Free Freelance Mobile App Developer Contract Template for Canada

A freelance mobile app developer contract addresses the unique challenges of building applications for iOS and Android platforms in Canada. Mobile development involves platform-specific requirements — App Store and Google Play guidelines, device compatibility, push notifications, in-app purchases, and privacy permissions — that make contracts more complex than typical software development agreements. This free contract template covers the full mobile development lifecycle: platform specifications, design implementation, API integration, app store submission, post-launch updates, and ongoing maintenance. Whether you're building a native iOS app, an Android application, or a cross-platform solution with React Native or Flutter, this template provides the legal framework to protect both developers and clients throughout the process.

Mobile app projects are among the most dispute-prone engagements in freelance development. Clients often underestimate the complexity of mobile development — expecting a simple-looking app without understanding the backend infrastructure, API integrations, and platform-specific requirements involved. Common disputes include: disagreements over which devices must be supported, unexpected costs for app store developer accounts and third-party services, rejection by Apple or Google during the review process, and unclear responsibility for post-launch bugs and updates. A contract addresses these issues upfront by specifying supported platforms and devices, app store submission responsibilities, backend API scope, and maintenance terms. For Canadian developers, the contract also addresses privacy requirements for location data, push notifications, and health-related information.

Mobile app contracts need platform-specific clauses. Define the target platforms (iOS, Android, or both) with minimum OS version support and device compatibility matrix. Include an app store clause covering: developer account ownership and costs, app store submission process and responsibility, handling of app store rejections (who addresses required changes and at whose cost), and app store listing content (description, screenshots, keywords). Add a push notification clause covering service setup (APNs, FCM), notification permissions, and message content responsibility. Include a third-party services clause listing every external service (analytics, crash reporting, payment processing, cloud storage) with cost responsibilities. Define the testing scope: device testing matrix, beta testing distribution (TestFlight, Firebase App Distribution), and user acceptance testing process.

Mobile app scope of work must be platform-specific and feature-detailed. List every screen with navigation flow diagrams. Specify: supported platforms and minimum OS versions, device categories (phone, tablet, specific models for testing), orientation support (portrait, landscape, or both), offline functionality requirements, push notification types and triggers, in-app purchase or subscription features, third-party SDK integrations (maps, analytics, social login), accessibility features (VoiceOver, TalkBack support), and localization requirements (English, French for Canadian market). Separate the backend API scope if the developer is also building the server-side components. Define the app icon, splash screen, and app store asset deliverables. Specify the beta testing period and maximum number of beta testers. State what's excluded: app store optimization, marketing, analytics dashboard development, and future platform updates beyond the initial release.

Mobile app contracts typically use milestone payments aligned with development phases: 20% upon signing (project setup, architecture planning), 20% upon UI implementation and navigation flow, 20% upon feature completion and API integration, 20% upon testing completion and beta release, 20% upon app store approval and production release. Address app store-related costs separately: Apple Developer Program ($99 USD/year) and Google Play Console ($25 one-time) are typically the client's responsibility. Third-party service costs (cloud hosting, analytics platforms, push notification services) should be budgeted separately with clear ownership. For ongoing maintenance after launch, offer a separate maintenance retainer covering bug fixes, OS compatibility updates, and minor feature additions.

Mobile app IP involves the app code, design assets, backend systems, and app store presence. Custom app code transfers to the client upon full payment, including both frontend mobile code and any custom backend components. The developer retains rights to reusable libraries, frameworks, and tools used across projects. App store accounts and listings should be in the client's name from the start — transferring published apps between accounts is complex and sometimes impossible. Address third-party SDK licenses and ensure compliance with their terms. If the developer uses proprietary frameworks or code generators, license these to the client rather than transferring ownership. Specify that all signing certificates, provisioning profiles, and API keys are created under the client's accounts.

Mobile app termination has unique considerations around app store presence. Upon termination, the developer delivers: complete source code for the mobile app, backend API code and database schemas, configuration files and environment setup documentation, app store assets (icons, screenshots, descriptions), and signing certificates and provisioning profile access. The client retains the app store listing and all associated reviews and ratings. If the app is already published, the developer should provide a transition guide for the replacement developer, including known issues and the app review submission process. Kill fee: 25% of remaining contract value. The developer provides a 14-day transition period for knowledge transfer.

Mobile app developers access user data, business logic, and proprietary algorithms embedded in the app. The confidentiality clause should cover: app source code and architecture, user data and analytics, API endpoints and authentication mechanisms, unreleased features and product roadmap, and app store connect credentials and performance data. For apps handling sensitive data (health, financial, location), add enhanced security requirements: data encryption, secure storage practices, and compliance with platform-specific data handling guidelines. Specify that the developer will not publish or demonstrate the app before the client's official launch.

Canadian mobile app developers face platform and privacy considerations. PIPEDA requires clear disclosure of data collection practices — your contract should specify who is responsible for the privacy policy and terms of service. For apps collecting location data, health information, or camera/microphone access, ensure privacy by design principles are followed and proper consent mechanisms are implemented. Apple's App Tracking Transparency and Google's privacy requirements add another compliance layer. Quebec's Law 25 requires privacy impact assessments for apps processing Quebec residents' data. For apps with in-app purchases, comply with Canada's Competition Act and provincial consumer protection laws regarding pricing transparency. If the app supports both English and French, address localization scope and ensure compliance with Quebec's language requirements for apps targeting Quebec users.