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How Often Should I Update My Mobile App?

Author : Zaptech
Posted On : December 23, 2016

iOS and Android Stores have a catalog of millions of apps serving different purposes. With the increasing competition, apps require addition of new features along with bug fixing and app performance improvement. Each time a mobile app is updated, the users need to spend some time. This is the main reason why users may get bugged with constant updates.

There are two different types of app users: One section may not like frequent updates within the app as it consumes a lot of data, which may be heavy on their pockets. The other section of app users may appreciate new features within the mobile application.

So, now the question arises: “How often should I update my mobile app?” The simple answer to this could be to determine the purpose of app updates in advance.

Whether you want to fix the bugs in an app or use application updates for marketing purpose, defining the purpose helps to make the updates easier and more welcoming by the users.

Popular apps get updated once a week or 4 times a month. As they are really popular apps (such as Facebook, Instagram, or Amazon), people would not mind the updates. Remember that all app owners and developers do not have the same liberty. People trust the biggies and so, they don’t mind updates within such apps. No matter how often these popular apps get updated, users appreciate the updates and stick to those mobile apps.

Let’s talk about some of the reasons for app updates:

1. Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements
This is considered to be an unavoidable reason for mobile app updates. Developers can follow a weekly or fortnightly update pattern so that the users are aware of the app being updated. The developers can schedule the bug fixing updates on a regular basis.

2. Enhancing the app UI/UX
Mobile apps can receive a UI/UX refresh when the developers find some new, innovative way to increase the user engagement with the app. Some changes in the company logo or design of the app can do wonders to engage the audience.

3. Maintain a loyal user base
Sometimes when the users provides feedback or suggestion for tweaking the app, app owners should focus on implementing the suggestions as it can result in increased engagement by the users. It also gives them assurance that the app owner values their feedback.

If you want to maintain a loyal user base, you should listen to what your customers say and be responsive in implementing the changes as per their suggestions. Happy users are likely to recommend your app to their friends and acquaintances.

4. Add new features or integrations
With new hardware or software updates, you would need to check the compatibility of your app with the respective devices. Every new release of the Operating system demands updating the app to match the latest versions. Make sure that your app aligns with the look and feel of the software.

5. Content updates
If your app is content-centric, then you should provide value to your user base by updating the content on a regular basis. Fresh content engages the audience and excites them too.

Wrap Up

The number of app updates vary depending upon the type of mobile app, and user base. How you pitch the update about your app can have a great effect on the success or failure of your mobile application. A good way to plan your app updates can be to solve the issues as they exist, and inform the users that you’re working on the problems within the app. Tell people that you’re making updates within the app and solving the issues.

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