The App Development Lifecycle Explained (From a Manchester Agency’s POV)

16June

By: Prabal Raverkar

The App Development Lifecycle Explained (From a Manchester Agency’s POV)

The mobile app market in the UK is growing faster than ever. With Manchester emerging as a powerhouse for digital innovation, more businesses are turning to local experts to build mobile apps that perform, scale, and convert. But what really happens behind the scenes when you partner with a mobile app development company in Manchester?

This article outlines the mobile app development process, step by step, from the viewpoint of an experienced agency in Manchester. Whether you’re a startup, small business, or large company looking to invest in a custom mobile solution, this guide will help you understand what to expect, what to plan for, and why local expertise is important

Phase 1: Discovery & Requirement Gathering

The first step in app development is always about understanding your vision. Any reputable mobile app development company in Manchester will begin with:

Workshops or consultations to understand your goals
Competitor and market research
Feature listing and functionality mapping
Target audience analysis

The goal is to document a clear scope of work. Whether you’re building a food delivery app, booking platform, or health tracker—this phase lays the foundation for everything else

From Manchester's perspective- Local agencies often bring market-relevant ideas to the table. If your target audience is UK-based, a Manchester team can suggest localized features or compliance tips that global teams may overlook

Phase 2: Planning & Strategy

With the requirements in place, the next step is strategic planning. This includes

Choosing the tech stack (Flutter, React Native, or Native?)
Selecting the platform (iOS, Android, or both)
Creating the roadmap with milestones
Deciding between MVP vs. Full Build

This is also where timelines, team roles, and cost estimates are finalized. Compared to a mobile app development company London, Manchester agencies often offer more flexible planning sessions, especially for startups.

Phase 3: UI/UX Design

The design process is not just about aesthetics—it’s about usability. Manchester design teams typically follow a user-first approach to ensure the app is intuitive, accessible, and brand-consistent

Key deliverables at this stage include

Wireframes and flowcharts
High-fidelity screen mockups
Interactive prototypes for testing user journeys
Brand-aligned color schemes, fonts, and icons

Design feedback is taken in iterations to make sure the final look matches your brand’s personality and user expectations

Phase 4: Development (Front-End & Back-End)

Now the real coding begins.
Agencies in Manchester usually divide this stage into two parallel tracks:

Front-End Development

Building screens and features visible to users
Integrating animations, transitions, and gestures
Ensuring responsiveness across devices and screen sizes

Back-End Development

Creating server architecture and databases
Developing APIs to connect app and server
Integrating third-party services like payment gateways or maps

A professional mobile app development company in Manchester also follows Agile or Scrum methodology—delivering progress every week or two, allowing clients to see updates in real-time

Phase 5: Testing & Quality Assurance

Before any app goes live, we conduct thorough testing to remove bugs and ensure it works well. Here’s what is usually involved

Manual and automated testing across devices
Functional testing to confirm every feature works
UI testing to verify design accuracy
Security testing to safeguard user data
Performance testing for speed, load, and stability
Beta testing with real users (optional)

Agencies in Manchester take pride in making sure apps not only look good but also perform really well in different situations

Phase 6: Deployment & Launch

Once the app is fully tested and approved, it’s time to go live!

This includes

Submitting the app to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
Ensuring it meets all guidelines and policies
Setting up app store metadata (screenshots, descriptions, tags)
Launching marketing integrations like Firebase or Mixpanel

If you're working with a mobile app development company London, the process may be similar—but Manchester teams often provide faster support and cost-effective launch packages for smaller clients.

Phase 7: Post-Launch Support & Maintenance

Launching the app isn’t the end—it's the beginning of the next phase. Post-launch services include

Fixing early bugs or crashes
Updating the app for OS changes
Adding new features based on user feedback
Maintaining server performance
Analyzing app data for insights

The best mobile app development company in Manchester will offer ongoing

Bonus: Local Benefits of Hiring a Manchester Agency

Choosing a local development team offers advantages beyond proximity

Face-to-face communicationand workshops
Faster feedback loops and quick changes
Local compliance knowledg (GDPR, accessibility, tax laws)
Lower costs than many London firms
Regional user insight for targeting UK audiences

While a mobile app development company London might have a broader portfolio, Manchester agencies often offer more personalized, agile, and budget-friendly development journeys—especially for startups and SMEs

Conclusion: Why Process Matters

Whether you’re building a mobile app for e-commerce, health, education, or logistics— the development lifecycle matters. It ensures your idea transforms into a usable, scalable, and engaging product with fewer risks and higher returns.

From discovery to deployment, partnering with a mobile app development company in Manchester gives you access to top-tier development talent

If you're planning your next app, choose a partner who not only understands the lifecycle but walks you through it with clarity and confidence

Prabal Raverkar

Director

I'm Prabal Raverkar, and I'm honored to serve as the Director of Young Decade IT Software Solution, a leading IT company based in the vibrant city of Indore. With vast experience in mobile app development, we deliver innovative, user-friendly solutions that meet the needs of businesses across industries. Our expertise in creating high-quality, scalable apps ensures your brand thrives in the digital landscape.