Handling OS Version Fragmentation
Your users are not all on the latest operating system. Some run the newest release; others are years behind, especially on Android. Supporting a sensible range of versions is a constant balancing act.
Support too few versions and you exclude paying users; support too many and you slow development and inflate testing costs.
Not Everyone Is on the Latest
It is easy to assume users run the newest operating system, but in reality they are spread across many versions, particularly on Android. Each older version you support widens your reach but adds testing and workarounds. The skill is in choosing a sensible range that covers the vast majority of your actual users without dragging the whole project backwards.
The Trade-off
Older OS versions lack newer features and need extra workarounds, which adds cost. But dropping them too soon cuts off real users. The right line depends on your actual audience, which analytics reveal.
How We Set the Range
- Look at the OS versions your users actually run.
- Support those that cover the large majority of them.
- Review the cut-off periodically as users upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Android worse for this than iOS?
iOS users upgrade quickly, so most are on recent versions. Android updates roll out unevenly across manufacturers, leaving a much wider spread of versions in use.
If you need a hand with any of this, your Progressive Robot delivery team is ready to help. Raise a ticket from the Support area of your client portal or speak to your account manager and we will guide you through the next steps.