How Much Does It Cost to Create an Augmented Reality App

Your business wants to incorporate an augmented reality app, and now you’re curious about what it will cost to build one.

It is not unusual for augmented reality apps to cost thousands of dollars. The cost of making a basic AR app would be $50,000-$80,000.

Such AR apps cost $150,000 if they are complex and require more features. This app would cost $300,000 if it was enterprise-scaled and required advanced features.

A final augmented reality cost is determined based on the type of app and business level.

This blog will give you detailed information about the augmented reality app development cost if you’re planning on creating an AR mobile app for your business project.

Table of Contents

Augmented Reality App – What Is it?

AR apps, also known as AR apps, combine digital content with the user’s real-world surroundings. A virtual graphic or digital element like an image, an audio, or a video can be added to a real-life scenario. Using an AR app, users can place digital or virtual objects according to their preferences.

Augmented Reality App Development Costs: Key Factors

Programming and development are involved in augmented reality, which is a complex technology. The development of a full-fledged AR application will require additional SDKs and resources. In order to build an AR application, several factors must be taken into consideration.

AR App Types

There is a significant impact of this factor on the development cost of AR apps. Depending on your business model, you can implement two kinds of augmented reality in your app.

Marker-based AR App:

An AR app of this type relies on identifying markers/user-defined images for its work and is also known as a recognition-based AR app. The augmentation process in an augmented reality app begins with the use of a marker.

Since these markers are distinctive patterns, cameras can identify & process them smoothly. AR apps using markers work when users scan images or objects or focus the camera on them. Next, the image is overlaid on top of the object.

Since it does not require complex programming or development, this type of AR app is easy to build. Developing an AR app for the market can cost between $5,000 and $8,000.

It is recommended that businesses with low-scale requirements to scan codes, images, or product information use marker-based AR apps.

Markerless AR App:

SLAM (Simultaneous Localization And Mapping) is used in the markerless augmented reality app. Compared to marker-based AR apps, this type is more advanced.

SLAM identifies the surrounding area by analyzing point clouds of visual data. Therefore, markers are not required. SLAM enables users to place 3D objects in most augmented reality apps currently on the market.

Features of the AR App

There are different features that AR apps need. Real-life objects need to be visualized, edited, and reviewed using virtual elements. Time and effort are required for these features.

When determining the cost of your augmented reality app, you must take the features into account. To give you an idea of what augmented reality apps offer, we’ve listed the most common features below.

AR image gallery
360° photo tour in AR
360° video tour in AR
Single image reveals
3D animations in AR
Video AR layer
Static AR 3D model
AR experience with multiple videos on one page
Customizable AR buttons

AR Content Creation

AR apps provide businesses with a better way to review their products. It features a 3D content creation feature that lets users visualize real-life objects in specific environments. The cost of AR apps is also affected by the ability to create 3D content.

Your augmented reality application must be equipped with dedicated support to enable 3D content creation.

Our AR app development company at Web 3.0 India focuses on cost-effective 3D AR content creation. The cost of this tech stack cannot be avoided, however, as 50% of AR applications require it.

E-commerce, retail, entertainment, and sports companies need 3D AR content to promote their products. A 3D video or 3D image can be used to review products through the app.

It is important to factor this into your AR app development estimate.

The Complexity of Augmented Reality App

Apps that use augmented reality are themselves complex mobile applications. Adding more features and functionalities increases its complexity. You will need a separate budget to develop a custom CMS if you want to add a library of 3D models to your Augmented Reality app.

Mobile app development companies will have to spend a lot of time and effort developing your AR app if it requires sound effects, payments, or chat.

An augmented reality app will be more expensive to develop if you develop a dedicated content management system or a library of 3D models.

However, there is a wide range of CMS tools available on the market for managing AR content. Nevertheless, they do not perform well and do not support smooth content customization. Your AR app must therefore have its own.

Licenses for AR SDKs

A dedicated AR technology stack is required for AR app development. Using conventional mobile app development frameworks, you cannot create an AR app. It is essential to develop an AR tech stack that provides all the necessary tools and technical support for developing a fully-functioning AR mobile application.

In order to develop augmented reality apps, you need to choose an AR SDK. App for augmented reality. There are several popular AR SDKs whose monthly licensing costs may range between $99 and $999, which include Wikitude, Kudan, Vuforia, and ARKit.

To determine how much your budget will affect your AR project, you should look at what AR SDK the AR app development company uses.

AR Company Location

A company with proven experience in developing all types of augmented reality apps is needed since AR is an advanced technology. Don’t forget the location of the company when choosing one to develop your AR app.

In the USA, you can expect to pay $100-$250 per hour for an augmented reality app development company. On the other hand, in India, you may have to pay a company between $25 and $40 per hour. In other words, the cost of developing an AR app depends on the location of the developer.

Final Thoughts

Industries are being transformed by augmented reality technology. A vast range of industries can now offer effective product buying experiences, including eCommerce, retail, entertainment, healthcare, sports, and others.

Consumers are more confident and informed about their purchase decisions when they use the AR app. A 40% decrease in product returns has been reported by companies using AR technology, particularly in eCommerce.

A new scale of a business can be achieved by integrating augmented reality technology. With Web 3.0 India, you can develop a full-fledged AR mobile app for your business as we are a premier Mobile App Development Company.

Using the latest AR SDKs and technologies, our AR app developers and programmers are experts. We can make your AR app idea a reality if you have an innovative concept.