Why post-launch costs often get ignored
During MVP development, it’s easy to focus on timelines, features, and user testing. But once the app is live, a new cost phase begins—one that’s less visible but just as critical for long-term success.
If you don’t plan for maintenance costs, you risk:
App store rejection (due to outdated SDKs)
Downtime from expired certificates or backend crashes
Loss of users due to bugs, slowness, or broken features
Scaling issues when traffic increases
What’s included in mobile app maintenance?
Maintaining an app involves a mix of technical upkeep, platform compliance, and user-facing support.
Here’s what to expect:
Hosting & infrastructure (cloud servers, databases, file storage)
Third-party services (e.g. analytics, push notifications, payments)
Monitoring & error tracking (e.g. Sentry, Datadog, Firebase Crashlytics)
OS & SDK updates (iOS/Android updates require code changes)
Security patches & library updates
Bug fixes and user feedback improvements
Design tweaks or UI refreshes
Customer support (email, chat, reviews)
Hidden costs founders often forget
App store compliance changes
Apple and Google frequently update review guidelines or SDK requirements. Staying compliant may require last-minute dev work.API changes from 3rd parties
Services like Stripe, Meta, or Google Maps change APIs—your app needs to adapt or risk breaking functionality.Push notifications & messaging limits
Services like OneSignal or Firebase are free up to a point, but costs grow with scale.Data storage & backups
As users generate more data (images, sessions, logs), you’ll pay for storage and bandwidth.DevOps overhead
Auto-scaling servers, certificates, and CI/CD pipelines all need occasional updates and monitoring.
Typical maintenance budget (2025 estimates)
App Type | Monthly Maintenance Cost |
|---|---|
Simple utility app | $100 – $300 |
Social or content app | $300 – $800 |
Marketplace or SaaS app | $800 – $2,000+ |
These include hosting, monitoring, minor dev time, and 3rd-party tools. Costs rise if you offer real-time data, have custom backends, or support multiple platforms.
Tips to manage post-launch costs
Use serverless or BaaS tools (e.g. Firebase, Supabase) for predictable scaling
Schedule quarterly technical audits to stay ahead of SDK or API changes
Automate monitoring with tools like Sentry or AppSignal
Budget 15–25% of your initial development cost annually for maintenance
Plan for user support workflows (FAQ, chatbot, ticketing system)
Summary
Launching an app is just the start. If you don’t plan for the ongoing costs of maintenance, your product will slowly degrade—until users stop using it altogether. Maintenance isn’t optional—it’s a core part of product success.
Treat your app like a living system. Regular updates, clean infrastructure, and user-focused improvements keep it healthy—and profitable.
FAQ
Can I avoid maintenance if I use no-code or low-code tools?
Not entirely. Even no-code platforms need updates, and app stores may still enforce SDK compliance.
How do I budget for maintenance if I don’t have revenue yet?
Keep things lean post-launch. Focus on tools that offer free tiers, and delay big features until you have user traction or funding.
What happens if I skip updates?
Expect bugs, app store rejection, negative reviews, and eventually—user churn.
