Are you looking for the ultimate San Francisco app developers? You’re in the right place. App developers in San Francisco create innovative, high-quality mobile apps that showcase your products and services in the best possible way.
This guide will share tips and tricks on finding the most suitable mobile app developers in San Francisco from our curated list.
Top US App Developers
San Francisco delivers top teams of app developers, innovators, and strategists that focus on native iOS and Android app development. These mobile app development companies utilize agile development to ensure you’re getting optimal ROI and a fantastic quality app at the end of the day.
Developing a mobile app is tough, though, and selecting the correct app developer is key to maximizing your results and ensuring your business grows.
Let’s explore the advantages of working with a top San Francisco app developer and find out who the best players are in the industry.
The app developer market in San Francisco
The San Francisco Bay Area itself is home to a buzzing tech scene and numerous startups, and there’s a high demand for innovative apps, so naturally, it’s full of great app developers too.
There are a number of app development agencies in San Francisco that create Android and iPhone apps for both enterprise and startup businesses and everything in between.
These developers help entrepreneurs strategize, code, and establish their apps across the App Store and Google Play.
In fact, you can find some of the most trusted app development companies in San Francisco, from Airdev to Elinext, Wizeline, and Grio.
San Francisco app developers are entrepreneurs, business strategists, and top product engineers who combine business strategy and automation to build customer and employee experiences that rival the best in the industry.
San Francisco app developer example
Source: Grio
Mobile app development companies in San Francisco have hands-on experience with the latest tech and trends and develop mobile apps for both the App Store and Google Play–most developers cover both platforms, although some may specialize in either iOS or Android apps.
San Francisco app developers are known for delivering cutting-edge digital solutions with high-quality mobile app development. If you’re looking for top mobile app development companies in San Francisco, you won’t be short on choice.
Native mobile app development services for both iOS and Android often include custom UX/UI design and offer award-winning mobile app development that gives your mobile app the best shot at success.
App Development Buyer's Guide
Download our App Development Buyer’s Guide to get a full list of the best service providers on the market to choose from. You will also learn about types of app developers, different app development platforms, app developer locations, app development costs, how to select the right one for your business, as well as the questions to ask any of those companies you will be evaluating.
The best San Francisco app developers
San Francisco app developers are professionals (and companies) that specialize in designing, building, and maintaining mobile apps, typically for iOS, Android, or cross-platform use. These developers often work with startups, established enterprises, and investors to bring innovative digital products to life.
Many work at globally recognized companies, while others contribute to smaller agencies (or operate independently as freelancers). The community is renowned for its fast-paced, entrepreneurial mindset, where developers are frequently at the forefront of creating innovative apps.
We’ve listed the best San Francisco app developers below.
1. Designli
Designli specialises in creating custom mobile apps for both iOS and Android platforms. They work with startups and established companies to transform app ideas into functional, user-friendly products.
Their process typically begins with a strategy and design phase, where they refine the concept and create a clear prototype before transitioning into full-scale development. This ensures the apps they build are not only technically sound but also aligned with the client’s goals and end-user needs.
Overview
Designli was founded in 2013 by Keith Shields and Josh Tucker with the goal of helping entrepreneurs and organizations bring mobile app ideas to life. Both founders recognized that many startups and businesses had strong concepts but lacked the technical expertise to turn them into working products.
Over the years, Designli has evolved into a well-regarded app development partner, collaborating with clients across various industries to create custom iOS and Android apps.
Services
Designli provides its customers with the following services:
- Custom app development for iOS, Android, and cross-platform
- Product strategy, prototyping, and roadmap creation
- UI/UX design, maintenance, and ongoing support
2. Trango Tech
Trango Tech is a tech services and enterprise app development company aimed at helping businesses enhance their digital presence, streamline operations, and innovate their products.
Their team comprises over 200 developers, each boasting an average of 8 years of experience spanning various industries. Their overarching mission is to propel organizations toward exponential growth, helping them navigate technological disruptions while actively shaping solutions for the challenges of tomorrow.
