Custom app development by experts in strategy, design and development
Appfront is a full-service app agency in Amsterdam. We design and build apps that users genuinely want to use, from the first idea through to ongoing development after launch. With a team of strategists, designers and developers, you get a digital product that grows alongside your organisation.
Why choose a custom app?
A custom app offers advantages that off-the-shelf solutions simply cannot match. You get a better user experience, as the interface is tailored precisely to the needs of your target audience. Integration with existing systems is seamless, whether it concerns your CRM, ERP or other business software. Scalability is also built in: the app grows with your organisation without technical limitations. And perhaps most importantly, you retain full ownership of the source code and the data. No dependency on a platform that could change its terms tomorrow. Curious which type of app best suits your situation?
At Appfront, every project starts with strategy. Before a single line of code is written, we map out your target audience, objectives and market. We then take a design-first approach: interactive prototypes that you can test before development begins. Our developers work in agile two-week sprints, so you have continuous insight into progress and can steer where necessary. After launch, we remain on hand with post-launch support, from monitoring and bug fixes to further development based on user data. Read more about our investment and rates, or see how our development process works.
Types of apps we build
Native iOS & Android
Maximum performance and the best user experience on every platform. We build native apps with Swift and Kotlin that fully exploit platform-specific capabilities.
Cross-platform apps
One codebase, two platforms. Using React Native or Flutter, we build apps that run on iOS and Android without compromising on quality or speed.
Progressive web apps
An app experience directly from the browser, with no installation required. PWAs are fast, work offline and are accessible via a URL, making them ideal for broad accessibility.
Enterprise platforms
Complex internal tools and platforms that streamline business processes. From dashboards and portals to workflow automation with links to existing systems.
AI-powered apps
Apps with built-in intelligence. Think chatbots, predictive analytics, image recognition or personalised recommendations based on machine learning.
Backend & API development
The invisible engine behind every app. We build scalable backends and APIs that process data reliably, quickly and securely for your application.
Experience in your sector
Every sector has its own challenges, regulations and user expectations. We combine technical expertise with sector knowledge to build apps that deliver value straight away.
Healthcare & medical
From patient portals to medication reminders, we build healthcare apps that meet strict privacy and security requirements.
Logistics & transport
Real-time tracking, route optimisation and digital consignment notes. Apps that make the supply chain more transparent and efficient.
Fintech & banking
Payment apps, dashboards and financial tools that comply with PSD2, KYC and other financial regulations.
Retail & e-commerce
Mobile shopping experiences, loyalty programmes and omnichannel solutions that boost customer engagement and conversion.
Education & training
Interactive learning environments, course platforms and assessment apps that make learning accessible and measurable.
Government & public sector
Accessible digital public services for citizens. Apps that comply with WCAG guidelines and integrate with DigiD.
Native, cross-platform or PWA?
The choice of technology depends on your goals, budget and user expectations. The overview below helps you make a well-founded decision.
| Feature | Native (iOS/Android) | Cross-platform | PWA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | Maximum | Very good | Good |
| UI/UX quality | Platform-perfect | High | Limited |
| Development costs | Higher (2 codebases) | Lower (1 codebase) | Lowest |
| Time-to-market | Longer | Shorter | Shortest |
| Code sharing | None | 80-95% | 100% (web) |
| Offline functionality | Full | Full | Limited |
| App Store distribution | Limited | ||
| Maintenance costs | Higher (2x) | Average | Low |
| Push notifications | Full | Full | Limited (iOS) |
| Camera/GPS/NFC | Full | Almost fully | Limited |
| Accessibility | Platform tools | Cross-platform tools | Web standards |
| Security | Platform level | Framework level | Browser level |
| Suitable for | High-performance, gaming | Most business apps | Content, MVPs |
Our advice: For most business apps, we recommend cross-platform development with React Native or Flutter. You get near-native performance across two platforms from a single codebase, which saves development time and maintenance costs. We only recommend native for very specific platform requirements or game-like apps.
Tools and technologies we use
We choose the best tools for each project. These are the technologies our team works with every day.
Frontend & mobile
Backend
Cloud & infrastructure
AI & data
Design
Indicative investment
Every project is different, and the investment depends on complexity, the functionality you want and the technology chosen. The ranges below give a general indication based on previous projects. Get in touch for an estimate that suits your situation.
Compact project
Think of an MVP, a first version to take to market, or a focused app with limited scope. Ideal for validating quickly.
Extensive project
Most projects fall into this category: custom design, integrations with existing systems and a full-featured app for iOS and Android.
Enterprise platform
For organisations with complex requirements: think of extensive integrations, multiple user roles, high availability and a long-term partnership with ongoing development.
