Native vs Cross Platform App Development

Traditionally mobile apps were developed using Native languages, specifically catered toward one platform or the other. Now with the addition of tools called Frameworks, a single code base can be used to develop both Android and iOS apps.

What is a Native App?

When an application is labeled as native it was specifically built for a single platform, utilizing the specified language. Native apps are typically faster, are known for their aesthetic UI, and ability to tap into device features.

What is a Cross Platform App?

Cross-platform apps are built using a tool (frameworks) that allows an application to work on several platforms. Our team uses React Native to build mobile and tablet apps for both iOS and Android devices. Cross-platform frameworks have come a long way in the past couple years. Tin the past, developers would have to sacrifice of quality, speed, and features… but no more.

The frameworks allow languages, like JavaScript in the case of React Native, access to the capability to call on ‘native’ or mobile device OS specific functions like push notifications, camera, and microphone usage, etc. Engineers can now create efficient and fast apps with a shared code base. To build an iOS and Android application with native languages two code bases would be required for both operating systems. Increasing workload, timeline, budget, and team size.

React Native isn’t the only cross-platform development tool. Xamarin and Flutter are also very popular amongst cross platform software engineers.

Native vs Cross Platform App Development

Pros and Cons of Native Apps

While they may seem superior on the surface, a majority of the time features aren’t the only thing that matter to a business. On average native apps are more costly, time consuming, and resource intensive. However, you’ll have access to APIs and other tools provided by the OS.

Pros and Cons of Cross Platform

With a single code base, cross-platform apps require less development time. One code base which is pushed twice to the separate platforms’ stores, ensures consistency in UI components and rapid updates to be pushed to both OS’s. Access to additional device audiences provides larger exposure to users and customers.

With the right team, a software engineer will be able to work with the tech stack to get the greatest benefit. From a business’ standpoint cross-platform apps are unrivaled. Meta (formerly Facebook) built React Native to rewrite the Facebook and Instagram app for both platforms simultaneously. Uber is following suit with “RIBs” (Router, Interactor, and Builder) to rewrite their driver app.

React Native Apps

Our team has been work for the past 3 years building cross-platform compatible apps. Some of the apps include Artis IQ

As previously mentioned, React Native was built by Meta to improve their internal development of cross-platform applications. Released in 2016, it has quickly taken hold of the top downloaded apps list. Some of the most successful apps on both the Play Store and the App Store are Instagram, Facebook, Shopify, Pinterest, Tableau, Tesla, UberEATS, Words with Friends… the list goes on.

We’d recommend React Native primarily for e-commerce apps, lifestyle apps, and event centric apps. Other factors that go into selecting the development approach best suited for your business are budget, timeline, the type of audience and user base, complexity, and whether there are features requiring access to native features.

If your goal is to reach the maximum audience, you have a rapid timeline, and a decent but not massive budget, a cross platform mobile app is your best option.

React Native Development Services

The rise and benefits of a mobile application are undeniable. Whether it’s a point-of-sale application, a catalogue app, mobile game, productivity app, or educational app, mobile applications have improved revenue, brand awareness, and business efficiency across a multitude of industries.

A decent number of developers will argue that native apps are superior to cross-platform apps. In the eyes of a business however, cross-platform apps built with React Native, just make more sense.

There are a few major points to consider when deciding between a cross-platform app and a natively built app. How complex is your application? What’s your budget? What’s your timeline? If you already have a design in mind, how complex is it?

Our team of industry experts and project director will assist your team and help you understand your options and what would work best for your business.

Visit our contact page to receive a free quote on your React Native project.

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Check out our blog on Mobile UX Design Elements: Principles and Best Practices.