Overview
Trango Tech was founded in 2017. The company was established to provide innovative tech solutions, particularly in the areas of mobile app development, web development, and IT consulting.
Since its founding, Trango Tech has collaborated with clients across various industries to develop custom software solutions tailored to their specific business needs.
Services
Trango Tech provides its customers with the following services:
- Offers cloud-based solutions for data storage, scalability, and infrastructure management
- Provides customised platforms to help businesses sell products online effectively
- Develops software that enhances enterprise-level systems and helps with automation, integration, and data management
3. Chop Dawg
Chop Dawg is a product development agency that helps entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses design and build custom software, including mobile apps, web apps, and blockchain solutions.
Instead of just writing code, they focus on partnering with clients throughout the entire process—ideation, product design, development, launch, and ongoing support—so that the product has a solid foundation for growth.
They’re known for working across industries and tailoring apps to fit a client’s goals, whether that means creating an on-demand service app, an NFT marketplace, or an enterprise platform.
Overview
Chop Dawg was founded in 2009 by Joshua Davidson, who launched the company as a teenager to help people bring their app ideas to life. Starting out small, Davidson built the agency around the idea of being more than just developers—focusing instead on long-term partnerships and guiding clients through the entire lifecycle of their products.
Over time, Chop Dawg has evolved into a comprehensive product development agency serving startups, nonprofits, and enterprises across various industries.
Services
Chop Dawg provides its customers with the following services:
- Creating decentralized apps, smart contracts, and NFT marketplaces
- Offering long-term guidance, scalability planning, and post-launch maintenance
- Designing and building mobile and web apps tailored to client needs
4. iQlance
iQlance Solutions is a top app development company in the USA and a leader in custom software development across the country. They work with startups, SMBs, and enterprises to turn complex challenges into scalable, high-performing digital products. By leveraging modern technologies, agile methodologies, and a client-focused approach, iQlance delivers solutions that drive business value and exceptional user experiences.
Their experienced team has delivered projects across industries including healthcare, real estate, logistics, oil & gas, entertainment & media, restaurants, manufacturing, e-commerce, non-profits, education, and more. They are recognized as trusted app developers near me, offering clients the ability to hire local app developers or access IT staff augmentation services on demand.
From strategy and concept to development, deployment, and support, iQlance ensures solutions are technically robust, business-aligned, and built for long-term success.
Services they offer
- UI/UX
- Mobile App Development
- Cross-Platform App Development
- Custom Software Development
- AI/ML Development
- Quality Assurance
- Cloud Development
- Post Technical Support & Maintenance
- Product Development
5. TechGropse
TechGropse is a global software development company with a focus on scalability and innovation, serving businesses of all sizes, from startups to enterprises, in more than 15 countries.
Their approach combines technical depth with a focus on UX, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Their mission is to drive businesses toward exponential growth, assisting them in navigating technological complexities while shaping solutions to overcome tomorrow’s obstacles.
Overview
TechGropse was founded in 2014 by Aman Mishra and Anup Kumar with the vision of building a full-service software development company. From its early days, the company has focused on delivering high-quality mobile and web apps while adapting to the rapidly changing digital landscape.
Over the years, the company has expanded globally, establishing a presence in India, the UAE, and the USA.
Services
TechGropse provides its customers with the following services:
- Creating blockchain solutions, including dApps, NFT marketplaces, and crypto wallets
- Offering AI/ML, IoT, and AR/VR development to deliver next-gen digital experiences
- Designing and developing mobile and web apps tailored to client needs
6. Moburst
Moburst offers a range of services, including comprehensive app store optimization and social media marketing, as well as helping both app developers and publishers increase their app’s overall visibility and boost their user acquisition.
From concept to application, they design and develop user-focused, award-winning apps that stand out and build genuine connections by blending aesthetics with innovative behavioural science.
