Numerous software upgrades concentrate on bug fixes, polish, tweaks, and perhaps the addition of a minor function. Rarely, a significant change occurs, such as an app switching from version 1.0 to 2.0 or 7.0 to 8.0. For example, in the last year, both Instagram and Uber made significant product changes that significantly altered their user interfaces.

Significant software improvements may involve a whole revamped user model, a redesigned graphic interface, or a slew of new functionality. There are some indicators that the app is due for a significant upgrade. Not all the above conditions must be met for your app to need an upgrade.

Notable App Function

An easier way to determine whether it is time for a new software upgrade is to look at the app’s features. If you want to introduce a significant function that substantially affects your app’s user interface, you will need a considerable upgrade. Essential features may involve security and cross-platform syncing, the addition of a shared or interactive component, collaboration with a third-party provider, or a change in the app’s business model.

More broadly, introducing a new element may have little effect on the minor version number, which is the second number in the series. Adding 3D Touch or improved offline functionality, for example, may suffice to upgrade an app from version 1.0 to version 2.0. Thus, when incorporating a substantial app function may catalyze a significant upgrade, it may also be combined with one of the following factors.

New Design for the App

If you are looking to make significant changes to the app’s architecture, whether it’s the user interface or graphic design, you’ll undoubtedly need to release a new upgrade. The latest illustration of this strategy is the significant upgrade to Gmail for iOS that was just rolled out. Version 5.0 incorporates Material Design, improves the interface, and adds new functionality such as scanning.

App Metrics Just Aren’t Working

We have been examining interaction more closely in recent months, including related indicators and strategies for improving app engagement. As a result, it is unsurprising that failing to meet app retention or other metric goals is a primary reason for undertaking a significant app upgrade. Quantitative results are not necessarily complete. You can see that users are not returning to your app consistently or are skipping a particular page. It does not, however, mean why this is happening. Utilize the evidence you already have and demonstrate where the issues are.

Consistent user Feedback

In comparison, the app’s qualitative data is derived from app store ratings, assistance queries, in-app comments, and equivalent products. This input is critical to your progress and will help determine whether you can attempt a significant upgrade.

There are several examples of customer reviews that can suggest significant issues or openings. For instance, the inability to use or locate a critical feature can mean that your app’s navigation or overall user interface may benefit from significant rework. Likewise, if consumers continue to request the same function, it can indicate that your app is lacking a critical value proposition.

When it comes to measurements, avoid relying only on customer reviews. Contrast this with what the app metrics, consumer analysis, and app roadmap indicate. Relying exclusively on user reviews can result in the development of expensive features that add little value to your application.

The Codebase of the Application is Becoming Older

Even a two-year-old codebase is regarded as “old” in application years. Swift didn’t work four years ago. Now Swift 3 has been published. With technologies evolving rapidly, an aging codebase may be a significant impetus for performing a significant upgrade.

Time alone can be deceptive since the more hands-on a codebase, the more rapidly it will degrade. As tens, hundreds, or even thousands of developers contribute to an app, it effectively has several more “man-hours” in a compressed amount of time. While each team member contributes to the speed at which apps are updated, they often complicate the codebase management, mainly though guidelines are in force.

If adding a new feature is difficult, if there are frequent regressions or new libraries will render implementing a feature simpler, you could need to do a significant upgrade or even a complete rewrite.

App Is Not Built According to Current Trends

You may use a significant software upgrade to introduce a new design that addresses a function or navigational issue. Additionally, if the app’s architecture is out of date, you could need a significant upgrade.

Failure to adhere to current design trends involves disregarding Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines or Google’s Material Requirements. It can ignore users’ expectations, such as making a swift and centered app that helps establish an emotional bond with them. If the software does not look or behave like other shared applications, it may be denied consumer device access.

Extend the app’s functionality to additional devices or platforms.

When the app is cross-platform or migrates to a different platform, a significant change is frequently justified. This will include developing a tablet-optimized edition or migrating from iOS to Android.

Expanding to new platforms and devices could include reworking the back-end service or the application’s data model. Additionally, it can have a sizable effect on the user interface and graphic design. Although each architecture can feel native to the platform, a consistent experience across platforms and devices would be required. This will result in a significant number of improvements to the user interface and architecture. Changes to the user interface and graphic architecture can have an impact on the back-end servers as well.

Final thoughts 

This is your chance to shine by releasing a significant software update. There are fewer ways to gain considerable marketing momentum after the release of your v1.0 application. One of them is a powerful software upgrade.

Even if most consumers are unaware of the version number update, authors, journalists, power users, and anyone else who can help you gain publicity for your product would be. It demonstrates to them that you invested time in an exciting project. It proves that you are receptive to criticism, invested in your app’s future, and dedicated to its success.

However, refrain from pursuing a significant software upgrade solely for the sake of promotion. Consider the following factors. When you decide to pursue a substantial app upgrade, be sure to take the time to inform others of your efforts. Your sacrifices will be repaid in full. Still, confused? Consult with the top app developers India for better solutions.

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