Mobile Apps Break Even When You Don't Change Anything
A website can run for years with little attention. A mobile app can't. Apple and Google release new OS versions every year, change store policies, deprecate APIs, and raise minimum SDK requirements. Third-party SDKs update, devices change, and an app that worked perfectly last year can crash, lose features, or get blocked from updating.
Mobile app maintenance is the right choice if:
Your app crashes or behaves differently on new iOS or Android versions
Google Play or the App Store rejected your latest update
You received warnings about target API level or SDK requirements
Your original app developer or agency is no longer available
Push notifications, payments, login, or maps stopped working
Crash reports and bad reviews are growing
Your React Native or Flutter version is years out of date
Nobody on your team knows how to build and release the app
Get a Mobile App Maintenance Plan →
What Happens When a Mobile App Isn't Maintained
Neglected Area | What Happens | Business Impact |
OS compatibility | New iOS and Android versions change permissions, UI behavior, and APIs | Crashes, broken features, poor reviews |
Store requirements | Target API level, privacy, and SDK rules are not met | Update rejections, or the app hidden from new users |
Framework versions | React Native, Flutter, or native toolchains fall far behind | Painful, expensive forced upgrades |
Third-party SDKs | Payment, analytics, maps, auth, and ad SDKs deprecate versions | Payments, logins, or tracking silently fail |
Crash monitoring | Crashes aren't tracked or prioritized | Churn and 1-star reviews |
Security | Vulnerable libraries and outdated certificates remain | Data exposure and store policy violations |
Backend APIs | Server changes break older app versions | Features fail for users who haven't updated |
Certificates & accounts | Signing certificates, push keys, and developer accounts expire | Releases blocked, push notifications stop |
Build pipeline | Nobody can build and release the app anymore | Urgent fixes can't reach users |
Our Mobile App Maintenance Services
OS Compatibility Updates
Test and update your app for each new iOS and Android release, including permission changes, UI adjustments, and deprecated APIs.
Crash Fixing & Stability
Monitor crash reports, prioritize by user impact, and fix crashes, freezes, and ANRs (Application Not Responding errors).
Store Compliance & Release Management
Meet App Store and Google Play requirements, update target API levels, prepare store listings, and manage review submissions.
Framework & SDK Upgrades
Upgrade React Native, Flutter, Swift, Kotlin, Gradle, Xcode toolchains, and third-party SDKs to supported versions.
Bug Fixes
Diagnose and fix functional bugs, device-specific issues, and UI problems reported by users or your team.
Performance Optimization
Improve app launch time, screen loading, memory usage, battery consumption, and app size.
Security Updates
Patch vulnerable dependencies, update certificates, secure local data storage, and address mobile security findings.
Push Notifications & Integrations
Maintain push notifications, in-app purchases, payment gateways, social login, maps, analytics, and backend API connections.
Minor Features & UI Improvements
Use included plan hours for small features, design refinements, text changes, and flow improvements.
Build Pipeline & Documentation
Restore or set up build and release pipelines, manage signing certificates, and document how to build and deploy the app.
Apps and Technologies We Maintain
Category | Technologies |
Native iOS | Swift, SwiftUI, Objective-C, UIKit |
Native Android | Kotlin, Java, Jetpack Compose |
Cross-Platform | React Native, Expo, Flutter, Ionic, Capacitor, .NET MAUI / Xamarin |
Low-Code | FlutterFlow, Adalo, Bubble (native wrappers) |
Backends | Firebase, Supabase, Node.js, Python, Laravel, AWS Amplify |
Integrations | Stripe, RevenueCat, in-app purchases, OneSignal, Firebase Cloud Messaging, Google Maps, social login |
Monitoring & CI/CD | Firebase Crashlytics, Sentry, Fastlane, Codemagic, GitHub Actions, Bitrise |
Types of Apps We Support
Consumer apps with active user bases
Marketplace and on-demand apps (booking, delivery, services)
Ecommerce and retail apps
Health, fitness, and wellness apps
Fintech and payment apps
Education and learning apps
Internal business and field-service apps
Companion apps for SaaS platforms and IoT devices
Taking Over an App From Another Developer?
