Back in September 2016, Apple announced plans to start removing outdated apps from the App Store, with the aim of eliminating all Apps that are non-functional, non-compatible with latest version of iOS and Apps that do not adhere to the current guidelines.

With iOS 10.3 Apple added a few new things, one of those is a tool to identify 32-bit apps that may be rendered obsolete in the next version of iOS. The second was a “name-and-shame” list of sorts for legacy apps, via a warning message that pops up on apps that have not been updated to take full advantage of 64-bit processors. The message informed users that not only do 32-bit apps slow down their devices, but that they will stop working completely with future versions of iOS. 

Over 47,000 Apps have already been removed, so here's what you can do if your Apps are in danger of being eliminated:

• Firstly, find out if your mobile App is still using the old 32-bit support. To check, open settings, tap on general, tap on about and select applications. This brings up a list of the installed apps that are 32-bit support. If your app is, you'll need to make some upgrades.

• If sales don’t match or exceed your internal expectations stop releasing compatibility updates. Not every developer who leaves their apps languishing on App Store without an update is lazy it might just make good business sense.

• Don’t rely on app usage to provide benefits to your target audience, consider making updates—even small ones—and posting them periodically. Updating apps can be as easy as changing the version number and recompiling with the current software development kit, if there aren't bugs to fix.

• Make sure your App is gaining customer feedback, usage analytics and competitive analysis and then use the knowledge you gather from the results to maintain and keep your App up to date and successful.

• Finally, when you do make upgrades, consider that the iOS updates Apple releases usually contain dozens of enhancements that can improve your user’s experience. Figure out how your business can leverage these opportunities and consistently improve.

Updating your App is beneficial to your business. Why? Because if your Apps are being actively maintained and updated on a regular basis. This will ensure your App is compatible with latest versions and security expectations. Remember at least once a year Apple releases an iOS update.

Here’s what Joe Puthur, president of Mortgage Coach, an app that helps consumers make mortgage decisions, had to say: 

“Business owners who have maintained their apps and demonstrated that they're both relevant and essential via periodic updates and a growing audience will benefit and gain visibility in their respective spaces. 

Not updating your apps today may end up costing you more tomorrow. “In every enterprise solution category—ERP [enterprise resource planning], CRM [customer relationship management], POS [point of sale]—there are new modern disruptors, often both mobile and cloud-based, delivering far more value for far less investment," says Puthur. 

Taking on the small, short-term pain of maintaining and updating your App will always to reap benefits because the ROI of being mobile optimised is usually very clear. The App store is a crowded place so ensure your App is performing its best and most importantly can be found.