®Many people budget for building an app but not for keeping it running. An app that is not maintained slowly breaks, loses ratings and becomes harder to improve.
What maintenance covers
- Operating system updates. Apple and Google release new versions every year, and app stores require apps to keep up with their requirements.
- Bug fixes. Real users find problems that testing missed.
- Security updates. Libraries and servers need patches as issues are discovered.
- Monitoring. Crash reports, performance and server health should be watched, not discovered from bad reviews.
- Small improvements. User feedback often points to quick wins.
Signs your app needs attention
- Your crash rate or one-star reviews are rising
- The app looks or behaves oddly on new phones
- You receive warnings from the App Store or Google Play
- Your developers are afraid to change anything
How to plan for it
Set aside a regular budget for maintenance from the start, and agree on response times for serious problems. Keep your code, accounts and documentation in your own hands, so any team can pick up the work if needed.
Maintenance and growth together
The best results come when maintenance runs alongside a steady flow of improvements based on analytics and feedback. Users notice an app that keeps getting better.
If your app needs looking after, see our app maintenance and support service.