App Development

How to make an app like Uber?

|
How to make an app like Uber?

Uber now has over 93 million active users worldwide

In recent years, the ridesharing sector has seen a significant increase. Uber is the most well-known example of a taxi-hailing service that has grown into a multi-billion-dollar corporation. The company’s global net revenue in 2019 totaled $14.1 billion US dollars. Uber’s success is hardly a well-kept secret. Uber reaches over 80 countries and 900 cities. According to Statista, Uber’s global net revenue in 2019 was USD 14.1 billion. Smaller businesses may use Uber’s concept to create comparable applications and build a devoted client base, whether for ride-sharing or elsewhere.

Do you wish to develop an app similar to Uber or Lyft? We’ve developed a list of features you won’t want to miss, as well as how to develop them, the price structure, and the technology stack.

Uber’s groundbreaking strategy

Uber’s strategy is straightforward. It identified a common problem, devised a solution to solve it, and in doing so, radically transformed how consumers saw cab booking as a service. Uber has grown in popularity throughout the world due to its basic and easy-to-use features.

Previously, one had to phone the taxi hiring/renting firm or physically walk out and hunt for one at the taxi stand to hire a cab. The length of time it took for a cab to arrive, as well as the overcharging by drivers, did not improve matters. Uber made cab booking and ride-sharing much more accessible, more transparent, and less expensive by bringing the entire process online.

Features that make Uber the distinct dominator of the ride-sharing sector

The proper operation of the Uber app is primarily dependent on the following core features: geolocation, push notification, SMS, and payment integration technologies.

Let’s take a closer look at each one’s technological stack!

1. Geographical location

Applications like Uber use the following mapping and navigation technologies:

  • The directions to the driver are delivered using MapKit for iOS users and Google Maps Android API for Android users while navigating from one location to another.
  • Uber has integrated Google Maps into its app It uses the CoreLocation framework for iOS and Google’s location APIs for Android to determine the device’s position.
  • Uber has included Google Maps onto its iOS and Android apps. It does not, however, rely only on Google Maps and, on occasion, prefers to buy mapping technology companies to tackle logistical problems.

2. Push notifications and text messages

Uber notifies the rider in a variety of ways after the journey is booked:

  • The driver accepts the request.
  • The driver arrives at the area where he will be picked up.
  • if the trip has to be rescheduled
  • The rider and the driver may keep track of the journey status through push alerts and SMS.
  • Uber sends SMS via the Twilio telecommunications provider, while Apple Push Notification Service and Google Cloud Messaging (GCM) are utilized for iOS and Android, respectively.

3. Integration of Payments

Uber uses payment through cards and wallets to eliminate human mistakes. When taking card/wallet payments, there are particular conditions that the firm must meet.

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards are utilized in the United States to guarantee that payments and data are handled safely.

Uber has collaborated with Braintree for the same. On the other side, Lyft, an Uber rival, employs Stripe’s payment gateway integration services.

Resources to build an app like Uber

Without a development staff, developing a taxi app is impossible. You’ll need an all-around team with a comprehensive plan to create the app successfully.

Here’s a list of persons who should be on your team:

  • App developer for Android
  • App developer for iOS
  • Designers for user interfaces and user experiences (UI/UX)
  • Backend programmer
  • Analyst for Quality Assurance
  • Analyst (Business)
  • Manager of the project

A Step-by-Step Process for Developing an Uber-like App

  1. Requirement Analysis: This is the step in which you get to know your clients, analyze their needs, and come up with a solution.
  1. Documentation & Blueprint: This stage focuses on setting the groundwork for the app, including defining scope, timeframes, and milestones, as well as generating wireframes and first system designs.
  1. App Development: The software development team uses their coding skills to create your ride-sharing app! You assess the milestones reached at each level, and the solution is changed based on your comments.
  1. Acceptance Testing: Acceptance Testing entails a thorough examination of all aspects as well as the final product.
  1. Deployment: The day you’ve been waiting for! This is the mark when your app goes live on the app store and reaches your intended audience.
  1. Support & Maintenance: This stage entails fine-tuning and updates to the app in response to changing demands and feedback.

What Does it cost to build an Uber-like app?

The cost of developing an app is determined by various criteria, including the number of features, geographical location, hourly rates of the mobile app development agency, and so on.

The following are some of the most important aspects that influence taxi app development pricing:

  • Android/iOS native
  • Applied technology
  • The number of features and functions
  • The development team’s rates and skills
  • Integrations
  • Designing
  • Plan for Upkeep

The overall development cost will be affected by the complexity, functionality, and platform specifications you pick. This will have an impact on the estimated timetable.

In India, the cost of establishing an Uber-like app might range between USD 33,000 and USD 70,000. At the same time, a Mobile app development company in  USA would cost you much higher for the same quality of the job.

Let’s have a look at how you may make money with the app, similar to Uber:

The Revenue Model of  Uber

  1. Trip Commissions: Trip commissions are an essential source of revenue for taxi booking applications. Uber’s rival, Lyft, charges 20% on all trips booked using its app, whereas Uber charges 25%.
  1. Surge Pricing: Uber uses a predetermined algorithm to boost ride charges based on the demand and supply rule. It functions as a premium revenue stream for Uber.
  1. Premium Rides: Following the success of the simple taxi booking company, Uber decided to take it a step further and add premium and luxury cars and SUVs.
  1. Cancellation charge: Uber makes money by charging customers a fee if they cancel a ride after a certain amount of time has passed. It assists the business in keeping track of the number of cancellations.
  1. Leasing to drivers: Uber leases its vehicles to drivers who join the firm but do not have their own vehicle.
  1. Brand Partnerships/Advertising: Uber makes use of its vast client base by charging other companies a charge to advertise their services and products on its platform.

Final Thoughts

Even though cab/taxi-booking behemoths like Uber have firmly established themselves in the sector and are rapidly expanding globally, new companies still have plenty of potential to develop.

So, how can you develop an Uber-like app that will help your company grow?

The bottom line is to create a profitable and efficient product rather than simply copying the Uber app’s features. Building an on-demand taxi app like Uber is a lengthy process that needs a significant amount of time, effort, and money. As a result, the business owner may choose and create the application structure that best meets their demands and budget. After that, contact an app development company to enhance the app with new features and promote your existing business through carefully planned marketing campaigns.