Tips and Tricks to Reduce App Maintenance Cost in 2023

Summary

In 2025, mobile app maintenance has become a critical aspect of ensuring an app’s performance, security, and user satisfaction, but rising complexity and frequent OS updates are driving costs higher. Effective maintenance involves bug fixes, performance optimization, security updates, and adapting to user feedback, all of which are essential to prolong an app’s lifespan and ROI. Key factors influencing maintenance costs include app complexity, user base, third-party integrations, hosting, and geographical location of the development team. Businesses can reduce expenses by leveraging cross-platform frameworks, cloud-based services, automation tools, and outsourcing tasks to skilled professionals. Planning maintenance from the beginning, prioritizing high-quality development, and keeping apps simple further minimize long-term costs. Partnering with experts like QSS Technosoft ensures reliable, cost-effective app maintenance while maintaining quality, security, and scalability.

Introduction

In today's digital world, mobile apps have become an integral part of our daily lives. We use them for everything from ordering food to booking a cab, from shopping to entertainment, and much more. However, developing an app is not a one-time job. App maintenance is equally important to ensure that the app is running smoothly, updated with the latest features, and bug-free. App maintenance is an ongoing process that involves fixing bugs, updating features, and ensuring the app's compatibility with the latest OS versions.

Maintenance costs, if not managed efficiently, can significantly reduce your app's ROI by escalating expenses and causing potential revenue loss due to app downtime or poor user experience. High maintenance costs may also divert resources from innovation and growth opportunities. Therefore, optimizing maintenance expenses is crucial for maximizing long-term returns.

QSS Technosoft is a trusted partner offering cost-effective mobile app maintenance solutions. With over 11 years of industry experience, their skilled team ensures your app remains secure, functional, and up-to-date without breaking the bank. Partnering with QSS Technosoft means reliable support that helps you reduce app maintenance costs while maintaining quality.

In this blog, we will discuss how to redu​ce app maintenance cost while maintaining the quality of the app. 

Why App Maintenance Costs Are Rising in 2025

Increased App Complexity

Modern apps are incorporating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality, and the Internet of Things. These integrations demand specialized development and emergency maintenance efforts, increasing the overall complexity.

Managing and updating these sophisticated features requires more resources and expertise, driving up maintenance costs. As these technologies evolve rapidly, continuous adaptation is necessary to keep apps functional and competitive.

Frequent OS and Device Updates

Operating systems and devices receive frequent updates, introducing new features and changes that can affect app performance. To ensure apps remain compatible and perform smoothly, developers must conduct ongoing testing and adjustments.

This continuous compatibility testing involves significant time and effort, adding to emergency maintenance expenses. Neglecting these updates can lead to app crashes or removal from Apple app stores, making regular maintenance essential.

Growing User Expectations

Users today expect apps to deliver flawless performance, quick load times, and rich features. Meeting these expectations requires constant monitoring, bug fixes, and feature enhancements. Maintaining a high-quality user experience involves regular updates and optimizations, which contribute to rising application maintenance costs.

Apps that fail to meet user expectations risk losing users to competitors, emphasizing the importance of investing in ongoing maintenance.

Latest Market Stats of App Maintenance

According to a report by Statista, the global mobile app revenue is expected to reach 935 billion US dollars by 2025. With the increasing demand for mobile apps, the cost of app maintenance is also increasing. As per the CleverTap report, the cost of app maintenance can range from $5,000 to $11,000 per month, depending on the app's complexity. In the first year post-launch, app maintenance can cost up to 50% of the initial development cost.

Why Mobile App Maintenance is Important? 

Mobile app maintenance is important for ensuring the app remains functional, secure, and user-friendly. It helps to address issues before they become major problems and keeps the app up-to-date with the latest technology and user needs. Mobile app maintenance is important for several other reasons, including: 

Bug Fixing

Even the most carefully developed app can have bugs or errors, which can cause issues for users. Regular maintenance can help identify and fix these bugs quickly, ensuring that the app runs smoothly and without interruption. 

