In a world where smartphones are an extension of hands, having a mobile eCommerce app is no longer a luxury but a necessity. They open up a strong online presence for your business. According to Statista, mobile commerce sales accounted for 63% of all retail sales in 2025.

Now is the perfect time to dive into the world of eCommerce software development and seize the opportunities waiting for you. Here’s a glimpse of your roadmap:
- Determine your audience, primary business model, platform (iOS, Android, or both), and essential user journeys.
- Calculate costs and their factors that can include app complexity, features, platform selection, design sophistication, integrations, and maintenance.
- Design basic features, including a catalog with filters, a cart, a payment gateway, user accounts, order tracking, notifications, reviews, and social sharing.
- Create the frontend UI, backend infrastructure, and API integrations and test the functionality, security, performance, and UX on different devices.
- Launch the app and set analytics, user feedback gathering, and actively refine features by evaluating user behavior and market trends.
In this comprehensive eCommerce development guide, we will walk you through the cost, steps, and essential features of creating a cutting-edge mobile eCommerce app in 2025 to make this strategic decision an impactful and informed one. (And some bonus tips from our experts!)
So buckle up and get ready to unlock the secrets of success in the mobile commerce realm!
What is mobile app development for eCommerce?
Mobile eCommerce app development refers to the process of creating a mobile application specifically designed for online businesses.
It involves the development of a user-friendly interface that allows customers to browse products, make purchases, track orders, and interact with the business seamlessly through their mobile devices.
eCommerce mobile app development entails a combination of various elements, including UI/UX design, coding, integration of payment gateways, product catalog management, order processing, and customer support functionalities.
The ultimate goal is to create an app that reflects the brand identity, offers a smooth and intuitive user experience, and drives conversions. The great part of the app’s success is user empathy. For instance, Singh emphasizes that understanding user needs is the very basis of successful mobile app development in eCommerce.
Types of eCommerce apps
One thing is common for all big names out in the eCommerce app game.
Researching and developing the type of apps that fit their users the most.
Understanding the different types of eCommerce mobile application development is crucial to choose the best solution for your business and profit from its benefits.
Native apps
Native apps are specifically built for a particular operating system (such as iOS or Android) and offer the best performance and user experience. They can access device-specific features and take advantage of platform capabilities. However, developing native apps for multiple platforms can be time-consuming and expensive.
Hybrid apps
Hybrid apps are a more common option since they are developed using web technologies (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) and are wrapped in a native container that allows them to be installed and accessed like native apps. They offer cross-platform compatibility, faster development time, and a lower eCommerce app development cost compared to native apps. However, they may not provide the same level of performance as native apps.
Progressive web apps (PWAs)
PWAs are web applications that can be accessed through a web browser but provide an app-like experience. They are responsive, fast, and can work offline. PWAs are platform-independent, meaning they can run on any device with a modern web browser. However, they may have limited access to device-specific features.

The relationship between businesses, consumers, and eCommerce app development
While those are the choices you need to make on a structural level, you must also double down on subtypes for the eCommerce app you wish to develop, like:
Business-to-Business (B2B)
These eCommerce apps facilitate transactions between businesses. Like Alibaba.com or Amazon, global B2B platforms connecting manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors.
Business-to-Consumer (B2C)
B2C eCommerce apps are created for businesses to directly sell products or services to individual consumers. Like Amazon, the world's largest online marketplace for a wide range of products.
Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C)
C2C eCommerce apps enable individuals to sell products or services directly to other individuals. For example, eBay or OLX, popular online auction and shopping platforms where individuals can buy and sell a wide variety of items.
Consumer-to-Business (C2B)
C2B eCommerce app development reverses the traditional business-consumer relationship, allowing individuals to offer products, services, or expertise to businesses. The best examples are freelance marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr.
Aggregator Applications
Aggregator apps bring together multiple sellers or service providers onto a single platform, offering users a wide range of choices and facilitating comparisons. For example, an online aggregator website to order food from different locations in your town, like DoorDash or UberEats.