The Play Store and App Store are filled with countless apps, but they have little exposure, expertise, money, or resources.
Statista estimates that the global annual app downloads will reach 299 billion in 2018, up from 275 billion worldwide app downloads by 2022.
Mobile apps will generate revenues of more than 935 trillion dollars through paid downloads and in-app advertising by 2023.
Due to the intense rivalry, business owners are forced to place a strong emphasis on factors like quality, accuracy, functionality, and other factors that will persuade customers to pick their services over competitors.
Companies frequently deal with a number of issues at this point, such as deciding which app development framework would best engage users or whether technology for mobile app development-Android or iOS-is preferable.
The three main app development approaches-Native, Hybrid, and Cross-platform-will be covered in this blog.
What is a Native App?
Platform-specific programming languages are used to create native apps, which are created for certain operating systems.
The term "native app development" describes the process of making software and apps that are compatible with particular mobile platforms, such as Android and iOS. With mobile native app development, programmers create programs that are specific to one platform, whether it be computers, smart TVs, smartphones, or any other cutting-edge technology used in the digital world.
Native Android apps are made with Java or Kotlin. Swift and Objective-C are employed in the case of iOS. If you want to offer the finest user experience possible, native mobile app development is a fantastic choice. Through native app development, developers may provide their apps with more features and functionalities. It may make use of standard smartphone hardware components, including the camera, GPS, and proximity sensors.
Only one platform is intended for native apps. These are available for download via Google Play or the Apple App Store. Apps made natively for iOS won't function on Android. Native apps are made by developers using tools and languages specific to a given platform. Java or .NET will be used by mobile app developers.
Kotlin when creating applications for Google. iOS apps can be developed using Swift. Android is the leading OS platform, with a 72% market share. The second place with a 28% market share is IOS.
SwiftKey, Spotify, and WhatsApp are a few of the most popular native applications.
Examples of the Best Native App
- Google Maps
- Artsy
- Spotify
Native Apps: Benefits
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High Speed
Because they don't have sophisticated code, native mobile apps are substantially faster than cross-platform and hybrid apps. Because they have been packed extensively in advance, app elements can be presented fast. Startups prefer native applications because of their rapid development and low cost.
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Offline Functionality
Native apps work flawlessly even when there is no internet connection. This is one of the major benefits. This provides more convenience for users as they can access all app functions offline or in airplane mode. For users who live in areas with low internet connectivity, are located in remote areas or have limited access to data, this offline support functionality is crucial.
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More Intuitive & Interactive
For new business owners, native apps offer a better user experience. Native apps are made for particular operating systems and adhere to the standards to provide a seamless experience. These principles are followed by native apps, which enable users to communicate with them by using familiar gestures and activities.
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Minimize the Impact of Bugs
In the creation of native apps, managing two codebases is more challenging than managing one. Native programs don't rely on cross-platform tools to make fixes because they only have one codebase. There are consequently fewer bugs.
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Maximum Performance
It is possible to construct native apps that are tailored to a specific platform. High performance is thus guaranteed. Because they are created specifically for a platform, native apps are responsive and relatively quick. Also, these apps may be created utilizing fundamental programming languages and APIs, which increases their efficiency.
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Enhanced Security
The creation of native apps uses a variety of browsers and technologies, including HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS. This guarantees the user's end-user data security.
Cons of Native App Development
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No Code Reusability
Each mobile operating system's native apps must be designed and coded separately for iOS and Android. In contrast to cross-platform mobile app development that have a reusable codebase or hybrid mobile apps that share backend code, this would be a time-consuming, expensive, resource-intensive operation.
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High Maintenance
The maintenance costs associated with developing native apps may exceed the costs of the development itself.
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There are more Skills and Talents Needed
The ability to create native mobile apps in several languages is a requirement for developers of native mobile apps. Compared to cross-platform app development, native app development requires the hiring of two teams, whereas cross-platform app development simply requires the hiring of one.
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Tools for Native Mobile App Development
Tools for Android App Development:
- Android Studio
- IntelliJ IDEA
Tools for iOS App Development
- XCode
- AppCode
What are the Benefits of Developing a Native App?
- Your app will be used by your target audience for the first time. You want to impress them with the best app experience.
- You need to code for only one platform.
- 3D animations and games are increasingly popular in businesses.
- Your goal is to reach a large base of DAUs and target VC investors for product financing. You also plan on developing an intuitive, easy-to-learn app.
- We must add device-specific functions like GPS, camera, and so on.
What Is Hybrid App Development, And How Can It Help You?
Native and online solutions are combined in hybrid app development. With the aid of plugins, developers will have to incorporate HTML, CSS, or JavaScript code into a native program. They can use native functionality because of this.
