How to Build an AI App: Complete Development Guide

SolveIt
9 min readDec 13, 2024

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If you think AI application development is a trend for which you have to get prepared, it’s time to update your outlook: these technologies have already reshaped our world.

According to Forbes Advisor research, last year, 97% of founders believed artificial intelligence would help their business. And most of them were right: the recent study revealed that in 2024, 72% of organizations indeed adopted AI at least in 1 business operation. Take a look — and that’s not even all the possibilities!

Source: Forbes Advisor

his isn’t just a statistic, it’s a signal that AI is becoming a driving force in how we innovate and interact. AI app development isn’t just for tech giants anymore — it’s a game changer for businesses of all sizes.

The hype around these smart technologies has skyrocketed demand, with everyone eager to launch their own startup with that coveted “AI” label. Now it’s a dynamic sector where ideas can spark excitement one moment and fade into obscurity the next, so let’s explore how to build an AI app that not only creates a buzz but also makes a lasting impact!

What is an AI app?

An artificial intelligence application is a software program that leverages machine learning, natural language processing, and other AI technologies to perform tasks that typically require human involvement.

Unlike standard applications, which follow predefined rules and workflows, AI apps can adapt to new data, learn from user interactions, and improve their performance over time.

Why build an AI app now?

The time to invest in AI application development is now, and there are compelling reasons for this urgency. Market data shows explosive growth in AI technologies, with startups raising a staggering $23 billion in capital in 2023 alone. Over 200 AI companies have achieved unicorn status, valued at $1 billion or more, highlighting the immense potential for innovation.

“If you’re wondering how to create an AI app that will become truly competitive, understanding the landscape is crucial.”

Ilia Kiselevich, CEO at SolveIt

Before you dive into building an AI app, take a moment to assess your resources, goals, and market demands. Many are eager to chase the allure and opportunities those two letters bring, but it’s essential to avoid following trends blindly. A thoughtful approach to building AI applications according to your overall business strategy can resonate with the audience and boost operational efficiency.

So, are you ready to explore how to build an app with AI features that won’t just be a fleeting star?

Benefits of AI app development

When it comes to building an AI app, the advantages are not just abstract concepts — they are tangible benefits that can transform the way you lead the business, the same way as your future product can enhance millions of people’s lives around the whole world.

  • Automation of repetitive tasks

Some operations can be replaced or, at least, partly streamlined by AI. What does this mean for your business internally? Saving time, and consequently, money. What does this mean for your app’s end users if we talk about the AI features? The same thing — the daily routine exhausts.

  • Enhanced user experience

In a world where user expectations are sky-high, AI app development enables you to create personalized experiences that resonate with your audience. Tailored interactions foster loyalty; an A.I. like ChatGPT even has existing ChatGPT cheatsheets that act as a guide on specific prompts that give user-tailored answers. This turns casual users into dedicated fans, which can drive the achievement of valuable KPIs for your app.
Anchor: ChatGPT cheat sheets

  • Data-driven decision making

Gone are the days of guesswork. AI empowers you to harness data insights, enabling informed decisions that align with market needs and user preferences. This strategic approach can set your AI application apart from the competition and prevent you, as an entrepreneur, from costly mistakes.

  • Predictive analytics

What if you could foresee trends before they happen? AI’s predictive capabilities allow you to anticipate user behavior and market shifts, giving you a proactive edge that keeps your venture, again, one step ahead by identifying potential product demands or predicting customer churn.

  • Scalability

As your user base grows, so do your demands. AI application development allows you to scale effortlessly by, f.i., automatic distribution of the server load or optimized search algorithms. As a result, your app handles increased traffic and improves performance without a manual hitch.

  • Robust security measures

In an era where data breaches are all too common, AI enhances your app’s security. With advanced threat detection and response capabilities, you can protect your users and build trust in your brand. Especially if we talk about finance or healthcare industry requirements.

Which industries use AI the most

As you explore potential tech startup ideas and consider how to build an MVP with AI functionalities, focus on sectors where such applications are more likely poised for success.

  1. Healthcare: The industry is transforming through advancements in diagnostics, personalized medicine, and patient care management, creating opportunities for building AI applications that leverage predictive analytics and imaging tools.
  2. eCommerce: B2B and B2C retailers are leveraging AI for inventory management, personalized shopping experiences, and demand forecasting. AI-driven recommendations help enhance customer engagement and boost sales.
  3. Real estate: AI is transforming property valuation and market analysis. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to predict trends and optimize pricing strategies. Сhatbots streamline communication by providing instant responses.
  4. Finance: In the finance sector, AI plays a crucial role in fraud detection, algorithmic trading, and risk assessment. Machine learning models sift through extensive datasets to identify patterns and mitigate risks effectively.
  5. Manufacturing: Looking to optimize supply chain management, predictive maintenance, or quality control? As you explore how to build an AI app for the manufacturing business, consider using smart technologies to streamline production and reduce downtime.
  6. Transportation: AI powers autonomous vehicles, enhances traffic management, and improves logistics. Companies use custom algorithms to optimize routes and reduce fuel consumption, making operations more efficient.
  7. Marketing: Now it’s not enough to simply create a product or service; those who win have better marketing data and use it properly. Building an AI app that automates outreach, personalizes content, or predicts users behavior is a path to being noticed. Using AI writing tools can further enhance marketing efforts by generating compelling content that resonates with target audiences and drives engagement.

