Imagine buying a brand new car, driving it off the lot, and then never changing the oil, never checking the tires, and ignoring the “Check Engine” light. How long would that car last?
Mobile apps are no different. Many business owners make the mistake of thinking app development is a “one-time expense.” They budget for the build but forget the Running Costs.
The reality is that code “rots.” Operating systems update, APIs change, and security threats evolve. In this guide, we break down the Annual Maintenance Costs (AMC) you must plan for to keep your digital business alive.
1. The Golden Rule: Budgeting 20%
Industry data is clear: You should expect to spend 15% to 20% of your initial development cost annually on maintenance.
- The Math: If you spent $30,000 to build your app, you should set aside $4,500 – $6,000 per year (approx. $500/month) for support.
- Why? This fee covers the technical hours required to keep the app compatible and secure.
[Internal Link] Still calculating your initial build budget? Start with our [Ultimate App Cost Breakdown].
2. Where Does the Money Go? (The Breakdown)
You aren’t paying for “nothing.” Here is exactly what maintenance covers:
A. OS Updates (The “Apple & Google” Tax)
Every September, Apple releases a new iOS, and Google releases a new Android version.
- These updates often deprecate old code. If your app isn’t updated to match the new requirements, features will stop working, or your UI will look broken on new phones.
B. Third-Party API Changes
Your app likely relies on others:
- Google Maps for location.
- Stripe/Razorpay for payments.
- Facebook/Gmail for login. If Facebook changes their login security protocol (which they do often), your “Login with Facebook” button will fail unless a developer updates the code.
C. Server & Infrastructure
This is your digital “rent.” You need to pay for:
- Cloud Hosting (AWS/Azure): To store user data.
- Push Notification Services.
- Storage: As you get more users, you need more database space.
3. The Cost of “Rot” (Ignoring Maintenance)
What happens if you don’t pay for maintenance?
- Security Breaches: Hackers target outdated libraries. A breach could cost you your reputation and heavy fines.
- App Store Removal: Apple and Google routinely purge apps that haven’t been updated in 2 years. Your app could simply disappear from the store.
- User Churn: If users see bugs or crashes, they don’t complain—they just uninstall.
4. Maintenance vs. Feature Updates
It is important to distinguish between the two:
- Maintenance: Keeping the current app working (Bug fixes, OS patches).
- Feature Updates: Adding new capabilities (e.g., adding a “Dark Mode” or a Chatbot).
A standard Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) usually covers the first one. Feature updates are typically billed separately or as part of a “Retainer” package.
Conclusion
An app is a living product, not a static monument. The most successful apps (Uber, Instagram, Zomato) are updated weekly.
At Noviindus, we don’t just build and run. We offer comprehensive Support & Maintenance Packages to ensure your business never faces downtime.
Is your app healthy?
