The mobile app maintenance cost should never be overlooked when making long-term plans. App maintenance is an ongoing investment that includes everything from bug fixes and server updates to new features and OS compatibility. Knowing how much app maintenance costs can help you set the right budget, boost user satisfaction, and improve performance, whether you run a startup or an established business.
Poor user experiences, lower app store ratings, and even security flaws can result from neglecting app maintenance. In a digital world that is changing quickly, regular updates guarantee that your app remains secure, functional, and competitive. Putting maintenance first not only safeguards your original development investment but also promotes long-term scalability and sustainable growth.
Why App Maintenance Matters in 2025
Mobile applications need constant maintenance after launch to remain secure, competitive, and usable. This entails meeting evolving user expectations, updating APIs, and adjusting to operating system modifications.
What are the maintenance costs for a mobile app? The answer is simple: frequent updates are necessary to increase revenue and user retention. Apps that don’t work flawlessly run the risk of being removed within the first week after being downloaded.
Factors That Affect Mobile App Maintenance Costs
1. Bug Fixes and Performance Optimization
Any mobile application will inevitably have bugs and performance problems, especially as platforms and user habits change. App crashes, sluggish interfaces, and even data loss can result from these problems if they are not properly addressed, which will have a detrimental effect on user experience and retention. For your app to function properly, remain compatible with new OS updates, and satisfy rising user expectations, routine debugging and performance optimisation are essential. Frequent inspections also assist in finding and addressing hidden bugs before they become serious issues.
2. Hosting & Server Costs
Backend infrastructure, which manages everything from user authentication to data storage and real-time updates, is essential to the operation of the majority of mobile apps. Cloud services that charge recurring fees based on usage, such as AWS, Firebase, or Google Cloud, host this backend. Depending on variables like bandwidth usage, server uptime requirements, the quantity of data stored, and the number of active users, monthly hosting costs can vary greatly. For instance, a small app with moderate traffic might cost very little, but apps with big databases or a large user base worldwide might cost a lot more. Managing the long-term sustainability of an app requires taking these costs into account right away.
3. Updates and New Features
In today’s rapidly evolving app market, maintaining an advantage over rivals necessitates ongoing feature improvements rather than a one-time release. Frequent feature releases help your app remain relevant, meet changing user expectations, and keep users interested. This could entail introducing new payment methods, turning on biometric login for security, incorporating chatbots driven by AI for customer service, or using machine learning to create individualised user experiences. These updates are necessary for growth and retention, not just nice-to-haves. Every new feature, however, requires preparation, design, development, and testing, all of which increase the mobile app maintenance cost. The secret to maintaining competitiveness and optimising ROI over time is to invest in innovation.
4. UI/UX Maintenance
User expectations are changing quickly, particularly as competitor apps, new design trends, and device capabilities change what people find appealing or intuitive. Regular UI/UX enhancements are therefore crucial to preserving user engagement as well as making sure your app feels cutting edge and intuitive. These changes could be anything from adding accessibility features or improving onboarding procedures to updating visual components and streamlining navigation. Budgeting for design updates is an essential component of your overall mobile app maintenance cost since a well-designed and intuitive interface has a direct impact on user satisfaction and retention.
5. OS & Device Compatibility
The performance of your app may be unexpectedly affected by changes to permissions, APIs, or system behaviour that are frequently introduced in new iOS and Android updates. After an OS update, features that used to function flawlessly may crash or behave strangely. As these updates are released, it is crucial to test and modify your app in real time. If this isn’t done, there may be bugs, bad reviews, or even removal from app stores, which would negatively affect user retention and trust. Maintaining your mobile app’s functionality, security, and competitiveness across all devices requires proactive compatibility updates, which are a significant portion of your total maintenance costs.
6. Third-Party Integrations
In many contemporary mobile apps, third-party integrations such as analytics tools, social media SDKs, and payment gateways are crucial. Updates for enhanced functionality, security, or compliance (like with new data protection laws) are regularly pushed by these tools. You run the risk of features breaking, such as unsuccessful payments or erroneous tracking data, if your app doesn’t keep up with these updates.
Additionally, out-of-date SDKs may result in app store rejection or security flaws. Maintaining compatibility with third-party updates is an ongoing duty that enhances the overall dependability and usability of your application. An essential component of long-term mobile app maintenance is routinely checking and updating these integrations.
7. Security Updates
Because mobile apps handle sensitive data, including location information, payment credentials, and personal information, they are often targeted by cybercriminals. Without routine upkeep, hackers may use out-of-date libraries, third-party integrations, or known operating system flaws to exploit your app.
