How to check a developer's apps are live and rated
Verify app developers have shipped real, working apps. Search stores, check ratings, contact references, test the apps yourself, and confirm post-launch support.
A developer with live apps in the wild has already proven something the resumé cannot: they can ship working software that real users actually download and rely on. But how do you verify this claim without technical knowledge? The tension here is real. Developers may talk up past projects, show you mockups, or describe features in ways that sound polished—but you need concrete evidence that apps exist, function, and have earned user trust. This article walks you through the checks you can run yourself, with no coding knowledge needed.
Search the app stores directly
Start simple: ask your developer for the exact names of apps they've built, then search for them on Google Play Store (Android) and Apple App Store (iOS). This is the easiest lie to spot. If an app doesn't exist under the name they gave you, that's a red flag. Once you find it, look at the app's release date and update history. Apps abandoned three years ago, with no new versions released, suggest the developer moved on or lost interest in maintenance. Check too whether the listed developer matches the person or company you're speaking to. Sometimes developers are credited under a studio name, so ask them to clarify exactly how they appear in the stores.
Review ratings and user feedback
App Store ratings and reviews are user-generated truth. A 4.5-star app with hundreds of reviews shows consistent satisfaction. A 2-star app with complaints about crashes, poor performance or unresponsive support is a warning. Read the recent reviews, not just the average. A developer's ability to respond to criticism—whether they acknowledge bugs, post fixes, or explain decisions—matters. Look for patterns: do complaints cluster around the same issue? Do reviews mention missing features or slow updates? None of this data is perfect; a few bitter users can skew sentiment. But if you see dozens of reviews saying an app is broken or that the developer ignores problems, listen to that. Ask your developer directly about any low ratings: a confident developer will explain what went wrong and what they learned.
Ask for references and contact them
Developers should be willing to share contact details for clients whose apps are live. Request at least two references—ideally people running apps in your target market. When you call or message them, ask specific questions: Did the app launch on time and within budget? How responsive was the developer to bugs and feature requests? Would you hire them again? Pay attention to hesitation or reluctant answers. Ask too whether the app is still actively maintained and whether the developer has been available for updates or fixes since launch. A reference who can't speak clearly about post-launch support suggests the developer disappears after delivery.
Request download links and run basic tests
Ask your developer to send you direct download links to their live apps—or simply install one or two from the store yourself. Spend ten minutes using the app like a normal user. Does it feel finished? Do buttons respond? Do pages load? Can you navigate without confusion? A crashed app or obvious bugs are immediate concerns. You're not doing a technical code review; you're checking that the end product works. If the developer can't or won't let you install and try their work, that's suspicious. You might also ask them for screenshots or a short video walkthrough of one app in use—a polished gesture that shows they stand behind what they've shipped.
Confirm they're handling live maintenance
Asking "Who manages updates and bug fixes once the app is live?" reveals whether they'll disappear after launch. Some developers only build and hand over; others provide ongoing support. This matters deeply. Apps need maintenance as iOS and Android versions change, user expectations evolve, and security issues surface. Clarify who patches bugs, releases updates and responds when the app crashes in production. If your developer says "that's your problem after handover," understand the full cost of ownership you're taking on. When you find a developer with a track record of live, rated, well-maintained apps, you've eliminated a lot of uncertainty. Strove lets you browse verified app developers with portfolios and client reviews attached, so you can cross-check their claims before any conversation begins.
Common questions
- What if a developer has only one live app?
- One thoroughly maintained, well-rated app can be stronger proof than five abandoned ones. Focus on how recent the updates are, what the reviews say, and whether they'll discuss what they learned building it. Ask your reference about their experience—a single committed client relationship often speaks louder than a long list.
- Can I trust app store ratings?
- Ratings are user-generated and sometimes skewed, but patterns matter. Read the actual reviews, not just the number. If most complaints centre on the same issue or if responses from the developer are dismissive, that's genuine information. One or two negative reviews in hundreds are less worrying than systemic complaints.
- What counts as a 'live' app?
- An app published in Google Play or Apple App Store that users can download now. The app should have recent updates (within the last year or so) and actual user reviews. Apps pulled from stores, apps in beta testing only, or demo apps don't count as proof of a shipped product.
- Should I contact all their references?
- Contact at least two, preferably in the same industry as your project. References take time, so developers may only offer a few—pick ones whose apps are similar in scope to what you plan. Ask direct questions about timelines, cost overruns, and how responsive the developer was after launch.
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