The Hidden Cost of "Done"

One of the most common misconceptions in software development is that once an app is launched, the cost drops to zero. In reality, launching is just the beginning of the lifecycle.

In 2026, the landscape of app maintenance has shifted. With stricter app store guidelines, rapid OS updates (iOS 26, Android 16), and evolving security threats, "setting and forgetting" is no longer an option.

The Breakdown: Where Does the Money Go?

For a standard B2B or serious B2C application, annual maintenance typically ranges between 15% and 20% of the initial development cost. Here is exactly what you are paying for:

1. Mandatory OS Updates & Compliance (30%)

Every year, Apple and Google update their operating systems.

Breaking Changes: New privacy permissions or UI deprecations can break existing features.
Target SDK Requirements: Google Play and the App Store require you to build against almost-new SDK versions to even push an update. Failure to do so can get your app delisted.

2. Infrastructure & Third-Party APIs (25%)

Your app likely relies on a backend.

Hosting: AWS/Vercel/Supabase costs scale with usage.
External Services: Maps, Payment Gateways (Stripe), SMS providers (Twilio). Prices change, and APIs get deprecated (e.g., legacy authentication methods).

3. Monitoring & Bug Fixes (25%)

Users will find edge cases you never tested.

Crash Reporting: Tools like Sentry alert us to crashes in real-time.
Hotfixes: Addressing critical bugs (e.g., a login failure on a specific Samsung device) requires immediate developer hours.

4. Security & Technical Debt (20%)

Libraries rot. A dependency used in 2024 might have a critical vulnerability in 2026. Regular dependency updates are essentially digital hygiene to prevent data breaches.

The Cost of Neglect

What happens if you don't maintain it?

Year 1: The app works, but maybe visuals look slightly outdated on new iPhones.
Year 2: Notification delivery becomes unreliable due to OS changes.
Year 3: The app is removed from the App Store for verified policy violations, or crashes instantly on launch due to incompatibility.

Conclusion

Budgeting for maintenance isn't "extra"; it's insurance for your investment. At Arvency, we structure our support tiers to ensure that your digital asset appreciates in value rather than depreciating into obsolescence.