The best way to build an uber-like app is to build it from scratch. Automatic app creators are only good for making a prototype or an MVP to test your idea. Still, even in this case, there's a risk of missing basic features, flexibility, and opportunities to make the necessary changes.
If you don't have technical professionals on your team, be sure to choose wisely when selecting a mobile app development company. Pay attention to their experience, portfolio, and workers. It's definitely a plus if your developer can take on as many responsibilities as possible, not only product development but also consulting on features, designing, and uploading the app to AppStore and Google Play.
Without getting into details, building an app like Uber requires:
- Back-end development
- Web development
- Native app development (Android/iOS)
- Design
- Management and quality assurance
Back-end development is the heart of the project's technical side. It creates a platform with all functional interactions, uniting business logic with user interfaces. For creating native apps, engineers usually use Swift and Kotlin languages, while the server-side can be built using technologies like Ruby-on-Rails, JavaScript, Python, Java.
How to make Uber Clone
The Agile Development process and breaking projects into milestones is an important advantage for a development team. This approach allows you to implement new features faster and releases more often, which speeds up the transition from MVP to MMP.
Another advantage is the ability to test an app after every milestone. Depending on the alterations and project phases, some or all types of the following tests can be applied:
- Smoke testing
- Functionality testing
- User-interface testing
- Performance testing
- Usability testing
Thanks to this, you are much less likely to encounter functional problems in later versions.
Technologies Used to Build an App Like Uber
When creating an Uber-like app, it's essential to understand the technologies required for that. In this section, we'll discuss the most important ones.
Geolocation and Routing
Uber's tagline - "Get a ride at the tap of a button" - reflects a simple user experience but, under the hood, covers complicated architecture and processes.
To design a route and calculate the distance, you need a routing server. We suggest the CoreLocation platform for iOS and Geolocation API by Google for Android.
Routing and directions for iOS are possible thanks to MapKit. With Android, you should use Google Maps Android API.
Google Maps is integrated into both iOS/Android versions of Uber, but you can use other mapping alternatives in your own app.
Payment Gateway Integration
Payment integration
When it comes to payment gateway integration, it's crucial to ensure clients' financial data security. For this, you need a cashless transfer system that complies with PCI. You'll need a certification only if you're planning to store and process credit card data. Payment gateway providers like Braintree and Stripe are PCI-compliant, which makes integration much easier.
Push Notification & Messaging within the App
To notify users and allow exchanging messages in the app, you'll need the following tech stack:
Push notifications are enabled by Google Cloud Messaging (GCM) for Android and Apple Push for iOS
SMS messaging is enabled via Twilio. You can also use other cloud communication platforms like Plivo, Nexmo, and Tropo.
How to Get Revenue from an Uber-Like App
The goal of every uber clone is revenue. Just like any other marketplace, there are several ways of monetizing the app depending on the business model, market peculiarities, industry, and other factors.
Here are the most popular revenue sources:
- Driver commission
- Cancellation fees
- Premium subscription for more features
- Promotion and partnerships with other companies
- Revenue sources must be mentioned in the business plan long before deploying the app.
Summing It Up
Like any other business, Uber didn't become successful overnight. It has required years of hard work and the minds of several leading strategists to reach the level Uber is on now. A brilliant product, wise market choice, and a fantastic team are the foundation of the best private startup in the world.
If you want to turn your idea into the business of your dreams, we recommend following (not copying) Uber's steps. A unique offer will help you avoid competition and accomplish your breakthrough. Remember, a well-established team is the secret of success, so let professionals create your mobile app and high tech software solution. It's one of the most important investments you can make into the success of your future product.