Written app plan
What the app must do, builder or custom, ongoing fees, and a fixed quote, before any build starts.
The Problem
Your Regulars Want an App, Not Your Website in a Wrapper
Most store apps go wrong in one of two ways. Apple may reject a wrapped website, or a custom build costs more than the app will ever earn.
01 · Wrapper rejected
A wrapped mobile site gets sent back by Apple's review.
The app uses native screens and the features Apple's guidelines expect.
02 · Oversized quotes
Custom quotes cost more than the app will likely earn.
We start on a builder when it covers what your buyers need.
03 · Missed drops
Loyal buyers hear about drops after they've sold out.
Push alerts and early access reach app users before the drop goes live.
04 · Checkout risk
Rebuilt checkout screens break payments and discount codes.
Shopify's own checkout runs inside the app through Checkout Kit.
Your best customers order every month, mostly from their phones. They ask for an app, so you try a quick wrapper that loads your mobile site inside a frame. Apple sends it back under its minimum functionality rule. A custom app quote comes in at a price you'd need years of app sales to recover. Meanwhile, your drops sell out to whoever refreshes fastest, and your loyal buyers hear about them from a friend.
We start by deciding what the app must do that your mobile site can't: push alerts, saved logins, app-only drops, or loyalty. If a builder covers that, we set it up on Tapcart or Vajro. If not, we build in React Native on Shopify's Storefront API, with Shopify's own checkout in the app. You get an app that earns its place on the home screen instead of a wrapper.
Builder or custom, decided first
A written call on what the app must do, before you pay for any build work.
Push alerts that sell
Drops, restocks, and abandoned carts sent as push notifications to buyers who opted in.
Shopify checkout inside
Payments, discounts, and shipping rules run through Shopify's own checkout, not a rebuilt copy.
Our Shopify Mobile App Development Process
From App Plan to App Store Approval in Five Clear Steps
You approve the app plan and screen designs before any build starts, then test the app on your own phone before it goes to Apple and Google.
We look at your store, customer data, and what buyers ask for, then decide builder or custom. You get a written app plan, the builder fees if any, and a fixed quote for the build.
What's Included
What You Get Going From Shopify Store to App
Every project covers a written app plan, branded screens, push notifications, Shopify checkout inside the app, device testing, and app store submission under your own accounts.
Compare Options
DeveloperLook vs DIY App Builder vs Generic Agency
A DIY builder is the cheapest way to test an app, and a large agency can build anything. Here's where each fits a Shopify store's budget and needs.
| Feature | DeveloperLookBest fit | DIY app builder | Generic agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planning | Builder or custom, in writing | Template you pick yourself | Discovery, often billed |
| Time to launch | 2 to 16 weeks | Days to a few weeks | Months for custom work |
| Custom features | Built when the plan needs them | Limited to builder features | Anything, at a price |
| Checkout | Shopify checkout via Checkout Kit | Shopify checkout in a web view | Varies by build |
| App review | Submission and fixes handled | Builder may help | Usually handled |
| Monthly cost | Builder fee or hosting only | Builder subscription | Retainer for updates |
| Ownership | Accounts and code in your name | Locked to the builder | Check the contract |
| Cost to start | From $1,200, fixed scope | Low monthly start | Usually far higher |
DeveloperLook
DIY app builder
- Planning
- DeveloperLook: Builder or custom, in writingDIY app builder: Template you pick yourself
- Time to launch
- DeveloperLook: 2 to 16 weeksDIY app builder: Days to a few weeks
- Custom features
- DeveloperLook: Built when the plan needs themDIY app builder: Limited to builder features
- Checkout
- DeveloperLook: Shopify checkout via Checkout KitDIY app builder: Shopify checkout in a web view
- App review
- DeveloperLook: Submission and fixes handledDIY app builder: Builder may help
- Monthly cost
- DeveloperLook: Builder fee or hosting onlyDIY app builder: Builder subscription
- Ownership
- DeveloperLook: Accounts and code in your nameDIY app builder: Locked to the builder
- Cost to start
- DeveloperLook: From $1,200, fixed scopeDIY app builder: Low monthly start
Projects We've Built
Shopping App Projects We Have Built
Fashion, beauty, and furniture shopping apps from our team, with the browsing, cart, and account screens your buyers will use.
Unicom Fashion Ecommerce App and Admin Dashboard
- Fashion
- Dashboard
- E-commerce
Mavenza Fashion Ecommerce App and Admin Dashboard
- Business
- Fashion
- E-commerce
UrbanNest Furniture Ecommerce App and Admin Dashboard
- Business
- Furniture
- E-commerce
Glamory Beauty & Makeup Ecommerce App and Dashboard
- Beauty
- Fashion
- E-commerce
What Our Clients Say
What Clients Say After Launch
Feedback from teams we have built online stores and store features for.