How to create an AI app: key elements and components

Building an AI app is like assembling a high-tech puzzle — each piece matters, and they all fit together to create something extraordinary. Let’s break down the key elements and components that you’ll need to craft your mobile or web product.

1. Machine Learning (ML)

Think of ML as the brain of your AI app. It’s the domain that enables systems to learn from data, adapt, and improve over time — without needing a programmer to hold their hand. For these systems to work seamlessly, leveraging data integration tools can ensure that all relevant data is accessible and structured for optimal machine learning performance. This capability is essential for creating an AI app that evolves with its users.

2. Natural language processing (NLP)

NLP is the magic that lets machines understand human language. It’s the tech behind chatbots that can actually hold a conversation or algorithms that translate languages. Mastering NLP is crucial for ensuring your app can effectively interact with users.

3. Deep learning

If ML is the brain, deep learning is its brainiac cousin. Using multi-layered neural networks, deep learning processes vast amounts of data to uncover patterns that are often invisible to the naked eye. This is vital if you’re intended to build an AI app that is advanced.

4. Expert systems

Expert systems are specialized programs that utilize extensive knowledge bases to solve specific problems. They mimic the decision-making process of experienced professionals in a particular domain.

5. Computer vision

Computer vision is your AI’s eyes. It enables machines to interpret and understand visual information — like recognizing faces in a crowd or identifying objects in a photo. This technology is key for any application that interacts with visual data.

6. Data collection

You can’t build an AI without feeding it data. Data collection is the crucial first step, where you gather all the information your application will need to learn. This foundational step sets the stage for the entire development process.

7. Data security

AI app development should not lead to a machine uprising, so security is the number one priority here. It measures to protect sensitive information and ensure privacy in your app. Building robust security protocols is critical for user trust and government/industry compliance. For further insights on software composition analysis, consider how identifying and managing components in your software can strengthen your security framework.

8. AI model training

Now comes the fun part: training your model. This is where you take all that data you collected and use it to teach your AI to make predictions or decisions. Mastering this process is key to creating an effective AI application.

9. Ethics and bias

Finally, let’s address ethics and bias. As you consider how to create an AI app, it’s essential to recognize potential biases in your data and algorithms. This awareness is crucial for ensuring fairness and accountability in your AI software.

AI app development: SolveIt experience

At SolveIt, our approach to AI development is centered on innovation, quality, and user-centric design. We leverage fitting your business model technology to create intelligent solutions that address your unique challenges. Our expertise in integrating AI capabilities is evident in our successful projects, including LifePal and Hemie.

AI productivity app

LifePal is a productivity app designed to help users manage their daily schedules effectively. By integrating AI technologies such as ChatGPT and a custom algorithm, we created a personal virtual assistant that recognizes speech, formulates queries, and organizes plans.

This project exemplifies our commitment to blending AI with user needs, offering features like automated scheduling and smart reminders. The development process involved:

  • AI model training: We trained the AI model to understand user preferences and improve interaction quality.
  • User-centric features: LifePal offers personalized insights by integrating with Apple’s pre-built utilities, ensuring that users have a seamless experience across their devices.

The result was a high-quality iOS and macOS MVP that achieved a 5-star rating on the App Store within months of launch, showcasing our ability to deliver effective solutions quickly.

Rental app with AI features

In the Hemie project, we focused on rescuing a property rental app from the previous provider that required significant enhancements. While stabilizing and enhancing performance was our primary goal, we also explored AI functionalities that allow you to select your dream apartment through personalized recommendations, much like a dating app.

Key aspects of included:

  • Backend optimization: We shifted the app’s logic to the backend, enhancing performance and allowing for the integration of AI functionalities that enable personalized property matches.
  • Innovative features: The introduction of a third-party exchange feature allows users to rent properties among themselves, facilitated by AI-driven recommendations.

Our partnership resulted in a successful launch of cross-platform mobile apps for both iOS and Android, which led to ongoing work on the Hemie web app.

How much does it cost to build an AI app?

Let’s delve into the most sensitive topic — what does app development cost in fact? It’s time to lift the veil and discuss concrete figures for an MVP and full-fledged solutions.

As you decide to build an AI app, it’s essential to consider several critical factors beyond initial development costs.

Infrastructure charges: Leveraging cloud services to host your AI models can make or break your budget, so be prepared.

Maintenance and updates: The journey doesn’t end at launch — continuous maintenance and updates are essential to keep your app running smoothly, and this requires money.

Data acquisition: Gathering or purchasing quality data for training your AI models can also add to the overall investment.

UX/UI design: Best practice dictates that development is a one-time process, so prototyping and wireframing must be included in your budget to visualize and test the functions.

Understanding these aspects will help in planning a more comprehensive budget for your AI application project.

Ilia Kiselevich, CEO at SolveIt

MVP AI app development

To find out the cost of an MVP and a full-fledged AI product, read here.

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SolveIt
SolveIt

Written by SolveIt

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