See part two on coding your App.
Love it or hate it, it's tough to argue about the success of the Apple App Store. While this venture might be a successful cash cow business model for Apple, how does business fare for the app developer? Pretty good, it turns out.
One of the poster children for successful app development is Joel Comm. Or, as he is better known, the developer of iFart. The sales claims for this little app blew away the competition, with sales of 113,885 downloads during a two-week period in December 2008.
Those are some pretty sobering statistics to digest while standing in the unemployment line. So what's a poor (read: really poor) developer to do? Why, make your own app, right? Not so fast, bucko.
Making an Apple iPhone/iPod Touch app is not a venture that should be undertaken lightly. There are two significant investments that you must be willing to make:
Granted, there are a couple of corners that you could cut for reducing development costs. You could be a rogue developer and rely solely on the iPhone SDK iPhone Simulator for your app testing. You could harvest the extensive library of Apple sample apps for your code. You could just "blow on your arm" for your app content. Even after all of these cost-saving efforts, however, you are still going to need an Intel-based Mac and a subscription to the Apple iPhone Developer Program.

First things first, though; let's build a machine that's able to support the iPhone SDK app development environment. No, we aren't going to create the illegal kind of "Hackintosh," a non-Apple-branded Mac OS X clone computer -- rather, we are going to bundle the lowest-possible-cost Mac computer development platform. Be forewarned, this project will void your warranty.
My first attempt at creating an iPhone app dev system was housed on a 16GB CompactFlash media card. There are many sites that will guide you through this process. Unfortunately, this system wasn't stable enough to reliably code a major iPhone app.
My second attempt at creating an iPhone app dev system was a complete success. Furthermore, the investment (on my part) was minimal, because I already had many of the components on hand. Here is the complete laundry list for building your own Apple-based iPhone app dev system Apple-based from scratch.
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I have a great idea for an iphone app, but I have school and other stuff to do, is there a place to find iphone app developers?
when is part 2 going to be coming out??
becerra, i'm an iphone developer, whats your idea?
I have some ideas for an app? How do you create them?
greiss122, I have some ideas I would like to speak to you a about, can i get some contact information. Do you have a portfolio of work?
Here is my idea:
make an app that allows you to use the inteface of different kinds of iPods: like a picture of a nano, and you can circle your finger on the button and it would scroll. Also allow them to play music and stuff like it would look like on a real nano.
Interesting article - I started my development with a Mac mini as well since I thought it would be the cheapest option. Eventually, I had to get a laptop though.
@monkeywhizdube - that is a pretty cool idea. Have you had any luck getting a developer to help you?
- MattjDrake
- http://howtomakeiphoneapps.com
Looking for someone to help with a killer app idea for a fun and challenging mathematical game that could hold big potential.
Hi Greiss22
Re: Pet-friendly lodging application for iPhone
We are the largest publisher of pet-travel information. We would like to investigate converting our database into an iPhone app.
Please contact me as soon as you can.
Harvey Barish
barish1@earthlink.net
Hi i have a good idea for a app, is there anybody who can help me build it? i beleve that this is a fab idea and is a deffo must... cheers Scott.
How about free as the cost to make an iPhone app. And how about you develop it and get apps for Blackberry, Samsung, LG and Nokia too.
Try eyemags.com to create you own apps for free and download them for free too. The apps are content apps and therefore simple, but if that suits your idea then it might suit you.
I would be interested in developing an iPhone App for my website. Could you contact me at AJSherr@comcast.net if you can do this work or have suggestions for finding an individual who can create Apps. Thank you
Blog Post
We are pleased to announce NewAppIdea.com (www.newappidea.com). NewAppIdea is simply a meeting place where people with new app ideas can connect with expert app developers.
After reading article-upon-article about people turning their app ideas into app store success stories, we became frustrated with our inability to find a developer to turn our own app ideas into a reality. We also sensed that we were not the only people out there with great ideas and searching for app developers. From that experience NewAppIdea.com was born.
There’s no cost for those with app ideas or app developers to become members of the NewAppIdea.com community. Users simply post their app ideas on NewAppIdea.com, app developers bid on the opportunity to develop those ideas, and users can pick and choose which developer they want to work to create their apps.
We welcome you to visit and comment about our site.
The NewAppIdea.com Team
New App Idea | App Idea Development
Hi - I, too, am interested in bids to develop an iPhone app - but mine would be less interactive, and more informational/reference. I wrote and published a book that is completely copywrited, called "Set Up to Fail: 100 Things Wrong with America's Schools." Each page is a synopsis of a different school problem. Many people hate schools and so might find this of interest. It would be similar to the app for "100 Ways to Motivate Others," "The Louvre," and various horoscope apps. Don't know if many would pay for it, but not sure how you make money on free apps - linking to future purchase? You may contact me at loftuskp@aol.com. Thanks.
Check out www.bigforge.com. Use LocalBeacon to build your app, no programming, no apple review time, have you app ready for download in just a few minutes. Full social networking (facebook, Twitter) integration in apps. Easy to build from websites!
Hey! I’ve taken this tutorial to another level. Check out this link on your iPhone or browser. I’ve taken what the api gives, and expanded it a little more.
