Building a mobile app is only the start—keeping it secure, up-to-date, and running smoothly is where the real work begins. Without a proper maintenance plan, your solution can have issues like bugs, security gaps, and outdated features, which leads to unhappy users and potential revenue loss.

 

Apps that fall behind on updates risk disappearing from the app stores altogether. And the numbers back this up—Google plans to remove nearly 900,000 inactive apps from its Play Store, with Apple following a similar approach in the App Store. 

 

We’ve also noticed a trend among entrepreneurs who turn to online forums for answers to the question, “How much does app maintenance cost?” Developers suggest that maintenance can require around 10-20% of the original development costs each year. To bring clarity to these numbers, we're sharing insights from one of our recent projects. Our example breaks down real maintenance expenses, offering a clear and practical guide for anyone looking to plan and budget effectively for the app's future.

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Contents

TL;DR 

  • Google is set to remove around 900,000 inactive apps from the Play Store, and Apple plans a similar cleanup in the App Store.
  • On average, app maintenance costs range from 10-15% of the original development cost, which ensures functionality and compliance with app store requirements.
  • Effective app maintenance keeps your application running smoothly, while protecting revenue.
  • Our recent projects illustrate these costs in action, highlighting how small updates prevent significant issues.
  • Investing in a solid maintenance plan is essential for app longevity, performance, and user engagement.

Success stories:

  • Reduced maintenance costs by 30% through the implementation of automated monitoring systems, leading to quicker issue resolution.
  • Optimized server resources to save 20-30% on hosting expenses while maintaining high performance, positively impacting app maintenance cost per month.
  • Improved user experience through thoughtful interface design, resulting in a 25% decrease in support requests and happier users.
  • Conducted regular security audits that protected user data and minimized potential vulnerabilities, cutting security expenses by up to 40%.

How We Developed a FinTech Mobile App with Seamless Ongoing Support 

We recently collaborated on a project to help users manage their money, track spending, and set financial goals—all through an intuitive, user-friendly app. We’ll take you through the project journey, sharing behind-the-scenes insights and key steps in bringing this app from concept to launch. Then, we’ll break down the essential costs and scope of ongoing support and maintenance, showing what it takes to keep the app running smoothly and securely. 

Key features

Account management

To make managing finances effortless, we built real-time balance updates directly into the app, allowing users to instantly see their account status at a glance. We also added a detailed transaction history feature, offering a clear record of income and expenses so users feel empowered and in control of their financial decisions.

Online payments

To simplify payments, we implemented user-to-user transfers, enabling quick fund transfers to friends or family within the app—no extra steps or external platforms needed. For regular expenses, a bill payments feature allows for the direct payment of utility bills and other recurring charges.

Personalized recommendations

We integrated expense analysis powered by machine learning, which examines spending patterns and helps users manage their finances more effectively. Plus, with savings goals, individuals can set specific targets, such as building an emergency fund or saving for a vacation. The app also sends reminders to help keep these goals within reach.

Data protection

Security is essential, so we included two-factor authentication (2FA) requiring confirmation of identity through SMS or email each time someone logs in, adding an extra layer of security. Additionally, the implemented data encryption protects all personal information, keeping data safe from unauthorized access.

Expense tracking

To help everyone get a clear picture of their spending, we built expense categorization into the app. This feature allows for sorting expenses—such as food, transportation, and entertainment—making it easy to see where money goes. Graphs and reports transform spending data into visual summaries, simplifying the understanding of habits and supporting smarter financial choices.

Development stages

  1. We kicked off development with a discovery phase to get a clear picture of what users truly wanted. Through surveys and interviews, we uncovered insights into the key features they’d find most helpful in a finance app. 
  2. Armed with this information, our interface design team got to work, crafting prototypes based on real user needs. We tested and refined these designs along the way, ensuring the app would be intuitive and enjoyable to use right from the start.
  3. Next, we focused on building an MVP. By including the core features—balance checking, transfers, and expense management—we were able to launch the app quickly and start gathering real feedback. This approach helped us see what was working and where we could improve.
  4. Finally, we put the app through rigorous testing to make sure it was ready for the real world. From functional tests to make sure each feature performed smoothly, to load testing for high-traffic scenarios, and security testing to protect user data, we left no stone unturned. By the time we launched, we knew the app was stable, secure, and ready to make a difference for users.

Ready to elevate your business services with a feature-rich, user-friendly app? Connect with us to discuss your vision.

