We’re back again with more myths about mobile app development. If you didn’t catch the first round, here’s what you missed.

It seems like every product and service has an app now. From home security to baby monitors to even dishwashers. And that can add a lot of peer pressure to businesses wondering if they’re missing the train.

The last thing a startup or established company should do is dive headfirst into app development without guardrails. So before you consider developing a mobile app, let’s clear up a few more myths of mobile app development.

Myth 1: Beta Testing Isn’t Worth The Time

Beta testing or what’s called “soft launching” is a crucial phase of mobile app development. With beta testing, the app is released to a restricted audience to gauge their initial reactions. You can gather meaningful feedback, uncover issues and even find new opportunities to improve your product before an official release.

Without beta testing, businesses risk launching a product that audiences dislike – that’s hard to recover from.

By the way: What Are The Costs To Build A Mobile App?

Myth 2: Design Isn’t Important

Functionality is all-important and so is design. It doesn’t matter if an app works seamlessly when users can’t figure out how to navigate it.

For example, look at this website. It may have all the links and content a user needs, but who’s really going to find anything?

User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design are critical factors that can significantly impact an app's success. A poorly designed app can deter users, resulting in negative reviews and a damaged brand reputation. It’s worth the investment to create intuitive, user-friendly design that makes users want to come back again and again.

Food for thought: 7 Essential Roles Of An App Development Team

Myth 3: App Security Can Wait

Need we remind you of Amazon Ring’s epic security breach failure? Mobile app security is paramount to development. Failing to include security features like two-factor authentication, data encryption and secure third-party APIs can expose the app and its users to potential data breaches and unauthorized access.

If users trust you enough to offer their personal information, it’s your duty to honor that trust. Make sure your app development team has security processes in place.

Myth 4: App Store Approval Is A Cake Walk

Whether a business is publishing with Apple, Android or both, getting app store approval takes work. Each app store has specific guidelines to meet before listing an app. And failing to adhere to these guidelines can result in rejection or removal from the store.

Apple App Store Guidelines

Google Play Store (Android) Guidelines

It’s important to review each app store’s requirements – ideally before developing your mobile app – so surprises don’t pop up.

Consider this: To DIY Or Not To DIY - Mobile App Development

Myth 5: All Feedback Is Good Feedback

Gathering as much feedback as possible is important (see Myth 1), but not all feedback is useful. Vet user suggestions against your mobile app’s goals and launch deadline. If something doesn’t align, lose it. Or if implementing certain feedback will push your launch, consider saving it for future iterations.

Like the old saying goes, “A camel is a horse designed by committee". The last thing you want to create is a bloated app to please everyone, yet appeals to no one.

The Bottom Line

If you want to develop a mobile app, do your research and speak with mobile app development teams. Just like any business decision, the informed choice is the best choice.