We are a family business, founded by 2 brothers
We love technology ever since we created our first software for Commodore 64. Since we are a family business, it is our name on the line, so we work harder and smarter.
We are a family-led app development agency in Zurich
Our award-winning app development agency in Zurich creates mobile apps for iOS and Android — and builds immersive AR/VR experiences. We’ve loved doing this since 2014, and that’s why clients keep choosing to work with us.
iOS app development
Our app development company develops cutting-edge mobile apps for iOS (iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch) leveraging native (Swift) or cross-platform (Flutter) technology
Android app development
Our mobile app development agency develops award-winning Android apps for smartphone and tablets with native (Kotlin) or Flutter (cross-platform) technology
Web App Development
Excellently suited to serve as a lighter standalone solution or an additional platform to your mobile apps, web apps are becoming increasingly popular.
AR & VR Development
As one of the top augmented and virtual reality development companies in Switzerland, we create stunning 3D content and breath life into it by harnessing state of the art Unity or ARKit/ARCore technology – inviting the end user to engage with these highly memorable experiences in easy-to-use apps.
We blend the agility of a small app development agency with the expertise of a large one.
Happy* Clients
Are you a small business or start-up? Bigger company? Non-profit? International Organisation? No matter your size, we’ve got you covered.
What our clients say
Swiss Tomato did a fantastic job redesigning our website within budget and to deadline. Great to work with, I would recommend them without hesitation.
Chris Galvin
Head of Communications & Outreach
ICoCA (NGO in Geneva)
I worked with Swiss Tomato on two complex IT projects a mobile app development with back-end and a Drupal based website development. We were very happy with the work of Swiss Tomato, they were proactive on how to translate our business needs into working IT Solutions. We were very satisfied with the proposed UX/UI solutions as well. I would be glad to recommend Swiss Tomato for web and mobile application development projects.
Sean Taylor
Director Education & Public Health
FDI
We feel very lucky to have found Swiss Tomato. They have ran our website redesign project to a very high level, and we’re grateful for their partnership. They’ve shown themselves to be experts in everything from design and UX to front and backend development, all the while carefully managing the project and the stakeholders on both sides of the aisle. Amazing value, can’t recommend them enough!
Richard Henke
Marketing manager
Bucher + Suter
Can only but highly recommend them. Used them twice for previous engagements to completely revamping established websites. A breath of fresh air and emphatic customer service. The Swiss Tomato guys are fast, a pleasure to work with, patient and fun. In-depths know-how and always ready to share and to support. Great experience.
Beate Vetter
Founder
Punktschluss®
Very good project follow-up and very warm and professional contact
Vincent Charriere
Communication project manager
SIG
The experience of developing our project with Swisstomato has been highly satisfactory. With an excellent and professional technical team, at the same time flexible and always listening to our needs and expectations. A learning process that has brought us a result that meets our expectations. We would work with them again if the opportunity may arise.
Claudia Caicedo
Program manager
UPR Info
Top Agency. Already worked with Swiss Tomato for various projects. always innovative and following the latest trends, Swiss Tomato has created intelligent and effective campaigns fitting my needs.
Romain Robert
Marketing manager at
Ulysee Nardin
Swiss Tomato est une agence très professionnelle qui a aidé le journal La Liberté à faire sa transition vers l’information digitale en développant une application de grande qualité. Un vrai plaisir d’avoir pu collaborer avec cette agence.
Armand Goy
Marketing director
La Liberté
Swiss Tomato designed and built a new website based on our new strategy. I really appreciated the hard work put in by all the team and the phenomenal product that resulted. In particular, I appreciated the design ideas, suggestions and their capacity to find solutions quickly and efficiently. Well done Swiss Tomato!
