How to Create an Ecommerce Mobile App?

If companies want to succeed in today’s market, they need to create a strong ecommerce app. But what does this involve, what technology should be considered and, crucially, how much does it cost?

From multinational giants such as Amazon to online betting companies like Dual Kings, in today’s market, most businesses already have some sort of ecommerce app, whether carefully thought-out investments in retail or sports betting app development.

But if they do not, how do organizations create their own ecommerce app? The secret to success lies in building up, or hiring, a dedicated software development team that is capable of custom software development services at speed. But before this article dives into the technical side of building an ecommerce app, first we need to look at what kind of apps are out there.

Ecommerce app types

There are three main areas that any ecommerce app can fit into. Some businesses sell to other businesses (B2B), some sell to customers (B2C), and sometimes customers cut out the middleman and decide to sell to other customers directly (C2C).

This is important to remember as organizations will need to decide what type of transaction their app is designed for – B2B, B2C, or C2C – when they start to create their own ecommerce app.

Learn more: Mobile apps development services

Tech stack for ecommerce app

What should every ecommerce app have to provide the experience users expect? Everything organizations need to build a solid foundation for their app is provided below:

• Building easy-to-use UI/UX: providing clean, easily accessible apps is crucial if organizations want customers to buy their products and come back for repeat visits and purchases. Tools such as Photoshop and Google Sketch can be used to deliver UI/UX experiences that win over users.
• Accurately tracking and storing personal preferences: leveraging data analytics will ensure that any organization’s ecommerce app will remember its users’ personal preferences. Amazon, Google and Microsoft all provide data analytics solutions that make tracking what customers like much easier.
• Leveraging secure payment gateways: ensuring customers can pay with minimal effort on their part is crucial if businesses want their ecommerce apps to succeed. Services such as Stripe and Braintree can help organizations integrate various payment gateways into their app, enabling their customers to pay for products with various options such as PayPal, MasterCard, Visa and online banking portals.
• Using industry standard coding procedures: using Objective C, Java, Python and Swift ensures any ecommerce app will run better on iPhone and Android, while platforms such as Flutter and React Native are typically used in the building of hybrid apps.
• Implementing robust database management procedures: securing data should be a focus for any modern business, especially as their shareholders push them to scale up more and more. MySQL, MongoDB and Firebase are great options for managing any app’s database effectively from day one.
• Implementing voice search capabilities: providing a voice search option is becoming more and more popular with users – especially with voice-based technology such as Amazon’s Alexa continuing to grow in popularity. The Azure Speech API, Amazon Transcribe, Siri Shortcuts and Google Cloud Text Speech API can be used to implement a voice search function in any app quickly and easily.
• Adding well thought-out push notifications: providing push notifications through various services such as Twillo, Apple Push Notifications Service and Firebase can help increase engagement with an app significantly if leveraged correctly and with a little bit of common sense.
• Creating robust chatbot experiences: ensuring customers have access to an automated support option might also be worth considering when organizations begin to create their own ecommerce app. Google Dialogflow, Amazon Lex, Botpress and Bot Kit are some of the platforms that help developers build a robust chatbot that customers can interact with at speed.

Latest technologies used in ecommerce mobile apps  

Businesses are utilizing various advanced technologies to enhance security and improve operational efficiency. These innovations are transforming e-commerce, cloud computing, and financial transactions, strongly emphasizing providing personalized and secure user experiences.  

Key updates in technology and platforms include: 

• AI in E-commerce: Artificial intelligence is central to personalizing the customer journey. AI-powered platforms automate product recommendations, optimize pricing in real-time, and manage inventory by forecasting demand. For security, AI algorithms are crucial for detecting and preventing fraud by analyzing transaction patterns and identifying anomalies. “Agentic commerce,” where AI agents act on behalf of customers to make purchases, is an emerging trend. 

• Cloud solutions for applications: Leading cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud are the backbone of digital transformation. They provide scalable infrastructure for AI and machine learning applications. These platforms are distinguished by their advanced data analytics, AI development tools, and robust, multi-layered security services that protect sensitive data and ensure regulatory compliance. 
• Blockchain in payments: Blockchain technology is streamlining transactions by offering a secure and transparent method for processing payments. It facilitates faster, near-instantaneous cross-border and domestic payments with lower fees by removing intermediaries. Smart contracts automate and enforce payment agreements, while the inherent security of the distributed ledger enhances traceability and reduces the risk of fraud.
• AI for user experience: AI creates hyper-personalized user experiences by analyzing user behavior in real time. Conversational AI provides immediate and context-aware customer support, including chatbots and virtual assistants. Predictive analytics anticipate user needs and personalize content and interfaces to individual preferences, significantly enhancing engagement and customer loyalty. 

