Even assuming your idea is patentable, there is a big difference between filing for a patent, keeping a patent filing active, getting it granted (many years later), and enforcing a patent, which may have to wait years until after it is granted. There is also an immense cost in enforcing a patent, from perhaps a good fraction of a million to several million dollars, which renders many patents toothless because the assignee can't afford that legal expense. A lot of app copying seems to happen overseas, where legal jurisdictional issues can render any issued patent even harder to enforce, if possible at all.
A patent application might have value if your business is seeking to be acquired by an enterprise large enough to afford all these legal costs and risks, and/or needs a certain number of patents in their portfolio for other reasons.
But IANAL. Consult an IP attorney for more accurate answers in your particular jurisdiction.
I need help acquiring a provisional patent for an app I am developing. Please spare a few minutes of your time and give me some pointers man
Do not trust any pointers or short answers. There are many books on this topic (Nolo, et.al.). Start reading. But consulting a lawyer specializing in IP law is best.