How Much Does It Cost to Maintain an App in 2024?

Upsilon
3 min readJul 25, 2024

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App development services don’t stop once you launch the application. In fact, this is merely the beginning. You’ll need to put in much effort to ensure its continuous operation post-release. But how much does it cost to maintain an app? And what do such costs depend on?

Launching an app is just the tip of the iceberg. The real journey begins after the release, with ongoing efforts required to keep it running smoothly and effectively. How do you pinpoint the exact costs, and what factors affect them? Let’s break down the real numbers behind app maintenance costs, and shed some light on what app maintenance services cover, why timely upkeep is vital, and what can happen if you neglect it.

What Typically Falls Under App Maintenance Services?

Keep in mind that app maintenance mainly focuses on keeping your app running smoothly and securely, rather than adding new features. Even though your product will likely undergo some updates and modifications over time, maintenance typically covers essential tasks to keep it functional and stable. So, what exactly does app maintenance usually include?

🟨 Bug fixes (addressing and solving any glitches in the app)

🟨 Compatibility updates (ensuring the app works with the latest operating systems)

🟨 Security patches (protecting the app’s data from hacks and other hazards)

🟨 Performance optimization (improving the app’s speed and user experience)

🟨 Infrastructure maintenance (managing the stability of servers, hosting, databases, and overall infrastructure)

🟨 Feature improvement (refining existing features can be included in your maintenance plan)

🟨 Simple integrations (integrating additional third-party applications into your app)

The Significance of Timely App Maintenance 📱

If you’re eager to have your app running without a hitch, regular app upkeep is a must. However, some entrepreneurs may seek to cut costs by skipping maintenance services, hoping that their app will stay problem-free on its own. While this might seem like a money-saving strategy, it can lead to unexpected issues and long-term expenses. Let’s take a look at the most frequent risks:

1️⃣ Your app can get removed from markets like Google Play or App Store if it fails to meet their requirements

2️⃣ Bugs can take a toll on the app quality, causing poor user experience and harming your reputation

3️⃣ Data leaks and cyberattacks can have serious consequences, including costly legal battles and damage to the app’s reputation

4️⃣ Negative reviews and customer churn due to a glitchy app can push your business off the market

As you see, the aftermath of neglecting app maintenance can be dreadful and far-reaching: from losing user trust and facing costly legal issues to experiencing huge financial losses and market removal.

What Affects The App Maintenance Cost? 💸

Well, now that you are aware of all potential risks, let’s go over the main factors that have a big influence on the total cost:

🟡 The types of problems you face

➟ what modifications are required
➟ how complicated the problem is
➟ the staff involved in fixing the issue

🟡 Costs for enhancing UX/UI (depending on the amount of workload you need)

➟ a massive app redesign
➟ minor UX/UI improvements

🟡 Fee-paying tools, hosting, and additional services

➟ marketplace fees
➟ third-party-services
➟ hosting

And there’s more to this list.

So, how much does it cost to maintain an app? Dive into this read to find the approximate estimates, tips on cutting down the costs, and some app maintenance best practices ⤵

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Upsilon

Digital product studio. We help early-stage startups (<$100K) and scaleups ($1M+) grow faster by creating products that drive results.