How to Convert Your Website to an iOS App in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses

Transforming your website into an iOS app is the most innovative way to establish your brand, boost engagement, and increase conversion. iOS offers critical advantages for Canadian businesses, whether you are a Toronto start-up or an established Vancouver enterprise. This step-by-step guide shows how to transform your web presence into an established one. This blog will explore steps to convert your website into an iOS app, why you should convert a website into an app, methods you can use, challenges you can face, and how Designo Graphy helps your business. 

Why convert a website to an IOS App?

Higher engagement 

iOS apps drastically improve user sessions and retention. In apps, users can enjoy 3x to 5x longer sessions than on websites. An app can push notification capabilities  60%-80% higher user retention. On apps, you can have a 50% better conversion rate on promotion than on the website. 

Faster performance 

The app delivers 2- 3x faster loading time and instant access to cached content. This results in 30%-50% lower bounce rates and 20% higher average order values. Superior performance results in a better ranking in the Apple Store. 

Offline access

The iOS apps offer reliable offline functionality, which is critical for Canadian rural areas, where often there is a connectivity gap. This offline access provides basic functionality like product catalogs and account information. 

Monetization opportunity

Apps are powerful monetization channels. You can purchase digital and physical subscription models such as SaaS, content, and services. Apps also allow running advertisements, resulting in higher CPMs than website ads. 

Canadian Market Advantage 

In the Canadian market, iOS apps offer many localization benefits, such as reaching both English and French audiences, and accepting CAD payments with proper tax. Canadians have a competitive market edge because only 22% of SMBs have mobile apps, so early adopters can capture the market share. 

Methods to convert a website to an IOS app

Each method of converting a website to an iOS app has unique benefits and technical considerations. Here is a detailed breakdown of each approach to help you decide which is best. 

Progressive web app

A progressive web app is best for start-ups and small businesses because it’s a fast and budget-friendly option. In a progressive web app, the website runs in the browser and feels like an app; there is no requirement for an app store. This type of web app offers benefits, including its low cost of CAD $1,000–$5,000. There is also no need for app store approval, it can work offline, and no coding is required. A progressive web app has disadvantages, including limited iOS support and weaker performance than a native app. As no web app is needed, it is challenging to discover this app. 

Hybrid app

The Hybrid app is best for mid-sized businesses that need iOS and Android. In a hybrid app, the website is wrapped in a Native container such as Cordova, Capacitor, or React Native. A key benefit of this approach is that it has a single code base that saves costs of 30% to 50%. This app is App Store eligible and can access device features such as camera, GPS, and push notifications. The main problem with this app is that it is a bit slower than the native app and has limited advanced iOS features. 

Native iOS App

Native iOS apps are best for enterprises and high-traffic apps. They are built from scratch using Swift for maximum optimization. Native iOS apps are fully optimized for iPhones and iPads, offering complete access to iOS features. They have the best app store visibility and superior UX, offering smooth animations and native gestures. The disadvantage of Native iOS is that it is costly, requires more time to build, and requires a separate code base. 

 

Features	Progressive Web App (PWA)	Hybrid app	Native app
Best for	Start-ups Small businesses	Mid-sized businesses	Enterprise  High-ranking brands
How it Works	The website runs in the browser	The website is wrapped in a native container like Cordova, Capacitor, etc	Built from scratch using Swift
Pros	Low cos No app store needed  Works offline  No coding required	Single code  base  App store eligible  Access to device features Faster development.	Fully optimized for iPhone and iPad Full iOS features access  Best app store visibility Superior UX
Cons	Limited iOS support No app store presence	Slightly slower  Limited advanced iOS features	Higher cost Longer development time  Separate codebase needed
Best for Canadians	Businesses testing mobile demand  Local services apps such as menu,  events, and schedule	E-commerce store  Cross-platform apps Business with an existing web app	Banks and FinTech Retailer with heavy traffic

Step-by-Step Guide to Convert Your Website 

This road map will help you convert your website into an iOS app. 

• Choose the correct method.