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How Our Team Supported The Project (with App Maintenance Cost Breakdown)

When planning your app, you must consider maintenance costs right from the beginning. These expenses can vary widely, influenced by choices like the app’s architecture, user base size, chosen technologies, and security requirements. Making thoughtful decisions early on can make a big difference in keeping long-term costs manageable.

“In our experience, maintaining a mobile app usually costs around 10-15% of the total development budget. But if things aren’t planned properly from the beginning, those costs can quickly skyrocket. That’s why it’s so important to find a trustworthy developer—someone who will go over all the details with you during the planning phase to avoid surprises later on.”

— Nazar Kvarltalnyi, Inoxoft’s COO

Below, we break down the main aspects of app maintenance we covered in our fintech mobile app project, along with the associated costs.

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Bug fixes and performance optimization

Once the app launched, user feedback highlighted issues of delays in data loading and occasional transaction failures. To address these quickly, our team allocated approximately $500 to $1,000 per update focused on bug fixes and performance improvements. Typically, 4-5 updates were carried out each month, totaling an annual cost of about $18,000. Our CTO highlights:

“Bugs are a natural part of any project, and there’s no need to worry about them appearing. What really matters is their nature and volume. For simpler applications or MVPs, a 10-20% rate of minor bugs can be acceptable. However, in complex, enterprise-level systems, the critical bug rate needs to be tightly managed, usually between 5% and 10%.”

Server costs

As the user base grew, so did the need for reliable server performance. The application relied on cloud-based solutions with scalable options to handle this increasing demand smoothly. Monthly server costs ranged from $200 to $500, resulting in annual expenses of between $2,400 and $6,000.

Using cloud solutions was a strategic decision, our Senior Developer explains:

“Cloud services let us easily adjust resources based on demand, which is really helpful when the number of users can change. This approach helps keep costs down while maintaining reliable performance.”

Third-party integration

To enhance functionality, we integrated third-party services, such as payment gateways for processing transactions and identity verification systems. These integrations required occasional updates, with each update costing between $800 and $1,200. We planned for 2-3 updates annually, resulting in an estimated cost of $1,600 to $3,600 per year.

Functional updates

User feedback drives growth, so our team planned biannual feature releases to keep the app competitive. Functional updates, such as adding credit score tracking or investment platform integrations, were budgeted at $4,000 to $6,000 each, resulting in an annual investment of around $8,000 to $12,000.

Security updates

For a fintech app, keeping user data secure is essential. We ran regular security checks 2-3 times a year to protect user information and build trust. Each check cost between $1,500 and $2,000, leading to an annual security budget of about $3,000 to $6,000.

“Security isn’t something you set up just once; it requires constant attention, especially in fintech where people’s financial information is at stake. By doing regular audits, we can find and fix any weaknesses, making sure the app stays safe for users.”

— Maksym Trostyanchuk, Inoxoft’s Head of Delivery

Interested in how we can assist you with complete app development and ongoing support? Reach out to us, and let’s transform your app idea into a lasting reality.

The Mobile App Maintenance Cost Breakdown (Annual and Monthly)

Cost Category

Annual Cost

Monthly Cost

Bug Fixes and Performance Optimization

$18,000

$1,500

Server Costs

$2,400 – $6,000

$200 – $500

Third-Party Integration

$1,600 – $3,600

$133 – $300

Functional Updates

$8,000 – $12,000

$667 – $1,000

Security Updates

$3,000 – $6,000

$250 – $500

Total Estimated Annual Costs

$33,600 – $45,600

$2,800 – $3,800

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How We Helped Our Client Reduce Their App Maintenance Costs by 40%

In the project we talked about, we wanted to build a great fintech app while keeping maintenance costs down. Through careful planning and the use of effective methods, we significantly reduced expenses. Now, we’ll explain the specific strategies we used to help our client lower their mobile app maintenance costs by nearly half.

How We Helped Our Client Reduce Their App Maintenance Costs

Process automation

We focused on automated systems to monitor the application’s performance and detect errors. This shift allowed us to identify and resolve issues much faster than before, minimizing downtime and enhancing the overall user experience. As a result, we were also able to direct our efforts toward more important tasks. Our Head of Delivery, Maksym Trostyanchuk, noted:

“Our AI and machine learning solutions significantly cut costs while keeping the app running smoothly and maintaining quality for the users. Automation reduced the time our team spent on manual testing, saving us up to 30% of the bug-fix budget.”

Server resource optimization

We took a close look at our server usage and found that some resources were either overused or underutilized. To fix this, we switched to cloud solutions that offered dynamic scaling based on demand. This change allowed the server to automatically adjust resources in real-time, responding to changes in load and traffic. We achieved a reduction in monthly hosting expenses of 20-30%, which resulted in annual savings of around $600 to $1,200.

