A comprehensive report on the biggest mobile app engineering challenges (2023)

Over the past three years, both Apple’s App Store and the Android Play Store have seen a massive increase in the number of applications. As of October 16, 2023, Google Play boasted an impressive 3,692,743 apps, whereas the Apple App Store featured 1,806,560 apps. In the USA, adults spend an estimated 88% of their time using different mobile applications. These numbers are enough to validate the significance of mobile applications in the current business sector.

However, mobile app engineers face an array of challenges in delivering top-quality applications that can meet the expectations of an ever-discerning user base. In this blog, we will delve into some of these mobile app engineering challenges that developers reported facing in 2023.

Table of Content 

• Major challenges in mobile app engineering
  • Challenge #1: Monitoring App Performance
  • Challenge #2: Keeping up with frequent changes
  • Challenge #3: Building apps with multiple device and operating system compatibility
  • Challenge #4: Supporting older versions and devices
  • Challenge #5: Maintaining data privacy and compliance
  • Challenge #6: Building for complex IT infrastructure
  • Challenge #7: Security and authentication
• Simplifying mobile app challenges by outsourcing
• Final take

Major challenges in mobile app engineering

Source: https://go.embrace.io/rs/725-DGS-875/images/EB-state-of-mobile-experience-2023.pdf

The State of Mobile Experience report from Embrace.io sheds light on the unique challenges engineers currently grapple with. These challenges- faced while developing mobile applications -reflect the alignment of engineering efforts with the high expectations of end-users. 

Here, we outline some of the most prominent ones:

Challenge #1: Monitoring App Performance

App performance monitoring is crucial for several reasons. Users have high expectations for mobile apps. They demand responsiveness, smooth navigation, and fast load times. Any failure to meet these expectations can lead to negative reviews, decreased user engagement, or, worse, users abandoning the app altogether. This is the reason why 50% of mobile engineers cite this as their primary concern.

Moreover, app performance directly impacts user retention and conversion rates. When users experience app crashes, they are less likely to make in-app purchases or subscribe to services. Ensuring that an app performs optimally is not only a technical challenge but also a business imperative.

To address the challenge of monitoring app performance, mobile engineers can employ several strategies and tools:

• Real-time performance monitoring

Engineers can use real-time monitoring tools like Site24x7, AppDynamics, etc., to keep a close eye on app performance. These tools allow developers to detect performance issues promptly and take immediate action.

• User-centric performance metrics

Focusing on user-centric metrics like load times, screen transitions, and response times will help developers understand how end-users experience the app. Subsequently, this data-driven approach will aid them in making informed improvements.

• Crash reporting and analysis

Developers can use crash reporting tools to identify and fix app crashes quickly. These tools, like Instabug, Rollbar, Bugsee, etc., provide insights into the root causes of crashes, helping engineers prioritize and resolve issues efficiently.

• Network performance analysis

Monitoring network performance and optimizing network requests is crucial for delivering a fast and responsive app. Tools for network analysis help identify bottlenecks and improve data loading times.

• Testing and quality assurance

Performance testing is a fundamental aspect of ensuring app performance. Continuous testing helps identify and address performance bottlenecks throughout the development process.

Challenge #2: Keeping up with frequent changes

Rapid changes in technology, operating systems, and user expectations are a constant in the mobile app development industry. Approximately 44% of mobile engineers cite the challenge of keeping up with frequent changes as one of their top concerns.

Failing to adapt to emerging technologies and shifting user preferences can result in apps becoming outdated and losing their appeal.

Here are some strategies that can help engineers navigate these changes effectively:

• Continuous learning

Mobile engineers must stay updated with the latest development trends, programming languages, and tools. They can opt for online courses, workshops, and certifications to acquire new knowledge and skills. 

• Collaboration and feedback

Collaborating with colleagues to brainstorm ideas about new features that can be incorporated into the app is an essential part of the application development process. Furthermore, collecting feedback and implementing changes based on user input is an effective way to stay relevant and responsive to evolving end-user needs.

Challenge #3: Building apps with multiple device and operating system compatibility

Another challenge in mobile app development is ensuring compatibility across a diverse array of devices and operating systems. To create an app that works seamlessly on various devices and operating systems, engineers must navigate a complex path, which often requires adapting their development strategies and codebase.

Here are a few strategies to ensure compatibility:

• Responsive design

Implementing responsive design principles ensures that the app adapts to different screen sizes and orientations, offering a consistent user experience across devices.

