8 things to know before developing your mobile MVP (it can cost you dearly)
Discover why starting with a mobile MVP can be risky and costly. Analysis of costs, timelines, testing, user adoption, alternatives and advice for startups.
When you want to develop an MVP, choosing the right platform is essential. Here are several reasons why starting with a mobile app can be counterproductive, especially if the product isn't strictly based on mobile use cases.
1. A 30% higher cost for an equivalent product
A mobile application is on average 30% more expensive to develop than a web application with equivalent features because it requires more time and resources.
2. Rigid publication deadlines and processes
One of the major constraints of mobile development is the dependence on store publication processes, particularly the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
In addition to the time needed to prepare the application (creating and configuring developer accounts for stores, generating iOS certificates, compilation, notification configuration, in-app purchase management, etc.), submission takes between 1 and 5 days, during which no precise communication is possible about the release date.
"We risk being rejected by the stores"
Rejections from stores can lead to additional delays, jeopardizing reactivity and planning. For example, if the application has compatibility issues with certain MacOS versions requiring updates before publication can be authorized.
In comparison, a web app offers immediate deployment in seconds, without going through external validations, allowing for more flexible and economical management.
3. Limited reactivity in case of major issues
On the web, a bug can be fixed instantly and deployment can be done with one click.
With a mobile application, you need to copy, submit the update, then wait for store validation (up to 5 days).
In case of a critical problem, this wait is particularly frustrating and risks disappointing users from launch. Since user loyalty is particularly fragile, a product that doesn't work properly from the first uses is likely to lose its users for good.
4. More complex and costly testing
The testing phase for a mobile application is not only more complex but also more expensive and time-consuming. Each bug fix requires a new build, resubmission, then waiting for tests.
For example, fixing a bug on mobile takes about two hours, compared to a few minutes on the web.
Moreover, specific configurations per environment (especially for notifications) make testing even more laborious, increasing costs and workload.
5. User friction: a barrier to adoption
Unlike web apps that are directly accessible from a browser, a mobile application needs to be downloaded, installed, and configured.
This process creates friction for users, increasing the chances of abandonment by 30% compared to a web app.
Furthermore, since app stores are saturated, users tend to choose the first application that meets their needs, reducing the chances they'll test an alternative application if the first experience is successful.
6. More limited data management
Data analysis tools are more numerous and more easily integrable in a web app. On mobile, data collection constraints and store restrictions increase the complexity and cost of product management.
For an MVP where the goal is often to quickly analyze usage and gather user feedback, these limitations can harm product optimization and slow down improvement.
7. Multiplied development constraints if targeting both platforms
Choosing to simultaneously develop a web and mobile application for an MVP is particularly costly. It means mobilizing two different development stacks, requiring two teams or extended skills, thus doubling development, testing, and maintenance time.
This approach also doubles the risks of divergences between versions, particularly in terms of functionality and user experience.
8. Consider usage context: a decisive factor
The decision to launch a product in mobile version should be based on the target's usage context.
If your users are likely to use your product in environments favoring mobile usage (transport, physical activities, etc.), then mobile development is justified.
However, for tasks requiring little mobility or that are more consultative, a web application remains more suitable and economical. Using a Progressive Web App (PWA) could also be an interesting alternative: it offers an experience close to that of a mobile application without store constraints.
Conclusion: Don't launch web and mobile MVP in parallel
When launching an MVP, developing web and mobile applications simultaneously can dilute efforts, increase costs, and slow down the process. Generally, starting with a web app is a more strategic approach, as it adapts to all screen sizes and involves reduced development costs and simplified deployment.
Once the user experience is well defined and the brand established, it becomes easier to port the product to other platforms. It can evolve into a PWA (Progressive Web App) or be later complemented by a native mobile application once the product has found its audience. This allows focusing ultimately on each OS (Apple Store, Play Store) to offer an optimized user experience.
However, in the case of startups where the activity requires a strong mobile presence (for example, a use case centered on exclusively mobile features or a dominant mobile audience), choosing a mobile application may be preferred.
In summary, to maximize the chances of success for an MVP, it's generally preferable not to start with web and mobile in parallel, unless a specific need justifies a focus on mobile from the start.