Launching a mobile app is a major achievement, but the journey doesn’t stop at release. Once your app is live in the market, the real challenge begins. That’s keeping a mobile application maintained, updated, reliable, and secure for your users who expect nothing less than smooth performance.
As a top mobile app development company in Melbourne and across Australia, our team at Vrinsoft Pty Ltd has seen that many businesses overlook mobile app maintenance.
This often leads to costly setbacks in the long run.
Every operating system update, new device launch, or shift in user expectations creates the need for adjustments. Without regular maintenance, even a well-built app can slow down, face security risks, or fail to meet customer demands.
This guide will explore everything you need to know about mobile app maintenance services, including the different types, associated costs, and more.
What is Mobile App Maintenance?
Mobile app maintenance generally refers to the process of keeping your application updated, secure, and performing at its best after it goes live. It goes far beyond fixing bugs. It covers performance improvements, security patches, new feature rollouts, and compatibility with the latest devices and operating systems.
In simple terms, it’s about ensuring your app continues to deliver the experience the way it was intended, no matter how the digital environment changes. Businesses that invest in application development maintenance protect their brand reputation by reducing downtime and creating long-term value from their apps.
Why Mobile App Maintenance is Essential?
Launching a mobile app for your users is only the beginning of the journey. To stay relevant in today’s fierce competition, you must keep your application running smoothly.
Here’s why mobile app maintenance services are important for your business,
1. Improve Performance
Over time, apps can slow down due to growing user data, outdated code, or software conflicts. Regular updates keep the app responsive and reduce the risk of crashes.
2. Stay Compatible with Updates
Android and iOS release frequent updates that affect app behaviour. Without maintenance mobile app support, your app may fail to function properly on the latest devices or operating systems, leading to frustrated users.
3. Strengthen Security
Cyber threats are constantly evolving. Regular patching and updates protect sensitive user information and safeguard business data, helping you avoid costly breaches.
4. Maintain User Satisfaction
Users expect fast, reliable, and user-friendly apps. If bugs or glitches remain unresolved, negative reviews can damage your app store rating and reduce downloads.
5. Adapt to Business Growth
As your business expands, so should your app. Application development maintenance allow you to add new features, integrate modern tools, and respond to changing customer needs.
Types of Mobile App Maintenance Services
Not all apps require the same level of support. Depending on your business goals and the condition of your application, different types of app maintenance services are available, such as,
- Corrective Maintenance
- Adaptive Maintenance
- Perfective Maintenance
- Preventive Maintenance
Let’s understand each of the types of app maintenance services,
1. Corrective Maintenance
This focuses on fixing bugs, errors, and glitches that affect performance. If your app crashes or shows unexpected behaviour, corrective maintenance resolves the issue quickly.
2. Adaptive Maintenance
With frequent updates in Android and iOS, apps must stay compatible with new operating systems, devices, and software environments. Adaptive maintenance makes sure your app continues to run smoothly.
3. Predictive Maintenance
Predictive Maintenance uses analytics to anticipate app issues before they occur. It ensures smooth performance, early fixes, and reduces downtime for a better user experience.
4. Preventive Maintenance
This is all about avoiding future problems. By refining code, monitoring performance, and applying early fixes, preventive maintenance reduces risks before they become serious issues.
Services Included in Mobile Application Maintenance
A strong mobile application maintenance plan covers more than occasional bug fixes. It provides ongoing support to keep your app running reliably while meeting business and user needs. Here are some of the key services usually included,
- Performance Monitoring and Optimisation – Regular checks to improve app speed, stability, and responsiveness.
- Bug Fixes and Error Resolution – Quick action on issues reported by your users or identified during testing.
- Security Updates – Applying patches to guard against vulnerabilities and protect sensitive data.
- Database Management and Backups – Ensuring data remains safe, accessible, and recoverable in case of failures.
- Code Refinement and Optimisation – Updating outdated code for better performance and long-term stability.
- Feature Enhancements – Adding or refining features based on user feedback and business needs.
- OS and Device Compatibility Testing – Making sure your app works smoothly across the latest Android and iOS versions.
When to Opt for Updating Your Mobile App?
Knowing the right time to update your app is just as important as launching it. Regular mobile app maintenance helps identify when updates are necessary, but there are clear signs that should never be ignored,
- Frequent Crashes or Slow Performance – If users report glitches, lag, or sudden crashes, updates are needed to stabilise the app.
- Operating System Changes – Every Android or iOS update can affect app performance. Updating ensures your app stays compatible with the latest versions.
- Security Risks – When vulnerabilities are detected, applying immediate patches protects both business and user data.
- Negative User Feedback – Complaints about missing features, poor navigation, or usability issues highlight the need for improvement.
- Business Expansion – If you’re scaling your services or entering new markets, feature updates help align your app with fresh business goals.
How to Update with Mobile App Maintenance Services?
Updating a mobile app involves more than pushing new features. A well-structured process keeps your application secure, user-friendly, and future-ready.
