Maintenance cost lines
| Line | What it covers | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting and database | Servers, storage, backups | Monthly |
| Third-party services | SMS, email, maps, payments, WhatsApp, AI APIs | Usage-based |
| OS and library updates | New Android/iOS versions, dependency upgrades | Several times a year |
| Bug fixes and support | Issues reported by users | Ongoing |
| Security | Patches, key rotation, reviews | Ongoing, deeper yearly |
| Store fees | Apple yearly membership, Google one-time fee | Yearly / once |
| Monitoring | Uptime and error tracking | Monthly |
Simple budgeting method
- Take the original build cost and reserve 15–20% per year as a baseline.
- Add expected growth in users and third-party usage.
- Add a feature budget if you plan updates.
- Review quarterly against actuals.
Ways to control cost
- Use managed services where they save time
- Cache and batch paid API calls
- Automate tests so updates are cheaper
- Keep dependencies few and current
- Agree a support plan with response times
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Frequently asked questions
Is app maintenance really necessary?
Yes. Operating systems, libraries and security threats change, and unmaintained apps break or become unsafe.
Can I maintain it myself?
If you have the skills; otherwise a support retainer is cheaper than emergency fixes.
Do you offer app support plans?
Yes, monthly support for hosting, fixes, updates and monitoring.
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