A user's first impression inside an app forms very quickly. If onboarding is heavy, the first screen is unclear, or performance feels slow, many users will leave before giving the product a second chance.
Retention improves when the start is simpler: a clear message, an obvious first task, and less friction in the first session. Visual responsiveness and loading speed also matter because they are part of the experience, not separate from it.
A product that explains itself fast and gives users a sense of progress in the first minute has a much better chance of keeping them.