A History of Apps And How to Choose the Right App Developer

Once upon a time, before apps ruled our lives, computers were the kings of software. You had to sit at a desk, type in commands, and wait for things to load (painfully slowly). Then, everything changed.

The Early Days (Pre-2000s): When Software Wasn’t So…Mobile

Before "apps" were even a thing, we just called them "programs." Early mobile devices, like Palm Pilots (yes, people really carried these around), had simple apps for calendars, notes, and to-do lists. And let’s not forget Snake — Nokia’s legendary game that kept millions glued to their tiny phone screens. It was the original mobile app before Candy Crush took procrastination to new heights.

The App Awakening (2007-2010): When Apps Took Over the World

2007 changed everything. Apple launched the iPhone, and in 2008, the App Store arrived with just 500 apps. Suddenly, developers were racing to build apps for everything—games, social media, even flashlight apps (back when phones didn’t have built-in flashlights). Not to be outdone, Google introduced the Android Market (now Google Play), giving iPhone some much needed competition.

"There's an App for That" (2010s): The App Gold Rush

By the 2010s, "There's an app for that" wasn’t just a catchy Apple slogan — it was reality. Instagram, Uber, WhatsApp, TikTok — apps changed how we socialise, travel, and, let’s be honest, waste time. The app industry exploded into a billion-dollar empire, with millions of developers jumping in to create the next big thing.

The AI Era (2020s & Beyond): Apps That Practically Think for You

Now, apps are getting smarter than ever. AI-powered assistants, automation, and super apps (like WeChat) mean you don’t need ten different apps, just one that does it all. With AR, voice control, and AI, the future of apps might not even feel like apps anymore.

Why Apps Are Essential for Businesses

From Snake to ChatGPT, apps have come a long way and today they’re not just for entertainment. A well-designed app can be the secret weapon for business growth, helping companies streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and stay ahead of the competition.

But here’s the thing: to build a great app, you need a great app developer. The right team can turn your vision into reality, while the wrong one… well, let’s just say bad apps don’t make it past the uninstall button.

So, how do you choose the right app development agency? Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Understand Your Needs

Before you even start looking for a developer, you need to understand your goals, requirements, and expectations from the app development agency. Start by asking yourself:

• What type of app do I need? (Native? Hybrid? Cross-platform?)

• What features are essential? (AI? AR? Payment integration?)

• What’s my budget and timeline?

Having clear answers will help you find the best agency for your business, one that understands your industry and can build exactly what you need. 

The best development agencies will also help you understand your needs by asking you questions and trying to understand the specific details of your app to find the best developers for it. If you need support answering these questions, reach out to Dune today for a no-obligation chat.

Step 2: What to Look for in an App Development Agency

Experience & Expertise

Check their portfolio. Have they built high-quality, user-friendly apps before? Even better, have they worked on apps in your industry?

Technical Skills & Tools

Make sure they’re up to date with the latest tech trends. AI, machine learning, AR, whatever your app needs, they should have the right tools and expertise.

Communication & Collaboration

A great agency doesn’t just build your app, they work with you every step of the way. Look for a team that keeps you updated, listens to feedback, and is genuinely excited about your project.

Step 3: Smart Questions to Ask Before You Sign

"How will the app be built?"

Agile methodology? Waterfall? Understand their process and how flexible it is for your needs. For example, you need agile if you want flexibility and continuous communication. You also need to ask how your feedback and suggestions will be handled to make sure the app is completed to your satisfaction.

"What happens after launch?"

Fixing the bugs and responding to end-users feedback is an essential part of the development. Will they fix bugs and improve the app based on user feedback? A good agency doesn’t disappear once the app is live.

"How does pricing work?"

Is it a flat fee, per milestone, or hourly? Make sure you understand the breakdown to avoid unexpected costs. Understand what’s included in the prices and make sure all the phases you need, like design, development, and debugging, are included.

Step 4: Making the Final Choice

Narrowed it down? Here’s how to decide:

Check reviews & ratings: What do past clients say? Reviews and feedback are usually a goldmine of signals as to whether the agency aligns with your values.

Test their previous apps: Are they smooth and well-designed?

Compare proposals: Which agency gives you the best value for your budget?

Trust your gut: Which team feels like the best fit? Which agency aligns with your vision and shares your excitement the most?

Choosing the right developer isn’t just about getting an app built, it’s about setting your app up for long-term success.

Final Thoughts

Apps have come a long way from the days of Snake and Palm Pilots, and today, they’re a must-have for businesses looking to grow. But a great app starts with a great development team, one that understands your vision, communicates well, and delivers a high-quality product… one that’s called Dune Technology 😊

Click here to start the process with a free consultation.