Apps are often seen as a one-time investment, but in reality, app development is just the beginning of the journey. Once an app goes live on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, the real work of app maintenance begins. Many app owners later ask, “how much does it cost to maintain an app?” because they underestimate ongoing maintenance costs. The truth is, mobile apps need continuous care to stay relevant, secure, and functional.

Regular app maintenance ensures that the app running smoothly, adapts to new operating system versions, and remains compatible with multiple operating systems. Without proper mobile app maintenance services, apps can suffer from frequent bug fixes, performance issues, and security vulnerabilities, leading to poor user experience and lower user retention. Whether it’s a simple app or a complex app with payment gateways and sensitive data, preventive maintenance is essential to keep it up to date.

App maintenance matters because it protects your initial development cost, improves app performance, and helps you maintain an app that users trust, engage with, and continue using over time.

What Is Mobile App Maintenance?

Mobile app maintenance is the continuous process of keeping mobile apps functional, secure, and relevant long after launch. Many businesses focus heavily on app development but later wonder, “how much does it cost to maintain an app?” That’s because app maintenance is not a one-time activity — it is ongoing maintenance that ensures your app keeps running smoothly on the App Store, Apple App Store, and Google Play Store.

In simple terms, app maintenance means regularly updating, monitoring, and improving your app so users continue to have a seamless experience.

Here’s what mobile app maintenance usually includes:

• Bug fixes & corrective maintenance – fixing bugs that affect app performance or user experience
• Preventive maintenance – updating code before issues occur
• Operating system updates – making sure the app works with new iOS and Android versions
• Server and hosting costs management – keeping the backend stable and fast
• Security updates – protecting user data and preventing breaches
• Payment gateways & API updates – ensuring integrations keep working
• Performance optimization – improving speed, responsiveness, and stability
• Monitoring performance with analytics tools – tracking crashes, errors, and user behavior

Whether it’s simple apps, native apps, or a complex app, regular app maintenance ensures your app stays up to date, reliable, and valuable for users - which ultimately helps control maintenance costs and improves long-term success.

How Much Does It Cost to Maintain an App?

One of the most common questions app owners ask after launch is: “how much does it cost to maintain an app?” The honest answer is - there is no single fixed number. App maintenance costs depend on multiple factors such as app complexity, technology stack, number of users, platform, and business goals. However, industry trends give us a reliable way to estimate maintenance costs.

General Industry Estimate (A Simple Rule of Thumb)

In most cases, mobile app maintenance costs range between 15% to 25% of the initial development cost per year. This means if you spent a certain amount on app development, you should expect to spend a portion of that every year to keep your app up to date, secure, and functional.

Why does this make sense? Because mobile apps are never “finished.” New operating system updates, evolving user expectations, security threats, and performance needs make ongoing maintenance essential.

Example-Based Cost Breakdown (Easy to Understand)

Let’s break this down with real-world examples:

• If your app development cost = $50,000
  → Your yearly cost to maintain would likely be $7,500 to $12,500
• If your app development cost = $100,000
  → Your yearly app maintenance cost would be around $15,000 to $25,000
• If your app development cost = $200,000+
  → Your yearly maintenance expenses could range from $30,000 to $50,000+

These numbers may seem high at first, but they include everything needed to keep your app running smoothly, secure, and competitive in the App Store and Google Play.

What Are You Actually Paying for in App Maintenance?

When you pay for app maintenance services, you are not just paying for “fixing bugs.” You are investing in several types of maintenance that keep your app alive and valuable.

Here are the key components of mobile app maintenance:

1. Corrective Maintenance (Fixing Issues)

This includes:

• Bug fixes
• Resolving crashes
• Fixing performance slowdowns
• Handling emergency maintenance when something breaks unexpectedly

Even the best app development team cannot prevent all issues. That’s why corrective maintenance is a core part of app maintenance.

