How To Create An App Like Uber [Features & Cost Estimation]

What is Uber?

Uber is a ride-sharing service, that was established in the year 2009. This highly-functional service has changed the entire dynamics of traveling. In the year 2021, Uber has made a winning growth and the customer base spiked to 93 million customers. Now, many other ride-sharing services are working. Services like Uber have made it easier for people to travel, it saves from the hassle of driving a car and looking to park a car.

Uber runs by an application that connects the rider with the driver by requesting a ride. Uber has two types of users; passengers and drivers. Uber does not own the vehicles; they play the role of a link between the driver and the passengers. Uber works in more than 80 countries and 900 hundred cities. Uber has completely changed the pattern of booking a taxi, from looking and waiting on the streets to booking it just by tapping on a button.

A Comparison Between Uber and Similar Ride-Hailing Apps

Uber’s Revenue and Business Development

Since the pandemic, Uber saw a decrease in their business. But for the year 2022, it has been estimated that Uber is going to witness a rise. Uber’s main market has been the USA while the second remains Brazil. In the year 2018, there were 41.8 million users. The users and number of Uber members are increasing day by day.

Altogether, Uber has successfully managed to be an excellent revenue generator as the chart also shows. Uber has made a record of completing 4.98 billion trips in 2020.They have earned a staggering profit of $0.4 billion last year

How Uber Works

Before going into details of creating an app like Uber, take a look into how it works. If you are willing to build an app like Uber, first take a look into the following steps. Uber completely works in a technology system that is supported by an application. Uber functions in 5 steps,

The 5 Steps to Book a Taxi on Uber

Step #1

A rider requests to take a journey to enter the desired location. By entering the predestination, it gives an estimate of the fare. Uber has set a feature of choice for the preferred car type. The types of cars Uber offers are.

• UberBLACK
• UberSUV
• UberX
• UberLux

Step #2

After choosing the preferred car, the passenger verifies the pick-up location and enters the required data.

Step #3

The app searches through and selects a driver that is nearest to the entered location. However, the driver reserves the right to cancel the trip. In case of cancellation, the ride is transferred to a new driver.

Step #4

Uber asks to enter the information of the digital payment. Uber allows payment through PayPal, ApplePay, AndroidPay, Passengers can also opt to pay through cash.

Step #5

Uber prefers to review and rate the trip. They always emphasize rating the ride in the end to gain points. The rating system is for both rider and driver as it gives leverage to become a loyal customer. The driver’s rating helps in elevating his stature on the application.

Ride-sharing application carries huge impact today. In the elderly, a small percentage of people prefer to travel in Uber. Other than that, Uber’s customer base lies around 16 to 35 years old. If you are willing to make an app like Uber, one of your primary aims could be to serve the elder citizens. To create an app like Uber, you need to have a unique USP to target the audience to shift.

Industries To Consider for Creating Apps Like Uber

You can cater your Uber-like app to different industries and categories. Uber has expanded itself now and is serving in other industries too. Look at the bigger picture and ponder upon how your app is going to contrast from Uber and other cab booking apps.

Make a plan! Start by thinking about whether you want to develop an app like Uber or improvise new features too. You can create your Uber-like app to serve in other industries. Other industries can be healthcare services, delivery services to deliver food, grocery, and essentials. It is speculated that the trucking market is expected to grow by the year 2025, it can be a great opportunity to build an app like Uber for trucking services.

Steps For Creating an App Like Uber

To Create an App Like Uber, you need to start with making a prototype. You cannot dive into creating an application just by looking at its steps. Start by building with an MVP and a goal. If you are looking to build an app like Uber, its functionality and features should differ and stand out.

It is important to remember that one cannot directly jump into the app-creating process. Take notes of certain points that can help you in pitching a different idea. Brainstorm the features of the app. its name, reviews, ratings, and updates.

First, you need to have a clear path on what you are going to do and how the app is going to be designed.

