Choosing between native and cross-platform development for a mobile app depends on multiple factors, including performance, budget, time to market, and long-term scalability. Here’s a breakdown of how to make the right decision:

1. Understanding Native vs. Cross-Platform Development

• Native Development involves building separate apps for iOS (Swift/Objective-C) and Android (Kotlin/Java), ensuring platform-specific optimization.
• Cross-Platform Development uses frameworks like Flutter, React Native, and Xamarin to create a single codebase that runs on both platforms.

2. Key Factors to Consider

Performance & User Experience

• Choose Native if: Your app requires high performance, low latency, or extensive use of device features (e.g., GPS, Camera, AR, Gaming, etc.).
• Choose cross-platform if: You can compromise slightly on performance but want a consistent UI/UX across platforms.

Development Time & Cost

• Choose Native if: You have separate budgets for iOS and Android and want full platform-specific control.
• Choose Cross-Platform if: You need faster development and want to save costs by maintaining a single codebase.

Maintenance & Scalability

• Choose Native if: You expect long-term growth, frequent updates, and deep platform integrations.
• Choose Cross-Platform if: You prefer easier maintenance with fewer code changes across platforms.

Time-to-Market

• Choose Native if: You are developing a complex app where stability and optimization are critical.
• Choose Cross-Platform if: You need a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) quickly to test the market.

3. When to Use Hybrid Options?

• If your app is content-based (e.g., news, blogs, simple e-commerce), Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) or Hybrid Apps (Ionic, Cordova) can be cost-effective.
• For apps requiring some native features but faster development, frameworks like Flutter provide a balance.

Final Verdict

If performance and platform-specific features are top priorities → Go Native.
If budget, speed, and code reusability are key concerns → Go Cross-Platform.

Determining whether native or cross-platform app development is "better" is a nuanced question, as both approaches have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the "best" choice ultimately depends on your specific project goals and considerations.

Here's a breakdown of the key factors to consider:

Native Apps:

Pros:

• Superior performance and user experience: Native apps take full advantage of the specific platform's hardware and software, resulting in smoother animations, faster response times, and a more natural user experience.
• Access to advanced features: Native development allows deeper integration with device-specific functionalities like AR/VR, sensors, and advanced camera capabilities, crucial for cutting-edge apps.
• Offline functionality: Native apps can function seamlessly even without an internet connection, vital for mission-critical applications.
• Pixel-perfect control: Native development offers unmatched control over the app's look and feel, ensuring brand consistency and a distinct user experience.

Cons:

• Slower development timeline and higher costs: Building separate native apps for each platform requires more time and resources compared to cross-platform development.
• Limited reach: Targeting multiple platforms with native apps requires individual development and deployment for each, potentially restricting your reach.
• Complex maintenance: Maintaining multiple codebases for different platforms can be cumbersome and time-consuming.

Cross-Platform Apps:

Pros:

• Faster development and reduced costs: Writing a single codebase for all platforms significantly reduces development time and saves money compared to building separate native apps.
• Wider reach: A single codebase allows for easier deployment across multiple platforms, reaching a broader user base simultaneously.
• Simplified maintenance: Maintaining one codebase instead of individual ones for each platform streamlines updates and bug fixes.

Cons:

• Performance limitations: While frameworks have improved, cross-platform apps may not always match the performance and fluidity of native apps, especially for resource-intensive tasks.
• Limited access to advanced features: Cross-platform frameworks may not provide complete access to all device-specific functionalities available in native development.
• Potential compatibility issues: Some cross-platform frameworks may encounter compatibility issues on specific devices or operating system versions.

So, which one is better?

As you can see, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The best approach depends on your specific needs:

• Choose native development if:Your app requires high performance and responsiveness.You need access to advanced platform features.Offline functionality is crucial.Brand consistency and pixel-perfect control are paramount.
• Choose cross-platform development if:You have a tight budget and timeline.You want to reach a wider audience across platforms.App complexity is moderate and doesn't rely heavily on platform-specific features.You prioritize simplified maintenance and updates.