2. Preventive Maintenance (Avoiding Problems Before They Happen)

Preventive maintenance helps reduce future risks by:

• Updating libraries and frameworks
• Strengthening security layers
• Optimizing backend systems
• Checking for potential failures before they impact app users

This type of maintenance helps lower app maintenance costs in the long run by preventing expensive emergencies.

3. Adaptive Maintenance (Keeping Up with Changes)

Technology changes fast. Every year, Apple and Google release new operating system versions for iOS and Android. Adaptive maintenance ensures:

• Your Android app works on new Android versions
• Your app remains compatible with new iOS updates
• APIs and third-party integrations continue to function properly
• Your app stays compliant with App Store policies

Without this, your app may stop working properly, get rejected from the app store, or provide a poor user experience.

4. Perfective Maintenance (Making the App Better)

This is where businesses invest in growth rather than just survival. It includes:

• Adding new features
• Improving user interface and experience
• Enhancing app performance
• Optimizing conversational flows (for apps with chat or AI elements)
• Using analytics tools like Google Analytics to understand user behavior

Perfective maintenance helps improve engagement and conversion rates, attract more users, and increase user retention over time.

How App Complexity Affects Maintenance Costs

Not all mobile apps have the same maintenance needs.

Simple Apps = Lower Maintenance Costs

Examples:

• Basic informational apps
• Simple business apps
• Static content apps

These typically require:

• Fewer bug fixes
• Minimal backend support
• Less frequent updates

So, the cost to maintain is relatively lower.

Complex Apps = Higher Maintenance Costs

Examples:

• Fintech apps
• Healthcare apps
• On-demand apps
• Cross platform app solutions
• Apps with payment gateways

These require:

• Strong data security
• Continuous monitoring
• Regular updates
• Handling sensitive data
• Managing high traffic and monthly active users
• Frequent performance improvements

Naturally, mobile app maintenance cost increases with complexity.

Platform Impact: Native vs Multiple Native Apps

If you built:

• A single native app → lower maintenance costs
• Multiple native apps (iOS + Android separately) → higher maintenance costs

Why? Because you need to:

• Maintain separate codebases
• Fix bugs twice
• Update two versions
• Test on multiple operating systems

This directly impacts your app maintenance budget.

Ongoing Costs Beyond Maintenance Work

Apart from technical maintenance services, there are also recurring expenses such as:

• Apple Developer Program fees
• Hosting costs for data storage and servers
• Third-party tools and subscriptions
• Payment gateway charges
• Crash monitoring and performance tracking tools

These contribute to overall maintenance expenses even if no new development is happening.

Why App Maintenance Ensures Long-Term Success

Regular maintenance ensures:

• Your app is always up to date
• App running smoothly for users
• Better app performance and stability
• Improved user experience
• Higher trust from app users
• Reduced risk of app failure or downtime

In simple terms if you want to maintain an app successfully, you must treat app maintenance as a long-term investment, not an optional cost.

So, much does it cost to maintain an app? It typically ranges from 15% to 25% of your initial development cost per year, but the exact number depends on app complexity, platforms, and business needs. Whether you have simple apps or enterprise-grade mobile apps, investing in structured mobile app maintenance is essential for keeping your app relevant, secure, and high-performing in today’s competitive digital world.

Factors That Influence App Maintenance Cost

Understanding app maintenance costs is essential for any business investing in mobile apps. While building an app is often the most visible expense, keeping it running smoothly, secure, and updated is a long-term commitment. The cost to maintain an app depends on multiple factors — from app complexity to the number of users, from platform choice to backend infrastructure, and more. Let’s explore these factors in detail to help you estimate mobile app maintenance costs and plan your app maintenance services efficiently.

1) App Complexity

One of the most significant drivers of maintenance costs is the complexity of the app.

• Simple apps: Apps that deliver static content or basic functionality, like informational apps or small business apps, are relatively easy to maintain. They typically require fewer updates, less bug fixing, and minimal backend support, keeping mobile app maintenance costs lower.
• Complex apps: Apps with advanced features like AI-based recommendations, real-time data updates, or heavy backend systems demand more from your app development team. Maintaining such apps involves continuous monitoring, fixing bugs, updating APIs, and sometimes scaling infrastructure, all of which increase app maintenance costs.