From first conversation to successful launch
Our process is designed to deliver results quickly without compromising on quality. Over four steps we work together towards a product that is ready for the market.
Introduction & strategy
We discuss your goals, target audience and technical requirements. You receive clear advice and a project proposal.
UX/UI design
Our designers translate your ideas into wireframes and interactive prototypes. You see and test the design before development begins.
Development
We build your app in short sprints. Every two weeks we show working functionality and incorporate your feedback.
Launch & management
We handle the App Store submission, monitor performance and are ready for maintenance and ongoing development.
What happens after launch
Launching your app is not the end of the project; it is the start of a new phase. Users discover your product, feedback comes in and the market keeps changing. Without active management, an app quickly loses relevance.
We provide ongoing support so your app stays up to date with new OS versions, security patches and changing App Store guidelines. We also monitor performance and analyse user behaviour to identify areas for improvement.
Based on data and user feedback, we draw up a development roadmap. That way your app grows with your organisation and stays ahead of the competition.
This is one of the biggest differentiators in our way of working: we are there not only for the build, but for the long term.
Maintenance & updates
OS updates, bug fixes and security patches so your app always runs smoothly.
App Store Optimisation
Improved discoverability, better screenshots and optimised descriptions for more downloads.
Monitoring & analytics
Real-time insight into user behaviour, crashes and performance through analytics dashboards.
Ongoing development
New features, integrations and improvements based on a shared roadmap.
Why Appfront?
Amsterdam-based team
No offshore development or freelancers. Our team is based in Amsterdam and works as one unit on your project.
AI expertise
We integrate AI where it genuinely adds value, from chatbots and image recognition to predictive models.
Design-first approach
Every project starts with UX research and visual design. This way we build apps that not only work, but that users actually want to use.
Code ownership
The source code belongs to you. No vendor lock-in, no licence fees. You retain full control over your digital product.
From concept to growth
We guide you from the first idea to long after launch. Strategy, design, development and ongoing improvement.
Multidisciplinary team
Strategists, designers and developers work together as one team. No silos, no miscommunication.
Security is in our DNA
Security is not a feature we add afterwards. It is part of every architectural decision, every design and every line of code.
Privacy by design
Personal data is stored encrypted and processed in line with GDPR guidelines. Privacy impact assessments are standard on every project.
Secure architecture
Zero-trust principles, encrypted communication and regular penetration testing provide a robust security layer.
Healthcare and compliance
For healthcare apps we implement NEN 7510 and work in accordance with ISO 27001 guidelines for information security.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to have an app built?
+The investment for an app ranges from €15,000 for a basic app to more than €150,000 for an enterprise platform. The exact cost depends on the number of screens, the complexity of integrations, the level of design required and the underlying technology. Get in touch for a no-obligation estimate.
How long does it take to build an app?
+A basic app is ready in 6 to 10 weeks. Advanced apps with custom design and multiple integrations take 10 to 20 weeks. Enterprise platforms can take 20 to 40 weeks. We work in sprints and deliver working functionality every two weeks.
What is the difference between native and cross-platform?
+Native apps are built separately for each platform (Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android) and offer maximum performance. Cross-platform apps share one codebase for both platforms using React Native or Flutter. For most business apps we recommend cross-platform because of its lower costs and shorter lead time.
Do you also offer maintenance after launch?
+Yes, we offer ongoing support including OS updates, bug fixes, security patches and App Store compliance. We also help with further development based on user feedback and analytics.
Can I integrate my existing systems with the app?
+Absolutely. We build API integrations with CRM systems, ERP software, payment providers, legacy databases and other external services. Integration with existing infrastructure is one of our specialities.
How is the security of my app handled?
+Security is part of our development process. We work with encrypted communication, secure authentication and privacy by design, and we carry out regular penetration tests. For healthcare applications we implement NEN 7510.
Will I own the source code?
+Yes. Once delivered, you are the full owner of the source code. There is no vendor lock-in, and any other team can take over further development. We also supply documentation.
Do you also work with start-ups and smaller businesses?
+Certainly. We work with both start-ups and enterprise organisations. For start-ups we offer an MVP approach, allowing you to validate and iterate quickly on a limited budget.
What is the typical project timeline?
+A typical project takes 8 to 16 weeks, depending on scope. We start with a discovery phase of 1-2 weeks, followed by design (2-4 weeks) and development in two-weekly sprints. We draw up the exact schedule together after the first conversation.
How does collaboration work during a project?
+You will have a dedicated point of contact and access to our project environment. Every two weeks we present working functionality and incorporate your feedback. We are available daily via Slack or Teams for any questions.
Let's get acquainted
Curious about what we could mean for your organisation? Get in touch without obligation for an introductory conversation.
Westerdoksdijk 599, 1013 BX Amsterdam
Get in touch