What millions of mobile builds reveal about high-performing teams: A conversation with Arpad Kun

Mobile development, often perceived as slow and complex, is evolving with increased efficiency and complexity, as revealed by an analysis of millions of builds from 2022 to 2025 on Bitrise. The data suggests that build times have decreased by 28% even as workflows have become more intricate, with an increase in steps such as security scanning and code verification, largely due to advancements in hardware, build caching, and pipeline architecture. Notably, the study highlights that speed and quality are not mutually exclusive, as faster feedback loops enhance both human and AI-assisted development processes. However, the prevalence of flaky tests, particularly problematic in mobile environments due to variable conditions, poses a growing challenge by wasting resources and eroding trust in testing results. The importance of pipeline visibility is emphasized, as it allows teams to identify and address inefficiencies, leading to improved performance. The report also notes a significant rise in the adoption of React Native for cross-platform development, reflecting a shift towards frameworks that allow code sharing between iOS and Android. Furthermore, lag in adopting new Xcode versions can hinder timely app submission, underscoring the need for swift adaptation to maintain competitive compliance. Overall, the findings encourage investment in foundational tools like caching and observability to manage increasing complexity without sacrificing speed or quality.