Complexity also includes elements like push notifications, integration with multiple systems, or interactive user features. The more sophisticated your app, the higher the cost to maintain it over time.

2) Platform (iOS vs Android vs Both)

The choice of platform has a direct impact on app maintenance costs.

• Single platform apps: Maintaining an app on a single platform (like iOS or Android) is generally more cost-effective because updates, bug fixes, and performance optimizations are applied to one codebase.
• Cross-platform or dual apps: Apps developed for multiple platforms, whether as a cross platform app or multiple native apps, require maintaining separate codebases, testing on multiple operating systems, and ensuring consistent app performance across devices. This naturally increases maintenance expenses.

Regular updates from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store also play a role. Each platform introduces new operating system versions, security policies, and app store guidelines, which must be accounted for during app maintenance.

3) Backend & Server Requirements

A strong backend is crucial for mobile apps, but it also adds to maintenance costs.

• Cloud hosting: Apps with cloud-based storage or computation require continuous monitoring, updates, and system maintenance to ensure smooth performance.
• Database management: Maintaining databases with growing app data ensures that your app can handle increased traffic without lag.
• Real-time data processing: Apps like food delivery, ride-sharing, or financial trading apps rely on real-time updates, which need constant attention from the app development team.

Failure to manage backend infrastructure can lead to crashes, downtime, and frustrated app users, which can indirectly increase costs through lost engagement.

4) Security & Compliance

For apps dealing with sensitive information - such as banking, fintech, or healthcare apps security is a non-negotiable factor.

• Data protection: Protecting user data requires regular security audits, encryption updates, and compliance with industry standards like HIPAA or PCI DSS.
• Impact on costs: Security-related app maintenance services often involve both preventive maintenance to avoid breaches and corrective maintenance in case of issues.

Even for apps without sensitive data, maintaining security to protect app users against vulnerabilities adds to ongoing mobile app maintenance costs.

5) Third-Party Integrations

Many mobile apps rely on external services to deliver functionality. These include:

• Payment gateways for e-commerce or fintech apps
• Analytics tools like Google Analytics for monitoring app performance
• APIs for mapping, messaging, or other services

Frequent updates to these integrations mean that app maintenance services must constantly adjust code, perform bug fixes, and test for compatibility. Apps with more integrations naturally incur higher maintenance costs.

6) User Base & Traffic

The size and activity of your app users significantly impact the cost to maintain your app.

• More users = more resources: Apps with large monthly active users require higher server capacity, better load balancing, and frequent performance monitoring.
• Peak traffic management: For apps experiencing sudden surges (like ticket booking or flash sales apps), emergency maintenance may be needed to avoid crashes.

Monitoring user feedback and analytics also becomes more important as the user base grows. Regular updates based on real-world usage help maintain engagement and app performance, but they also increase mobile app maintenance costs.

Additional Considerations

Beyond the main factors above, other aspects affect app maintenance:

• Regular maintenance vs emergency maintenance: Scheduled updates and preventive maintenance are cheaper than reactive emergency fixes.
• New features and enhancements: Continuous improvement to meet market trends adds to maintenance expenses.
• Software updates: Keeping the app compatible with new OS versions and devices is ongoing.
• Cross-platform complexities: Supporting both Android and iOS simultaneously can double maintenance effort.

By understanding these factors, app owners can better plan their app maintenance budget and make informed decisions about mobile app maintenance services.

Maintaining an app is as critical as its initial app development. Ignoring maintenance can reduce app performance, frustrate app users, and even lead to costly failures. By analyzing app complexity, platform choice, backend requirements, security needs, third-party integrations, and user traffic, businesses can estimate app maintenance costs more accurately.

Investing in proper mobile app maintenance services ensures that apps stay up to date, perform reliably, and continue providing value for app users, ultimately protecting your investment in mobile app development.