Many apps come to us after the original developer or agency is gone, often without documentation, working builds, or store access. We take over safely:
1. Access Recovery
We help recover or transfer source code, App Store Connect, Google Play Console, Firebase, signing keys, and backend access.
2. Build Verification
We confirm that the app can be built and released from the source code, which is the most common hidden risk in app takeovers.
3. Technical Assessment
We review framework versions, SDKs, crashes, security, store compliance, and backend dependencies.
4. Stabilization Release
We fix critical crashes and compliance issues, and publish a stable update to both stores.
5. Ongoing Maintenance
Your app moves into a monthly plan with scheduled updates, monitoring, and releases.
Concerned about security before takeover? Start with a Mobile App Security Audit →
How Mobile App Maintenance Works
Onboarding
We collect access, verify the build, set up crash monitoring, and review your app's current health.
Ticket-Based Requests
Your team submits bugs and change requests through tickets, email, or Slack, each prioritized and tracked.
Scheduled Maintenance
We plan OS compatibility work ahead of Apple and Google release cycles, and schedule SDK and framework updates.
Tested Releases
Changes are tested on real devices and simulators, then released through TestFlight, internal testing tracks, and the stores.
Monthly Reporting
You receive a report covering crashes, fixes, releases, updates, and recommended improvements.
Annual Mobile Maintenance Calendar
Timing | Maintenance Activity |
Before new OS releases | Test the app on beta iOS and Android versions, and fix compatibility issues |
After OS releases | Monitor crashes and release fixes for new devices and OS versions |
Google Play target API deadline | Update target SDK level to meet Play Store requirements |
Quarterly | Update third-party SDKs and dependencies, and review security |
Ongoing | Monitor crashes, fix bugs, and release minor updates |
Before expiry dates | Renew signing certificates, push notification keys, and developer accounts |
What You Receive Every Month
Crash monitoring with prioritized fixes
OS and device compatibility checks
Store compliance tracking and release management
SDK and dependency updates
Bug fixes and minor improvements within plan hours
Tested app releases to the App Store and Google Play
Monthly report on app health, crash rates, releases, and recommendations
Typical Mobile App Maintenance Scenarios
These examples show common situations and how a maintenance plan helps.
Scenario 1: App Blocked From Updating on Google Play
Stack: React Native (outdated version) + Firebase
Situation:
A booking app received a Google Play warning about target API level requirements. The team couldn't release updates, and the React Native version was several major versions behind, so a simple upgrade kept failing.
How maintenance helps:
The team upgrades React Native in stages, replaces unsupported libraries, updates the target SDK, and fixes the resulting build issues. The app is approved on Google Play again, and future platform deadlines are tracked in the maintenance calendar.
Scenario 2: Crashes After a New iOS Release
Stack: Native iOS (Swift) + Node.js API
Situation:
After a major iOS update, a fitness app started crashing on launch for part of its users. Reviews dropped, and the original freelancer was unavailable.
How maintenance helps:
Crash reports identify the affected devices and code paths. The compatibility issues are fixed, tested on the new iOS version, and released through an expedited review. Future OS betas are tested before public release.
Scenario 3: Abandoned App With No Working Build
Stack: Flutter + Supabase
Situation:
A startup's agency closed. The founders had the source code but couldn't build the app, didn't have signing keys, and weren't sure who controlled the store accounts.
How maintenance helps:
Store account ownership and access are recovered, the build environment is rebuilt, dependencies are updated, and signing is reconfigured. A stable release is published, and full build and release documentation is handed over.
Plans & Pricing
Essential App Care
Starting at $599/month
For apps on one platform that need reliable essential maintenance.