Security Updates

With the rise of cyber attacks, app security has become a top priority. Regular maintenance helps to identify and fix any vulnerabilities in the app's security, protecting user data and ensuring that the app remains safe and secure. 

Performance Optimization

 Over time, an app's performance may degrade due to changes in the operating system, updates to other apps, or other factors. Regular maintenance can help optimize the app's performance, ensuring that it runs smoothly and quickly. 

User engagement

 Regular maintenance ensures that the app is up-to-date with the latest features and trends, which helps in increasing user engagement. 

User Feedback

 App maintenance can also provide an opportunity to incorporate user feedback and make improvements to the app based on user needs and preferences. This can help increase user satisfaction and retention. 

Compatibility

 As new mobile devices and operating systems are released, it's important to ensure that the app remains compatible with these changes. Regular maintenance can help identify and address compatibility issues, ensuring that the app remains accessible to all users. 

What are the Different Types of Mobile App Maintenance? 

There are generally three types of mobile app maintenance: 

Corrective Maintenance 

This type of maintenance is focused on fixing bugs or errors that occur in the app. Corrective maintenance is typically reactive and is performed in response to issues reported by users or identified by the development team. 

Adaptive Maintenance 

This type of maintenance is focused on adapting the app to changes in the operating system or other external factors. For example, an app may need to be updated to work with a new version of iOS development or Android. Adaptive maintenance may also be necessary to ensure that the app remains compatible with other apps or third-party services. 

Perfective Maintenance 

This type of maintenance is focused on improving the app's performance or adding new features. Perfective maintenance may be performed in response to user feedback or to address issues that were not initially identified during development. 

In addition to these three types of maintenance, there are also ongoing maintenance tasks that should be performed regularly, such as updating third-party libraries, monitoring app performance, and testing the app on different devices and operating systems. 

It's important to note that the type of maintenance required for a particular app will depend on a variety of factors, including the app's complexity, the number of users, and the frequency of updates to the operating system or other external factors. A comprehensive maintenance strategy will take into account these factors and ensure that the app remains functional, secure, and user-friendly over the long term. 

How Much does it Actually Cost to Maintain an App? 

The cost of maintaining a mobile app can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, as we discussed earlier. However, to give you a rough idea, here are some estimates of app maintenance costs: 

• For a small app with basic features, maintenance costs can range from $5,000 to $10,000 per year. 

• For a more complex app with more features and integrations, maintenance costs can range from $10,000 to $50,000 per year. 

• For a large app with a large user base, maintenance costs can range from $50,000 to $250,000 per year or more. 

It's important to note that these estimates are rough and can vary widely depending on the specific factors involved, such as app complexity, user base, and third-party integrations.

Additionally, the cost of maintenance may not be evenly distributed throughout the year and can depend on the frequency of updates and the extent of changes required.

Ultimately, the cost of maintaining an app is an investment in its continued success and user satisfaction. By prioritizing maintenance and regularly updating the app, businesses can help avoid unexpected costs and ensure that their app remains relevant and useful over the long term. 

Factors that Determine the App Maintenance Cost

The cost of maintaining a mobile app can vary widely depending on several factors, including: 

App Complexity

 The more complex the app, the more maintenance it will likely require. An app with many features or integrations with other services will generally require more maintenance than a simple app. 

User Base

 The number of users using the app can also impact maintenance costs. An app with a large user base may require more maintenance to ensure that it remains stable and responsive. 

Operating System Updates

 Updates to the operating system can impact app performance and compatibility, which may require maintenance to address. The frequency of updates and the extent of changes made to the operating system can impact maintenance costs. 

Third-Party Integrations

Apps that integrate with other services or third-party libraries may require maintenance to ensure that those integrations continue to function properly. 

Security

Ensuring the app's security is up-to-date is essential for protecting user data and maintaining user trust. Security updates and maintenance can be a significant cost. 

