[marcotm]

Sample size one, but I actually found that the iOS ecosystem works surprisingly well for having a finished app. I have one, created over six years ago with almost no updates over the past years. I intentionally built it in a way that does not require any kind of maintenance: It works offline, i.e., does not require a backend; it's a one-time payment through the App Store (no subscription -> no expectation of continuous updates); the free and paid versions only differ in how many items you can put in the database, i.e., everyone can try the full feature set before buying -> reduces complaints / refunds; etc.

While these are deliberate design decisions, a nice benefit of the iOS ecosystem is that the app has kept working on every new iOS version without me updating anything in the code. Things like installation flow, payment processing, etc. are definitely components that would fall apart a lot sooner when not offered by the platform itself.

Sure, platform lock-in and all that stuff, but so far the app just keeps generating happy users every month (and some pocket money).

[tanjtanjtanj]

Even better, I have a hacked-together-in-a-weekend-for-a-class app for windows on the Microsoft store that was uploaded using a school account I can no longer access eight years ago.

I have received literally daily warnings that the app will be delisted if I don't fix a laundry list of issues including security vulnerabilities, outdated libraries, new EULAs, Icons in different sizes, etc. Despite all of that the app is still there and able to be downloaded (just checked).