If you think that launching a mobile application means the end of your journey, think again! Many companies believe that their work is done when they go live in Apple’s App Store or Google Play Store; however, that is a major mistake.
A mobile application should not be a “set it and forget it” type of product. Mobile applications are living systems that require daily maintenance to ensure that they remain functional, secure and useful among other items. If a mobile application is not maintained regularly, it will soon experience issues such as; crashing, receiving negative reviews, being subject to security risks, and losing users.
In this simple guide, we will discuss what mobile application maintenance is, why you should maintain your application, and how to maintain your application effectively, so there is no confusion about the technical details.
What Does Mobile App Maintenance Mean?
Mobile application maintenance includes anything you need to do to keep your mobile application functioning properly after its release from the development team. Mobile application maintenance includes correcting bugs, updating feature sets, improving performance, making sure your applications are compatible with newly released devices, and securing users’ data.
In other words, look at a mobile application as you would a vehicle. You may have purchased the vehicle; however, regular servicing should be performed to ensure that it operates correctly and safely, with maximum fuel efficiency. If you skip on maintaining your vehicle, you will find yourself having to repair or replace it sooner rather than later.
Why App Maintenance Is Critical After Launch
The mobile ecosystem keeps changing. The operating systems keep getting updated, the users’ expectations continue to evolve and the competitors improve their apps (products). If your app remains the same over time, it will quickly become outdated.
The lack of proper app maintenance can lead to:
- App crashes and glitches
- Negative reviews and low app ratings
- Security vulnerabilities
- Declining number of active users
- App store rejection when you try to submit an update
Conversely, well-maintained apps create trust, keep users around, and help with business growth.
Types of Mobile App Maintenance You Should Know
Not every maintenance task for a mobile app is the same but if you know the different categories you can better plan for them.
1. Bug Fixing and Error Resolution
Even the best tested app can have hidden bugs. Once a user actually starts to use the application in real life scenarios, new bugs show up. When you fix bugs quickly, it will help minimize user frustration, reduce negative reviews/ratings.
2. Performance Optimization
Over time apps can become slower to respond due to increased data usage, poor coding practices or inconsistent device upgrades. Regularly optimizing performance of your app will ensure that your app loads quickly and responds to user interaction with the same speed and ease as it has always.
3. Security Updates
As cyber threats evolve continuously, updating an app with security supports is beneficial in protecting a user’s data (e.g. password, credit card information).
4. Compatibility Updates
Every year a new version of an operating system (Android, iOS, etc.) is released. An app must be updated on a continual basis to ensure compatibility with the new versions of OSs (e.g. screen sizes, resolution)
5. Feature Enhancements
User feedback often reveals missing or outdated features. Gradual improvements keep your app relevant and competitive.
Monitor App Performance Regularly
While the app is running, performance must be continuously monitored. Performance data allows developers to identify problems before the user has a chance to report them.
Key areas to monitor include:
- Application Crash Reports
- Load Time and Responsiveness
- Battery Usage and Data Use
- Duration of User Sessions
- Usage Patterns for Features
Popular tracking and analytics services such as Firebase Tracking & App Store Analytics are available, and combined with the services of third-party analytics platforms, allow developers to gather information about the performance of their applications with ease.
Listen to User Feedback (It’s Gold)
When users leave a review, send an email or submit a support ticket or submit feedback through the application, these users provide the most accurate feedback about what is wrong with the application.
Do not just ignore all negative review(s), spend the time to look at the negative review(s) to see why the users are upset. Quite often, the same negative experience is reported multiple times. By addressing and repairing one major problem, this will greatly improve your application’s overall rating and user retention.
When users sense that their issues are being addressed, this builds confidence between the user and the application developer; therefore, increasing the chance of retaining a loyal user.
Keep Your App Updated (But Don’t Overdo It)
By continually keeping the app updated, it shows that the application continues to be active, and that the application is a reliable product. All too often application developers continually push updates that will only serve to annoy users, because they continue to be pushed for the sake of being “cleaned up”.
A good update strategy includes:
- Solving real problems
- Improving speed and/or security of the application
- Adding meaningful features
- Documenting all changes in the update notes
Do not continually push updates to users just to make the application “clean”.
Maintain App Store Compliance
Apple and Google periodically change their app store policies. Failure to stay up to date with these changes can result in your app being rejected or removed from the store.
Some of the most common areas of compliance include:
- Data Privacy/Permissions
- Payment/Subscribing
- Content
- Security
When updating your app, it is critical that you check to ensure your app is compliant to avoid any delays.
Backup and Data Management
Data loss has a long-lasting negative impact on a company’s reputation. Regularly backing up your data will help prevent your users and your business from experiencing negative effects due to data loss.
Backups should include:
- Automated backups of the databases
- Securely stored backups in the cloud
- Disaster recovery plans
Backups and data management are especially critical for apps that have payment processing capabilities or that hold user accounts or personal/financial information.
Plan Maintenance Costs in Advance
While most businesses have a budget for developing their app, they often overlook the future maintenance costs associated with their application. App maintenance is an ongoing investment and should be included in your budgets, not as an expense.
The average maintenance cost for an application is about 15-25% of the original development cost each year, with higher rates for more complex applications.
Planning for maintenance costs will help prevent you from experiencing any unexpected financial burdens and keep your application working properly for a prolonged period of time.
When Should You Upgrade or Redesign the App?
Maintenance does not just refer to small repairs; sometimes your application will require a major redesign/upgrade. You may find yourself redesigning or upgrading your application if you experience:
- Consistently declining user engagement
- Competition with other applications that are more current or modern
- Use of technology that has become obsolete
- Business goals have changed
A strategic redesign can revive an app and unlock new growth opportunities.
Common Mistakes Businesses Make After App Launch
Many apps fail due to neglect, rather than poor ideas. The main mistakes include:
- Neglecting to consider user input.
- Not responding to or addressing bugs promptly.
- Not keeping up with security updates.
- Thinking that no complaints means that there are no issues.
- Not appointing a member of staff as the designated individual responsible for app maintenance.
Taking steps to avoid these errors will help to extend the life of your application significantly.
How Device Doctor India Helps After App Launch
Both technical expertise and business knowledge are necessary to maintain your application once you have launched it. Device Doctor India will work with you to manage your mobile applications following launch without causing unnecessary stress.
Device Doctor India provides performance monitoring, bug-fixing, security updates and improvement of your application’s features, ensuring that your application is reliable, scalable and user-friendly so that you can concentrate on growing your business.
Final Thoughts
When you have launched an application, this is only one step towards creating a genuine product, however, maintaining it over the long term will determine how successful your application can ultimately be. A well-maintained application will experience better performance, build user confidence, and provide users with an ongoing value proposition.
Through regular updates, performance testing, and user feedback, a mobile application can continue to evolve long after its initial launch.
Apps do not just fail; they fade away because of neglect. By ensuring the proper upkeep of your apps, you will be able to continue operating your apps and maintain their relevance and profitability.
FAQs
Most mobile applications should be reviewed every month and updated at least once a month.
Yes. Even simple apps need updates for security, OS compatibility, and performance.
Your app may crash, get poor reviews, lose users, or even be removed from app stores.
Absolutely. Many businesses rely on professional teams like Device Doctor India for reliable app maintenance.
Yes. Faster performance, fewer bugs, and better user experience directly lead to higher ratings and retention.