The hybrid platform comprises two parts: a native viewer and backend programming. This is used to show the backend and functions.
The utilization of the same code across various platforms is possible with hybrid app development. The performance and user experience of a hybrid app can be on par with that of native apps. Therefore, UX and navigational design must be improved in hybrid app creation.
Examples of the Best Hybrid Apps
- Evernote
- Gmail
- JustWatch
- NHS
- Airbus Helicopters
Hybrid Apps: The Benefits
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Rapid Time to Market
Most startups have the desire to ship MVP faster. A hybrid app development framework is the best choice in this case because it allows rapid development and launches the app on the market relatively early.
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Simple Maintenance
Hybrid apps are solely web-based, so it is much easier to maintain than native or cross-platform apps with more complicated coding.
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Low Development Costs & Easy Development
Startups with limited budgets will find relief in the hybrid app development cycle that comes along with unified development. Developers don't need to spend separately to create different versions for different platforms. Developers can create a single version of an app and use it for multiple platforms with hybrid app development frameworks.
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Improved UX/UI
Hybrid apps combine the best of both native and web apps while providing a seamless and enhanced user experience across Android and iOS platforms. Hybrid app development uses a lightweight hybrid UI which allows for super-fast loading of graphics and content.
Pros and Cons of Hybrid Application Development
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No Offline Support
Hybrid apps don't provide offline support as native apps. To access the app's functionality, users must wait until they have an Internet connection.
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OS Inconsistencies
Hybrid apps use a single code to deploy certain features that are only compatible with one operating system. This includes some Android-specific functions that may not be available on iOS devices.
Hybrid App Development Frameworks
- Ionic
- Apache Cordova
What Are The Benefits Of A Hybrid App?
- You need to be able to use the app across multiple platforms seamlessly and don't have enough time to create a cross-platform solution.
- You intend to distribute your web app through app stores.
- Targeting a wider audience who uses the app on both mobile and the web is a smart move.
- For testing your project idea, you can use Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
- You want to use the device's built-in features, such as GPS, camera, and others.
What is a Cross Platform Application?
Let's not assume that developing hybrid and cross-platform apps is the same thing for new business owners.
The development of cross-platform and hybrid apps has very different implications and goals. Cross-platform frameworks are made to produce reusable, shared code that can be used to develop apps for several operating systems. Code can be written once and used across various platforms. This lowers the expense and labor involved in developing apps.
Cross-platform apps can be created at a reasonable cost, are simple to install, and offer robust functionality. High performance or customization are not guarantees of cross-platform app development frameworks.
Cross-platform applications are commonplace today. All three platforms-React Native, Xamarin, and Flutter-deserve praise.
On various systems, cross-platform apps are feasible. In the design of cross-platform apps, software engineers produce reusable code that may be utilized on other platforms. The most well-liked cross-platform framework for creating mobile apps is Flutter app development. Developers of mobile apps use Flutter 42%, React Native 38%, and Cordova 16%.
What are some cross-platform application examples? These are only a few instances of cross-platform programs, including Skype, Slack, and Insightly.
Here Are Some Examples Of The Best Cross-Platform Apps
- Insightly
- Bloomberg
- Reflect
- Skype
- Slack
Read More: List Of Deciding Factors of React Native App Development
Cross-Platform Apps Offer Many Benefits
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Rapid Development & No Hassle
Reusable code is advantageous to both business owners and developers since it boosts efficiency and production. Cross-platform app development frameworks are a fantastic method to outperform competing solutions.
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Excellent Product Maintenance
With a single codebase, developing cross-platform apps is simple. Companies may relax knowing that they will receive faultless results. Fixes and upgrades are simple to implement, and mobile apps now have improved quality and accuracy.
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Lower Cost
The Cross-platform app framework has the potential to be used on all platforms. It allows for greater market reach and increased brand recognition for startups that are looking to gain rapid market penetration. Cross-platform apps also offer lower upfront costs.
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Code Reusability
Cross-platform apps don't require developers to write different codes for every operating system. For code transfer to different platforms, you can use the same codebase.
Cons of Cross-Platform Apps
- Complex Development Lifecycle
A team of skilled developers would make it easier to create apps that can adapt to different platforms. When implementing complex functionalities or interfaces, you will need to be aware of the differences between the operating systems and their hardware.
- Integrations that are Difficult
It is often difficult for developers to integrate cross-platform applications into their local settings. The code of HTML5 cross-platform apps is complicated because of callback-style programming.
Popular Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks
- React Native
- Xamarin
- Flutter
What are the Benefits of a Cross-Platform App?
- You want to release a mobile app on several platforms despite having a tight timeline, budget, and resource allocation.
- Targeting both iOS and Android users would be ideal.
- A quicker development process for your software would be preferable.
