The emergence of mobile applications in our daily lives has been so impactful that it is difficult to imagine a world without them. This has led many entrepreneurs and mobile app development company as a golden business opportunity. However, what at first glance seems like an attractive investment hides beneath its surface a series of challenges and costs that can fade initial enthusiasm. In this article, we dive into the depths of this digital ocean to reveal those hidden challenges that might make you rethink developing your own app.
1. Infinite Development Cycle
There is no “end” to app development. Post-launch, come updates, improvements, bug fixes and adaptations to new technologies or operating systems. It is a constant effort that consumes time and resources.
2. Impatient by Nature
Users are less tolerant of apps that do not meet their expectations. According to data from App Samurai, an app that takes more than 3 seconds to load can lose up to 53% of its users. Plus, negative reviews on app stores can bury your app before it takes off.
3. Backend and Server Investments
The functionality of an app does not only lie in what you see. The backend is the heart that drives the app. Depending on the nature of the application, server costs can be significant. According to a report by Clutch, the average hosting and backend cost can range from $20,000 to $60,000 per year.
4. Regulatory and Legal Changes
With the Cambridge Analytica and Facebook scandal in 2018, the world became more privacy conscious. Legislations such as the GDPR in Europe have established strict guidelines on data handling. Adapting and complying with these regulations is essential, but it also consumes time and resources.
5. The Skills Gap
The field of application development is broad and diverse. According to market research firm Forrester, companies often underestimate the range of skills needed to create a successful app, from UX/UI design to backend architecture. Hiring experts in each of these fields can quickly inflate the budget.
6. Marketing and User Acquisition Costs
An app without users is a ship without wind. According to data from Fiksu, the cost of acquiring a user for a mobile app in 2020 was around $3.31 for iOS and $1.91 for Android. And that’s just to get a user to download your app, it doesn’t guarantee they’ll use it.
7. Security: A Constant Challenge
App security is a critical issue. According to a Symantec report, nearly 1 in 5 Android apps (representing more than 1 million apps) share personal details without encryption, putting user information at risk.
8. Hidden Costs of App Stores
Although it may seem that once the app is developed, publishing it is a simple process, there are associated costs. For example, Apple charges an annual fee of $99 for membership in its developer program. Google Play, on the other hand, has a one-time fee of $25. However, both platforms take a percentage of the transactions made within the apps, which can reach up to 30% of sales.
9. User Retention: The Battle Royale
Acquiring users is only part of the challenge. Holding them back is where the real battle begins. According to a report by Appsflyer, the average user retention rate on day 1 after installation is 25.8%, and this figure drops drastically to 4.8% by day 30. This indicates that keeping users engaged with your app is constant and often expensive work.
10. Integrations and APIs
Today, many apps require integration with other platforms and services, whether for payments, social networks or cloud services. These integrations often require the use of APIs, which can have their own costs and maintenance challenges.
11. Customer Service Costs
As the user base grows, so does the need to address queries, doubts or problems. Whether through live chat, emails, or hotlines, providing support can require significant resources.
12. Adaptability to New Technologies
Mobile technologies evolve at a dizzying pace. With the emergence of technologies such as 5G, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), apps will have to adapt or risk becoming obsolete.
Even technology updates required by operating systems that in many cases require updates to the published apps to continue functioning.
Conclusion
Developing a mobile app is not simply a matter of having a brilliant idea and finding a developer to carry it out. It is a complex and multifaceted process that involves multiple challenges, both visible and hidden. The data and figures reveal an inescapable reality: the investment required, both in terms of time and financial resources, is frequently greater than initially planned.
For those considering embarking on the mobile application development services, it’s essential to understand the full picture. While the mobile app market offers unprecedented opportunities, it is also full of obstacles and challenges. It is essential to enter with a well-informed, realistic perspective and be prepared to navigate the tumultuous waters of the mobile app world.
About the Author Author
Glad you are reading this. I’m Yokesh Shankar, the COO at Sparkout Tech, one of the primary founders of a highly creative space. I’m more associated with digital transformation solutions for global issues. Nurturing in Fintech, Supply chain, AR VR solutions, Real estate, and other sectors vitalizing new-age technology, I see this space as a forum to share and seek information. Writing and reading give me more clarity about what I need.