Average Monthly Maintenance Cost of an App

One of the most practical questions businesses ask after app development is: “much does it cost to maintain an app every month?” While yearly estimates are helpful, most companies actually think in terms of monthly budgets because app maintenance is continuous work rather than a one-time expense. The reality is that app maintenance costs vary based on app size, complexity, user base, and technology stack.

Below is a simple way to understand average monthly app maintenance costs based on app type.

Basic App - $500 to $1,500 per month

These are usually simple apps with limited features and minimal backend complexity.

This typically includes:

• Minor bug fixes
• Keeping the Android app or iOS app up to date
• Basic security updates
• Small UI improvements
• Occasional new features

For such apps, app maintenance is fairly predictable, and businesses can easily plan their budget. However, even simple apps still need regular attention to maintain an app properly and avoid performance issues.

Mid-Level App - $1,500 to $5,000 per month

These apps are more interactive and often include:

• User accounts
• Databases
• Payment gateways
• Push notifications
• Third-party integrations

Here, app maintenance costs increase because:

• More frequent updates are needed
• Automated testing may be required
• Performance monitoring becomes important
• App developers need to manage scheduling system maintenance and backend stability

For cross platform app solutions (iOS + Android), the cost may lean toward the higher end of this range because the development team must support multiple platforms.

Enterprise-Level App - $5,000 to $15,000+ per month

These are complex mobile apps or large-scale web apps built for businesses with thousands or millions of users.

App maintenance in this category involves:

• Continuous monitoring of app performance
• Regular security audits
• Managing large-scale data systems
• Fixing bugs quickly to avoid downtime
• Rolling out new features based on user feedback
• Keeping the app up to date with the latest operating system versions

Because these apps are often mission-critical, businesses invest heavily in mobile app development and ongoing app maintenance to protect their total development cost and ensure smooth operations.

So, much does it cost to maintain an app every month? It depends - but budgeting for app maintenance is just as important as budgeting for app development. Treating app maintenance as a long-term investment ensures your app remains reliable, secure, and valuable for users over time.

Which Type of Mobile Application Takes the Highest Maintenance Cost?

Not all apps are created equal - and neither are their app maintenance costs. The complexity of functionality, security needs, user volume, and technology stack all influence how expensive it is to maintain an app. The more critical an app is to business operations, the higher its app maintenance costs tend to be.

Below is a clear breakdown of app categories and why their app maintenance costs differ.

1) Banking & Fintech Apps - Highest App Maintenance Costs

Estimated app maintenance costs: $8,000 – $20,000+ per month

Why are app maintenance costs so high here?

• Extremely strict security requirements
• Continuous monitoring for fraud and cyber threats
• Regular updates due to changing financial regulations
• Real-time transactions that must never fail
• Strong encryption and data protection
• Need for near-zero downtime

Because of this, fintech app development requires highly skilled app developers, frequent automated testing, and constant updates - all of which significantly increase app maintenance costs.

2) Healthcare & Telemedicine Apps

Estimated app maintenance costs: $6,000 – $15,000 per month

These apps sit close to banking apps in terms of app maintenance costs because they handle sensitive patient data.

Key reasons:

• Compliance with healthcare regulations
• Secure storage of medical records
• Real-time video consultations
• Integration with hospital systems and devices
• Continuous security audits

Even small changes in healthcare policies require updates in mobile app development, which directly impacts app maintenance costs.

3) On-Demand Apps (Uber, Swiggy, DoorDash, etc.)

Estimated app maintenance costs: $5,000 – $12,000 per month

These apps have high app maintenance costs because they operate in real time and serve millions of users.

They require:

• Live tracking updates
• High server capacity
• Payment gateway maintenance
• Constant performance monitoring
• Frequent updates based on user feedback

Many of these apps are built as a cross platform app, meaning app developers must support both Android and iOS - further increasing app maintenance costs.

4) E-Commerce Apps

Estimated app maintenance costs: $4,000 – $10,000 per month

E-commerce apps fall in the mid-to-high range of app maintenance costs because they are business-critical.

