How Much Does It Cost to Maintain an App?

After this initial phase, the annual maintenance cost typically reduces to around 15-20% of the initial development cost. This reduction is because, once the app stabilizes and most critical issues are addressed, maintenance mainly focuses on ensuring compatibility with new OS versions, refining user experience, and implementing incremental improvements rather than large-scale overhauls.

It’s also important to note that these figures are averages. The actual answer to how much does it cost to maintain an app depends on various factors specific to your app, which could result in higher or lower costs.

For a precise estimate tailored to your app, consulting with a reputable mobile app development company is advisable. They can provide insights into the specific maintenance needs based on your app’s features, platform, and user engagement patterns, helping you plan your budget more accurately.

[NEWS] Google’s New Policy Targets “Do-Nothing” Apps on the Play Store

Google is actively removing “do-nothing” apps to improve the quality of the Play Store. These are apps that offer minimal functionality and provide little user engagement, such as text-only interfaces, single-wallpaper downloads, or those that lack interactive features. This move aims to eliminate apps that don’t offer meaningful value or experience to users, pushing developers to create more engaging and functional products.

Back in 2022, Google removed millions of outdated apps, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining a high standard for app quality and safety.

In 2023, the company pushed these efforts further by tightening security requirements for apps on the Play Store. On August 31st, Google introduced an updated Spam and Minimum Functionality policy.

While the original policy prohibited apps that “do nothing,” the new version goes a step further, targeting apps that lack “app-specific functionality” or fail to deliver an engaging user experience.

In addition, Google now hides apps that don’t meet modern standards. If an app’s target API level is more than two years old, it will no longer be visible in the Play Store, encouraging developers to update their apps regularly.

This demonstrates how important it is for app developers to maintain and improve their apps consistently. Neglecting updates or failing to keep up with Google’s guidelines could result in apps being removed, affecting visibility and user retention.

What is the Cost of App Maintenance Based on Different Factors?

When it comes to mobile application maintenance costs, various factors influence the total expenditure. Let’s break down these costs in detail so you can get a clearer picture of what to expect. To make things easier for those pressed for time, here’s a quick table summarizing the key costs:

Maintenance Aspect	Estimated Cost
Hosting	$200 – $350 per month
Bug Fixes and Updates	$1,500 – $2,000 annually
Functional Services	$4,000 per year
API Integration	$5,000 per year
Customer Support	$10,000 per year
Analytics Tools	Varies based on tool choice
Payment Gateways	$120 – $150 per month
Technical Interventions	$50 – $60 per hour

 

Now, let’s discuss each of these factors in detail to understand how they contribute to the overall maintenance cost of an app.

Hosting

The cost of hosting varies based on the type of server and data your app processes. If your app manages simple, text-based information, a basic server might suffice. However, apps with multimedia elements (like videos or heavy graphics) require more robust hosting solutions. Monthly hosting costs typically range from $200 to $350, but these numbers can vary based on your chosen service provider.

For instance, AWS and Google Cloud offer scalable options that adjust pricing according to usage—ideal for growing apps. For cheaper alternatives, DigitalOcean provides plans starting around $5 per month, while Heroku offers a free tier with paid upgrades based on specific usage. On the higher end, Azure offers enterprise-level hosting with advanced security features and starts at around $300 per month

Bug Fixing and Updates

Apps need constant updates to stay relevant and functional. Bug fixes arise from multiple triggers like OS changes, server upgrades, or even minor coding errors. Fixing these bugs requires addressing security protocols, adjusting code complexity, and updating device compatibility. 

The cost for minor adjustments (e.g., fixing a single line of code) starts at around $50, but larger issues or more complex security patches can range between $1,500 and $2,000 annually, depending on the extent of changes and the team’s expertise.

Functional Services

Functional services are all about keeping your app interactive. Whether it’s sending push notifications, managing in-app chats, or integrating email/SMS systems, these services help you communicate effectively with your users. 

Such services often involve third-party tools with a monthly subscription, costing around $4000 per year. These functionalities keep users engaged, but their maintenance and updates can increase costs based on the frequency of use and the volume of messages sent.

API Integration

API integration is a crucial element, especially when it comes to providing features like social media logins (e.g., Google or Facebook) or third-party services (like payment gateways). 

Maintaining these integrations involves not just the initial setup but also ensuring that they are up-to-date with the latest changes from providers. This usually costs around $5,000 annually, covering the monitoring and updates needed to maintain seamless service

Customer Support

Providing consistent and reliable customer support is vital, especially if your app is on both iOS and Android platforms. The cost of ensuring compatibility with new OS updates and making quick adjustments for different device requirements typically runs about $10,000 per year. This investment helps keep your app accessible and functioning smoothly across various platforms and ensures that users receive prompt assistance for any technical issues

Analytics Tools

Analytics tools are indispensable for tracking app performance, user engagement, and overall success. These tools, such as Google Analytics, monitor conversion rates, retention, churn, and other key metrics, as well as track bugs and crashes. 

The cost of analytics varies, with some basic tools being free, while advanced versions with deeper insights require subscriptions that can range widely depending on the depth of data provided.