• Cross-platform development

Leveraging cross-platform development frameworks such as React Native, Flutter, or Xamarin enables engineers to write code once and deploy it on multiple platforms, reducing development effort and enhancing compatibility.

• Testing on diverse devices

Rigorous testing on a wide range of devices helps identify and resolve compatibility issues. Emulators and real device testing can be valuable tools in this regard.

Challenge #4: Supporting older versions and devices

While embracing new technologies is imperative, engineers also grapple with the challenge of supporting older versions of devices and operating systems. 29% of engineers have flagged this issue.

Balancing support for legacy devices with the integration of new features and technologies is a delicate task. At the same time, ignoring support for older versions can alienate a significant portion of the user base while focusing solely on older technologies can limit an app’s capabilities and appeal.

To ensure support for older versions and devices while embracing new technologies, mobile engineers can consider the following:

• Version segmentation

Engineers can assess the user base and prioritize support for older versions based on user data. This data-driven approach allows for more strategic decision-making.

• Progressive enhancement

Implement progressive enhancement techniques, ensuring that the app functions on older devices while providing enhanced features for newer ones.

• Clear communication

Communicate openly with users regarding the discontinuation of support for older versions. Providing guidance on how to upgrade or alternatives to use can mitigate user frustrations. 

Challenge #5: Maintaining data privacy and compliance

Digitalization marks an age of heightened data privacy; therefore, maintaining regulations like GDPR becomes a crucial challenge in mobile app development. Mobile apps frequently handle sensitive user data, and any mishandling of this data can result in legal consequences and harm to an app’s reputation. Ensuring data is collected, stored, and processed securely and in compliance with relevant laws is immensely important.

Ensuring data privacy and compliance involves a set of critical steps:

• Encryption

Implement robust data encryption techniques to protect user data, both in transit and at rest. Adhering to industry standards for encryption is essential.

• User consent

Request and obtain explicit user consent for collecting and using their data. Provide users with clear information about how their data will be used.

• Data minimization

Collect only the data necessary for the app’s functionality. Minimize the data stored and accessed to reduce privacy risks.

Challenge #6: Building for complex IT infrastructure

Roughly 15% of engineers face the complex challenge of building apps seamlessly integrating with intricate IT infrastructure. Enterprise apps often need to integrate with intricate corporate systems, demanding a unique set of skills and approaches. Failure to tackle these complexities can result in compatibility issues and security vulnerabilities.

To tackle complex IT infrastructure challenges, engineers can consider the following:

• Collaboration with IT teams

Effective communication and collaboration with IT teams within the organization are vital. This ensures that the app aligns with existing infrastructure and security requirements.

• Security protocols

Adhere to robust security protocols, including user authentication and data encryption. This is critical for handling sensitive corporate data securely.

• API integration

Establishing seamless integration with existing systems through well-documented and accessible APIs is key. This minimizes disruptions to business processes.

Challenge #7: Security and authentication

Mobile apps often handle sensitive information, making robust security measures essential.

Engineers must build and integrate strong user authentication methods, create data encryption capabilities, and conduct regular security audits to safeguard user data and protect the app from security breaches.

To strengthen app security and authentication, engineers should consider the following:

• User authentication

Utilize sturdy user authentication methods, such as multi-factor authentication, so as to protect sensitive data from being accessed by parties without the proper permissions. 

• Data encryption

Apply encryption to protect data, both in transit and at rest, ensuring that even if unauthorized access occurs, the data remains secure.

• Regular security audits

Conduct routine security audits and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities and address them promptly. 

Simplifying mobile app challenges by outsourcing

Businesses can overcome mobile app engineering challenges by hiring mobile app developers who are proficient in addressing the challenges outlined above. Collaborating with an experienced third-party service vendor for their app development services can significantly reduce the burden on app owners and stakeholders. They offer both expertise and cost-effective solutions for a successful app venture. Their professionals understand the nuances of app store policies, scalability, and how to keep apps updated and optimized for the best user experience. 

Final take

Mobile app engineering has its share of hurdles. Embracing these challenges with the right strategies and solutions is essential for delivering user-friendly and successful apps. From monitoring performance to staying adaptable and prioritizing security, developers have their work cut out. So, whether you’re a developer or business owner, facing these challenges head-on will lead to thriving in the competitive mobile app landscape of 2023 and beyond.