Are you going to build a mobile app? Then let me ask a simple question before you start.
What is the mobile app maintenance cost in 2022?
Have difficulty in finding the answer?
It is interesting to see that most app founders put a lot of effort into developing strategies for mobile app development. But hardly, they pay attention to the mobile app maintenance aspect.
This is important because the final cost of mobile app development is not the last figure that you have to pay. After launching the app, you still have to spend money to maintain and run your app.
Therefore, you should be aware of what is the mobile app maintenance cost in 2022. In this article, I will give you a quick guide on this. It will help you make a better decision for setting budget for your app development and maintenance in 2022.
Brief introduction to mobile app maintenance
Mobile app maintenance is the practice of updating, improving, and running your app after launching it. It involves updating the app with the latest features and market trends. You need to keep track and monitor the app performance and its impact on user experience on a long-term scale. Apart from this, you also have to fix technical issues in your app if it arises anytime.
Mobile app maintenance is sometimes taken as a secondary concern by app founders and developers. But in reality, it is equally important as development. As per Gartner’s report. Mobile app maintenance takes up to 34% of IT budgets. Top mobile app development company even has dedicated support and strategy for app maintenance.
Why should you know the mobile app maintenance cost?
Whenever any businessman or startup contacts a mobile app development company for an app development project the first and foremost question they ask-what is the cost of mobile app development. They even do a lot of research on Google for guide for mobile app development cost.
This question is actually important because it gives the app owner an idea or overview of the cost. This estimated cost helps them in analyzing and fixing their budget so that they can properly and effectively utilize their funds and resources.
But after launching the app on the app store, they face unexpected changes in their budget. They have to pay an annual fee for using Google Play Store and App Store. Plus, they additionally have to pay fees for using APIs.
App owners mostly don’t take these cost-increasing factors into consideration. As a result, when these unexpected costs come, they have to revise their budget. And this increases their overall cost of app development.
Therefore, it is crucial to know the mobile app maintenance cost. When you are aware of the factors of app maintenance cost, you can dedicate a separate budget in advance. You can make the right decision and estimation to properly use your finds and resources in your mobile app development project.
Factors that determine the mobile app maintenance cost
1. Server or Database
Every mobile app requires a server or database to execute its server-side operation and store information. A server is the backbone of the mobile application. It enables the app to exchange information over the network.
So you will need a host or server for your mobile app. And there are many server providers available in the market. Each server costs a certain monthly or annual fee. For example, running your mobile app on AWS server would cost you between $8-10 per month depending on the type of service you choose.
2. Updating the app
You can’t end the contract with your mobile app development company or developer once the app is developed. After launching your app, you will still need assistance to update your app as per future requirements.
You may have to update your app when there are updates in Android or iOS operating systems. And developers will charge separately for updating your app. In case your app crashes, then it may take even more effort. As a result, it increases the mobile app maintenance cost.
3. App store annual charge
You will have to pay separately to launch your app. Google charges a one-time fee of $25 for the public Android app. Whereas, Apple App Store charges an annual developer fee of $99 for launching the app. So, you have to include this factor in your app maintenance budget.
4. App analytics
App analytics is essential for your app. After all, it gives you accurate and real-time data about your app performance and user behavior which helps you in making better decisions. But using an app analytics tool is not free. You have to pay for that.
There are many app analytics tools which provide different features. Hence, according to your needs and budget, you can choose a dedicated app analytics tool for the app. here are some of them
- Firebase
- Apple Analytics
- AppsFlyer
- Localytics
- Amplitude
Now, let’s come to the main question
What is the cost of mobile app maintenance in 2022?
Considering the above factors, on average, the mobile app maintenance cost in 2022 generally lies between $1,000-$2,000 per year. However, this cost is for basic-level mobile applications.
The exact figure may vary depending on the app size, features, services, and other functions. But, on average, the cost of app maintenance normally takes about 15-20% of the total development cost.
So, if the cost of your mobile app development project is $100,000, you have to dedicate a separate budget of $20,000 per annum for mobile app maintenance.
Conclusion
Mobile app maintenance is undoubtedly equally important as app development. When you are not aware of the factors which increase the app maintenance, you have to face unexpected changes in your budget.
Therefore, app founders must be aware of the cost of mobile app maintenance. However, if you want the exact cost, then ask for a quote from a mobile app development company. They will give you a clear estimation based on your project requirement.
About the Author
Josephine Baker is a mobile app developer at MobileCoderz-the top mobile app development company which works with startups and business founders to build mobile app solutions. She is an expert in cross-platform app development. She has been developing apps for the past 5 years and guiding businesses with the right app development decisions. Besides this, She likes to read fiction novels and conduct webinars among the developer community.
Also Read: How To Start Android Game Development as a Beginner
