With the growing mobile market, mobile apps are increasing in number. Approximately 4.8 million mobile apps are available on App Store and Google Play. The market for mobile apps is saturated with millions of apps and competitors. To combat the fiercely competitive market, every aspect of a native app development is important.
The moral of the story is never to launch technology for the sake of competition only. Choose a development approach and strategy based on your needs, available tools, and expertise. There are two widely used approaches for mobile app development; Native and Cross-platform app development.
Let’s examine which one is better for your business.
Native App Development
Native app development means building an app exclusively for specific devices and mobile app platforms (single platform). Native apps operate on particular platforms such as Android and iOS only. The tools and programming languages used to develop these apps are exclusive to a single platform. The app is built with programming languages and tools specific to a single platform. For example, a native Android app uses Java or Kotlin, whereas iOS requires Swift and Objective-C.
There are other approaches to app development like hybrid and cross-platform too. Native app development, however, are better than the two and deliver an excellent user experience like no other. These are high-performance apps with enhanced visuals. Enhanced visuals accentuate the user experience and interface according to the platform.
Native apps incorporate native-to-the-OS programming language to develop apps that suit the platform. It could be on desktops, smart TV, mobile phones, tablets, etc.
Some of the most commonly known native apps are Google Maps, Spotify, Pinterest, etc.
Cross-platform
Cross-platform development refers to an app operating on several platforms instead of a single platform. These apps are created for both Android and iOS. While cross-platform apps may reduce costs, at the same time, they often compromise the quality of the app.
Since it is difficult to design an app compatible across multiple platforms, the extra layer of abstraction results in lower performance. UX and UI often suffer the risk of quality deterioration in cross-platform apps. Most startups favor cross-platform like flutter apps for the cost advantage, but they often forget customization limitations. Customizing a cross-platform app is difficult because its framework does not allow alterations.
Some of the most famous examples of cross-platform apps include slack, skype, Bloomberg, etc.
When and why to consider Native apps?
Native Apps are most useful under the following circumstances and reasons:
- The Native app development is perfect for your target audience to make a lasting first impression. It is beneficial when you introduce your app to your market. Native apps use the best possible functionality for an exceptional UX.
- When you need to cater and code exclusively for a single platform
- The Native apps work best for businesses that deal in 3D games and animations
- If you plan on developing an intuitive, attractive, and easy-to-use and learn app for your niche
- If you want to add device-specific features like GPS, camera, photos, etc.
The following points will paint a clear picture of why the Native apps outweigh Cross-platform apps.
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Performance
When we talk about performance, we believe in the supremacy of the Native app development compared to cross-platform. Native apps deliver the utmost performance and perfection when it comes to the next-generation features of a smartphone. You can get a hold of all smartphones’ cool features and functionalities in a hassle-free environment.
Features like memory management, network, access points, dua cameras, and high-resolution results are not available with cross-platform apps. Native app development optimize service delivery and enhance app performance.
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App security
Data breaches and losses are common app security concerns. App security is foremost to safeguard customers’ information and sensitive business data. The mobile app development have multiple in-built security features, which makes it easier for developers to tweak changes in them. The changes include implementing file encryption, fraud detection, etc.
The cross-platform apps lack these features and eventually move to the Native app development framework to maintain security.
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Customization and user experience
Almost 70% of customers abandon their shopping carts because of low or bad UX design. User experience plays a significant role in successful purchases, high conversion rates, and increased customer retention. Modern-day consumer seeks customized user experience. Customer retention depends on the user experience and customer expectations of the brand.
Native apps outcast other apps because they excel in delivering customized, personalized, and high user experience. They provide improved usability, which most businesses need to focus on. Native apps have better UI capabilities and offer a greater deal of customization. Cross-platform and hybrid apps lack the personalization features and user experience as they focus mainly on cost and time to market.
Native app development and cross-platform apps both have their advantages and disadvantages. It solely depends on the business requirements and needs. The target audience is often the deciding factor regarding which app framework to opt for. If you are looking for security, high customization, and performance, Native apps are your go-to solution.