Maintenance includes:

• Payment system updates
• Inventory system management
• Security patching
• Performance optimization during peak sales
• Adding new features like discounts, AI recommendations, or loyalty programs

As businesses scale, they invest more in app development and ongoing app maintenance to improve conversions and customer experience.

5) Social Media Apps

Estimated app maintenance costs: $4,000 – $9,000 per month

Social apps generate huge amounts of data and interactions, which drives up app maintenance costs.

They require:

• Real-time messaging infrastructure
• Massive media storage
• Content moderation tools
• Algorithm updates
• Continuous feature improvements

Since many of these are built as cross platform app solutions or web apps, app maintenance costs increase due to multi-platform support.

6) Gaming Apps

Estimated app maintenance costs: $3,000 – $8,000 per month

Gaming apps have moderate to high app maintenance costs because:

• They need frequent updates and new features
• Bugs must be fixed quickly to avoid bad ratings
• Servers must handle large numbers of players
• Graphics and performance must be optimized regularly

Game app development is an ongoing process rather than a one-time launch.

7) Simple Business Apps - Lowest App Maintenance Costs

Estimated app maintenance costs: $500 – $2,000 per month

These apps have the lowest app maintenance costs because they are less complex.

Typically, they need:

• Occasional bug fixes
• Minor UI improvements
• Basic security updates
• Minimal backend support

Since they don’t require heavy app development or frequent new features, their app maintenance costs remain predictable and manageable.

In simple terms:
The more complex, secure, and real-time an app is - the higher its app maintenance costs.

Banking and fintech apps top the list, while simple business apps sit at the bottom. No matter the category, investing in proper mobile app development and ongoing app maintenance ensures better performance, security, and long-term success.

Hidden Costs of App Maintenance

When businesses think about building an app, most of the focus goes into design, development, and launch. However, what many fail to realize is that the real journey begins after the app goes live. Maintaining an app is not a one-time task - it’s an ongoing process that requires attention, investment, and continuous improvement.

Think of your app like a car. You don’t just buy it and forget about it. You need fuel, servicing, repairs, and occasional upgrades to keep it running smoothly. Similarly, an app needs regular care to stay functional, secure, and valuable to users.

Why maintenance is unavoidable

Once your app is in the hands of users, several things start happening simultaneously:

• Users report issues and expect quick fixes
• Operating systems release updates
• New devices enter the market
• Security threats keep evolving
• Competitors introduce better features

If you ignore maintenance, your app can become slow, buggy, outdated, and eventually irrelevant.

What “hidden” maintenance costs really include

Many businesses underestimate what maintenance actually involves. Here are some areas where costs often creep in:

• Bug Fixes & Performance Issues
  No app is perfect at launch. Real users will always uncover unexpected problems that need to be resolved.
• Security Updates
  Cyber threats are constantly changing. Regular security patches are essential to protect user data and maintain trust.
• OS and Device Compatibility
  Every time Android or iOS rolls out a new update, your app may need adjustments to function properly.
• Feature Enhancements
  Over time, users demand improvements. Adding new features is part of staying competitive and relevant.
• Server and Infrastructure Costs
  As your user base grows, you may need better hosting, cloud services, and database management.
• Technical Debt Management
  Quick fixes during development can create long-term technical issues that need cleanup later.

Why maintenance is actually an investment

While maintenance costs may feel like an extra burden, they are actually an investment in your app’s success. A well-maintained app leads to:

• Happier users
• Better app ratings
• Lower risk of crashes
• Stronger brand reputation
• Higher user retention

Instead of seeing maintenance as an expense, businesses should view it as a crucial part of their digital strategy. Apps that are continuously improved and optimized tend to perform better, attract more users, and deliver stronger long-term value.

How to Reduce App Maintenance Costs

App maintenance doesn’t have to drain your budget - if you plan smartly from the beginning. Many businesses end up spending more than necessary not because maintenance is expensive, but because they make avoidable mistakes during app development and post-launch management. The key is to be proactive instead of reactive.