Now, meet some leading companies that can help you make the right choice and excel in either approach:

• Saigon Technology (Vietnam): Experts in high-performance native app development for iOS and Android, catering to demanding clients seeking the best user experience.
• ODS Group (Australia): Offering both native and cross-platform development expertise, ODS Group guides clients towards the optimal solution based on their specific needs and project requirements.
• STS Software GmbH (Switzerland): Renowned for their meticulous craftsmanship, STS Software GmbH excels in building native apps with exceptional user experience and pixel-perfect design.
• TechTIQ Solutions (Singapore): With a team proficient in both native and cross-platform development, TechTIQ Solutions delivers the best solution for each client's unique needs and budget.

Remember, the key is to partner with a development company that understands your business goals and possesses expertise in both native and cross-platform development. This allows them to guide you towards the approach that best aligns with your project's specific needs and ensures your app thrives in the competitive mobile landscape.

I hope this comprehensive breakdown helps you make an informed decision about the best development approach for your app.

When deciding between building a native app or a cross-platform app, it boils down to your project's requirements, timeline, budget, and target audience. Here’s a breakdown to help you make an informed choice:

Choose a Native App If:

1. Performance Is a Priority
   Native apps (built specifically for iOS or Android) are optimized for the platform, offering superior speed, responsiveness, and seamless user experiences. If your app involves heavy graphics, animations, or real-time interactions (like gaming or AR), native development is usually the better option.
2. You Need Platform-Specific Features
   If your app relies on features like GPS, camera, Bluetooth, or custom gestures, native development offers better integration and access to platform APIs.
3. You’re Targeting a Specific Platform
   When your primary audience is either Android or iOS users, focusing solely on that platform can reduce development complexity and cost.
4. You Have a Flexible Budget
   Native apps require separate codebases for iOS and Android, which means higher development and maintenance costs. If budget isn’t a constraint, native apps allow for deeper customization and optimization.

Choose a Cross-Platform App If:

1. You Have Budget Constraints
   Cross-platform frameworks like Flutter, React Native, or Xamarin allow developers to write one codebase that works for both Android and iOS. This can significantly reduce development costs.
2. Speed to Market Is Critical
   If you’re working with tight deadlines, cross-platform development can save time by enabling you to launch your app on multiple platforms simultaneously.
3. Your App Has Simple or Medium Complexity
   For apps with straightforward functionalities (e.g., e-commerce, social media, or content-based apps), cross-platform tools often suffice without sacrificing quality.
4. You Need Easy Maintenance
   Maintaining one codebase instead of two means fewer updates, faster bug fixes, and lower ongoing costs.

Additional Factors to Consider:

1. User Experience (UX/UI): Native apps provide a more authentic look and feel since they follow platform-specific design guidelines (e.g., Material Design for Android, Human Interface Guidelines for iOS). Cross-platform apps can mimic native UX/UI, but there might be subtle differences.
2. Development Team Expertise:
   If your team specializes in native development (e.g., Swift for iOS or Kotlin for Android), native might be the natural choice. Conversely, if they’re experienced in cross-platform tools like React Native, leverage their strengths.
3. Long-Term Goals:
   If you plan to scale your app with advanced platform-specific features in the future, starting with native might save you time and effort. If the focus is on rapid testing and reaching a broader audience initially, cross-platform is a strategic choice.

• Go native for high performance, advanced features, and a premium user experience.
• Opt for cross-platform for cost-effectiveness, faster development, and simpler maintenance.

Each approach has its pros and cons, so weigh them against your app’s unique needs, target audience, and business goals before making a decision. If you're unsure, consulting with an experienced app development team can provide clarity!

Best for who - for me, or for you?

Despite what some Quorans are saying here, there’s no best or worst. