Are you considering developing a mobile app for your business? Mobile app development is an effective way to reach and engage your customers, but there are some potential pitfalls to be aware of.
From making sure your app functions properly to ensuring it meets security protocols, there is a lot to consider.
The rise of mobile technology has been a boon for businesses and consumers alike, allowing for greater convenience and access to services than ever before.
But with the increase in mobile technology comes an increased risk of developing and deploying mobile applications that do not meet user expectations.
There is a myriad of potential problems that can arise from developing and deploying mobile applications, from design to technical issues, and it is important to be aware of these problems in order to ensure a successful mobile app development project.
In this article, we will explore 8 of the most common problems that you could face when developing and deploying a mobile application.
We will discuss how to identify and address these issues, as well as provide best practices for avoiding them in the future.
By the end, you will have a better understanding of the potential problems that can arise during a mobile app development project, and how to avoid them.
8 Problems With Mobile App Development
We at WDI have compiled the eight most common problems you could face on your mobile app development journey. You will get a clear idea of how to avoid them and also solve them in case you encounter them.
1: Funding
Mobile application development is a rapidly growing industry, but it is also an industry with a significant challenge: Funding.
With the cost of developing apps for multiple platforms and the competition for market share, many developers struggle to find the resources to develop, promote, and maintain their apps.
The cost of developing mobile applications varies widely, depending on the complexity of the app, the platforms it will be available for, and the amount of marketing and maintenance necessary to keep the app successful.
Developing a high-quality, feature-rich app can be a costly endeavor and many small developers, or those with limited resources, find it difficult to secure the necessary funding.
Many startups turn to crowdfunding sites such as Kickstarter or Indiegogo to raise money for their apps.
While this can be a great way to generate interest in an app and secure seed capital, it is not always a reliable source of funding.
Crowdfunding campaigns can be difficult to manage and often require a great deal of effort to be successful.
Venture capital can be another option for developers, but it is often difficult to secure due to the high risk associated with mobile apps and the need for long-term investment.
Many venture capitalists are hesitant to invest in a mobile app due to the potential for the app to quickly become obsolete or the difficulty of predicting future market trends.
In addition to the difficulty of securing funding, mobile app developers must also contend with the cost of maintenance and marketing.
Constant updates and new features are necessary to keep users interested, as are promotional campaigns and advertising.
These costs can quickly add up, making it difficult for developers to maintain their apps and keep them competitive.
Here are some other ways to gather funds for mobile app development.
Ways to Gather Funds for Mobile App Development |
Pre-sales | Offer users a chance to pre-order the app before its launch. This can help you gather funds and also gauge the app’s potential popularity. |
Crowdfunding | Look for crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter, GoFundMe, and Indiegogo to get your project funded by the public. |
Angel Investors | Look for angel investors who are willing to fund your project in exchange for equity. |
Venture Capitalists | Reach out to venture capitalists and pitch your idea to them. They may be willing to invest in your app if it has a strong business model. |
Bank Loans | Reach out to banks and financial institutions for loans to fund your project. Be prepared to present a solid business plan and explain how you plan to repay the loan. |
Grants | Look for grants and other funding opportunities available in your area to help fund your app. |
Mobile app development is a challenging industry, but it can be a rewarding one for those who are able to secure the necessary funds to develop and maintain their apps.
With the right resources and the right approach, developers can create successful and profitable apps that stand the test of time.
2: Performance
Mobile app development has become an essential part of modern life, with more and more people relying on their smartphones and tablets for everyday activities.
Unfortunately, one of the biggest challenges developers face is the issue of performance.
Performance problems can range from slow response times, laggy user interfaces, and battery drain, to unexpected crashes and complete system instability.
The most common cause of performance issues is poor code. Mobile devices have limited resources, so code should be written to be as efficient as possible.
This means optimizing code for memory usage, processor usage, and battery consumption.
Poorly written code can slow down an app, as it takes longer to process, or cause unexpected crashes as the code fails to execute properly.
Another common cause of performance issues is inadequate testing.
Before launching an app, it is essential to test it thoroughly on multiple devices and platforms. This is the only way to ensure that the app is performing as expected on all possible configurations.
It is also important to test the app under various real-world conditions, such as a low battery, poor signal, and low memory.
Finally, performance issues can also be caused by third-party libraries. If an app is using an outdated or poorly written library, it can cause performance issues, as the code may not be optimized for the device.
It is important for developers to remain up to date with the latest versions of libraries and to only use libraries that are known to be reliable and optimized for the specific platform.