• What To Remember Before Creating an Application like Uber

Following are the steps to creating an app like Uber. Explore the different dynamics and methods on creating an app. Let's have a look into the following,

• Start By Research

Uber is a highly-competitive application and creating an app like Uber could be daunting. Survey thoroughly through the market and conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Look at the competitors and the strategy they are using. It is vital to keep track of the business model and how the organization is promoting its business. Take a review from the people around and ask what features and functions they wish to have.

Set up a goal-oriented and sustainable strategy. Double up your game by creating remixed version. When you are building a new application on an already existing model, upgrade it by bringing improvement and modification.

• Set Up Your Target Audience

This is one of the crucial steps of creating an application. The target audience is the winning factor in creating an application. You need to set up a pitch to attract the audience. Create a USP and potential unique features that are new to the world.

The pitch should mention the benefits of your app and will be an added value. The value of your app should be about the users and how it resolves their problems

The core features of the application should be compared with the existing application. Introduce the plan of the features to target the audience with the unique core features of the application.

• Choose A Suitable Platform

Choose a suitable platform before creating an application. Mobile application marketing is spiking, and to create a seamless application with impeccable features, choose the right platform. Before considering the platform, have a look at the features of the platform.

Start by looking at the features of the platform on offer and its features. Choose a platform that supports the devices, iOS supports around 15 devices, while Android is a little behind in numbers.

You need to figure out the platforms by looking into geographical locations. Carry out a research session and take a look at what platforms your target audience is using.

• Choose A Mobile App Framework

Applications are created on both Android and iOS platforms. Android serves Android phones while iOS serves iPhone. In this case, if you are creating a ride-sharing app, you will need to create an application for two app stores.

One of the intelligent actions is to go for a hybrid app. If you are catering to everyone, managing two codebases could be a burden. It operates on both iOS and Android leveraging the users to boost their applications at once.

Several frameworks allow building an app for both platforms such as React Native, Ionic Framework, NativeScript, etc.

• Choose The App Store

Once you are in the process of creating an application, you need to choose a store for it. Apps are displayed at the play store or the iPhone app store. To clarify for an iPhone store, you need to tackle Apple’s App Certification team.

If you are willing to add your uber clone app in the app store, take a look at the app store guidelines. You have to fill the criteria to fit in the App Store Connect. It is important to keep up with the guidelines of both platforms to have a visible position in the store.

To keep up with the guidelines of both platforms, build a complete look at the theme. Start by creating the name of the app, logo, and description.

• Evaluate And Add New Features

You need to evaluate the market and start to develop new features; Uber is a prestigious app with elite services. Research and study the features that were removed or are missing, Add, latest features to the application.

The upsurge of the new features will set your application apart from others. These steps can work as a determining factor as well as a challenging part. Introducing new features will show you as a competitive business and it will give your app a highlight.

Uber is a flawless app; you can add or improvise the existing features. The digital arena is increasing day by day and there is a chance to improve the existing app.

Uber App Development Process

To make an app like Uber, you need to go through a series of crucial steps.

• A Step-By-Step Process of Developing an App Like Uber

• Start With a Prototype

It is the strategic step in the app development process by researching the design and direction of the application. It is the visual presentation that allows to have a look at the feel and the look of the application. The prototype helps to save the application in making alterations in the UX. Other than that, it saves from the critical changes in the applications and helps in maintaining the functionality, demonstrating the layout of the application.

• Keep Up with Wire Framing

The wireframing is the sketch of your app and what it will look like. It is in two dimensions and shows the visual look of the designed application. Wireframing has become a vital component in app development as it is essential in the app developing process. The wireframing is the architectural view of an application that works as a guide to planning the formation of the application.

• Make An MVP

It is among the basic steps of app development. An MVP is the most viable product, it is the initial frame of the application. The MVP shows the must-have features. The MVP of a product or an app makes it easier to attract the market. Creating an MVP for your application helps in fixing the flaws and adding competitive features. After creating an MVP for your applications, you can add the needed features.

