Quick answer: .NET MAUI is Microsoft’s framework for building iOS, Android, macOS and Windows apps from a single C# codebase. For Australian businesses that already use .NET, Azure or Microsoft 365, it usually means faster delivery and lower cost than building separate native apps. A typical business app takes 3 to 6 months and costs roughly AU$60,000 to AU$150,000, while a simple first version can cost less and a complex enterprise app can cost more.
If your business is thinking about a mobile app, one of the first decisions is which technology to build it with. Native Swift and Kotlin, Flutter, React Native and .NET MAUI all work, but they suit different teams and different goals.
This guide explains what .NET MAUI is, when it is the right choice, how it compares with the alternatives, what a project costs in Australia, and how to choose a development partner. If you already have an app built on Xamarin, read our Xamarin to .NET MAUI migration guide as well.
What is .NET MAUI?
.NET MAUI (Multi-platform App UI) is Microsoft’s current framework for building native apps that run on multiple devices from one project. It is the successor to Xamarin.Forms, and it runs on modern .NET.
With .NET MAUI you can:
- Build apps for Android, iOS, macOS and Windows from a single codebase
- Write your app in C# and XAML, using the same language and tools as the rest of your .NET systems
- Access native device features such as the camera, GPS, notifications, biometrics and file storage
- Reuse existing .NET business logic, libraries and API clients
- Embed web-style screens inside a native app using Blazor Hybrid, which lets your web developers share UI work
The apps are compiled to run natively on each platform, so they are not just websites in a wrapper.
Why Australian businesses choose .NET MAUI
- One team, one codebase. Most of your code is shared across platforms, so there is less duplicated work and fewer bugs to fix twice.
- It fits the Microsoft stack. If your back end is ASP.NET Core, SQL Server or Azure, a MAUI app connects naturally and shares models and logic with your existing systems.
- Easier hiring and handover. Any experienced .NET developer can understand the codebase, which reduces your reliance on a single specialist.
- Long-term support. MAUI is Microsoft’s strategic direction for cross-platform apps and follows the .NET release cycle, so it is built to stay current. For new projects, build on the current long-term support release of .NET.
- Good for internal and enterprise apps. Field service, inspections, logistics, staff tools and customer portals are all strong fits.
- Lower total cost. One shared codebase usually costs less to build and maintain than separate iOS and Android apps.
.NET MAUI vs Flutter vs React Native vs native
| .NET MAUI | Flutter | React Native | Native (Swift and Kotlin) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Language | C# and XAML | Dart | JavaScript or TypeScript | Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, macOS, Windows | iOS, Android, web, desktop | iOS and Android (others via extra libraries) | One platform per codebase |
| Code sharing | Single codebase | Single codebase | Single codebase | None, two separate apps |
| Best for | Teams on the Microsoft stack, business and enterprise apps | Highly custom, design-led consumer apps | Teams with strong web and JavaScript skills | Maximum performance and deep platform features |
| Back-end fit | Natural with ASP.NET Core and Azure | Works with any back end | Works with any back end | Works with any back end |
No option is best for every project. MAUI’s main advantage is that it lets a .NET team deliver mobile apps without learning a new language and ecosystem.
When .NET MAUI is a good fit
MAUI is usually a strong choice if you:
- Already have .NET systems, APIs or developers
- Use Azure, Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) or Microsoft 365 for sign-in and data
- Need an app for staff, field teams or business customers
- Want iOS, Android and Windows apps without three separate projects
- Plan to share code with an existing web application
- Are migrating an old Xamarin app
When to think twice
MAUI may not be the best choice if:
- Your app needs a highly custom, animation-heavy interface and your team already has Flutter experience
- Your team is entirely JavaScript-based and has no .NET experience
- You need cutting-edge platform features on the day a new iOS or Android version launches, where fully native development reacts fastest
- You need to target Linux desktops, which MAUI does not officially support
MAUI’s community is also smaller than Flutter’s or React Native’s, and a few specialised third-party libraries may be missing. An experienced team can plan around these gaps from the start.
