Launch day feels like the finish line, but for an app it is the start. Operating systems change every year, libraries need updates, users find bugs and the business wants new features. Without maintenance, even a well-built app degrades.
What maintenance covers
- OS compatibility: Apple and Google release major OS versions every year, with new requirements for apps to stay in the stores.
- Security updates: patching libraries and server components when vulnerabilities are found.
- Bug fixes: issues found by users or crash reporting tools.
- Monitoring: crash rates, performance, server uptime and error logs.
- Store compliance: updated privacy labels, permissions and policy changes.
- Back-end care: database backups, server updates and scaling.
Why apps break without maintenance
Store policies change, older SDK versions are deprecated, payment and map providers update their APIs, and certificates expire. An app that is left untouched for a year or two may stop working properly or be removed from a store.
Planning a maintenance budget
Plan for ongoing maintenance as a recurring cost from the start. The right level depends on the app's complexity, number of integrations and how often you want new features. A monthly retainer usually works better than paying per incident, because it guarantees response times and keeps the team familiar with your code.
A sensible maintenance plan includes
- Agreed response times for critical, major and minor issues.
- A monthly allowance of hours for small improvements.
- Quarterly dependency and security updates.
- Annual preparation for new iOS and Android versions.
- A simple monthly report: crashes, uptime, releases and open items.
Improving, not just maintaining
Use analytics to see which features are used and where users drop off. Combine that with reviews and support tickets to plan improvements. Small, regular releases keep users engaged and ratings healthy.
Taking over an app from another developer
If your previous developer is no longer available, start with a code and infrastructure audit: who owns the store accounts, servers and repositories, what versions are used and what is undocumented. Secure access first, then stabilise.
Our app maintenance plans cover all of the above. If you are still planning your app, read how much app development costs.