Overview
Moburst was founded in 2013 by Gilad Bechar. With a focus on user experience, innovation, and measurable results, Moburst helps brands turn their app ideas into successful, user-centric products while scaling them effectively in the competitive app market.
Their product consultants employ a methodical approach, refined over time through experience with over 200 products.
Services
Moburst provides its customers with the following services:
- Optimizes your app’s presence on app stores to improve visibility and increase download rates.
- Establishes consistent visual elements and patterns to maintain brand identity across the app
- Analyzing competitors and industry trends to understand market positioning
7. Cheesecake Labs
Cheesecake Labs is an app development company that specialises in creating mobile apps, web platforms, and innovative digital solutions. They provide end-to-end services including product strategy, UI/UX design, engineering, blockchain solutions, and AI integration.
With more than 300 apps delivered, they emphasise a nearshore model, which allows for closer collaboration across time zones and cultural alignment with clients. Their work spans industries such as fintech, healthcare, retail, and mobility, combining technical expertise with user-centred design.
Overview
Cheesecake Labs was founded in 2013 to combine product strategy, design, and engineering into one seamless process.
Since its founding, Cheesecake Labs has delivered hundreds of apps and platforms across various industries, including fintech, healthcare, retail, and mobility.
Services
Cheesecake Labs provides its customers with the following services:
- Product strategy and UI/UX design
- Web and mobile app development
- Blockchain and AI solutions
Why work with an app developer based in San Francisco?
For many reasons, chiefly among them being the assurance, certainty, and transparency that you get from the app development space in San Francisco, certainly with the best mobile developers.
There’s a particularly strong focus on UX/UI elements from these app developers that facilitate a user’s progress within an app and devise a scalable architecture, as well as provide that all-important post-launch technical support.
Mobile app development companies in San Francisco specialize in developing apps for Android and iOS, as well as web design. These app developers focus on the following areas:
- Cross-platform hybrid apps: They use a codebase that quickly syncs across platforms, ensuring app consistency.
- Cloud development: Custom apps that are fully managed by AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and more.
- UX design: Mobile apps that are crafted to reflect your brand personality with intuitive interfaces.
- Quality assurance: Software optimization that detects bugs, threats, and other technical problems.
- VR and AR apps: They build apps that give your users an interactive, real-world experience with exciting technology.
San Francisco app developer example
Source: Apex Lab
Not to mention that app development companies in the San Francisco Bay Area often provide you with a customized and highly scalable team that focus on end-to-end app development services as needed.
For example, iOS developers are typically seasoned with Objective-C, Swift3, Xcode5, and the iOS 15 and 16 SDKs, while Android apps get built with top tech frameworks, including Flutter, Kotlin, and PhoneGap (now known as Apache Cordova).
These app developers perform cross-platform development by leveraging programming languages, such as Swift, Java, and Ionic, to create mobile apps that operate across all mobile platforms.
San Francisco is at the epicentre of innovation and technology and–despite the often lavish living–houses some of the most desirable tech powerhouses, including Twitter, Uber, Yelp, Zynga, Airtable, and Dropbox, all of which have built iOS and Android mobile apps that have changed the game.
How much does hiring San Francisco app developers cost?
The total pay for an Android mobile app developer in San Francisco is around $123,385 per year. The total pay for an iOS mobile app developer is around $125,338 per year.
App developers in San Francisco make the following per hour based on experience:
- Junior developer – $38-$55 per hour
- Middle developer – $55-$68 per hour
- Senior developer – $65-$89 per hour
The total cost will vary based on the following:
- Developer experience (in years)
- Mobile app features (and the level of complexity)
- Customization
- Size of project
- UI/UX design
The larger the project and the more experience required, the higher the cost, so think carefully about the scope of your mobile app and how many of its features are necessary.
San Francisco salary ranges
Data source: Glassdoor
The average base salary in the US for an iOS developer is $118,465. For Android, it comes in at $109,927.