What can you build with .NET MAUI?
- Field service and inspection apps with offline forms, photos, signatures and GPS
- Logistics and delivery apps with route tracking, barcode scanning and proof of delivery
- Healthcare and aged-care apps for staff, with secure sign-in and strict data handling
- Retail and hospitality apps for ordering, loyalty and stock checks
- Financial and insurance apps with biometric login and secure document handling
- Internal staff apps for approvals, rosters, time tracking and notifications
- Customer portals that share logic with your existing web platform
- AI-assisted apps that connect to services such as Azure OpenAI. See how Australian businesses can integrate AI into their .NET applications
How a .NET MAUI project works
- Discovery and planning. Define the users, the problem the app solves, the must-have features and the success measures. Decide which platforms matter first.
- UX and UI design. Wireframes and designs are built around how people actually use the app, with attention to accessibility.
- Architecture. Choose the structure of the app (commonly MVVM), the back-end API, the database and the sign-in method. Plan for offline use if your users work in areas with poor reception.
- Development. Build the app and the supporting API in sprints, with regular demos so you can see progress.
- Testing. Test on real iOS and Android devices, different screen sizes and operating system versions, plus automated tests for core logic.
- Security review. Check authentication, data storage, API protection and privacy handling before release.
- App store release. Prepare listings, screenshots, privacy details and submit to the Apple App Store and Google Play. Allow time for store review.
- Support and updates. Monitor crashes, fix bugs, and update the app as iOS, Android and .NET change.
Typical technology stack
- App: .NET MAUI, C#, XAML, MVVM with the Community Toolkit
- API: ASP.NET Core Web API. See our guide to building scalable Web APIs
- Authentication: Microsoft Entra ID, or JWT-based sign-in as explained in our JWT authentication guide
- Data: SQL Server or Azure SQL on the server, SQLite on the device for offline use
- Cloud: Azure App Service, Azure Functions and Azure notification services. See deploying .NET applications on Azure
- Web screens in the app: Blazor Hybrid, where it saves effort
How much does .NET MAUI app development cost in Australia?
Costs depend on features, number of screens, integrations, design quality, security needs and platforms. These ranges are indicative for the Australian market.
| Project type | Examples | Typical timeline | Indicative cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple app or first version | Sign-in, forms, lists, basic API, one or two integrations | 8 to 12 weeks | AU$30,000 to AU$60,000 |
| Mid-size business app | Offline sync, several integrations, push notifications, admin portal | 3 to 6 months | AU$60,000 to AU$150,000 |
| Complex or enterprise app | Multiple user roles, deep integrations, AI features, high security | 6 to 12 months | AU$150,000 or more |
Hourly rates for .NET developers in Australia typically range from AU$80 to AU$180 for local teams and AU$40 to AU$90 for outsourced or nearshore teams, which is why many businesses choose a blended team. Our full breakdown is in our .NET development cost guide.
Main cost drivers:
- Number of screens and features
- Custom design and animations
- Back-end API and database work
- Integrations with existing systems, payment gateways or third-party APIs
- Offline use and data synchronisation
- Security, compliance and testing requirements
- Number of platforms supported
Ongoing costs to budget for
- App store fees. Apple charges an annual developer program fee and Google charges a one-off registration fee. Check the current amounts on each store.
- Hosting and cloud services. Azure costs for the API, database, storage and notifications.
- Maintenance. Each new iOS and Android release can need updates. A common rule of thumb is to budget roughly 15% to 20% of the original build cost per year for maintenance and improvements.
- Monitoring and support. Crash reporting, analytics and a support arrangement for urgent fixes.
- Third-party licences. Some UI controls, maps or messaging services charge per use or per user.
Security and compliance for Australian apps
- Privacy Act and Australian Privacy Principles. If your app collects personal information, you need a clear privacy policy, careful data handling and a process for access and correction requests.
