How much time does it take to develop a chat application like Apple's Messages?

Asked on: 7/25/2025

This question has been asked1times.

Developing a chat application like Apple's Messages typically takes 6 to 12 months, depending on features and team size.

Estimated Duration: 182 days

Building a chat app similar to Apple's Messages involves backend infrastructure (servers, databases), real-time messaging protocols (WebSocket, XMPP), UI/UX design, encryption for security, and cross-platform compatibility. A small skilled team (3-5 developers) can deliver a basic version in 6 months, while a feature-rich app with end-to-end encryption, media sharing, and group chats may take up to a year. Using frameworks like Firebase or Socket.io can accelerate development. Testing across devices and scaling for user load adds to the timeline. Agile development with iterative releases helps manage complexity.