In the first step, ask yourself the following question:

• What is your budget? 
• Do you need an app store presence?
• Do you need advanced features? 

The answer to these questions will tell you which method to choose for converting a website into an app. Tip: Start with a Progressive Web App (PWA prototype). This will give you an idea of which method would be effective. 

• Use the No Code tool for beginners.

Top Canadian-friendly tool options for beginners include WebViewGold, ApplyMySite, and GoNative.io. WebViewGold is a simple website wrapper, while AppMySite is best for WordPress sites. In the first step, enter your URL and select an iOS-friendly template. Choose colors, logos, and menus, and now it’s ready to be published to the app store with a developer account. It takes 1 to 3 days and costs around $500 -CAD 3000. 

• Customize your App UI/UX

These are the must-have iOS elements for your UI/UX

• Splash screen with your logo
• Tab bar navigation, Dark mode support (This one is popular in Canada)
• French/English toggle, especially for Quebec compliance

Figma for UI design and Canva will help with quick graphics.

• Add an essential feature. 

This is the list of Critical essential features for Canadian users: push notification, Offline mode, Secure login, and CAD payments. Here is the bonus tip: add a weather widget because Canadians check it daily. 

• Test and optimize for Canadians. 

Here is the checklist you must ensure for Canadians

• Real device testing 
• French translation 
• Slow network simulation 
• PIPEDA compliance 

• Canadian App Store Optimization (ASO)

Add ‘’Canada’’ to the title,e.g., the shopping app Canada. Use keywords such as ‘’iOS app from website’’ and ‘’Quebec French support.‘’ Show prices in Canadian dollars and use local scenarios. All these tips will help you optimize your store. 

• Submit to the app store. 

These are the requirements for Canadians to submit the app to the app store. An Apple developer account costs around USD 99 yearly. Secondly, a PIPEDDA compliance privacy policy URL; thirdly, if you are targeting Quebec, a French screenshot. Age rating is another essential requirement; it must be set correctly for Canadian standards. If there is no issue, approval will take 1-7 days. 

Post launch: How to promote your iOS app in Canada 

Canadian businesses can use the data-driven promotion strategy to dominate the market. 

App Store Optimization For Canada 

If you want to rank higher in Canadian searches, follow these tips.

• First, execute the keyword optimization, using terms like iOS app Canada, French app Quebec, and your industry app Toronto. Use the local city name in your keywords.
• Show CAD pricing 
• French/English toggle 
• Add a demo video with Canadian accents and narrations
• Encourage reviews and reply to feedback

Geo-Targeted Paid apps

Research, where Canadians spend most of their time, is either on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. Run targeted social media ads specific to each city. In TikTok, use trend visuals with a download now option. Start with a CAD $1,000–$3,000 test budget, then scale slowly. 

Canadian PR and Influencer marketing 

Partner with Canadian tech and lifestyle influencers who must have 10k to 100k followers. Offer exclusive promo codes and track promo code redemptions. You can pitch to CBS Tech, Betakit, and the Toronto Star. 

Local partnership and sponsorship

Partner with local businesses and sponsor community events, and this will spread awareness about your app. 

Leverage Canadian App directories. 

Get featured on AppAdvice Canada, iPhoneCanada.ca, and government-backed tech portals like Canada Digital Accelerator. 

Key metrics to track 

This is a list of key metrics you need to track: Downloads, Retention rates in Quebec vs. the Rest of Canada, engagement, and in-app purchases in CAD. 

If you need professional Canadian app marketing, Designo Graphy can help you achieve your goals. Contact us for a free strategy call. 

Cost Breakdown to Convert Website to App for iPhone

Here is the detailed cost breakdown for converting your website into an app.

 

Method	Cost range (CAD)	Timeline	Best for
Progressive Web App (PWA)	$1,000-$5,000	1-3 weeks	Sartup, MVP testing
Hybrid app	$10,000-$30,000	4-12 weeks	SMEs ,bilingual(Fr/En)needs
Native iOS App	$20,000-$50,000	3-6 months	Enterprises, high-performance

Hidden cost to watch for 

 

Apple developer app	$99 USD/year
French localization	$500-$000 for Quebec compliance
App maintenance	15-20% of the initial cost/year

Cost-saving tip: Use no-code tools such as WebViewGold for a basic app and upgrade later. 

