Lovers of technology have been using different mobile apps for close to a decade now. This implies that they are well versed in what mobile app developers present to them. Smartphone users are always drawn to digital solutions that enable them to be more updated, informed, and well-connected. Mobile users are increasing rapidly, and that’s why software developers are on the pressure to develop responsive applications to handle the increasing demand. Of course, mobile app developers are doing their best to develop more evolved applications. But that doesn’t happen without challenges; most of which you should keep reading to find out.
Choosing the right application to develop
One of the first top challenges faced by mobile app developers is deciding the type of app to develop. Not all mobile devices are compatible with all software. Besides, the mobile app industry is so crowded and competitive, making it more challenging to create an app that will be noticed. Every developer needs to clearly define its relevant target market segment to ensure good market penetration. Apps for business, games, education, and entertainment are some of the most popular. If developers resort to cross-platform development, they can enlarge their consumer base to iOS, Android, and Windows. Here are questions to start with that can help developers know what app to develop:
- What is the function of the app?
- Is it an original idea and will stand out?
- Is it an app other developers can imitate easily?
- Which market and size will the app target?
- How much will the app cost?
- Is the app easily discoverable and downloadable?
Getting the app funded
Finding a source to fund your custom mobile app development is not a walk in a park. You’ll need to attract funding from an investor or a financial institution. Based on the nature of an application, a fully developed app may cost between $3,000 and $150,000. If a developer raises the required funds, they would have to ensure that the amount is enough to finance the app development from start to finish.
Optimizing the app for compatibility with all devices and mobile screens
Whether it’s an Android, iOS, or Windows phone, every type of device features its own unique screen size and resolutions. So, developers have to consider all those aspects before embarking on cross-platform development. This has always been a challenge for developers because users are always waiting for a more advanced and rare app irrespective of the device type, screen size, and resolution they have.
Battery life Vs app performance
How long a mobile device battery will last when an app is being used deserves a lot of attention and sincerity during development. No app user wants an app that consumes their device battery power beyond normal. Developers also struggle with ensuring that their new app won’t be subject to overheating. Those still using previous versions of device OS, still have battery life issues.
To counter the problem, developers test battery performance to see how well their app consumes power. They release a Beta version and examine the pace at which the app drains the device to make sure it’s not too quick.
To ascertain the result and fix it, developers usually run the check twice. They also tweak the features to make sure battery performance is excellent with the app. Building a bug-free app with high-performance and without any excess power consumption is a challenge.
Simplicity and user-friendliness
Users generally appreciate the performance of apps based on how simple and user-friendly they are compared to others. If an app’s mobile design is heavily complex, mobile app fanatics will most often disregard it. Their only solution would be to switch to an alternative app with an easy-to-use design.
Developers have noticed it, and their response is to build simply designed apps that offer an impressive user-friendly experience. This will include customizable features as well as functionalities. So, creating an app with so much focus on simplicity and user-friendliness is very challenging because of the need for competitively advanced functions.
Volatility and limited lifespan
Most digital solutions can be everyone’s favorite, but once another latest and more advanced bigger player emerges and gets more appreciation from users, the other one becomes obsolete and forgotten so soon.
Like most modern-day technology products, mobile apps evolve pretty quickly. The reason is that user behavior in the mobile app industry doesn’t favor sticking to one product when the latest alternatives are accessible. This implies that the lifecycle of any mobile app you create is limited to when another developer creates a superior alternative.
Promoting and marketing the app
Creating an entertaining and well-designed mobile app is one thing, and making it popular is another. Besides, not just anyone or platform can promote an app well. Developers are supposed to select the right movers for the promotion, where to place it, and how to advertise it the right way. This will help to spread the app among consumers, and it may even go viral.
The security of the app
Security is a very vital component of the success of all apps and comes at a high cost too, which is challenging. Thinking about how secure an app is, remains a big deal for users and therefore developers too. Developers have to deal with how they shall always ensure regular and timely fixes and updates whenever they get user feedback on issues. It is an essential aspect that helps the app company to retain user confidence.
Hackers, viruses, malware, software, and hardware fragmentations are some of the most challenging security issues every application must have a real solution for. No one trusts an application vulnerable to security threats. In any mobile app development plan, data and information security are considered pivotal. This aspect always poses a big challenge because hackers are also working day and night to try to break into every digital security barrier.
Conclusion
Developing a mobile app application whether it’s for business or education or other fields is a hard nut to crack. This is especially so because the software development industry has become very competitive. However, these challenges are the reason mobile app developers strategize more intensely and create state-of-the-art mobile apps with excellent user experience.
Read More: 7 Mobile App Development Mistakes to Avoid