We had a pretty specific idea of what we wanted our website to become, but I wasn’t sure how easily we could explain all of it to a development team. There were quite a few moving parts, and we were working toward a deadline, so I expected a few things to get lost along the way. That never really happened. They understood what we were trying to achieve, kept us updated throughout the process, and got everything ready within the agreed timeline. The final site feels much easier to navigate, works beautifully on mobile, and is noticeably smoother for our customers. It was a huge relief seeing the original idea actually turn into the website we had in mind.
The mobile experience is probably my favourite part of the new site. We had spent a lot of time making sure the desktop version looked right, and the team kept pushing us to think about how everything would actually feel on a phone too. They were right. The navigation is clean, the interactions feel natural, and everything we’ve tested so far works exactly as it should. They also went through the links, forms, integrations, and other details more than once before launch, which I really appreciated. And even after going live, we could still reach out when something came up. The whole process felt friendly, organised, and surprisingly straightforward.
What I appreciate most is that the website is actually easy for us to manage now. We can update content ourselves instead of sending a developer a message every time we need to change something small. They also paid attention to the technical SEO side, which mattered to us because we didn’t want a new website to create problems for the traffic we already had. I’ve probably asked more questions than I should have since launch, but every question has been handled patiently and without any fuss. The team is easy to work with, they explain things clearly, and when we need something changed, they focus on getting it done rather than making the process complicated.
1,250+
Projects shipped
10+
Years of experience
Top 3%
Upwork Top Rated Plus
5 stars
Average review score
Want results like these?
Tell us what you are building. You get a reply within 24 hours on business days, then a written estimate.
Work Culture
Why Shopify Brands Trust Us With Their Mobile App
An app lives on your buyer's home screen or gets deleted. These habits keep yours worth opening, and keep your costs in line with what it earns.
Mobile site before app
If your mobile site is slow or hard to use, we'll say fix that first. Most shoppers find you on the web before they install anything.
Builder fees counted upfront
Builder apps charge every month. We show the yearly cost next to a custom quote, so you choose with the full picture in front of you.
Built to pass app review
Native screens, real features, and complete store listings go in from the start. Wrapped websites risk rejection under Apple's minimum functionality guideline.
Checkout left to Shopify
We don't rebuild checkout screens. Shopify's own checkout runs in your app, so payments, discounts, and taxes behave the same as on your site.
Push with permission
Push alerts go only to buyers who opted in, at a pace they'll accept. Too many alerts get an app muted or deleted, so we plan the cadence with you.
Your accounts, your app
Apple and Google developer accounts stay in your company's name, and custom code is yours at handover. You can switch partners without losing the app.
Overview
How does Shopify mobile app development work?
DeveloperLook handles Shopify mobile app development for stores that want their own app on the App Store and Google Play. We set up builder apps or build custom React Native apps on the Storefront API, with Shopify checkout inside the app. Projects start at $1,200 and take 2 to 16 weeks.
DEVELOPERLOOK
Project facts · Shopify Mobile App Development
- Service
- Shopify Mobile App Development (app plan, screens, build, store launch)
- Typical timeline
- 2 to 4 weeks on a builder, 8 to 16 weeks for a custom app
- Platforms
- iOS and Android apps for Shopify and Shopify Plus stores
- Built with
- React Native, Storefront API, Checkout Kit, Firebase, Tapcart or Vajro
- Experience
- 10+ years of development experience and 1,250+ shipped projects
- Post-launch support
- 30 to 90 days, depending on plan
- Communication
- Calls in US, UK, and AU business hours
- Starting price
- From $1,200 USD, fixed scope after a free app review
Reviewed 7 Oct 2026 by Saimul Islam
Good fit
Brands with loyal repeat buyers
Your best customers order every month, and you want a mobile app for Shopify store regulars, with push alerts and saved logins.
Stores testing an app on a budget
You want to create a mobile app for Shopify shoppers without a custom bill, so a Shopify mobile app builder fits your first year.
Brands that outgrew their builder app
Your builder app can't handle bundles, custom product options, or loyalty the way your site does, and you're ready to go custom.
Stores planning app-only drops
You run limited drops and want early access in an app, with push alerts that reach buyers before the drop sells out.
Agencies with a Shopify client
Your agency runs a client's Shopify store and needs a shopping app built under your name, from design to app store review.
Not a fit
Mobile site is the problem
Your real problem is a slow or clumsy mobile site, and most shoppers won't download an app. Our Shopify Speed Optimization service fixes that first.
Not a shopping app
You need a booking, field service, or staff app, not a shopping app for buyers. Our Mobile App Development service builds those.
Budget under $1,200
Your budget is under $1,200, including builder fees for the first year. A do-it-yourself builder plan may be enough to test demand.
Selling apps to merchants
You want to build an app other merchants install from the Shopify App Store. That's a different product, and our Custom Shopify Development service covers it.
Not sure we're the right fit?
Book a free call or message us. We'll tell you honestly whether we're the right team.
Pricing
Transparent Starting Prices for Shopify Mobile App Development
These are starting points in USD. Your final price depends on builder or custom, screens, and features, and you get a fixed proposal after a free app review.
For stores launching an app fast on a builder such as Tapcart or Vajro.