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I am looking for an App developer as I have and app idea that could yield significant income. The app is not currently available after doing significant research. This could be built for worldwide use. Thanks for your comments.
Greiss 122, would love to talk with you. I have a great idea for an app, but don't know where to start. Please contact me so we can discuss. dw32730@yahoo.com
The hype about app makers making a ton of money has spawned an industry of people seeking to strike it rich. Often we come across folks who don't have a clue as to how their app (idea) will help solve a user's pain point (or entertain users). They are cluless with regard to marketing the app. They seem to be living under a rock. If you have an iphone app idea, please research if there's a market for the app, learn how much it costs and how long it takes to make an app. If it doesn't sound promising, don't waste your time and money. There are better opportunities to pursue.
Raj
www.impigertech.com
Also check out www.PhoneFreelancer.com if you have an iPhone app idea but don't know how to program it yourself. Its a site that hooks you up with an iphone developer for free.
I have had them them done for as little as $100 and as high as $5000 - but... it all depends on who you hire and the requirements. Best to come up with all the rules you want a coder to work by as well a set of goals that need to be accomplished. Check out www.lehow.com - post your problem and see what kind of response you get... also best to post your problem at night if you are EST.
I never thought making an iPhone application demands so much effort! Congrats, developers!
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i have a good idea for an ipod app but i can't find a devoloper....................please help
You can create your own iPhone and iPod Touch Web Apps with no programming skills required. It is the easiest way to create iPhone Apps. Try it for free at www.iGenApps.com.
flapjack try iGenApps and if what you want to accomplish is something more complicated, just contact me and I could see if I'm able to develop it for you.
thanks i will and my email is noahd727@yahoo.com
I don't really have any money to pay an app developer to Create my idea. Is there anyone that just wants to create a partnership with me? I have a great idea and know it'll sell.. Email me if anyone is interested cohbrakai@yahoo.com
greiss122 i have several app ideas and was wondering how much it would cost for u to develope one of my apps
SEEKING HELP TO BUILD MY IPHONE APPLICATION
I am currently looking for someone local to me say (Within 25-50 Miles of Aurora, IL) that that would like to collaborate with me to build a very powerful and useful IPhone / Smartphone Application.
I built this application in Excel and it is fully functional. And it is already being used by employees (Managers and Technicians) in my company and others want it.
I believe if it were an IPhone application it would be of greater value to not only my company but other companies as well.
This application would have a recurring value attached to it meaning that as new people enter the company in certain roles they will buy this application.
Someone with the right know how could probably produce this within a month or less; I sure did (Excel). In fact, I created an excel version while everyone was on vacation during last Christmas.
I recall getting a call from one of the Technician who said. "This is the one of the bests tool I have ever been given; Thank you..."
Here's my problem, I don't code in C. I know I can learn but it would take me awhile to gain the knowledge I needed to build this application.
I am willing to split 50% of the earning minus any fees associated with cost of distributing the application.
You can have as many people you want on your team as long as you understand that you only get 50%.
An application of this nature could easily bring in $9.99 or even more depending on how much bang with give it.
90% of the work is math; which I have pretty much already figured out.
Please don't bother contacting me if you don't already have a working IPHONE application listed with Apple, the Mac machine / system and the knowhow. I am not interested.
Also, I get the final approval on when the application gets release and for how much.
That's it; bring it on...
Bring it on...
Please don't ask me what my idea is, I'm smarter than that..
I run the educational site www.mymathhero.com and I am looking for someone to partner with on the site. I am a math specialist in Las Vegas and I am looking for someone to help with the progression of the site as well as develop iphone Apps. email Dave at myschoolhero@gmail.com if you are interested.
Thank you for a very interesting article. Another part of building your iPhone app is coming up with a plan to sell it. Doing a little work upfront on marketing your app can help boost your sales later.
- Rob
http://www.marketingyourapp.com/
I also have an idea for an app but need help with it just like they do...
Check out Bizness Apps!
Bizness Apps is trying to make iPhone apps affordable and simple for small businesses. We're a do-it-yourself iPhone app platform that allows small businesses to easily create, edit, and manage an iPhone app online without any programming knowledge needed.
http://www.BiznessApps.com
I've tried "connecting" several developers also. Since I'm also a student that works, I have little time or confidence to spend trying to code my app idea. I'm currently using taskcity.com to complete my project. I'm pretty sure that I have gotten a good price on my app dev, but I'm wondering what others pay?.. I'm doing the testing on my own and created my own icons along with a specific idea for what I want, but other than that I haven't "created" the app by coding it myself. I'd like to hear from others on their outsourcing experiences as I have another app idea that I'd like to start on.
Hey becerra
You can always outsource it, try websites like www.elance.com or www.guru.com
Register as an employer, and post your job to the Mobile Application or Smartphone Applications categories and within a day or so you'll have loads of quotes
Give it a try!
Best of luck
Nick
www.app-outsourcing-guide.com
I have a pretty good idea for an app. if anybody can help with it I would appreciate.
Nice article!
