with Apple.
If your app depends on linking with Apple-exclusive hardware like Siri or the Apple Watch, stick with iOS. If not, Android might give you more options to work with.
The price to launch an app on the App Store changes depending on the platform, but fees for publishing are the start. To succeed, you need to plan out your budget, grasp how the publishing process works, and understand your audience. Whether you choose Apple Google, or both, focusing on good development, thorough testing, and strong marketing after launch will help you shine in a crowded app market.
Anika Verma is a tech content writer with a strong science background and a love for learning new things. She enjoys writing clear and engaging articles about technology, apps, and digital trends. Alongside writing, Anika tutors students part-time and spends her free time with her pet. She also enjoys reading, especially biographies of famous inventors and leaders.