One platform (iOS or Android), or one cross-platform codebase
Up to 10 engineering hours per month
Crash monitoring and bug fixes
OS compatibility checks
SDK and dependency updates
One app store release per month
Business-hours support
Monthly report
Growth App Care
Starting at $1,499/month
For apps with active users on both platforms and regular changes.
iOS and Android
Up to 30 engineering hours per month
Crash monitoring with priority fixes
Annual OS compatibility updates included
Store compliance and target API updates
Framework and SDK upgrades
Minor features and UI improvements
Multiple releases per month
Critical response within 4 hours
Monthly report and quarterly app health review
Dedicated Mobile Team
Custom pricing
For business-critical apps, multiple apps, or large user bases.
Dedicated iOS, Android, and backend engineers
Custom monthly hours
Critical response within 2 hours
Release management with staged rollouts
Mobile CI/CD pipeline management
Security reviews and compliance support
Named technical lead and custom SLAs
Final pricing depends on the number of platforms and apps, codebase size, integrations, and required response times. Major new features and redesigns are quoted separately.
How Much Does Mobile App Maintenance Cost?
Mobile app maintenance costs depend on your app's complexity, platforms, and how often it changes:
App Type | Typical Needs | Suitable Plan |
Simple app on one platform | Crash fixes, OS checks, occasional releases | Essential App Care |
Active app on iOS and Android | Regular releases, OS updates, SDK upgrades, small features | Growth App Care |
Business-critical or multi-app portfolio | Dedicated engineers, fast response, CI/CD, compliance | Dedicated Mobile Team |
Planned maintenance usually costs far less than emergency fixes, forced major upgrades, or rebuilding an app that fell too far behind.
Mobile App Maintenance vs Related Services
Service | What It Covers | When to Choose It |
Mobile App Maintenance | OS updates, crash fixes, SDK upgrades, store releases | Your iOS or Android app is live |
Web apps, SaaS platforms, APIs, and backends | You need maintenance for the web app or backend | |
Security assessment of the app and its APIs | You need an independent security review | |
Business and marketing websites | You need to maintain a website, not an app |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mobile app maintenance?
It's the ongoing work required to keep a mobile app compatible, stable, secure, and available on the App Store and Google Play. It includes OS compatibility updates, crash fixes, SDK and framework upgrades, store compliance, performance improvements, and app releases.
How much does mobile app maintenance cost?
Our Essential App Care plan starts at $599 per month, and Growth App Care starts at $1,499 per month. Dedicated mobile teams are priced by scope. The final price depends on platforms, app complexity, integrations, and response times.
Why does my app need maintenance if nothing has changed?
Apple and Google release new OS versions, change store policies, and raise SDK requirements every year. Third-party SDKs and backend services also change. Without updates, apps can crash, lose features, or be blocked from releasing updates.
Can you maintain an app built by another developer?
Yes. We take over apps built by other developers and agencies, including helping recover store access, signing keys, and working builds before moving the app into a maintenance plan.
Do you maintain React Native and Flutter apps?
Yes. We maintain React Native, Expo, Flutter, and FlutterFlow apps, as well as native iOS (Swift) and Android (Kotlin) apps, plus Ionic, Capacitor, and .NET MAUI apps.
Can you fix an app rejected by the App Store or Google Play?
Yes. We resolve rejection reasons such as target API level requirements, privacy policy issues, permission declarations, crashes, and guideline violations, then resubmit the app.
Do you publish app updates to the stores?
Yes. We manage builds, TestFlight and internal testing tracks, store listings, and submissions to the App Store and Google Play.
Do you also maintain the app's backend?
Yes. We can maintain the backend APIs, databases, and cloud services your app depends on, either within the mobile plan or alongside an Application Maintenance & Support plan.
What if my app hasn't been updated in years?
We start with a technical assessment to determine whether the app can be upgraded incrementally or needs larger changes, and give you a clear plan and estimate before starting.
Will you sign an NDA?
Yes. We sign an NDA before accessing your source code, store accounts, or systems.
Keep Your App Working on Every New Device and OS
Get dependable mobile app maintenance from engineers who handle updates, crashes, and releases, so your users stay happy.
Get a Mobile App Maintenance Plan →