2026-11-01 · 3
7.5 · Recommended
Policy · AppFollow Blog · AI: DeepSeek 7.5 ✓
The article breaks mobile app maintenance into six work types—bug fixes, security patches, OS compatibility, SDK updates, regression testing, and backend upkeep—and flags 2026 deadlines such as Apple's Xcode 26/iOS 26 SDK requirement and Google Play's API level 36 target. It warns that most SLAs promise only response times, not restoration, and that the widely cited '15–20% of build cost per year' rule has no published data behind it.
What this means for indie developers：Indie developers should plan for mandatory OS/SDK upgrade deadlines and demand restoration targets, not just response times, in maintenance contracts.
7.5 · Recommended
Growth · AppFollow Blog · AI: DeepSeek 7.5 ✓
The article breaks down 12 subscription KPIs into funnel, revenue and retention groups, with formulas, 2026 benchmarks and worked examples. Key findings: 17–32 day trials convert at 42.5% versus 25.5% for trials of four days or less; failed billing causes 32.2% of Google Play cancellations; annual plans with a trial retain 19.9% at day 380 versus 5.5% for weekly plans.
What this means for indie developers：Indie developers can benchmark their trial length, billing-failure churn and plan mix, and prioritize fixing involuntary churn and extending trials.
6.5 · Okay
Growth · AppFollow Blog · AI: DeepSeek 6.5 ✓
The article explains which App Store metadata fields affect search relevance: app name, subtitle, keyword field, and category, while noting that the description and promotional text are not ranking inputs. It also covers Custom Product Pages (up to 70), Product Page Optimization limits (3 treatments, one test at a time, up to 90 days), in-app events as discovery surfaces, and measurement via App Store Connect and AppFollow.
What this means for indie developers：Useful as a baseline ASO checklist for metadata allocation and CPP/PPO testing rules, though it is a general overview rather than new policy news.