The App Store is the premier platform for app distribution and management, boasting over 8.1 billion downloads in Q1 2023 alone. Forecasts predict that spending on mobile apps from the App Store will soar to $125 billion by 2027.
Currently, the platform hosts an impressive 1.6 million apps, with an average price of $0.88. Only a mere 25,000 apps cost between $1 and $2, and very few exceed hundreds of dollars in price. This article analyzes the features of the 20 most expensive apps on the App Store available for purchase in 2024. It asserts why they cost so much, who buys them, and their impact on the App Store ecosystem. So, let’s start!
Now, let’s review these high-priced apps in detail.
Price: $999.99
Category: Music
App Store: 4.9 (50 Reviews)
Release date: 2012
CyberTuner, developed by Reyburn Piano Service, Inc. is a professional piano tuning software and the most expensive app on the App Store in the Music category. It is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch and requires iOS 11.0 or later.
CyberTuner offers tuning modes for both out-of-tune pianos and timbre sequences. The app supports an AI mode that uses extra samples based on the principles of auditory tuning. The CyberTuner boasts an integrated scoring system for the Piano Technicians Guild RPT Tuning Exam. It allows users to save files for specific piano models, enabling them to re-tune at any time.
CyberTuner targets professional piano masters and offers advanced tuning modes and US-patented technologies. Besides the regular price of $999.99, the app also has a CyberCare Subscription for $84.99, making it the most expensive app in the world.
Price: $999.99
Category: Business
Release date: 2010
App Store
roc.Kasse, developed by Armin Terving, is a comprehensive digital cash register software designed for iPad. The app is compatible with iPadOS 12.4 or later and iOS 12.4 or later for iPod touch. It supports English, Arabic, French, German, Italian, Polish, and Spanish.
roc.Kasse offers a cash register system that fits restaurants, retail stores, and club owners. However, the iPhone version serves only as a server and doesn’t have a main app future. The iPad software includes digital ordering, cash handling, and business management options.
As one of the 1000-dollar apps, roc.Kasse is niche-focused for business owners in the retail and hospitality industries. It features electronic receipts, “on-premise installation” without the cloud or the Internet, and optional access to inventory management.
Price: $999.99
Category: Sports
Release date: 2019
App Store
Developed by Visual Vertigo Software Technologies GmbH, Shot Tracer Event is a golf shot-tracking app on the App Store. Compatible with a range of iPhone models and iPod touch, it requires iOS 14.5 or later.
Key features of Shot Tracer Event include automated ball flight and apex tracking, speed and distance measurement, and a ‘King of the hole’ option. The target audience is golfers who want to analyze and improve their game.
The app utilizes a camera to record and upload golf shots to a cloud server. Moreover, it captures images of the top of the swing, impact, and completion. It offers an online gallery to access and download these videos and images. Notably, Shot Tracer Event is the most expensive App Store app in the Sports category in 2024.
Price: $999.99
Category: Health & Fitness
Release date: 2018
App Store
VERT Team System, developed by Mayfonk Athletic, LLC, is a player management platform for sports teams. The application, compatible with iPad and Mac, requires iOS 15.0 or later.
The app works with VERT wearables to collect real-time data during training. This allows coaches to analyze an athlete’s endurance, verticality, and movement efficiency. The system supports Bluetooth BLE and WiFi to control up to 16 sensors. The VERT Team System serves professional sports teams and educational institutions. It offers a detailed statistics center for injury prevention and player development.
The app also supports family access for up to six members, making it a great value for the whole team. While it is the most expensive app in the Health & Fitness category, its athlete management futures make it well worth the investment.
Price: $999.99
Category: Productivity
Release date: 2019
App Store
Tower Gage, developed by Motionics LLC, is an app for aligning electric motors with measurable structures. It is one of the most expensive Mac applications in the Productivity category, also supported on iPad. The application requires iPadOS 11.0 or macOS 11.0 or later.
It integrates with wireless tools such as dial indicators and rotary encoders, providing real-time readings from many sensors. The app also offers step-by-step guidance for alignment tests and data recording, with reports available in PDF and CSV formats. All test settings are password-protected, ensuring most security.
The Tower Gage app is the ideal solution for industrial professionals who need precise measurements. The app’s price is due to its unparalleled accuracy and ability to mitigate risks.
Price: $999.99
Category: Entertainment
App Store: 4.7 (15 Reviews)
Release date: 2010
iTell is a unique entertainment application available on the App Store for iPhone, iPod touch, and Mac (macOS 11.0 or later). Developed by MacHead, it functions as a digital version of the classic ‘magic 8-ball.’ That allows users to ask a question and receive an answer by shaking their iPhone or Apple Watch. With its features, iTell stands out as the most expensive game on the App Store.
The app has a customization option that allows users to change the default answers and add their own. The user-friendly interface with simple controls is suitable for different age groups. While iTell may be a luxury item or an expensive toy, it provides an entertaining way to make decisions or enjoy spontaneous responses.
Price: $699.99
Category: Utilities
App Store: 3.0 (2 Reviews)
Release date: 2015
Developed by Yamaha Corporation of America, the Piano Tuning App PT-A1 – US is a professional piano tuning software. This app, compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, requires iOS 12.0 or later. It targets piano technicians who have already mastered basic piano tuning skills.