Development Language

The language in which the app was developed can also impact maintenance costs. Some languages or frameworks require more maintenance than others, and it may be more expensive to find developers with the necessary skills. 

Size of the development team

 The larger the development team, the higher the app maintenance cost will be. 

Type of maintenance required

 The type of maintenance required, such as corrective, preventive, or adaptive, will also affect the maintenance cost. 

App Store Guidelines

Changes to app store guidelines can also impact maintenance costs. Apps may need to be updated to remain compliant with new guidelines, and failing to do so can result in the app being removed from the app store. 

Geographical Location

Different geographical locations influence the costs of app maintenance due to varying labor rates and market demand. Choosing a development or maintenance team from a region with optimized rates can help manage expenses without compromising quality.

In general, it's important to consider these factors when estimating the cost of maintaining a mobile app. A comprehensive maintenance plan should take into account these factors and ensure that the app remains functional, secure, and up-to-date with the latest technology and user needs. 

Tips to Reduce App Maintenance Cost- Best App Maintenance Practices 

Mobile app maintenance services is a crucial aspect of ensuring that your app continues to function smoothly and provides an excellent user experience. However, it can also be a significant cost for app developers and businesses. Here are some tips to help reduce app maintenance costs: 

Keep it Simple

 One of the best ways to reduce maintenance costs is to keep the app simple. Avoid adding unnecessary features or functionalities that may require maintenance in the future. A clean and streamlined app will be easier to maintain over time. 

Plan for maintenance from the beginning

It's essential to plan for maintenance from the beginning of the development process. This will help you identify potential maintenance issues early on and save costs in the long run. 

Regular Updates

 Regularly updating the app can help reduce maintenance costs in the long run. Small updates that address bugs and other issues as they arise can help avoid larger, more costly issues down the line. 

Use Third-Party Libraries

 Utilizing third-party libraries can help reduce app development costs and speed up development time. However, it's important to carefully vet these libraries and ensure that they are reliable and secure to avoid any potential maintenance costs down the line. 

Test Thoroughly

Testing the app thoroughly before releasing it to the public can help identify and address any potential issues early on, which can help reduce app maintenance costs in the long run. 

Choose the right development team

 Choosing the right development team is crucial for reducing maintenance costs. A skilled and experienced team will develop an app that is easy to maintain. 

Leverage Cross-Platform Frameworks

Cross-platform development allows the use of a single codebase for both iOS and Android, significantly reducing maintenance costs. Frameworks like Flutter and React Native also simplify updates and bug fixes, saving time and resources

Optimize Hosting and Server Costs

App hosting and server prices significantly influence the overall maintenance costs of a mobile app. Choosing cost-effective, scalable cloud solutions like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure can help reduce long-term expenses while ensuring reliable performance.

Leverage Cloud-Based Services

Using cloud-based services for hosting and storage allows businesses to pay for resources as needed, reducing infrastructure costs. Cloud solutions also offer scalability, security, and easier maintenance, helping to optimize overall app upkeep expenses.

Keep Up with Trends

Staying up-to-date with the latest technology trends can help ensure that the app remains relevant and reduces the likelihood of becoming outdated, which can require significant maintenance costs. 

Prioritize Security

Ensuring that the app is secure and protected from potential cyber-attacks is essential for maintaining user trust and avoiding potential legal costs. Regular security updates and maintenance can help avoid costly security breaches. 

Follow best practices

 Following app development best practices, such as writing clean code, will make the app easier to maintain. 

Use automation tools

Using automation tools, such as testing and monitoring tools, can help reduce maintenance costs by identifying issues early on. Automating routine tasks such as testing, deployment, and monitoring increases efficiency and reduces manual labor in app maintenance.

Optimize Customer Support Costs

Providing consistent customer support is a necessary ongoing expense that can significantly impact app maintenance costs. Leveraging AI-powered chatbots, automated responses, and efficient support tools can help reduce these costs while maintaining high-quality user assistance.

