Quick answer
A ruthless React Native MVP — one core loop on iOS and Android, auth, notifications, thin API/admin — can often land in 4–8 weeks when designs and backend scope are ready. Native modules, offline sync, maps, and realtime features raise cost and calendar. Budget store review buffers; they are not optional.
Mobile MVP means one core loop
Prove one workflow on iOS and Android — not every screen from your pitch deck. Auth, the primary flow, push or email notifications, and a thin admin/API path beat ten unfinished tabs.
Timeline & cost orientation
Simple companion apps often start near full-stack web pricing bands; complexity raises cost. Always budget for TestFlight/Play internal testing and store review.
| Slice | Calendar | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Auth + one loop + API | Often 4–8 weeks | Designs ready, API simple |
| + Payments | Add integration + review risk | Store policies apply |
| + Maps / realtime / offline | Materially longer | Native complexity |
| Store submission buffer | Days to weeks | Plan it explicitly |
What I’d do
I’d keep one developer (or a tightly paired pair) owning mobile + API. Split freelancers without an integration owner is a common US-startup failure mode.
I’d ship internal builds early. Screenshots in Figma do not reveal keyboard, permission, or offline issues.
Common mistakes
Building five tabs before the primary loop works. Ignoring store privacy questionnaires until the end. Assuming “React Native” means zero native work. Skipping a shared API contract.
Web first vs mobile first
If distribution is App Store / Play only, mobile first is honest. If you still need admin, SEO, or desktop ops, ship a thin web admin + API alongside the mobile loop — otherwise operators drown in spreadsheets.
Many founders under-budget the API. The phone UI is visible; the webhook and auth bugs are what burn weekends.
What I’d put in milestone one
Installable internal builds, auth, the primary loop, crash-free happy path, and a staging API. Notifications and payments can follow once the loop is real on devices — not only in Figma.
Decision checklist
- One primary mobile workflow defined
- API owner named (same person or explicit partner)
- Push/email decision made for v1
- TestFlight / Play internal testing planned
- Store listing assets and privacy answers drafted
- Admin/ops path defined if humans must support users
FAQ
Do you build the API with the app?
Yes when you want one owner of the release. Ask for repo + env docs for both layers in the handoff.
Expo or bare workflow?
Depends on native modules needed. We’ll choose based on the feature list — not ideology.
How does pricing relate to web packages?
Simple companion apps often sit near full-stack web bands; native complexity and store work raise cost. Ask for a milestone plan from the services page.
Related guides
Want a clear Next.js / full-stack quote?
For US, UK, and Australia founders — see packages & pricing, Hire full-stack developer, or start a project brief.
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