For iOS, a breakdown per experience averages the following:
- An entry-level junior iOS developer’s salary is around $40,000 per year
- A mid-level iOS developer’s salary is around $114,000 per year
- The most experienced iOS developers earn up to $172,000 per year
For Android, a breakdown per experience averages the following:
- An Android developer with less than two years of experience makes approximately $51,600 per year
- An Android developer with between two and five years of experience makes approximately $73,200 per year
- An Android developer with an experience level between five and ten years makes approximately $96,200 per year
San Francisco app developer example
Source: Blackstone Studio
A large number of people are employed by app development companies in San Francisco, such as designers, coders, and QA testers, so they have access to a professional team to assist you no matter the stage you’re at in your mobile app journey.
There are plenty of freelance mobile app developers in San Francisco that can create a mobile app for you as well. The costs will depend on the experience of the freelancer in addition to any special skills they possess.
iOS developers familiar with Foundation, UIKit, and Cocoa will charge higher prices, and Android developers who can use Ionic, Corona, and Material Foundation will charge higher rates. On average, the more tools they can use, the higher the cost.
Receiving a custom quote from a San Francisco app development company before you set off on your development journey is a wise move. But how do you go about choosing the right one?
How to choose the top San Francisco app developers
To pick the best app developer in San Francisco, you first need to research the mobile app developers available.
From there, you’ll need to set up interviews with them and find out about their skills and knowledge while they learn about your business and app objectives.
During the critical research phase, be sure to consider the following areas as well.
Client references
Ask for references from prior clients and look for app developers who supply customer contact information so you can get feedback.
You’ll be able to find out about the brands they have helped, as well as the challenges they have overcome, the tech they have employed, and how well they have worked with clients in the past.
Client happiness is an easy way to tell if an app developer is worth hiring.
San Francisco app developer example
Source: Infuse
Create a trial contract
With mobile app developers, the only real way to find out if you and a contractor are a good match is to start working together. You can determine the scope of work for the first one to two months in a trial contract and go from there.
Using a trial contract allows you to see if the San Francisco app developer you like is the right one for you in practice. By the end of the trial, you’ll know if you’re satisfied working with them long-term.
Client focus
Mobile app development companies will have more expertise with specific types of customers.
For example, some of them may only work with startups, while others could be more attentive to larger organizations or favour enterprise businesses outright.
It may not be apparent from a San Francisco app developer’s site what types of businesses they normally work with, so it’s essential to ask these questions directly.
Post-launch mobile app support
You should only work with an app developer that can ensure long-term support and maintenance for your mobile app, as launching the app itself is just the beginning.
Ensure your preferred San Francisco app developer will help you after launching the app with bug fixing, app store marketing, and more.
Sector experience
Whether an app developer has worked in the same industry as yours is a vital consideration–this is even more true in highly regulated verticals such as healthcare.
If they’ve worked in your industry before, they’ve probably faced some of the same issues you intend to solve with your app, which speeds up the entire process.
San Francisco app developer example
Source: Appstem
Portfolio
Check the apps that San Francisco app developers have produced for their customers and ask them to show you examples of their best work–ideally, this will be in the same industry you want your chosen app to be in overall.
A portfolio is also a good way of seeing where their area of focus lies, whether that’s using AR in their apps, post-launch app store marketing, or just focusing on creating great user experiences.
Top mobile app development companies in San Francisco
You’ve seen the opportunity and expertise available in San Francisco, and now you may want to hire an app developer for yourself.
Working with a San Francisco app developer will enable your mobile app to reach a more expansive user base with the help of some of the best in the industry.
Other benefits of hiring a San Francisco app developer include the following:
- You’ll be able to promote your brand across almost all devices
- Assurance and transparency that gives your app the best possible chance to succeed
- App developers that make use of the latest technology and trends
- Ongoing maintenance and support
- Rigorous compliance with app development standards and practices
We’ve put together the top app development companies and app developers in San Francisco. We created a list that combines a mixture of budgets, skills, and experience that will suit your mobile app and secure the long-term sustainability of your business.