The application auto-detects notes to improve tuning and measurement efficiency. Users also have access to customizable tuning curve parameters with the ability to plot in Excel. It has three modes: Setup, Measurement, and Settings. As one of the most expensive IOS apps, the PT-A1 stands for professional use. This can also reflect Yamaha’s extensive experience in piano design and technician education.
Price: $699.99
Category: Productivity
App Store: 5.0 (1 Review)
Release date: 2011
Archipad Classic by Bigsool is a productivity app for the construction and architecture sector. It’s available on the App Store and designed for iPad use, requiring iPadOS 14.0 or later.
The app focuses on managing construction site meetings and organizing observations. Users can make point observations directly on drawings. Archipad Classic streamlines the generation of reports and meeting minutes. This improves project management efficiency on-site.
Archipad Classic is a one-time purchase app for construction professionals, architects, engineers, and project managers. It doesn’t include Archipad Cloud services or Premium features ($499.99 annually). This subscription places Archipad Classic among the most expensive apps ever for project management needs.
Price: $599.99
Category: Music
App Store: 5.0 (10 Reviews)
Release date: 2011
Verituner, created by Veritune, Inc., is a professional piano tuning app. It’s designed for piano technicians and is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and Mac, requiring iOS 9.0 or later. Verituner provides hands-free automatic tuning, fast pitch shifting, and access to over 90 historical tones with the ability to create your own.
The app allows control over the octave width with customization based on user preference. Saved settings provide the ability to recall presets for consistent and quick tuning on pianos that are frequently tuned.
Verituner’s patented multi-component technology calculates tuning according to each piano’s unique scale. Users praise it for its ability to create the best-sounding tuning in the fewest steps. The app doesn’t need separate preliminary measurements, making it a convenient choice for professional piano makers.
Price: $599.99
Category: Productivity
Release date: 2022
App Store
SignalScope Pro 2022 is a professional toolset app designed for a wide array of measurement and analysis needs. It caters to engineers, consultants, educators, students, researchers, and audio hobbyists. The app is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, requiring iOS 14.0 or later, as well as Mac devices that support macOS 11.0 or later.
SignalScope Pro 2022 offers a set of functions for analyzing signals coming from audio input devices. The app allows calibrating external transducers and assigning engineering units to input signals. Users can switch between input and output audio sources, adjust the sampling rate up to 768 kHz, and save measurement data. It also supports control via the Shortcuts app, Siri, or AppleScript.
Price: $399.99
Category: Medical
App Store: 4.4 (5 Reviews)
Release date: 2010
DDS GP is the most expensive app for iPhone in the Medical category. Compatible also with iPad, it requires iOS 12.0 or later. The app has gained recognition as an effective chair-side case presentation software, rated by Gordon Christensen’s CR.
DDS GP’s interactive features allow users to show the severity of conditions, to help patients understand their health status and proposed treatments. Key aspects of DDS GP include the ability to tap and drag to prove dental conditions, draw on the screen, add images, and create customized treatment plans.
The app contains over 200 unique demonstrations and allows users to send or print their files. DDS GP also offers DDS YES Homoly Content for $99.99, making it one of the world’s most expensive apps on the medical market.
Price: $399.99
Category: Education
App Store: 4.7 (498 Reviews)
Release date: 2016
SnapType Pro is an educational app designed to assist students with unique learning needs. It’s the most expensive app in the Education category on the App Store. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac devices, it requires iOS 13.0 or later, or macOS 11.0.
The app allows users to snap pictures of their assignments and type or paste answers onto them. SnapType Pro facilitates easy sharing of completed assignments through email or Google Drive. This functionality allows students to learn without the physical strain of writing. SnapType Pro supports English, Dutch, Spanish, and family access for up to 6 users.
Price: $399.99
Category: Navigation
App Store: 4.9 (55 Reviews)
Release date: 2016
SEAiq Pilot VPP is a specialized navigation app developed by Sakhalin, LLC for river, channel, and harbor pilots. It is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch and requires iOS 13.0 or later.
The app supports official marine charts and adheres to chart display standards. Key functionalities include a predicted vessel display, docking aids, and a vessel catalog. It also supports WiFi-based plugs and Portable Pilot Units, along with NMEA/AIS recording and playback.
SEAiq Pilot VPP is a navigation app designed for professional mariners. It boasts a robust feature set, but its high price of $399.99 makes it the most expensive app on IOS in the Navigation category.
Price: $399.99
Category: Education
App Store: 3.0 (1 Review)
Release date: 2020
Grid for iPad – VPP is an advanced educational tool developed by Smartbox Assistive Technology Ltd. It’s designed for individuals with communication challenges (autism, cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, ALS, stroke, etc.). The app is compatible with iPad and requires iPadOS 12.2 or later.
Grid for iPad offers a range of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) resources, symbol vocabularies, and interactive activities. The app is suitable for individuals with different physical abilities and literacy levels. It provides support for 20 languages. The comprehensive set of features justifies its high price, as it aims to improve communication for people with special needs.