Patching security flaws regularly is essential. They guarantee that your app remains in compliance with changing data privacy laws like the CCPA, GDPR, and HIPAA, in addition to helping to protect sensitive user data. In a digital market that is becoming more competitive and privacy-conscious, maintaining a secure environment protects your reputation, increases user trust, and lowers legal risks.
Read our article on how to maintain an app for a full breakdown of maintenance workflows.
How to Calculate Mobile App Maintenance Costs
Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution, the average annual app maintenance costs range from 15% to 25% of the initial development cost.
| Aspect | Details |
| Maintenance Cost as % of Initial Development | Typically 15% to 25% of initial development cost annually. Example: $100,000 app → $15,000–$25,000 yearly maintenance. |
| Monthly Maintenance Costs (Mid-sized Apps) | Approx. $1,200 to $2,500 per month depending on app scale and features. |
| Cost Breakdown Examples | – Server hosting: $100–$320 per month depending on scale – Push notifications: ~$10 per month – Payment gateway fees vary – Developer fees vary widely depending on region and expertise |
| Typical Annual Maintenance Budget Example | For a $200,000 app development cost, budget $30,000–$50,000 per year for ongoing maintenance. |
Factors influencing this estimate include:
- App complexity
- Tech stack used
- Number of active users
- Hosting and data storage needs
Cost-Effective Maintenance Models
In-House vs Outsourced
Depending on your resources and objectives, you can either manage your app internally or hire a team of professionals to do it. Internal teams provide greater control over daily updates, quicker communication, and a closer alignment with your company’s vision. They do, however, also have greater overhead expenses, such as infrastructure, training, and salaries.
However, you can access a larger talent pool with specialised knowledge in areas like security, performance optimisation, and cross-platform compatibility by outsourcing app maintenance. Particularly for startups or companies that require flexible scaling, it is frequently more economical. You can accomplish excellent results without having to worry about leading an internal team if you find the right partner.
Fixed-Rate Retainers
Regular support, proactive monitoring, and timely updates are guaranteed when you hire an agency on a monthly retainer. A committed team is always on hand to fix bugs, introduce new features, and resolve compatibility problems as they appear, thanks to this model. You’re supported by experts who are familiar with the infrastructure and user base of your app, so you don’t have to rush to get assistance when issues arise.
Businesses that expect regular updates or wish to keep a competitive edge in quickly changing markets will find this strategy especially advantageous. A retainer model offers the flexibility and consistency required for sustained success, whether you’re implementing third-party integrations, releasing seasonal promotions, or reacting to user feedback. For companies that value consistent growth, user experience, and app stability, it’s a wise investment.
Pay-As-You-Go
Smaller apps with sporadic maintenance requirements are the ideal fit for this model. Only when work is necessary do you pay.
Explore our full range of app development services to choose the model that suits you best.
Cost of App Maintenance by App Type
Maintenance issues vary depending on the type of application:
| App Type | Maintenance Focus Areas | Key Requirements |
| E-commerce | UX improvements, payment security, inventory updates | Real-time inventory management, secure payment gateways, enhanced user experience |
| Social Media | Frequent feature rollouts, large server capacity, moderation tools | Scalability, content moderation, rapid feature deployment |
| Healthcare | Real-time monitoring, secure storage, HIPAA compliance | Data privacy, continuous monitoring, regulatory compliance |
| Education | Engagement tools, LMS integration, content updates | Interactive features, Learning Management System support, regular content refresh |
Looking for startup ideas? Check out 33 Mobile App Ideas for Business Startups.
What Happens If You Skip Maintenance?
Ignoring mobile app maintenance can have major short- and long-term effects on your company. Users frequently vent their annoyance through unfavourable reviews and low ratings when bugs remain unfixed or features become out of date, which can negatively affect your app’s standing in app stores. People stop using apps that don’t live up to their expectations, which deters potential downloads and causes a discernible decline in user retention.
Furthermore, neglecting to patch vulnerabilities and skipping regular updates can expose your brand to cyberattacks, endangering user privacy. An unmaintained app soon becomes outdated due to changes in mobile operating systems, hardware, and user expectations. It becomes much more difficult to compete with agile businesses that put performance, security, and user experience first through constant maintenance, which leads to a loss of market relevance and lost growth opportunities.
Read our blog on mobile development trends to see why maintenance is non-negotiable in 2025.
Final Thoughts: What Are the Maintenance Costs for a Mobile App?
In conclusion, the type of app, infrastructure, and frequency of updates all affect your mobile app maintenance cost. You can steer clear of expensive pitfalls and produce a reliable, interesting product by properly allocating your budget and collaborating with skilled developers.
We’ve assisted businesses and startups in effectively scaling their mobile experiences. LITSLINK can also help you with that. Let’s begin by getting in touch with us!