Daniel Ahlers
Managing Partner
Centre for Coaching
Our work was featured in
App Development References
App
SMB
App
Big brand
AR/VR
Big brand
AR/VR
Big brand
App
Non-profit
App
Start-up
App
Non-profit
Co-founder / Head of Operations
Co-founder / Head of Client Relations
Awards
We are an award-winning mobile app development agency ever since 2015
- Functionality silver
- user engagement bronze
- innovation bronze
- enterprise bronze
- AR/VR Top 5
- mobile winner
- 2× innovation top 4
- 3× mobile top 4
DEVELOPER OF AN
APPLE FEATURED APP
(TOP 0.2%)
and above all
– loved by clients
Why us?
Award-winning bulletproof technology
We code with passion, it will work like a V8 engine under a shiny hood.
Founded by 2 brothers
We are a family business, it is our name on the line, so we work harder and smarter
Medium-size boutique agency
The flexibility of a small app development agency with the expertise of a big one
We are on your team
We are your partner, not just a supplier – we care and commit
Mobile App Development in Zurich
We at Swiss Tomato focus on measurable results. Our multidisciplinary team—app designers, web and mobile developers, and UX specialists—builds award‑winning applications that outperform the market.
We combine the latest technologies with the right user experience tailored precisely to your target audience.
For app development in Zurich, we offer the best of both worlds: experienced account managers in Switzerland supported by senior developers and designers based in Budapest, Hungary.
App development – Key services:
- iPhone (iOS) and iPad (iPadOS) app development
- Android (phone and tablet) app development
- Augmented reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR) application development
- Apps using Bluetooth & Bluetooth low energy (BLE)
- Apps for connected devices, internet of things (IoT)
- In-door navigation apps
- Back-end development
- Mobile app development consultation
- Additional web design services
The 6 Mobile App Development Principles We Follow:
Flawless Performance
Optimised code for lightning fast loading times
Clean UX & Intuitive Navigation
Clear user journeys, maximum satisfaction
Enterprise-Grade Security
Industry leading security measures
Future-Proof
Solid foundations for future enhancements
Reliable Maintenance
Proven maintenance processes tailored to clients’ specific needs
GDPR Compliance
Meticulously meeting all GDPR requirements
CONTACT US
Have a project in mind?
Let’s have a tomato juice together!
Our briefing templates for app and web projects help you to formulate your ideas clearly. And they help us to better understand your project right from the start. This saves time, creates clarity and lays the foundation for a successful collaboration. Please review the templates before submitting your enquiry.
6 Facts About App Development
Which app development technology to use
Process and timing of app development
What type of team do you need for a professional delivery
How much does it cost to develop an app?
App development hours based on app complexity
Let’s work together on your application development!
1
Which app development technology to use
You can choose to either develop a mobile app that can be downloaded from the app store using native or cross-platform technology, or you can instead opt to develop a web app that runs through the browser with app-like navigation.
Native app development
To develop a mobile app with native technology means to build it using the default and recommended systems provided by Apple and Google; Swift for Apple and Kotlin for Android. Native apps generally offer the best performance as they can make full use of the phone’s hardware, as well offering reliable integration of third party SDKs.
As the skillsets required to develop for each platform are different, you need to work with an app development company that has expertise in both iOS and Android development; ultimately resulting in a future-proof app with flawless performance.
Cross-platfrom (hybrid) app development
In the case of cross-platform/hybrid mobile app development, the same technological framework is used to develop the app for several platforms, with the idea being that this saves time by cutting out the complication and effort of developing an app separately for different platforms.
Key cross-platform technologies are Xamarin, React Native (by Meta) and Flutter (by Google).
We recommend and use Flutter technology. Google launched Flutter in 2018 and there was a very strong uptake and it has now become the most popular cross-platform, which offers great performance for small and medium complexity apps with a more competitive budget.
For more complex app, where there are complicated functional modules foreseen for the future, the native technology is still the better choice.
Web apps
A web app is a web-based solution that users can simply open in the browser of their phone rather than having to download it from an app store. With similar navigation to an app, a web app feels much more like a mobile app than a mobile optimised website. In certain cases a web app can be a good compromise, but it will always fall short of an installed mobile app in terms of speed, peformance, and functionality.
A web app can’t be used offline, it doesn’t allow for push notifcations, and it won’t allow you to make use of phone functions such as Face ID, Bluetooth, and advanced camera operation.