Ecommerce app development: process

By now, it should be obvious that ecommerce apps come in many shapes and sizes, with many different features. However, while each app is different, the process used to create an ecommerce app should always remain the same.

The six-step process used to build any ecommerce app is outlined below:

• Establish app goals: determine why this app is needed and decide on the KPIs that will be used to track the app’s overall success as early as possible. Data such as how much traffic businesses receive monthly – either physically or online – can help build realistic goals and milestones.
• Understand the audience: decide on who its audience is by asking how old they are, what are their interests, what channels do they use, and how are they finding our business? Answering these questions, and combining them with any organization’s expertise, will influence the type of ecommerce app created.
• What tech will drive it: determine whether customers will need to physically download the app, or will they just need to visit a website that functions similarly to an app, also known as a progressive web application (PWA). PWAs are useful if organizations already have a lot of traffic to their websites, but apps downloaded from Google Play or The Apple Store typically offer the most optimized experience possible for iOS or Android.
• What are its essential requirements: decide which critical features the app needs to resonate with users, be it a robust review system, access to a wish list, or full social media integration. Geography plays a key role here, for example – Western customers want more secure gateways in their ecommerce apps, while South-East Asian customers expect integration with WeChat – so knowing audiences is critical to getting this step right.
• SaaS or bespoke: determine whether the app will be built using a SaaS solution or bespoke option. SaaS solutions are cheaper, can integrate with stores quickly and are often used by small to medium businesses. Bespoke options, meanwhile, are often used by bigger companies that have very specific demands for their apps, thanks to the unique needs of their customers.
• How will it be marketed: decide how the app will be marketed once it is complete. This may seem like an easy step, but do not be fooled, it is often just as tough as creating the app itself – if not even more so.

How much does it cost to create an ecommerce app?

In order to create an ecommerce mobile app, organizations will typically need to set aside anywhere between $9,999-$100,000.

However, the final cost depends on several factors including:

• The app’s complexity
• Number of development platforms that need to be considered
• Number of features that need to be added to it
• Essential design requirements
• Location of the workforce developing it
• Any ongoing support and maintenance that needs to be considered down the line.

What’s more, the more complex organizations want to make their ecommerce apps, the longer it will take to launch them, with typical timelines ranging from 3-12 months depending on the complexity of the final product.

Integration with modern payment channels: 

In 2025, the ecommerce landscape is defined by a diverse array of advanced payment options. Businesses are adopting various modern payment methods to meet consumer demands for speed, convenience, and security. This evolution is crucial for reducing friction at checkout and attracting a global, tech-savvy customer base. Key integrations include: 

• Digital wallets: Services like Apple Pay and Google Pay have become standard offerings. They provide a seamless one-click payment experience, significantly boosting mobile conversion rates. By leveraging biometric authentication, these wallets offer enhanced security and build consumer trust. Their integration is no longer a novelty but a fundamental requirement for online retailers. 

• Cryptocurrency payments: The adoption of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum as payment methods is rising. E-commerce platforms increasingly utilize crypto payment gateways to attract a new, tech-forward demographic. These payments offer the advantages of lower transaction fees, especially for cross-border sales, and eliminate the risk of chargebacks, providing merchants with greater financial security. 

• Regional payment platforms: Catering to local preferences is vital for international e-commerce success. In Asia, integrating WeChat Pay and Alipay is essential to tap into the massive Chinese consumer market, where these “super apps” dominate daily transactions. Similarly, offering “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) options through platforms like Klarna is critical in Europe. These services provide payment flexibility, significantly increasing average order value and attracting younger shoppers. 

Optimizing user experience (UX&UI) in ecommerce 

In 2025, the emphasis on an optimized user experience (UX&UI) has intensified, particularly regarding inclusive and accessible design. Companies are moving beyond basic usability to ensure their applications are fully accessible to individuals with disabilities, adhering to evolving standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This commitment not only broadens their user base but also enhances the overall experience for all users. 