Here are some ways to improve app performance
Tips To Improve App Performance |
Minimize the number of network requests | Reduce the number of network requests your app makes by combining requests into batches, optimizing images, and caching data. |
Optimize your layout | Optimize the layout of your app by reducing the number of views and hierarchies, and by using the latest layout technologies such as ConstraintLayout. |
Use a hardware-accelerated renderer | Leverage the power of hardware-accelerated graphics by using the RenderScript library. |
Use an efficient algorithm | Make sure your algorithms are as efficient as possible by avoiding redundant calculations and using the right data structures. |
Profile your code | Track down performance issues in your code using the Android Profiler. |
Use the right resource types | Choose the right asset type to optimize your app’s performance, such as vector drawables and WebP images. |
Reduce memory usage | Reduce the amount of memory your app consumes by avoiding memory leaks and allocating memory only when needed. |
Use background processing | Offload expensive operations to a background thread or process to improve responsiveness. |
Overall, performance is a critical issue for mobile app development. Poorly written code, inadequate testing, and outdated libraries can all cause an app to perform poorly and lead to frustrated users.
By taking the time to optimize code, thoroughly test the app, and ensure that all libraries used are up to date, developers can ensure that their apps are performing at their best.
3: Catching Up With Latest OS
Making an app compatible with the latest operating systems (OS) of smartphones is a major challenge for app developers.
As new OS versions are released, developers need to make sure their apps are compatible with the new versions and can operate properly on the devices running them.
This requires the app to be tested across multiple devices and OS versions to ensure compatibility.
The complexity of the challenge is compounded by the fact that different OS versions have different APIs and features, and the app must be tailored to take advantage of those features in order to provide a seamless user experience.
Additionally, developers must ensure that their apps are optimized for the latest OS versions to ensure that they run smoothly and efficiently.
In addition to compatibility issues, developers must also be aware of the security implications of the latest OS versions.
Many OS updates include security enhancements, and developers must make sure their apps are up to date with the latest security measures to protect user data.
This is especially important for apps that store and process sensitive or confidential information.
Furthermore, app developers must keep up with the latest trends and user preferences in order to create successful apps.
This means developers must be aware of the new features and design elements available in the latest OS versions, such as improved user interfaces and augmented reality support, in order to stay ahead of the competition.
Overall, making an app compatible with the latest OS versions of mobile devices is a complex and time-consuming challenge for developers.
It requires them to have a thorough knowledge of the OS platforms, keep up with the latest trends, and ensure the app meets the highest security standards.
However, taking the time to make an app compatible with the latest OS versions can be well worth the effort, as it can help ensure the success of the app and bring it to a wider audience.
4: Using The Wrong Technology
Using the wrong technology in mobile app development can lead to a variety of problems.
The most significant issues are increased development time and cost, as well as decreased user experience and performance.
1: Longer Development Time
First, selecting the wrong technology can significantly increase development time.
Developers may have to spend time researching and learning the technology, and they may also have to spend time adapting existing code and re-designing certain aspects of the app.
This can be especially problematic if the technology chosen is not well-suited for the task. In some cases, the development time can be doubled or even tripled due to the wrong technology choice.
2: Increased Cost
Second, using the wrong technology can also increase the cost of development.
This is because developers will have to spend extra time and effort adapting the code, and they may also need to purchase additional software or hardware to make the app work.
In some cases, the cost of development can be significantly higher if the wrong technology is chosen.
Read More : Why Does Mobile App Development Cost So Much in 2023?
3: Poor UX
Finally, using the wrong technology can significantly decrease the user experience and performance of the app.
If the technology chosen is not designed for mobile devices, the app could be slow and buggy, which can lead to a poor user experience.
Furthermore, if the technology is not optimized for the specific mobile platform, the app could suffer from poor performance and have compatibility issues.
In conclusion, it is important to carefully consider the technology used in mobile app development to ensure that the app is optimized for the target platform and users.
Taking the time to research and select the right technology can save time and money in the long run and help ensure a great user experience.
5: Security Concerns
Mobile app security is a complex and multi-faceted challenge. Your mobile app must be designed and developed to provide strong security and privacy protection.
Your app should be regularly updated to ensure the latest security patches are applied.
You should perform thorough testing and validation of their mobile apps to ensure they are secure from malicious attacks and data breaches.
Here are some tips to improve app security.
Tips to Improve App Security |
Implement authentication and authorization | Authentication is a process for verifying the identity of an individual or entity. Authorization is a process for granting access to resources and services to the authenticated user. |
Implement encryption | Encryption is the process of scrambling data so that it can only be read by authorized users. Implementing encryption helps protect data in transit and at rest, as well as stored on backup systems. |
Use secure coding practices | Secure coding practices involve writing code that is secure and free from vulnerabilities. This includes avoiding common coding mistakes such as buffer overflows, SQL injection, and cross-site scripting |
Perform code reviews | Code reviews are a process in which code is reviewed by a team of developers to ensure that it is secure and free from vulnerabilities. |
Utilize a secure software development lifecycle | A secure software development lifecycle (SDLC) is a process for developing secure software that includes security testing, code reviews, and vulnerability scanning. |
Utilize a mobile app security framework | Mobile app security frameworks provide guidelines and best practices for developing secure mobile apps. |
Deploy application firewalls | An application firewall is a system that inspects incoming and outgoing traffic to identify and block malicious content. |
Utilize a secure cloud platform | A secure cloud platform provides a secure environment for hosting applications and data. |
Utilize a virtual private network (VPN) | A virtual private network (VPN) is a secure network connection that provides an additional layer of security when accessing the internet. |
Perform regular security audits | Security audits are a process in which an organization’s security posture is evaluated to identify potential security vulnerabilities and risks. Regular security audits help to ensure that an organization’s security posture is up-to-date and secure. |
Overall, security concerns in mobile app development are a serious issue. You must be aware of the potential risks and take the appropriate steps to ensure your mobile apps remain secure.