$1,200one-time, USD
- Builder or custom decided in writing
- Home, collection, and product screens in your brand
- Push notifications with your first two campaigns
- App Store and Google Play listings in your accounts
- Submission handled, with fixes for review feedback
- 30 days of post-launch support
Recommended
For brands that need a custom iOS and Android app beyond what builders allow.
$4,400one-time, USD
- Everything in App Launch
- One React Native codebase for iOS and Android
- Storefront API catalog, search, and cart
- Shopify checkout in the app with Checkout Kit
- Customer login, order history, and saved addresses
- 60 days of post-launch support
For brands making the app a sales channel with loyalty, drops, and deep links.
$8,900one-time, USD
- Everything in Custom Shopping App
- Wishlists, reviews, and loyalty connected
- App-only drops and early access
- Deep links from email, SMS, and ads
- App analytics events and crash reporting
- 90 days of post-launch support
For Agencies
White-Label Shopify Mobile App Builds for Agencies
You own the client relationship. We supply the app work for your clients' Shopify stores: app plans, screen design, builder setup or custom React Native builds, and app store submission. It's all delivered under your brand.
How the partnership works
White label: your client only ever sees your brand
- Your client
- You, the agency
- DeveloperLook
Share the brief
Send the client's store, what buyers ask for, and the budget range.
- Client needs
- You share the details
- Details received
We plan and price
You get a builder-or-custom plan and a fixed quote to resell.
- Scope and plan
- Proposal to resell
- Your quoteYOUR LOGO
Build and submit
Screens built, tested on real phones, and submitted under the client's accounts.
- Done by our team
- Your brand on it
- Handed to your clientDone
Partner with DeveloperLookDelivered under your brand
Stay client-facing
App plans and store listings go out under your agency's name.
Native app skills
React Native, push notifications, and app review handled by our team.
Fixed quotes
A price set by builder or custom, screens, and features.
Flexible capacity
Extra hands when a client asks for an app mid-project.
The Right Technology for Your Project
Technology Stack
We build shopping apps on Shopify's Storefront API and Checkout Kit, with React Native for one codebase across iOS and Android.
- React Native
- Swift
- Kotlin
- Expo
TypeScript
Shopify- Storefront API
- Checkout Kit
- Shopify CLI
Firebase- OneSignal
Google Analytics (GA4)- Sentry
Figma- Xcode
- Android Studio
- TestFlight
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers on Shopify's own apps, builder versus custom, app store approval, and what a store app costs.
Saimul IslamFounder & CEO, DeveloperLookStill have questions?
Send a message or book a call with the team.
Store apps with DeveloperLook start at $1,200 for a builder app with branded screens, push notifications, and app store launch. A custom React Native app with Checkout Kit starts at $4,400. A full shopping app with loyalty, drops, and deep links starts at $8,900. Builder subscriptions are billed separately by the builder.
A Shopify builder app takes 2 to 4 weeks, including design and app store review. A custom React Native app takes 8 to 12 weeks, and a full shopping app with loyalty and drops takes 12 to 16 weeks. Apple and Google review times sit outside our control, so we plan a buffer before any launch date.
Yes, in two different senses. You can build a Shopify app that other merchants install from the Shopify App Store, or a shopping app for your own store's customers. This page covers the second: an iOS and Android app that reads your products and checks out through Shopify.
Pick a path first: an app builder or a custom app on the Storefront API. A builder turns your Shopify store into a mobile app from your catalog. Then design the screens, set up push notifications, and test on real phones. Finally, submit to the App Store and Google Play under your own developer accounts.
Yes. Most stores start with a builder such as Tapcart or Vajro, which can convert Shopify to mobile app screens using your catalog and brand colors. You'll need Apple and Google developer accounts in your name. A custom app makes sense when the builder can't handle your product options, bundles, or loyalty.
No, not a branded one. Shopify provides the Shopify app for running your store and the Shop app for shoppers, but neither puts your brand on a buyer's home screen. For your own app, you use a builder or a custom build on Shopify's Storefront API.
Yes. The Shopify app for iOS and Android lets you and your staff manage orders, products, customers, and reports from your phone. It's an admin tool for merchants, not a shopping app for your customers. Shoppers use Shop, or your own branded app if you build one.
Shop is Shopify's shopping app for buyers. It tracks orders from Shopify stores, saves Shop Pay details, and lets shoppers browse and follow brands. Your products can appear there through the Shop channel, but the app is Shopify's, not yours, so you don't control its design or its push messages.
A Shopify mobile app starts with a written plan: what it must do that your mobile site can't. Choose a builder or a custom React Native build on the Storefront API, design the screens, and add Checkout Kit so buyers pay through Shopify's checkout. Test on real devices, then submit to both app stores.
Apple approves store apps that offer more than a repackaged website. Its App Store Review Guidelines, in section 4.2 on minimum functionality, reject apps that are just a site in a frame. Native screens, push notifications, saved logins, and complete listings help. We handle reviewer feedback, but approval stays Apple's decision.
Saimul IslamFounder & CEO, DeveloperLookStill have questions?
Send a message or book a call with the team.
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