Our Insights Post 5 mins Sian-Louise Montgomery The real consequences of API changes API changes don’t sound dramatic, but they’re one of the most common reasons we see stable apps start to fail and, in some cases, get removed from the store altogether. Store platforms like Apple and Google update their APIs regularly. These changes often seem small. Sometimes they’re buried in documentation, or they can be flagged long in advance. But that doesn’t mean they’re easy to respond to, especially when your app is running on a legacy codebase with gaps in test coverage, old SDKs, or undocumented dependencies. If you don’t adapt in time, you’re asking for trouble. [/vc_column_text]Small failures, massive impact An API change might alter an endpoint, tweak an authentication flow, or deprecate a feature your app still relies on. At first, it might just look like a bug – a login failing here, a missing receipt there. But left unchecked, these issues can snowball. You end up with broken journeys, stalled updates, mounting complaints, and increased store scrutiny. Worse still, your team may not even realise what’s changed until users start flagging issues. API shifts also introduce new compliance rules. Whether it’s driven by legislation like the Digital Markets Act, or Apple’s updated fee structures, these changes can alter how your app is expected to behave and how it gets reviewed. In recent cases, apps have been pulled not for what they do, but for how slowly they respond to policy changes (if they respond at all). This is how good apps get removed We’ve seen technically sound apps disappear because they failed to adapt to an updated API or policy change. The risk isn’t always code quality. Often times, it’s just that nobody spotted the change in time. Don’t let that be you You don’t need to be caught off guard. Here’s what we recommend: -Track store changes regularly Review developer documentation and change logs as part of your sprint planning. -Invest in early testing Beta testing helps you catch breaking changes before they hit your full user base. -Avoid emulator-only testing Store-specific behaviours and changes don’t always surface until you’re on real devices. -Keep the feedback loop open Monitor reviews, bug reports, and analytics for early signs of instability. If your app is already running on aging infrastructure, these tasks get harder. That’s why our audits start with a full sweep of API dependencies, SDK usage and backwards compatibility. You get a clear picture of where you’re exposed, and how to fix it before it costs you. Don’t assume you’re compliant just because it works today If it’s been a while since you reviewed your app’s API dependencies or store alignment, now’s the time. Quiet issues stay quiet, until they become deadly. Let’s take a look at what’s lurking behind the scenes, and make sure your app isn’t one API change away from disaster. Book a call [/vc_column][/vc_row]