Back-end technologies
In case there is not an existing back-end system in place, we also need to develop the back-end, which will provide and serve the data that is displayed in the apps. There are two key technologies recommend:
- NodeJS: it is a modern JavaScript-based technology that has high performance, excellent speed and great scalability.
- Laravel (PHP): it is a versatile, simple to control PHP framework, which is great for building robust back-end solutions.
The choice of the technology will depend on your exact requirements
Advantages
Native apps
Development
- Flawless performance & speed
- Tailor-made UX
- Seperate code base for iOS and Android
- Higher upfront cost, but cheaper long-term
- Best access to advanced phone features, like Face ID, Bluetooth, camera, AR etc.
- Future-proof and reliable maintenance
- The front-end needs to be developed twice but this can occur simultaneously
- Standardised technology with a broad network of skilled developers
When to use:
For more complex app projects that are intended to be used for longer time horizons where the app’s features provide a key added value for users over simply using a website
Cross-platform / hybrid mobile apps
- Good performance for straightforward apps
- Good UX with certain compromises
- Using a single code base
- Cost efficient for simple projects
- Workarounds may be needed for complex features or native developers may need to be brought in to integrate more advanced modules
- Hybrid technologies frequently go out of fashion and lose compatibilty
- Faster initial development, but more time investment over the long-term for maintenance and adding of new features
- Less standardised and there is a smaller pool of developers
When to use:
For simple mobile apps where you want to test the market and you need mobile app specific features
Web App
- It will always be slower than a mobile app
- Good UX with certain compromises
- Using a single code base for simple web apps
- Cost efficient for simple projects without advanced phone-related functions
- A web app’s functionality is capped at about 50% of what an installed app is capable of, caused by the technical limitations of running in a web browser.
- Web apps are fairly new, so long-term stability is uncertain
- Faster development
- Less standardised and there is a smaller pool of developers
When to use:
If you have a set of simple functions that the user wants to access in a clean and modern UX without the need for more advanced hardware related functions
2
Process and timing of app development
Creating a new application takes around 3-6 months, this depends on the complexity of the app. Our software development agency in Zurich uses agile development (2-week sprints with defined development tasks) or the waterfall development method, which consists of 5 key steps:
1.
Specification
2-4 weeks
The joint work of application development begins with a consultation. In doing so, we discuss the appearance of the application and the required functions. As a client, in this phase, you have the opportunity to present your idea or your needs about the application. We summarize and analyze the questions and ideas that arise and help conduct market research. Our developer will provide feedback on the extent to which the project is feasible and whether any modifications may be necessary.
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2.
App design & Wireframe
2-4 weeks
In this phase, we first create a framework that includes the data, interface, and function of the application. We will also create a wireframe (graphical prototype) that illustrates the appearance of the future application. Style guidelines are also recorded as an integral part of the design process. Finally, when the prototype is born, we can test the application minimally. Of course, this is just an initial version, but it’s ideal for trying out the final look for the future.
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3.
App development & coding
6-12 weeks
Development is a process in which you consult with our software developers from time to time. The purpose of this is for you to test the application from the customer’s side, and we, as the developer, make suggestions for solving any problems. The front-end development involves the development of the visible application itself, while the back-end development includes the database needed to support mobile application functionality as well as server-side elements. Within the framework of the “API” process, a communication method between the application and the backend server is developed.
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4.
Testing and bug fixing
2 weeks
The main purpose of this phase is to see from the user experience whether the given function fulfils the needs of the user and of course that the application also meets your expectations. The user interface needs to be examined. Is it the same as the dreamed plans? Is it easy to use and aesthetically pleasing? You need to try out all the features and options, and you need to see how fast the application responds, how much power it consumes, and whether each button and function works.
If you have tried all the options of the application and the possible errors have been revealed, then there is nothing left but to show the brand new mobile application to the general public.
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If you have tried all the options of the application and the possible errors have been revealed, then there is nothing left but to show the brand new mobile application to the general public.
5.
