We design and develop high-performance mobile applications for iOS and Android. Whether you need a native app built with Swift or Kotlin, or a cross-platform solution using React Native or Flutter, 5labs delivers polished, scalable apps from concept through to App Store and Google Play launch. Based in Edinburgh, we partner with startups and enterprises across the UK.
Mobile apps are how users interact with businesses today. At 5labs, we build apps that are fast, intuitive, and built to last. Our Edinburgh-based development team covers the full spectrum of mobile development: native iOS apps using Swift, native Android apps using Kotlin, and cross-platform solutions using React Native and Flutter.
Every app we build starts with deep research into your users, your market, and your business objectives. We focus on creating exceptional user experiences with clean, maintainable code underneath. From initial wireframes to the final App Store submission, we handle every step of the process.
Need a backend for your app? Our web development team builds robust APIs and admin panels. Want to add smart features? Our AI development services can integrate machine learning directly into your mobile app. For apps with a commerce component, explore our ecommerce solutions.
Full-cycle app development from idea to launch and beyond
We build high-performance iOS applications using Swift and SwiftUI. Designed to take full advantage of Apple's ecosystem, including ARKit, HealthKit, CoreML, and push notifications.
Our Android development team builds powerful apps using Kotlin and Jetpack Compose. Optimised for the wide range of Android devices and screen sizes available today.
Save time and budget with React Native or Flutter apps that run on both iOS and Android from a single codebase, without compromising on performance or user experience.
Beautiful, intuitive app interfaces designed following Apple and Google design guidelines. We create prototypes and interactive mockups before writing a single line of code.
We build and integrate APIs, databases, and backend services using Firebase, Node.js, and cloud platforms. Your app connects seamlessly to your existing systems and data.
We handle the entire submission process for the Apple App Store and Google Play. Post-launch, we provide maintenance, updates, performance monitoring, and feature enhancements.
From concept to launch using agile methodology
We analyse your business goals, target users, and market landscape. This phase defines the app's core features, technical requirements, and project roadmap.
Our designers create wireframes, user flows, and high-fidelity prototypes. You test and approve the design before development begins, ensuring the app feels right.
We build your app in iterative sprints, delivering working features regularly. You see progress throughout the process and can provide feedback at every stage.
Comprehensive testing across real devices, including functional testing, performance testing, security audits, and usability testing. We catch issues before your users do.
We prepare your app store listings, submit to Apple App Store and Google Play, and manage the review process. Your app goes live with optimised metadata and assets.
Post-launch support includes bug fixes, OS updates, analytics monitoring, and feature iterations based on user feedback and data. We help your app grow over time.
Industry-leading tools and frameworks for mobile development
Swift, SwiftUI, UIKit, Xcode, CoreData, ARKit, HealthKit, CoreML. We build with Apple's latest technologies to deliver smooth, native iOS experiences.
Kotlin, Jetpack Compose, Android Studio, Room, Retrofit, Material Design 3. Our Android apps follow Google's latest design and development standards.
React Native, Flutter, Dart, Expo. We select the right cross-platform framework based on your app's requirements, timeline, and budget constraints.
Firebase, AWS Amplify, Node.js, REST APIs, GraphQL. Scalable backend infrastructure that powers your mobile app with reliability and speed.
Complement your mobile app with these services
Common questions about our mobile app development services
Mobile app costs depend on complexity, platform choice (iOS, Android, or both), and features. A simple app typically starts from around £10,000, while feature-rich apps with custom backends can range from £25,000 to £100,000+. We provide a detailed estimate after understanding your requirements in a free consultation.
Native apps (Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android) offer the best performance and access to platform-specific features. Cross-platform frameworks like React Native and Flutter allow you to target both platforms from one codebase, reducing time and cost. We help you choose the right approach based on your goals, budget, and timeline.
A simple mobile app typically takes 8 to 12 weeks. More complex apps with extensive features, integrations, and custom backends can take 4 to 8 months. We use agile development with regular sprints, so you see progress throughout and can adjust priorities as needed.
Yes. We manage the entire submission process for both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. This includes preparing app store listings, screenshots, descriptions, and handling the review process. We also advise on App Store Optimisation (ASO) to improve discoverability.
Absolutely. We regularly integrate mobile apps with existing APIs, CRMs, payment gateways, databases, and third-party services. Whether you need to connect to Stripe, Salesforce, HubSpot, or a custom backend, we build reliable integrations that keep your data in sync.
Yes. Mobile apps require regular updates for new OS versions, security patches, bug fixes, and feature improvements. We offer ongoing maintenance packages that keep your app running smoothly, performing well, and staying up-to-date with the latest platform requirements.
Yes. We can build separate native apps for each platform, or we can use cross-platform frameworks like React Native or Flutter to create a single app that runs on both iOS and Android. The right choice depends on your specific requirements, and we will advise you on the best approach.
It depends on your business. Many apps benefit from having a web-based admin panel or a customer-facing website alongside the mobile app. We can build both as part of a unified project, ensuring consistent design and shared backend infrastructure. Our web development team works closely with the mobile team for seamless delivery.
Free Consultation | iOS & Android | Edinburgh-Based Team
⭐ Trusted by Startups & Enterprises Across the UK
