Service · Companion Apps
Companion App Development — Extend Your Website to Mobile
An app that mirrors your existing website — up to 4 screens of service info, booking flows, and contact. iOS + Android, starting at $7,500.
Why a website alone isn't enough for every business
- Your website does the job on desktop, but mobile users want a native app experience — faster navigation, push notifications, and offline access without loading a browser.
- A full custom app from scratch takes months and significant budget.
- Generic no-code app builders can't replicate your website's branding, data model, or back-end logic without turning into an unmaintainable mess.
What a companion app includes
- Up to 4 screens that mirror your existing website, connected via REST API — same data, same content, one source of truth.
- iOS and Android built together from one codebase — one price, both stores.
- Add-ons when you need them: push notifications ($300–$700), offline mode ($800–$2,000), and user login for client portals (from $600).
- Ongoing maintenance is a separate monthly plan ($150–$300/mo), not part of the build price.
- Your website's design language translated to mobile-native UI patterns.
- Full source code delivered — app and website back-end both owned by you.
How it works
1
API mapping
Identify which website data the app needs, define or build the API contract.
2
Design
Wireframes then UI mockups — mobile-first, native patterns.
3
Build
App connects to live API, TestFlight + internal Play track for review.
4
Launch
Both store submissions, App Review communication, go-live.
Frequently asked questions
Does my website need to be built by ArdinGate for this to work?
No — the app connects to your website via a REST API. As long as your current website can expose data via an API (or have API endpoints added to it), the companion app works with any existing site. Sites already built by ArdinGate are easiest since ArdinGate knows the codebase, but external sites with reasonable back-end access work fine.
What's the difference between a companion app and just making my website mobile-friendly?
A mobile-friendly website and a native app serve different purposes. A responsive website works in a browser on any device. A native companion app installs to the home screen, can work offline and send push notifications (both add-ons), and integrates with device features like the camera, contacts, and GPS. For businesses where re-engagement (push notifications), offline access, or device integrations matter, the app does things a website can't.
Can users log in to the app?
Yes, as an add-on. Sign in with Apple, Google, or email is $600–$1,500; a custom email + password system is $1,800–$3,500. Either way, session management, secure token storage, and role-based access (customer vs. staff, for example) are in scope.
Starting at $7,500 — what does that include?
The companion tier ($7,500–$10,000) covers up to 4 screens that mirror your existing website, REST API integration with your site, iOS + Android, App Store + Play Store submission, and 60-day post-launch support. Push notifications ($300–$700), offline mode ($800–$2,000), and user login (from $600) are add-ons, and ongoing maintenance is a separate monthly plan ($150–$300/mo). Need more than 4 screens? That's the Business Utility range ($6,500–$14,000).