Payment Gateways

If your app processes payments, especially in e-commerce and fintech, having a reliable payment gateway is a must. Services like Stripe or PayPal typically charge a monthly fee ranging from $120 to $150. This fee covers transaction handling, security updates, and support, ensuring your users have a smooth and secure payment experience.

Technical Intervention Cost

Technical interventions are specific IT-related adjustments that might be needed at various stages of the app development lifecycle. For instance, security breaches or server optimizations require immediate attention. Outsourcing these tasks, or having a specialized in-house team, typically costs $50 to $60 per hour, depending on the expertise required. It’s wise to account for these interventions as part of your ongoing maintenance plan, ensuring your app remains stable and secure.

What is the App Maintenance Cost Based on Different Locations?

App maintenance costs vary significantly depending on the location of the developers or the maintenance team. Different geographical regions have their own pricing structures, and these differences can have a big impact on your overall maintenance budget. 

For example, developers in countries like the USA tend to charge higher rates due to the cost of living and the competitive market. Similarly, app development costs in Dubai, Singapore, and Australia can also be higher, reflecting the advanced infrastructure and skilled labor available in these regions.

On the other hand, outsourcing to countries in Eastern Europe, South Asia, or Latin America can be a cost-effective option without compromising quality, as many regions have highly skilled developers who offer services at lower rates.

Here’s a table showing the average hourly rates for developers based on location:

Region	Average Hourly Rate
USA	$100 – $150
Western Europe (e.g., UK, Germany)	$80 – $120
Eastern Europe (e.g., Ukraine, Poland)	$40 – $60
South Asia (e.g., India, Pakistan)	$20 – $40
Latin America (e.g., Brazil, Argentina)	$30 – $50
Southeast Asia (e.g., Vietnam, Philippines)	$25 – $45

Outsourcing maintenance work to regions with lower hourly rates can help reduce costs
significantly while still meeting your app’s maintenance requirements. However, it’s important to evaluate the quality of service and expertise offered by developers in each location to make an informed decision.

 

What are the Different Types of Mobile App Maintenance Services?

 

Mobile app maintenance isn’t just about fixing bugs; it’s a comprehensive process that includes several types of services aimed at keeping your app running smoothly, adapting to changes, and ensuring an optimal user experience. 

Different types of maintenance services are designed to address specific needs, from emergency fixes to long-term performance improvements. 

Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of mobile app maintenance services:

Emergency Maintenance

This type of maintenance kicks in when an app faces sudden, unexpected errors that need immediate attention. It could be a bug affecting the app’s functionality or a defect impacting its performance. Emergency maintenance is all about reacting quickly to resolve these issues and ensuring that the app remains operational without causing disruptions for users.

Perfective Maintenance

As user needs evolve, so must your app. Perfective maintenance focuses on responding to user feedback and implementing new features or enhancements to maintain your app’s relevance. This type of service not only addresses bugs but also adapts the app based on how users interact with it, ensuring that the app remains flexible and user-friendly over time.

Corrective Maintenance

Corrective maintenance deals with fixing faults or defects that impact the app’s appearance or functionality. This could involve correcting issues in the code or making updates to the UI/UX design to improve the app’s overall performance and look. It’s all about repairing elements that aren’t working as intended to keep the app running efficiently.

Adaptive Maintenance

To stay current, apps need to adapt to new technologies and programming environments. Adaptive maintenance is about updating the app to align with changes in operating systems, APIs, and other software environments. This service keeps the app relevant and compatible with the latest technological advancements, preventing it from becoming outdated.

Preventive Maintenance

Preventive maintenance is all about foresight. It involves proactive steps to monitor the app for potential errors and address them before they escalate into major issues. This approach enhances the app’s performance and functionality, keeping it stable and reducing the risk of unexpected problems. Regular check-ups help keep the app running smoothly and efficiently, maintaining its reliability over time.

How Much Should You Spend on Mobile App Maintenance?

 

When deciding how much to spend on mobile app maintenance cost per year, a good rule of thumb is to allocate about 15-20% of your initial development cost. This range typically covers updates, bug fixes, security patches, and other necessary adjustments to keep your app running smoothly. 

If your spending exceeds 20%, it’s worth checking if these costs are yielding the improvements you expect in terms of performance and user satisfaction.

Different factors can influence the budget, like the tech stack used and whether your app is built with newer technologies that may need frequent updates. 

Sometimes, older or simpler tech might mean fewer maintenance expenses, while advanced technologies might push the budget a bit higher due to their complexity.

To get a clear idea of what your app might need, it’s wise to consult with an experienced mobile app development company. They can guide you on where to allocate your budget effectively, so you’re not overspending without seeing real benefits.

Why Maintaining and Updating Mobile Apps Matter?

Maintaining and updating mobile apps is a major factor in keeping any business’s mobile product successful, regardless of the industry. Regular app maintenance supports functionality, improves user experience, and extends the app’s life, ensuring it stays competitive and effective.