Invest in High-Quality Development

High-quality initial development minimizes long-term maintenance costs by reducing the need for frequent fixes, bug patches, or performance improvements, ensuring smoother operations and lower expenses over time.

Outsource Maintenance Tasks

Outsourcing app maintenance can provide access to specialized skills and expertise while being more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house team, helping businesses manage expenses efficiently.

In summary, reducing app maintenance costs requires careful planning, regular updates, and prioritizing security. By following these tips, app developers and businesses can help ensure that their app remains functional, secure, and cost-effective over the long term. 

Why Choose QSS for your App Maintenance?

QSS Technosoft is a trusted provider of software development and maintenance services, with over 11 years of experience in the industry. We have a team of skilled and experienced developers who can help you maintain your app at an affordable cost.

Our team follows the latest app development best practices and uses automation tools to reduce app maintenance costs while ensuring the app's quality and performance. 

How QSS Technosoft Helps Reduce App Maintenance Costs

Choosing QSS for your app maintenance can help you reduce your maintenance costs while ensuring the quality and functionality of the app. Some of the reasons why you should choose us to include: 

• Skilled team: Our team of skilled developers can identify potential preventive maintenance issues early on, reducing maintenance costs in the long run. 

• Latest tools and technologies: We use the latest tools and technologies to automate the maintenance process, reducing the time and cost required for preventive maintenance. 

• Security updates: Our team regularly updates the app's security features to prevent any vulnerabilities and keep the user's data safe. 

• Regular updates: We provide regular updates with new features and improvements to keep the app up-to-date and engaging for the users. 

Conclusion 

Mobile app maintenance cost is an important aspect of ensuring the app's longevity, security, and performance. However, it can also be costly, especially for complex apps.

By following the tips and best practices mentioned above, app owners can reduce app maintenance costs while maintaining the quality and functionality of the app. 

Partnering with QSS Technosoft guarantees cost-efficient mobile app maintenance cost tailored to your needs. Our experienced team ensures reliable performance and timely updates to keep your app running smoothly.

Trust us to deliver high-quality solutions that maximize your app's success and reduce maintenance costs.

Want to know more about how to reduce app maintenance cost? Contact us for a free consultation! 

FAQs Section

Q1: Why is mobile app maintenance important?

A: Mobile app maintenance keeps your app working well, secure, and up-to-date with new features. It fixes bugs, improves performance, and helps keep users happy.

Q2: How often should I update my app?

A: It's best to update your app every 2 to 3 months to fix bugs, add new features, and stay compatible with new operating system versions.

Q3: How much does it cost to maintain an app?

A: Maintenance usually costs about 15% to 20% of the app's initial development cost each year. The exact cost depends on the app's complexity and updates needed.

Q4: What types of maintenance does an app need?
A: Apps need different types of maintenance like fixing bugs (corrective), adapting to new operating systems (adaptive), improving features (perfective), preventing future issues (preventive), and handling urgent problems (emergency).

Q5: Can I reduce app maintenance costs?

A: Yes, by planning maintenance early, keeping the app simple, regularly updating it, using automation tools, and choosing the right development team, you can reduce costs.

Q6: What happens if I don’t maintain my app?

A: Without maintenance, your app may have bugs, security risks, poor performance, and could be removed from app stores, leading to lost users and revenue.

Q7: Should I maintain apps on multiple platforms?

A: Yes, if your app is on multiple platforms like iOS and Android, maintaining each platform ensures better performance and user satisfaction.

Q8: What is the role of security updates in app maintenance?

A: Security updates protect your app and users from cyber threats by fixing vulnerabilities and keeping data safe.

Q9: How does user feedback help in app maintenance?

A: User feedback helps identify issues and suggests improvements to make the app better and more user-friendly.

Q10: Why is choosing an experienced app maintenance partner important?

A: Experienced partners provide reliable support, timely updates, and use best practices to keep your app running smoothly and reduce costs.