• Sketch A Mockup A Design

It is the stage between wireframing and prototyping. It is important to create a mockup design before investing in an app project. The mockup design should meet the nature of your application. It can be created by online tools available that allow creating a custom design. A mockup design shows the imagery, layout, and color palette of the application. It helps in gaining the feedback of your application and in deciding its outlook.

• Design Intriguing UI/UX Design

Develop your app by making the UI/UX design of your application. An attractive UI/UX design is the backbone of making an application. To have an outstanding application, invest your time in making a user-friendly interface with interactive visuals. In your car-hailing app make sure you have smooth taxi booking features that run at a swift speed.

• Frontend Developer

The front-end development of an application is the front side or the client side of an application. It consists of how users see an application such as the interface of the application. It includes the graphs, images, menu, colors, structural behavior and appearance.

To make an app like Uber, the front-end developers work on every function of the front display. They make sure the app is performing well on every device and is stable in its use.

• Backend Developer

It is the server-side of the application; you need to have a backend developer to handle data and the functioning of an app from the client’s side. The backend developer looks after the key functionality of an app and makes sure the functionality of drivers, monitoring and managing them.

The backend developers are playing an important role in system components, writing APIs etc. The backend developers are the masters that run behind the scenes perfectly.

• Quality Assurance

It is the final stage and a determining stage in your app development. It is the phase where each function and element of the app needs to be tested before final deployment. To make a flawless app, you need to ensure the quality of the application by testing and improving. An application can be tested out manually by using human power. Quality assurance can be tested automatically by tools that help in an effective manner.

There are several testing styles. To create an app like Uber, you can choose the fittest model to test quality assurance.

If you Uber clone app checks and passes through all the aforementioned boxes, you can launch your app.

The Basic Features of Uber App

Uber works under three domains,

• Uber for passengers
• Uber for Driver
• Admin Panel

These are the three domains; the rider and passenger apps are connected with the admin panel. In making an app like Uber you need to consider construction of all the three spheres, with each app having their different functions.

• Functions of Uber App for Passengers

Following are the basic functions of Uber from the user’s perspective. These functions are the core to consider in making an app like Uber and are to be created from roots.

1. Registration

The registration of the first step allows the user to sign up to your app via email or Facebook.

2. Booking A Taxi

Uber only operates if you book a taxi. Integrate the taxi booking feature that allows the users to book a taxi by entering their drop-off and pick-up location.

3. Keep A Track of The Driver

This feature allows the passenger to track the drive through a map until he reaches the location.

4. Fare Calculation

The backend team installs the feature that calculates the estimated fare of the ride. A rider can check the fare from any of the car categories.

5. Payment Method

The feature enables the passengers to choose payment from cast to credit card. Uber has now shifted to cashless payments.

6. Notifications

Notification helps in being updated with every information, from car booking to arrival. It keeps both parties in the loop.

7. Messaging

The messaging enables the driver and the passenger to communicate within the application.

8. Review And Rating

It allows the rider to review and star the driver to are the overall ride experience. This also helps in the driver’s experience.

• Functions Of Uber App for Driver

As Uber is a three-domain app, you need to incorporate the driver's app. Follows the basic functions to create your Uber-like app from the driver’s perspective.

1. Driver Verification

A driver needs to be verified to ensure security. A driver is verified by the details of the license, insurance, and other necessary documentation that verifies them as an Uber verified driver.

2. Trip Alert

The feature notified whenever a rider books a ride. A driver reserves the right to cancel the ride.

3. Push Notification

It helps in updating with any changes that take place. Such as the change in route, message, or request.

4. Navigation And Route Optimization

The integrated mapping system helps the driver to reach the location easily by navigating maps and finding alternate routes.

5. Heat Maps

The heat maps the drivers making out a route of preference. The drivers can search and move the routes.

• Functions Of Uber App for Car Owner (Admin)

The admin plays the role of the boss in the Uber app. The admin panel keeps track of the performance and controls the interaction between the rider and the driver. Both of the domains are interlinked by the admin’s app.