Fixing Bugs and Issues

Mobile apps inevitably face bugs and issues over time, making regular checks and fixes essential. Maintenance processes help identify and correct defects quickly, preventing these bugs from negatively affecting the user experience and app performance.

Extending App Longevity

Keeping an app updated with the latest features and technologies gives it a longer lifespan. Regular updates keep the app relevant and functional, allowing it to perform well over an extended period.

Improving App Efficiency

Updating and refining existing app functionalities ensures the app runs efficiently for longer, attracting more users and keeping existing ones engaged. This consistent improvement boosts overall app productivity and value.

Boosting App Store Ranking

Regular updates and maintenance signal to the App Store and Google Play Store that the app is actively supported. This often leads to improved rankings, which can attract more downloads and boost revenue. If you’re interested in learning how to launch your app effectively, check out our blog on publishing an app on the Google Play Store.

Enhancing App Security

Apps dealing with personal and financial information are targets for cyber threats. Updating security measures and addressing vulnerabilities through routine maintenance safeguards user data and preserves trust.

Refining the User Interface

Maintaining the app’s design and aesthetics keeps users engaged. Regularly updating the interface makes the app more visually appealing and easy to use, which enhances the overall user experience. If you’re working on the design phase, our blog on creating mobile app wireframes can help you build a strong foundation.

 

What are the Tips to Reduce Mobile App Maintenance Costs?

 

Maintaining a mobile app can be a big expense, but there are practical ways to cut down on these costs. Implementing the right strategies can help you save a good amount on the overall price of maintaining an app without compromising quality or user experience. 

Here are a few tips to help you reduce costs effectively.

Opting for the Right Development Platform

Selecting the right development platform is a smart way to save both time and money. If your goal is to reach users on both iOS and Android, consider cross-platform app development. It allows you to develop for multiple platforms simultaneously, which can significantly reduce the cost compared to building separate native apps for each.

Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

Building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) during the early stages helps you focus only on the necessary features your app needs. This approach allows you to test for common issues like crashes and loading times based on real user feedback. Frequent testing and gathering insights can help you streamline development and fix problems before they escalate, saving money on unnecessary fixes later.

Keep Up with the Latest Development Trends

Staying updated with the latest development trends is another way to reduce the price of maintaining a mobile app. Using modern tools and frameworks can make your app more efficient and user-friendly, reducing maintenance needs. Additionally, an app that aligns with current trends is likely to attract more users, preventing the need to pay more for costly redesigns or updates down the line.

 

 

What are the Pitfalls of Not Maintaining Your App?

Skipping app maintenance or not investing in it can have severe consequences, especially as technology and user demand constantly evolve. 

Ignoring maintenance impacts scalability, security, and overall functionality, leading to crashes and performance issues. Understanding how much does app maintenance cost is important, but knowing the risks of neglecting it is equally vital.

Leads to Higher Uninstall Rates

Users expect apps to be updated with the latest features and information. Apps that lack advanced functionality, have flaws, or create inconveniences will push users away. Poor performance often results in increased uninstall rates, directly affecting the app’s popularity and success.

Impacts User Experience Negatively

To provide the best user experience, consistent updates and maintenance are necessary for long-term growth. Without them, the app’s performance deteriorates, leading to negative user feedback and poor ratings. Over time, these issues severely impact user retention and brand reputation.

Falls Behind Competitors

In the competitive app market, staying updated is key to retaining user attention. Apps that don’t receive regular upgrades or feature enhancements struggle to keep up with competitors who continuously improve their offerings, causing the app to lose relevance.

Raises the Risk of Security Breaches

With new advancements in technology, the rate of cyber-attacks and data breaches increases. Outdated apps are more vulnerable, making it easy for hackers to exploit security gaps and steal user data. Regular maintenance is necessary to protect against these threats.

Reduces ROI Over Time

Not updating or monitoring your app regularly leads to more bugs and technical issues, which can increase costs significantly over time. Addressing problems early and keeping technical issues in check helps maintain a positive return on investment and prevents costly setbacks.

Scale Your Business with BitsWits’ Proven App Maintenance Strategies

Apple’s App Store Transparency Report of 2022 revealed that 1,474 governments worldwide demanded the removal of apps from the App Store. 

This emphasizes how important it is for app developers and businesses to comply with regulations and maintain their apps regularly to avoid falling into such circumstances. It’s not just about new features or bug fixes; it’s about building a reliable and secure product that meets industry standards.

Taking care of your mobile app goes beyond just launching it—it’s about making sure it stays relevant, secure, and effective in the long run. 

This blog highlighted various aspects of mobile app maintenance, covering everything from understanding how much does app maintenance cost to exploring the best practices and pitfalls of neglecting your app. 

Ambitious entrepreneurs and SMBs need to prioritize these factors to remain competitive and relevant in a constantly evolving market.

So if you want to make sure your app is well-maintained, secure, and optimized, BitsWits can help. We specialize in mobile app development and maintenance, covering native and hybrid mobile app development. We focus on keeping your app up-to-date with the latest features, protecting it against security threats, and enhancing performance so you can stay competitive and grow your business.

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