I'm looking forward reading the next part of it.
cr8tingapps get's to important (specially for the iPhone) and it's a hughe business-cloud; let's see how low it's there...
For me application-development became one of my favorite free-time activities.
I am thinking of making an iPhone app, but the ideas i get are so simple, how do I go about assuring myself that the programmer I hire will not copy it?
Because the above services you recommend are only very limited.
Ali
I found the whole idea of developing an iphone app very intriguing. Particularly as there are so many bad apps around that are clearly making a lot of money for the developers.
As I am a complete novice on the Mac OS, and to be honest have no interest in learning, I downloaded a guide from the internet, which basically explains the whole process of how to turn an idea into production, by outsourcing the process.
It teaches you step by step how to go about the whole process.
Like all good things, there is a small charge for it. BUt I assure you it's worth it, as I am already steaming ahead.
Click here for some more details.
http://preview.tinyurl.com/3wt4tx5
Try this resource for the fastest and easiest way to learn to create iphone apps
www.howtocreateiphoneaps.com
Want to make an App for Iphone, Android or Blackberry!!?? Have an app idea?
Hello, Our team here at Palmer Applications located in Southwest Florida, is a full service development and design company. Our team of talented designers and developers has been providing custom design and application development to clients in USA, UK, Australia and around the world specializing in Mobile Application Development. If you have an App idea or a mobile website design but dont know how to get it started or who to contact? You have to look no further. Please contact me at george@palmerapplications.com
George Benitez Client
Relations Executive
Palmer Applications LLC
PalmerApplications.com
Thanks for this information it really useful & beneficial for me to know. Thanks Vinay from iPhone Application Development
Team, KryptonSoft, India
Looking for a web developers to make iPhone app? Why? You also can do it. I use snappii dot com and make my own iPhone apps easy and fast.
Check out Nov8rix - fast and easy, www.nov8rix[dot]com
TUAW did a review of them - said some great stuff.
Agree with Moosh above -- Nov8rix. Totally awesome. I barely know html and created my own app myself. They have a full service package too that's completely reasonable, but if money's tight--they have FREE training sessions online and mini video tutorials that are straight to the point. They do both iphone and androids now. Check them out! www.nov8rix.com
And I use www.snappii.com to make iPhone apps, it's easy and doesn't require programming skills. Has anybody tried?
Create iphone app for FREE!!
Visit http://tinyurl.com/44j5b6m
Interesting article.
However, there is an easier and cheaper solution: web based iPhone app builders.
Though every developer must enroll into iOS Developer Program with Apple to be able to submit the app/apps to AppStore you can reduce you investments considerable by creating the app online, rather then on a Mac purchased particularly for this purpose. Though, undoubtedly a Mac is always good investment.
From the variety of services not requiring programing skills I would suggest Seattle Clouds (www.seattleclouds.com).
You can sign up for a free developer account. Use any of the templates available in the gallery. Add content. Customize pages of your app. You can use both an WYSIWYG editor and edit directly in the HTML/CSS of your pages.
Further you can preview your project using SC free app. Install it on your device, login, access your app and observe the changes as you edit the pages on SC website.
Finally, you can choose a subscription that is best suitable for your budget and developing needs.
Good luck.
Sure you could build your own app, but I suppose you could go online and learn to do repairs on your own car. Do you have the time to go through this list and weigh strengths and weaknesses? Automated tools tend to create "less than ideal" Mobile Apps and you quickly run into limitations. I strongly advise finding a reputable app developer. I'd be happy to introduce you to such a individual or agency.
Brett
dev @ cspreston . com
Nice article. one can also learn iPhone programming and create their own applications and games, can easily bring their ideas in to reality. There are lots of easy tutorials on iphone programming like stanford which is absolutely free, pragmatic studio its really nice place to learn iphone programming where you can attend class room training and if you are looking for online classes then you must visit www.edumobile.org
Thanks
Dushy
love this, ive been creating apps for awhile now. I used to be a .NET programmer and my brother was a school teacher, yet we used the internet and this book to find ways to create our own apps. You should check it out at least if you are trying to begin developing whether you are a beginner or advanced.
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Great post. Here’s a tool to use to build your mobile apps in minutes without coding. Just
point-and-click http://www.caspio.com/online-database/features/mobile.aspx
Nice post. Here’s a tool to use to build your mobile apps in minutes without coding. Just point-and-click http://www.caspio.com/online-database/features/mobile.aspx
Great stuff. Thank you.
If anyone is interested in some ideas of iphone application templates can check www.seattleclouds.com
Great info here - thanks for posting.
If you and others are looking to make your own iphone apps then I suggest that you check out my really cool site.
You can start by drawing it out with pencil and paper with an App Sketchbook: www.appmockuptools.com/collections/types?q=Sketchpad and then create an app prototype with full-editable pre-designed iOS GUI Elements from: www.appmockuptools.com/collections/types?q=iOS+GUI+Elements, then send to a developer via oDesk or Elance.
Thanks so much for the helpful information.
The new era of computers it's all about apps creation. I started from scratch from zero to developer, the hard way. But there's a short cut you can find in the internet, its called Apps Developers! You can check it here!
http://howtocreateappleapps.com