The admin panel is a manager that looks at every detail and movement. For an app like Uber, the admin panel is the core function.

The overall function of an admin panel is management, it manages the passenger and driver. It also manages the location, fare management and taxi booking. Other features include

• Passenger And User Management
• Payment Management
• Notification Management
• Discounts And Promotion
• Integration Of AI And Machine Learning Tools
• System Content Management
• Support For Riders and Driver

• Languages Used for Creating Uber App

Languages are a vital part of creating an app like Uber. They choose their languages and systems that specifically deliver swift performance and response instantly.

Technology has taken over and has transformed it into a digital arena. There are many programming languages you can consider in making your application.

You will have an insight into the languages Uber uses in this section to make their app. It is important to remember that Uber keeps destructing their technology and tools according to the changes in its objectives.

Uber has used many-core languages to build a channel that connects with real-time locations. It also has used languages that support the online payment feature and communication between the rider and the passenger.

For front-end applications, Uber uses Java, and for back-end development, they use Node.js. Now, Uber prefers to use Python and PHP. To create an app like Uber, you may want to consider these languages.

• Kotlin

Kotlin is an advanced version of Java that is qualified to take care of the shortcomings of Java. It comes with several advanced features to help in enhancing the user’s experience. Kotlin is an advanced language and has better features that make it a better option to use.

• Swift

Swift is a programming language that is used to make apps for the iOS platform. It is an open-source programming language that operates on iOS and OS X. It has become one of the popular languages to use in iOS. It is flexible and adapts to add any features to the app.

• Java

It is the most popular app language used and a highly recommended language preferred by programmers. Java is a major language used for android app development. Java is an all-rounder language that is used in different ways.

• Python

Python is used to develop cross-platform applications. It runs on desktop, mobile, and web. Most of the popular applications are created by Python. You can consider using this language for the Uber clone app. Python allows you to make an app from scratch. This could be the finest language to develop an app.

• Tools Stack to Build an App Like Uber

You need to create an app that is competitive and covers all of the features and functions needed. You need to gear up by compiling a team of tech geeks. Make sure the team is fully versed in technological development and has ample knowledge about tools and mechanisms.

Before getting deep into the process of app development figure out everything. Uber uses certain tools to run the app swiftly and without any gaps. Uber majorly runs its technological side on JavaScript. Now, Uber has been working on Node.js and Redis. Twilio is one of the driving tools in receiving messages and notifications.

To make an app like Uber, use tools such as APNS (Apple Push Notifications) and GCM Google Cloud Messaging). These tools help in receiving messages and notifications.

• Firebase
• Google Maps
• Amazon EC2
• Twilio
• APNS
• Facebook SDK
• Maps SDK

• Technology Used to Make an App Like Uber

Technology is an integral part in app development. This section looks into the technical perspective of creating an app like Uber. The highlighted features of Uber’s technical features are geo-location, push-notifications, payment integrations etc.

• Geo-Location

Uber and other cab-hailing apps are highly dependent on maps and navigation. The premise of Uber lies in the location, the apps like Uber use geo-location and mapping for navigation. Uber uses Core-Location and Map-Kit to assist the passengers with selecting routes and looking at the directions. These frameworks are applicable on the iOS platform.

To make this framework for Android you can incorporate Maps-SDK and Geo-Location API. Other than that Uber also relies on a technical team, this complex system is handled by data-sharing.

• Push Notifications

To create an app like Uber, you need to integrate the push notifications feature. Push notification helps in building communication between the passenger and the driver. Push notification sends the driver notification upon a ride request. Uber allows communicating without leaving the application to maintain hassle-free communication.

In Uber for an iOS platform, you can use Apple Push Notification services (APNS). It is a cloud service that works as a third party to send notifications with a secure connection to remote devices. For Android devices, FireBase messaging can be considered.