Here’s how professional mobile app maintenance services manage updates,
1. Assess Current App Health
Before updates begin, a thorough review of app performance is carried out.
- Check crash reports and error logs
- Analyse load times and user activity
- Identify recurring technical issues
This stage highlights the exact areas where updates are most needed.
2. Collect User and Business Feedback
User feedback provides real-world insight into app problems.
- Analyse app store reviews
- Monitor customer support tickets
- Gather suggestions from internal teams
This ensures updates align with both customer expectations and business goals.
3. Define Update Objectives
Once problem areas are identified, clear objectives are set. These may include bug fixes, design enhancements, feature additions, or performance upgrades. Documenting priorities helps the team stay focused and reduces unnecessary delays.
4. Build a Structured Update Plan
Updates are mapped out with defined timelines.
- Scope of changes
- Development roadmap
- Resource allocation
This structured plan minimises downtime and ensures updates roll out smoothly.
5. Test for Compatibility
Every update must be tested across,
- Multiple Android and iOS versions
- Various device models and screen sizes
- Different network environments
Compatibility testing prevents crashes and ensures a consistent user experience.
6. Roll Out Updates in Phases
Instead of releasing all changes at once, updates are deployed in stages.
- Pilot rollouts to a limited audience
- Monitor for unexpected issues
- Gradually expand to all users
This phased approach reduces risk and disruption.
7. Monitor Post-Update Performance
After deployment, continuous tracking is essential.
- Analyse analytics and crash reports
- Monitor user feedback closely
- Apply quick fixes if problems appear
Ongoing monitoring confirms that the update delivers its intended benefits.
Best Security Strategies for App Development Maintenance
Keeping your app secure is one of the most important aspects of application development maintenance. Here are 7 strategies to strengthen security,
- Regular Security Audits: Schedule frequent code reviews and vulnerability assessments to detect weaknesses early.
- Data Encryption: Encrypt sensitive user information, including passwords, payment details, and personal data, to prevent unauthorised access.
- Multi-Factor Authentication: Implement MFA for both users and admins to add an additional layer of security.
- Secure APIs: Review and update APIs regularly. Avoid exposing unnecessary endpoints.
- Timely Patch Updates: Apply security patches as soon as threats or loopholes are identified.
- Server Monitoring: Track server activity in real time to detect suspicious traffic or unauthorised access.
- Compliance with Standards: Follow GDPR, PCI DSS, or other industry-specific regulations to maintain legal compliance and user trust.
How Much Does Mobile App Maintenance Costs?
Mobile app maintenance cost per month varies depending on complexity, app type, features, and support requirements. On average, annual mobile app maintenance costs vary anywhere from 15% to 20% of the initial mobile app development cost.
Factors influencing app maintenance costs include,
- Type of app (Android, iOS, hybrid, enterprise)
- Frequency of updates required
- Third-party integrations and APIs
- Security compliance requirements
- Hosting and server management needs
Getting a custom estimate helps businesses understand their long-term mobile app maintenance cost better.
Why Businesses Prefer Vrinsoft Pty Ltd for Mobile App Development Services?
Vrinsoft Pty Ltd, a top mobile app development company in Australia, is known to offer best services along with reliable maintenance support. Businesses choose us because,
- Experienced team in Android and iOS app maintenance
- Custom app maintenance services tailored to business needs
- Strong focus on security and scalability
- Transparent mobile app maintenance costs
- End-to-end support from development to ongoing maintenance
Partner with Vrinsoft Pty Ltd for Mobile App Maintenance Services
Consistent mobile app maintenance helps businesses avoid downtime, improve user satisfaction, and maintain competitiveness in the market. With Vrinsoft Pty Ltd, you get access to a team that understands your app from development through ongoing support.
Contact us today to learn more about our mobile app development services and let’s discuss how we can help you manage long-term application development and maintenance effectively.
FAQs Related to Mobile App Maintenance Services
Let’s have a look at some of the most common questions businesses ask about mobile app maintenance services.
1. How long does app maintenance take?
The time required depends on the type of maintenance. Small updates like bug fixes or UI tweaks may take a few hours, while major updates involving new features or security upgrades can take several weeks. A continuous maintenance plan helps reduce downtime and keeps your app stable throughout the year.
2. How much does app maintenance cost?
App maintenance costs vary depending on complexity, features, and support requirements. On average, businesses spend about 15% to 20% of the initial development cost annually on maintenance.
3. How much does it cost to update an app?
The cost of updating an app in Australia depends on the size and complexity of the update.
- Minor updates (bug fixes, small UI changes): AUD $1,500–$7,500
- Moderate updates (security patches, OS compatibility): AUD $7,500–$22,500
- Major updates (new features, redesign, integrations): AUD $22,500+
4. What does it mean when an app is in maintenance mode?
When an app is in maintenance mode, it means developers are working on updates or bug fixes. During this time, some features may be temporarily unavailable. This ensures users get a better, more secure experience once the update is complete.