- The app is straightforward and doesn't need platform-specific functionality.
Native vs. Hybrid vs. Cross-Platform
Now that they are aware of the three main mobile app development frameworks, business owners must choose which strategy is the most effective. Your project's requirements, budget, business model, and demography all play a role.
There are a few variables that can help you choose which of the native, mixed, and cross-platform apps is best, even though it is difficult to pick a victor in this debate. It is simple to decide whether a native or cross-platform program is superior. Startup companies can learn about the distinctions between native and cross-platform apps using the options below. Also, they might research the ideal app development framework for their company.
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Performance
The best option for giving users the best performance on mobile devices is native app development. You can easily explore the newest smartphone capabilities thanks to native Android app development.
A real-world example of a tech behemoth enhancing native app development is Airbnb. It was a React Native supporter and early adopter. In order to be more effective and just create one product code, Airbnb decided to compare hybrid mobile apps with Native apps and Cross-Platform apps. To enhance app performance and the developer experience, their goals and requirements evolved over time. They switched to native app development and experienced financial success.
Winner: Native app development
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Market Timing
Monthly, approximately 29.5K mobile applications are published through the Apple App Store. Businesses are attempting to get their apps on the App Store or Play Store as quickly as possible due to the fierce competition. Native apps are more time-consuming than cross-platform or hybrid platforms when it comes to time to market. However, cross-platform and hybrid apps offer a quicker time to market.
Winner: Cross-platform Development & Hybrid
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Development Costs
Every new business is worried about its finances. They want to create a cost-effective, cutting-edge mobile app. A native application is unaffordable for a company with a limited budget. Because it enables developers to produce a single source of code that can then be further modified into any OS-based software, cross-platform app design is the ideal option. Comparatively speaking, cross-platform software development requires less time and money.
Winner: Cross-Platform App Development
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App Security
Today, app security is a major concern for business owners. They want to protect their customers and business data as well as sensitive information. Statista reports that there were 817 data breaches in the first half of 2022. This affected 53.35 million people. These numbers are large.
App security is your main focus if you work in eCommerce or another business sector that deals with confidential customer data. It is vital that business owners deliver flawless apps, as compromising sensitive data and user security can quickly ruin a company's reputation.
Native apps are more secure than hybrid apps and cross-platform apps. They have multiple security features built in. Developers can use these features to easily implement file encryption and intelligent Fraud detection within core OS libraries and ensure that the app is secure. Startups are more concerned about development time and cost than security. However, hybrid and cross-platform app development frameworks have a greater preference. Once their apps have become well-known and stabilized, they can move on to native apps for security.
Winner: Native App Development
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Customization and UX
70% of consumers claim that a bad user experience caused them to abandon their shopping carts. A fantastic user experience is reportedly 90% more likely to result in a repeat purchase. Today's consumers demand more from brands. Therefore a positive user experience is essential across the entire app journey. This demonstrates how the way a mobile app is utilized determines how many users stick around.
Companies must seek to enhance personalization, customization, and usability. Compared to hybrid mobile apps, native apps offer stronger UI possibilities. They come with pre-built libraries and UI elements and are more customizable. Most customization and Experience are provided by native app development.
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Source of Traffic
Studying your audience is the best way to determine if you require a native or cross-platform app. Ask your clients to answer a few questions about their preferred devices and explore the traffic sources that bring you to your site. You are welcome to create an Android app if your clients use Android. Mobile app development is not necessary if you only have a small number of mobile users. Optimizing your website for mobile is probably the best decision.
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Time to Market
Depending on how quickly and for how long you need the product to be produced, you can select between cross-platform and native apps. If you only require the app for a test project and it will only be utilized briefly by your audience, hybrid app development is the perfect option. If you want a solution that will survive for many years and satisfy your demands, native app development is your best bet. If you need a high-quality product on a tight budget, cross-platform app development is your best bet.
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Your Budget
Native apps are more reliable if you have the money and time to invest in mobile app development. You will need to pay the standard fee for deploying a native app to the app store after you have developed it. This commission is 30% for Apple App Store. Cross-platform and hybrid app development are options if your budget is tight or your team has limited capabilities.
The Best Practices for Choosing the Right Development Strategy to Make Your App a Success
- Target Group for the app user
- Users should prefer to access the application in a more convenient way
- You have already planned for the necessary updates
- You can measure the complexity of the functionalities
- Native functionalities (devices and OS features) are essential
- Maintaining the app requires a high level of UX/UI.
- Development resources available & affordable
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Final words
All you need to know about mobile development is covered in this article. The distinctions between cross-platform and hybrid app development are also covered. Our experts made an effort to assist you in choosing the best option for your requirements, industry, target market, and company traits. Check out the services we provide to better grasp the advantages before deciding which product to construct.