• Integration Of Payment

Uber has been a phenomenal player in their industry. They have been running a swift system to make payments error-free. Uber has now installed online payment methods by cards and wallets. In the payment method, you need to pass through a security test to ensure the safety and sensitive data of the consumers.

In the cab-hailing app, you can partner with payment platforms to make a secure payment system. Mainly, the ride fares are estimated on certain criteria depending on the type of conveyance.

• Cost per mile
• Cos per minute
• Base fare

The Design of An Uber App

Booking a ride on Uber looks like a convenient option, as one clicks and the ride is booked. But, the question arises, how does it all take place? In making an app like Uber, you have to be fully engineered in the processing of its design and architecture. Uber has changed their models over the years.

The Architecture of Creating an App Like Uber

At first, Uber ran on a single database with a backend and frontend service. The architecture model of Uber was monolithic. Uber used SQLAlchemy and ORM layers in their frameworks that worked well for a small app. But now as Uber has expanded, they have moved to newer models and moved to service-oriented architecture.

Uber or a ride sharing app works under two domains. One of the main challenges to overcome in creating an app like Uber is, it requires two architecture systems.

• Supply Service- For the driver
• Demand service – For the passenger

The supply service tracks the cars by geo-location. There are models to track a vehicle that depends on various conditions such as types of cars, number of seats, and suitable for a disabled individual.

The demand service tracks the GPS of the rider upon their request. It takes in all the required information ordered by the ride and helps in matching the demand with supply.

For now, you know how Uber operates by a supply and demand model. Moving on, let's look deeper into the optimization process Uber uses; this could be helpful for you to create a clone Uber app. Uber has been popularly using the dispatch (DISCO) system.

• The Break Down of Dispatch

A dispatch is software that helps in the automating and scheduling process. It helps in making the delivery and scheduling swift. It automatically manages the tracking of the vehicle, route mapping, and organizing schedules.

• Features of Dispatch

1. It allows for easy communication. It establishes a smooth communication channel between the driver and the rider
2. It effectively manages the scheduling and eases the burden of human labor
3. It manages the business operations by automated notifications
4. Manges billing costs with its software’s functionality
5. It tracks the GPS location by reading and tracking maps. It predicts the traffic and shows the driver with the best alternative routes

This dispatch system is an Uber essential and it can be a vital component for an app like Uber too. Uber uses Dispatch to cater to supply and demand at the same time. It allows the drivers and the passengers to connect instantly through mobile. A dispatch system is built on NodeJS; the framework allows users to receive and send messages. NodeJS is an asynchronous, web-based framework that runs by WebSockets.

The dispatch system operates on maps, locations, GPS, data, and mapping. Uber uses the Google S2 library to calculate the details of the map by dividing them into details. The Google S2 helps in storing the data and distributing it easily in the system.

• Mapping In Uber

Uber designed their mapping with a map technology stack that is divided into three regions. The regions are subdivided, with grades that are responsible for covering urban areas, commute areas, rural and suburban regions. Now, Uber uses map provider applications to trace and cover the areas. The Uber maps are built on trace coverage and preferred access.

Uber uses Google Maps API to track and calculate the ETA by:

Trace Coverage – The trace coverage detects the road geometry by map data and the GPS stored in the history. It compares and matches the roads by GPS tracing and if missing roads are found it fixes the routes.

Pick up Point – Pick points are an important factor in the ride-sharing app. It calculates the distance between the rider and the driver. There is a step-by-step process in locating the map and guiding the driver to the access point.

• The ETA System

ETA and calculating IT plays a major role and are the deciding factor in the fare. The factors involved in calculating ETA are traffic and road construction. Uber sends a GPS location after a time to look at the traffic, these simulations are carried out by AI algorithms or by Djikstra Algorithm.

• Database In Uber

Earlier Uber used Postgres as a database system. Uber uses a powerful functional database system; they use a NoSQL database built on a MySQL database. The database is required to scale data horizontally the system should be able to read because of the constant notification of GPS location. The system should be available with no downtime. Uber uses Redis and Schemaless which is used for long-term data storage.