- Notifiable Data Breaches scheme. Know your obligations if a breach affecting personal information occurs.
- Secure storage. Use the device’s secure storage for tokens and never hard-code secrets in the app.
- Encrypted connections. Use HTTPS everywhere and protect APIs with proper authentication and authorisation.
- Data location. Consider hosting data in Australian Azure regions where your customers or regulators expect it.
- Accessibility. Design for screen readers, colour contrast and large text, which is good practice and widens your audience.
- Industry rules. Healthcare, finance and government work often brings extra requirements, so raise them in discovery.
How to choose a .NET MAUI development company
Use this checklist when comparing partners:
- Can they show published MAUI or Xamarin apps, not just web projects?
- Do they have in-depth .NET and Azure experience, including the back end?
- Do they test on real iOS and Android devices?
- Do they explain security and privacy practices clearly?
- Will they handle app store submission and updates after launch?
- Is the quote based on a clear scope, with transparent pricing?
- Can they provide client references?
- Will you own the source code and accounts?
- What support do they offer after release?
If you also need to compare local and offshore options, our guides to choosing a .NET development company in Melbourne and outsourcing .NET development in Sydney walk through the key questions.
Already have a Xamarin app?
Microsoft ended Xamarin support in May 2024, so apps still on Xamarin no longer receive official security patches or fixes. Moving to .NET MAUI is the natural next step, and in many cases much of your business logic can be carried across. Read our Xamarin to .NET MAUI migration guide or learn about our Xamarin services.
Common mistakes in MAUI projects
- Building everything at once. Launch a focused first version and add features based on real feedback.
- Ignoring offline use. Field teams often have poor reception, so plan for it early.
- Skipping real-device testing. Emulators miss problems with performance, cameras, GPS and notifications.
- Underestimating the back end. The API, security and data work are often half the project.
- Choosing on price alone. The cheapest quote often leaves out testing, security and store release.
- Not planning for updates. iOS and Android change every year, so apps need regular maintenance.
- Using outdated .NET versions. Start new apps on the current long-term support release. Our .NET 10 migration guide explains why version support matters.
Frequently asked questions
What is .NET MAUI used for?
It is used to build native apps for Android, iOS, macOS and Windows from one C# codebase, commonly for business, field service, logistics and customer-facing apps.
Is .NET MAUI the replacement for Xamarin?
Yes. .NET MAUI is the successor to Xamarin.Forms, and Xamarin support ended in May 2024.
Is .NET MAUI good for production apps?
Yes, it is suitable for production business apps when built by an experienced team. Success depends on good architecture, testing on real devices and thoughtful use of third-party libraries.
Can .NET MAUI apps work offline?
Yes. Apps commonly store data locally in SQLite and sync with the server when a connection returns.
Can we reuse our existing .NET code?
Often yes. Business logic, models and API clients written in modern .NET can be shared with a MAUI app.
How long does it take to build a .NET MAUI app?
A simple app takes around 8 to 12 weeks, a mid-size business app 3 to 6 months, and a complex enterprise app 6 to 12 months or more.
How much does a .NET MAUI app cost in Australia?
Simple apps start from around AU$30,000, mid-size business apps typically cost AU$60,000 to AU$150,000, and complex enterprise apps cost more. Ask for a scoped quote, because features and integrations change the price.
Do I need separate developers for iOS and Android?
Not with MAUI. One .NET team can build for both, though some platform-specific work is still needed.
Can MAUI apps be published to the App Store and Google Play?
Yes. They are published through the normal Apple and Google processes.
Ready to build your .NET MAUI app?
Dotnet Professional builds .NET applications for Australian businesses from our Sydney and Melbourne offices, from discovery and design through to app store release and ongoing support. Learn about our custom software development or how to hire a dedicated .NET developer, then contact us or call +61 2 8208 7030 for a free consultation and a scoped estimate.