Here’s how application design is evolving: 

• Adherence to advanced WCAG standards: Development is increasingly guided by the latest iterations of WCAG, which in 2025 are shaping up to be more comprehensive. There’s a strong focus on the four core principles: ensuring content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. This means providing text alternatives for non-text content, ensuring full keyboard accessibility, creating predictable navigation, and maximizing compatibility with current and future assistive technologies. The upcoming WCAG 3.0, with its goal-oriented approach, is already influencing designers to think more holistically about user outcomes rather than just technical compliance. 

• Mobile-first accessibility: With the ubiquity of smartphones, creating mobile applications that are friendly to people with disabilities is paramount. This includes implementing features like dynamic text sizing that respects system-level settings, ensuring large, well-spaced tap targets to accommodate users with motor impairments, and providing haptic feedback as an alternative to audio cues. Compatibility with built-in screen readers like VoiceOver (iOS) and TalkBack (Android) is now a standard requirement, not an afterthought. 

• Designing for neurodiversity and cognitive accessibility: There is a growing understanding of the need to design for a wide range of cognitive abilities. Creating interfaces that use clear and simple language is essential. It’s important to minimize distractions and provide straightforward, predictable navigation paths. Features that lower cognitive load, such as breaking complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps and offering clear error messages with helpful guidance, are becoming increasingly common. These improvements enhance everyone’s user experience. 

Ecommerce regulatory environment 

Changing data protection regulations, such as the GDPR in Europe and the CCPA in California, fundamentally change how secure e-commerce applications are developed. These laws require a “privacy by design” approach, imposing strict rules for handling personal data. This affects every aspect of the user experience, from registration to the checkout process. 

Implementing robust security measures for a long time has become a legal requirement. Key considerations include: 

• Data minimization: Collecting only the data necessary for a transaction. 

• Consent management: Obtaining explicit, clear consent from users before processing their information and making it easy to withdraw. 

• Encryption: Ensuring all stored and transmitted user data, from names to payment details, is encrypted. 

• User rights: Building functionalities that allow users to access, rectify, or delete their personal data (the “right to be forgotten”). 

Storing and processing data across different markets introduces further  

complexity. An e-commerce platform serving EU and US customers must navigate conflicting legal requirements, often leading to the adoption of the strictest standard (usually GDPR) globally. This involves implementing data localization (storing a user’s data in their home region) and creating geo-specific privacy policies to ensure compliance and avoid severe financial penalties. 

How to create an ecommerce app – final thoughts

In conclusion, ecommerce mobile apps are here to stay, but creating and maintaining them need not be difficult, so long as organizations take the steps needed to create ecommerce apps that truly stand out from the crowd from day one.

At Software Mind, we know that building an ecommerce mobile app can be challenging. Our experts understand the benefits of these apps, what they can do for you and how to implement them in your company at speed, which is why our dedicated software team is happy to talk about what types of apps they can create for your business whenever you are.

FAQ 

Can AI build an ecommerce website?  

AI-powered platforms can now generate complete ecommerce websites from simple text prompts. They create unique designs, build product pages, write marketing copy, and set up shopping cart functionality. This dramatically simplifies and accelerates the process of launching a functional online store, often in just minutes 

How long does it take to build an ecommerce app? 

Creating an ecommerce app can take anywhere from 2 to over 9 months, depending on its complexity. A basic app with essential features, such as product listings and a simple checkout process, typically requires 2 to 4 months to develop. More advanced apps that include customizations and integrations usually take 4 to 8 months. However, the development time often exceeds 9 months for complex and feature-rich applications. 

What are the key features of an ecommerce mobile app? 

Key features include a user-friendly interface, simple navigation, and a powerful search function with filters. What’s crucial? A secure and streamlined checkout process with multiple payment options, order tracking, and push notifications for engagement. 

What are the best ecommerce platforms for mobile app integration?  

Platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, and Adobe Commerce (Magento) excel at mobile app integration. They offer robust APIs and extensive app marketplaces with numerous third-party mobile app builders, allowing for seamless synchronization of products and orders. 

How to ensure security in an eCommerce mobile app? 

To ensure security in an ecommerce mobile app, it’s crucial to implement end-to-end encryption for all data, use secure authentication methods like biometrics, and adhere to PCI DSS compliance for payments. Regularly update and patch the app.