Publishing the app in the App Store & Google Play
1 week
The application must be delivered to the users. Find a striking name for it first, then upload it to the Apple App Store (iOS app) and Google Play Store (Android app). You should know that apps uploaded to the App Store will go through a review process before they will be available to users. Android apps have no review process.
It is then essential to promote the app on relevant platforms to reach as many users as possible. You may also want to send it to those on your email list to grow your user base as quickly as possible.
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It is then essential to promote the app on relevant platforms to reach as many users as possible. You may also want to send it to those on your email list to grow your user base as quickly as possible.
3
What type of team do you need for a professional delivery
To develop a professional app you need a team of A-players who are at the top of their field in development expertise and love what they do.
Our app development company is made up of Switzerland-based account managers supported by our Budapest development hub comprised of senior software engineers and designers.
This person is the key link between the client and the app development team. Their role is to understand the client’s needs and business requirements and to translate it into software goals. The account manager is responsible for coordinating the whole project in order to meet overall objective and deadlines. Our account managers are on the ground in Switzerland so as to be able to meet clients face to face at any moment required.
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One of the Swiss Tomato co-founders will oversee each project and provide strategic guidance to make sure that our team provides the level of service that we’re consistently proud of.
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The UX designer is responsible for creating the user experience, developing the wireframe with an intuitive navigation, and bringing the app alive whilst respecting the client’s visual guidelines.
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The system architect is involved in the planning of the software architecture and overseeing the coordination of all development tasks performed by their developers.
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Skilled front-end developers are software engineers with hands-on experience in mobile app or web app development whose job is to develop an app with flawless performance and a clean code base.
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In the instance that there is no existing back-end, we provide senior back-end developers who will develop the server side logic and create the database management structures for data and users alike.
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The Quality Assurance manager oversees all testers who are each independently testing the application against a set of well-defined use cases to detect and correct software bugs.
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4.
How much does it cost to develop an app?
The short answer is that an app development is about 300-1’000 hours of work and you have to multiply it by the app developers hourly fee.
How much it costs to build an application depends on several things. Firstly, the purpose for which you want to use the application: play, work, health, online shopping, etc. The purpose affects the whole development process, so it largely determines the costs as well. The price will also be affected by what platform it will be available on (iOS, Android, or both) and what design elements it will have (simpler look or custom design), as well as how many and how complex features it will have.
5.
App development hours based on app complexity
A good app takes a long time to develop, as it involves phases of concept development, wireframe / user interface, design, coding, testing & uploading to Apple Store and Google Play.
Our process begins with your initial idea and a clear UX design strategy to shape strong digital products. As a full-service digital agency experienced in software development, we choose the right approach for your needs — from native apps that maximize device performance to cross platform app solutions that speed time-to-market and reduce costs. Whether you aim to build mobile apps, immersive mixed reality experiences or connected services, our teams combine product thinking, engineering and design to deliver reliable, scalable results. We’ll advise on trade-offs, estimate timelines and create a roadmap so your app becomes a valuable asset for users and your business.
Collaborating with us on your mobile app development project lets you benefit from the latest trends and our deep expertise. We handle a wide range of app development in Zurich and will assemble a team of top specialists tailored to your goals.
Project managers, UX/UI designers and developers work closely to ensure a smooth, efficient development process. We guide you through every stage—consultation, implementation and delivery—until you have the result you expect.
We thrive on learning and challenges. Bring us your project and our motivated iOS and Android experts in Geneva, Zurich and Budapest will support you every step of the way.
CONTACT US
Have a project in mind?
Let’s have a tomato juice together!
Our briefing templates for app and web projects help you to formulate your ideas clearly. And they help us to better understand your project right from the start. This saves time, creates clarity and lays the foundation for a successful collaboration. Please review the templates before submitting your enquiry.
GENEVA
Phone: +41 22 753 05 71
Email: hello@swisstomato.com
Meet Us: Route de Florissant 4, 1206 Genève
ZURICH
Phone: +41 44 586 93 39
Email: hello@swisstomato.com
Meet Us: Badenerstrasse 47, 8004 Zurich