6: Passing App Store’s Approval
Passing the app store approval process can be a daunting challenge for many mobile app developers.
There are a variety of quality, technical, and content standards that must be met before an app can be approved by the app store.
It is critical to understand the guidelines and requirements of the app store before submitting an app for approval.
The app store approval process begins when developers submit the app for review.
The app store will review the application against its technical, content, and quality standards.
This process may take up to several weeks, and the app may be rejected for any number of reasons.
Developers must ensure that the app meets all of the technical specifications of the app store.
This includes ensuring that the app functions properly on the device it was designed for, as well as any additional devices it may be made available for.
The app must be free of bugs and glitches and compatible with the latest versions of the app store’s operating system and software.
The app must also meet the content standards of the app store. This includes ensuring that the app does not contain offensive or explicit content and that it does not infringe upon any copyrights or other intellectual property rights.
The app should also be easy to use and provide a positive user experience.
Finally, the app must meet the quality standards of the app store.
This includes ensuring that the app functions as expected and that it is aesthetically pleasing.
The app should be well-designed and intuitive and should provide a unique value to the user.
Meeting these standards can be a challenge for many developers, but it is essential for gaining approval from the app store.
With the right preparation and knowledge of the guidelines, developers can successfully pass the app store approval process and get their app to the public.
7: Unresponsive App
A key issue in mobile app development is unresponsiveness, which is when a user interacts with an app but it takes a long time to respond or does not respond at all.
This can be a major problem for users and can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction.
There are a number of different causes of unresponsiveness in mobile app development.
The most common cause is a lack of optimization, which can mean that the app takes too long to process instructions.
Poor coding can also be a factor, as inefficient code can lead to slow response times.
In some cases, the issue may be due to hardware limitations, such as the device’s processor or the amount of RAM available.
Other causes of unresponsiveness include network connectivity issues, a lack of testing, and a lack of performance monitoring.
One of the most effective ways to reduce unresponsiveness in mobile app development is to use an optimized development process.
This should include architecture design, code optimization, performance testing, and performance monitoring.
This will help ensure that the app is optimized for the device and network it is running on.
It is also important to conduct regular testing to identify any issues that may be causing delays.
Finally, it is essential to have a performance monitoring system in place to ensure that any problems are quickly identified and addressed.
Unresponsiveness in mobile app development can have a major impact on the user experience and lead to a decrease in app usage and engagement.
By taking the steps outlined above, developers can ensure that their app is optimized for performance and provides an enjoyable user experience.
8: Finding The Right Mobile App Developers
The solution to this one problem can solve all the previous problems and any others that may occur in your mobile app development journey.
Qualified mobile app developers know their job and can get the task done in a much faster and more efficient manner.
Finding the right mobile app development company can be a daunting task.
With the ever-growing number of mobile app development companies, it can be difficult to know which one to choose.
It is important to find a company that has experience developing mobile apps and has a good reputation in the industry.
When selecting a mobile app development company, it is important to consider their expertise and portfolio of projects.
You can check out WDI’s portfolio here: https://www.wdipl.com/public/img/WDI-Portfolio.pdf
It is also important to assess their customer service, as well as the responsiveness of their team to your needs.
It is also important to ensure that the company has experience developing the specific type of app you’re looking for.
In addition to the technical aspects of the company, it is also important to make sure that the company has the right cultural fit for your organization. It is important to find a company that is willing to be flexible and understands your goals and needs.
It is also important to think about the budget for the project. It is important to find a company that is willing to work within your budget and one that can provide you with a reasonable timeline for the project.
Overall, selecting the right mobile app development company is essential to the success of your project.
It is important to do thorough research and to make sure you select a company that can meet your needs.
Additionally, make sure to take into account the cultural fit, budget, and timeline of the project. By taking the time to select the right mobile app development company, you can ensure the successful completion of your project.
Conclusion
So, these were the problems you are most likely to face on your mobile app development journey and ways to avoid or solve them.
If there was one solution to solving all of these problems, it would be to choose an experienced mobile app development company like WDI.
We will handle the entire development process from deciding the technologies to launching the app on the desired app stores for you.
You have nothing to worry about as your project is handled by experts and you can divert your attention to the things that matter.
Contact us now to get your mobile app developed.
Let us build something marvelous together!