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Improving user experience

After assessing the user experience, we could identify key areas to enhance the app’s interface, which led to a noticeable drop in support requests. With simplified navigation and helpful educational materials, we made it easier for users to locate what they needed, and resolve common issues on their own.

Focusing on user needs allowed us to develop a more intuitive and enjoyable experience. The reduction in frustration and confidence in navigating encouraged users to explore additional features. Consequently, support requests decreased by 25%, resulting in annual savings of approximately $2,000 to $3,000.

Periodic security audits

At first, we did full security audits every three months, which took a lot of time and resources. To be more efficient and cut costs, we switched to doing comprehensive audits twice a year, along with interim checks using automated tools. This change helped us keep strong security while making the auditing process smoother.

Reducing the number of full audits and using automated checks enabled us to spot potential issues more quickly, lower security expenses by up to 40%, and save approximately $1,500 to $2,000 per year.

“By putting these measures in place, we managed to cut maintenance costs by about $15,000 a year. This wasn’t just a cost-saving move—it allowed us to improve the app’s quality overall. With a more efficient budget, we could focus on key areas that boosted user experience and made the app more stable. In the end, we delivered a better, more reliable app that met our client’s and their users’ needs.”

— Nazar Kvarltalnyi, Inoxoft’s COO

Looking to streamline your app’s costs without compromising on quality or user experience? Let’s connect and explore how our approach can bring both savings and results to your project!

Key Takeaways

In summary, the app maintenance cost per year can be estimated at around 10-15% of the initial development expenses. For our client, this translated to approximately $46,000 annually, or about $4,000 each month. Through careful planning and the implementation of effective strategies, we successfully reduced these maintenance costs by about $15,000 each year. Besides lowering costs, our chosen focus on automation, resource optimization, user experience improvements, and security audits also enhanced the app’s stability and user satisfaction.

As a software development company, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality solutions. Over the past decade, we’ve honed our expertise in creating robust applications across various industries. With the experience in managing and improving app maintenance, we gladly offer support that keeps applications running smoothly and efficiently.

Still looking for a way to elevate your app’s performance and reduce maintenance costs? We’re here to help you navigate the process with expert insights and custom strategies. Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can work together to enhance your app’s functionality, improve user experience, and keep your expenses in check. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What factors affect mobile app maintenance costs?

 Complexity of the app: More complex apps generally require more maintenance.

 Technology stack: The technologies used can affect ongoing support needs and costs.

 Frequency of updates: Regular updates are essential to keep the app relevant and engaging for users.

 App store requirements: Adherence to guidelines from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store can impact costs. 

For instance, the average app maintenance cost varies depending on whether the app is developed for Android or iOS, with Android app maintenance costs often reflecting the unique needs of the Android ecosystem.

How often should mobile apps be updated?

Regular updates are essential for maintaining app visibility and ranking in the store. It's generally advisable to implement 1-2 small updates per month with minor improvements, bug fixes, and feature enhancements that keep the app relevant and engaging for users. 

For larger apps with a significant user base, updates may need to occur weekly or bi-weekly to address issues and roll out new features quickly. Many successful apps find a balance by updating every 20 to 40 days. This frequency allows for fresh content while minimizing the risk of overwhelming users with too many notifications. 

Regarding App Store requirements, while Apple encourages regular updates, excessive updates may raise user suspicion and lead to scrutiny. The Google Play Store values active maintenance, with approximately 35% of apps updated weekly and 69% updated monthly

If you're considering expanding your app's reach, check out our articles on how to convert an Android app to iOS and how to make an app for both iPhone and Android.

What are the common maintenance tasks for mobile apps?

 Regular bug fixes for addressing issues that impact user experience.

 Performance enhancements of speed and responsiveness.

 Updates to software libraries that ensure compatibility with the latest frameworks.

 Security updates for protecting user data and maintaining trust.

 Monitoring user feedback and app analytics to identify areas for improvement and ensure continued relevance.

Should I outsource mobile app maintenance?

Outsourcing mobile app maintenance can be a smart move, especially if you lack the necessary in-house expertise or resources. By partnering with a reliable software development company like ours, you gain access to a team of experienced developers who specialize in app maintenance and optimization.

Not only does outsourcing to us enhance your app's performance, but it also supports your long-term success. With our help, you can ensure your app runs smoothly while you focus on growing your business and achieving your goals. Let us take care of the technical details so you can concentrate on what you do best!