Think of maintenance like house repairs. It’s much cheaper to regularly check for leaks than to wait until your entire ceiling collapses. The same logic applies to apps.

Below are some practical and realistic ways to reduce long-term maintenance expenses while keeping your app stable, secure, and scalable.

1. Use scalable cloud infrastructure

Choosing the right cloud setup from day one can significantly cut future expenses.

• Scalable cloud platforms allow your app to grow smoothly as your user base increases
• You only pay for what you use instead of investing in expensive servers upfront
• It reduces the risk of sudden crashes when traffic spikes
• Makes future updates and integrations easier to manage

A flexible infrastructure saves money, time, and technical headaches in the long run.

2. Choose a reliable tech stack

Your choice of technology plays a huge role in maintenance costs.

• Well-supported technologies have better documentation and community support
• They receive regular updates, reducing security risks
• Hiring developers is easier if the tech stack is popular and in demand
• Reduces the chances of frequent breakdowns or compatibility issues

Cutting corners with outdated or unstable technologies may save money initially but often leads to expensive fixes later.

3. Minimize third-party dependencies

Many apps rely on external tools, APIs, or libraries. While these can speed up development, too many dependencies can create problems.

• If a third-party service fails, your app might stop working
• Some services may change pricing unexpectedly
• Updates from external tools can break your app’s functionality

Keeping dependencies limited and reliable helps you stay in control of your app’s performance and costs.

4. Regular testing instead of emergency fixes

Waiting for problems to explode is one of the biggest reasons maintenance becomes costly.

• Continuous testing helps catch bugs early
• Prevents major system failures later
• Reduces the need for urgent, expensive emergency maintenance
• Improves overall app stability and user experience

Small, frequent fixes are always cheaper than last-minute panic repairs.

5. Plan updates in advance

Random, unplanned updates often lead to confusion, downtime, and extra expenses.

• Having a clear update roadmap keeps your development team aligned
• Helps businesses budget maintenance costs more accurately
• Reduces risks of rushed changes that introduce new bugs
• Ensures smoother app performance over time

Reducing app maintenance costs isn’t about spending less - it’s about spending smartly. When businesses focus on planning, quality development, and regular upkeep, they not only save money but also build a more reliable, scalable, and successful app.

How QSS Technosoft Can Help with App Maintenance

Building an app is just the beginning - keeping it reliable, secure, and high-performing is where long-term success truly lies. This is where QSS Technosoft steps in as a trusted technology partner, offering comprehensive, end-to-end mobile app maintenance and support services tailored to real business needs.

Instead of waiting for issues to break things, QSS Technosoft follows a proactive approach by continuously monitoring app performance, identifying potential risks early, and resolving them before they impact users. Their team focuses not just on fixing problems, but on optimizing performance so apps run smoother, faster, and more efficiently over time.

What makes QSS Technosoft’s maintenance approach effective?

• Provides continuous monitoring, bug fixing, and performance optimization
• Helps businesses reduce downtime and avoid unexpected technical disruptions
• Ensures regular security updates and compliance management to protect user data
• Supports both iOS and Android app maintenance with dedicated expertise
• Offers scalable maintenance plans based on app complexity and business growth
• Works with startups, SMEs, and enterprises, adapting to different business models
• Helps businesses plan long-term maintenance budgets in a structured and cost-efficient way

Conclusion – Is App Maintenance Worth It?

App maintenance is often seen as an extra cost, but in reality, it is one of the most important investments a business can make after app development. An app that is not maintained gradually becomes slow, outdated, insecure, and frustrating for users - which ultimately leads to poor reviews, lower retention, and lost revenue.

A well-maintained app, on the other hand, delivers a smooth experience, builds trust, and keeps users engaged over time. Regular updates, performance improvements, and timely bug fixes ensure that the app remains relevant in a constantly evolving digital landscape.

Instead of treating maintenance as an afterthought, businesses should plan for it from day one and include it in their long-term budget. When done right, maintenance does not just protect an app - it helps it grow, scale, and continue delivering value to both the business and its users.