Top Mistakes to Avoid When Converting a Website to an iOS App

This is the list of the top five mistakes that you should avoid when you build an iOS app from the website

1. Ignoring Quebec French Requirement 
2. Poor offline experience 
3. Skipping PIPEDA Compliance
4. Underestimating ASO 
5. No post-launch marketing 

Legal and Privacy Considerations for Canadian iOS Apps

Do not overlook these critical legal requirements when converting your website into an iOS app. Here is what you must know

Compliance with Canadian Privacy Law 

We must follow PIPEDA (federal law) because this discloses data collection, requires explicit consent, and allows data deletion. Quebec’s Law 25 is the strictest in Canada. If you avoid it, you risk a fine of $25M CAD or 4% of the global revenue. You can use Termly.io or PrivacyPolicies.com to generate a compliant policy. 

French Language support 

French language support is critical for Quebec users. It includes not just a French translation but also a UI, customer support, and app metadata. If you avoid this, the app risks being removed from the Quebec app store. 

Tax and Payment Regulation 

GST and HST tests are applicable and vary across provinces. Display your product prices in CAD, not USD. Preferred payment methods include Apple Pay and credit cards with CAD support. You can use Stripe and PayPal to automate Canadian tax. 

Hosting and Data Storage in Canada 

Hosting and data storage matter because they build user trust factors. Users prefer apps that do not send data overseas. The best hosting options in Canada are AWS Canada, Microsoft Azure Canada, and OVH Canada. 

How Designography helps you convert your website into an iOS App  

At Designo Graphy, we don’t believe in one size fits all. We consider your business’s unique challenges and create high-performance apps. Here is our process:

Tailored approach for Canadian Businesses

In the first phase, we understand your business goal, target audience, budget, and timeline, and recommend the best method. The recommended methods include PAW, Hybrid, and Native iOS. 

No code to customize development  

Whether you need a simple no-code wrapper or a fully custom native app, we design both apps according to your requirements and budget.

Canada-Optimized Design and compliance 

We create apps with Canadian UI/UX localization, using English and French interfaces, CAD pricing, tax compliance, Dark mode, and iOS-friendly navigation. We offer PIPEDA-compliant data handling, Quebec law 25, and Canadian data hosting.  

App store submission and ASO

We handle the entire submission process, including setting up an app developer account, optimizing the app store, complying with Quebec regulations, and beta testing with Canadian users. 

Post Launch support 

We offer Canadian-focused marketing strategies, Analytics, performance tuning, ongoing updates, and feature additions. 

Why choose Designo Graphy?

Here’s why you should choose Designo Graphy to build your iOS app:

• Canadian-owned and operated 
• Transparent pricing 
• Proven track record of 100-plus successful apps
• End-to-end services 

We will provide a customized roadmap for your iOS App from the website. 

Conclusion 

In this blog, we have provided detailed information on transforming a website into an iOS app and a list of strategies to help you attract a loyal user base and grow your market reach. Do not just launch the app; get our Canadian app growth kit and skyrocket your downloads. 

FAQs

• How much does it cost to turn my website into an iOS app?

The cost of turning your website into an iOS app depends on your method: a Progressive Web App (PWA), a Hybrid app, or a native app. A native iOS app is costly, while a Progressive Web App (PWA is a budget-friendly option. 

• Is French translation mandatory for my app in Canada? 

Yes, French translation is mandatory if you are targeting Quebec users. 

• How long does it take to convert a website to an iOS app?

It depends on the method you use. If you use PWA, it will take 1 to 3 weeks, hybrid apps take 4 to 12 weeks, and Native apps take 3 to 6 months.

• Can I use the app’s existing website design?

Yes, you can create apps using existing website designs. Tools like WebViewGold and React Native let you create apps using your existing websites.