Price: $399.99
Category: Utilities
App Store: 4.9 (7 Reviews)
Release date: 2018
AudioToolsMax – Audio Test is a professional audio quality testing and measurement application. It is compatible with iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac devices that need iOS 13.1 or later, or macOS 12.0.
The app includes tools like SPL Meter, RTA, FFT, polarity checker, delay finder, oscillator, and more. AudioToolsMax has no extra fees or subscriptions, but it is still one of the most expensive phone apps in the App Store. It provides detailed acoustic analysis and support for various testing modules. Its extensive features target professionals in the field of audio and acoustic testing.
Price: $299.99
Category: Photo & Video
App Store: 4.8 (23k Reviews)
Release date: 1999
Final Cut Pro, developed by Apple, is a professional post-production software for video editing, priced at $299.99. It’s one of the most expensive Apple apps, available only for Mac users with macOS 13.5 or later. The app combines video editing with media organization within libraries and improved speed.
Final Cut Pro offers a Magnetic Timeline for quicker editing workflows. It supports 360° video, including equirectangular formats, for content creation. The software features advanced color grading tools. Also, it provides robust audio editing capabilities and features optimization for Apple devices. Designed for professional video editors, Final Cut Pro includes customizable effects and efficient media organization tools.
Price: $299.99
Category: Education
App Store: 3.8 (85 Reviews)
Release date: 2011
Developed by Prentke Romich Company, TouchChat HD- AAC w/ WordPower is an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) solution designed for individuals with speech difficulties. Priced at $299.99 and compatible with iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac, it requires iOS 14.0 or later, and macOS 12.5.
The application includes a variety of AAC dictionaries from the WordPower series, providing intuitive communication in English, Arabic, French, Hebrew, and Spanish. It offers customizable dictionary files and a variety of synthesized and custom voice options. It is also possible to share the generated text via social networks.
TouchChat HD is one of the most expensive apps, as besides the standard fee, it offers more than 10 extra subscriptions totaling about $835.
Price: $299.99
Category: Graphics & Design
Release date: 2021
App Store
Punch! HLD Professional 21, developed by Encore, is a home and landscape design software available on the Mac App Store. It is compatible with macOS 10.14 or later and caters to both professional designers and DIY enthusiasts.
The software includes capabilities for designing interiors, landscapes, decks, and patios, providing designed floor plans, brand-name materials, objects, and accessories. Users can create 2D and 3D designs, blueprints, 3D model templates, and a library of tools for realistic visualization.
Price: $249.99
Category: Education
App Store: 4.8 (9.4k Reviews)
Release date: 2009
Proloquo2Go AAC provides a solution for individuals with speech impediments to aid in language development through natural-sounding voices. The app features a Crescendoâ„¢ vocabulary system that assists users in transitioning from single words to complex sentences. Users can personalize buttons with real photos or images from the app’s library, and it supports English, Spanish, French, and Dutch.
The app has positive feedback for its impact on users with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and Angelman syndrome. Proloquo2Go AAC has a user-friendly interface that caters to individuals with fine-motor challenges. The app also offers an extensive library of 25,000 symbols, and it supports bilingual use.
Although Proloquo2Go AAC is on the list of the most expensive iPhone apps, its price is more affordable than the alternatives and it has more than 9.1 thousand positive reviews. Its audience includes families, therapists, and educators.
Price: $209.99
Category: Medical
Release date: 2022
App Store
Zollinger’s Atlas of Surgery 11E is a surgical guide with illustrations and descriptions of medical procedures. It’s compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, requiring iOS 10.0 or later. The app provides a search tool with smart suggestions to help spell long medical terms. It features an extensive library of 1,800 images with offline access to all content.
This app is a valuable educational tool for surgeons and medical students. Despite its high cost, the app is highly valued in the medical community for its depth of information and practical utility.
The App Store offers a wide range of apps at different price points. The higher cost is due to their specialized nature, which caters to specific professional needs. These apps target businesses or specialists as their primary users. For example, a surgical reference book targets medical professionals and is not intended for the general public.
Furthermore, many of these apps need licenses or patents. The App Store, in turn, charges fees for the placement of apps that cost money and subscriptions. As of August 2023, the standard transaction commission is 30%.
Another reason is development costs. This process involves investments in research, programming, and testing with a dedicated team. Whether you aim to create the most expensive app or a freemium one, these factors will impact the development cost. If you have a project in mind, please contact us for an accurate app creation cost estimate.
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CONTACT USCyberTuner is the most expensive app for sale on the App Store in 2024, priced at $999.99, plus subscriptions. It is a professional piano tuning software that offers advanced tuning modes and US-patented technologies.
The most expensive game on the App Store in 2024 is iTell, priced at $999.99. It functions as a digital version of the classic ‘magic 8-ball.’ The app provides users with answers to questions they ask and has customization options for responses.
The most expensive apps are costly because most of them are niche-oriented. They offer professional tools or features for specific industries. Their high price reflects specialized services that are hard to find among free counterparts.
Yes, there are even free ones. But cheaper alternatives may not offer all the features available in more expensive ones.
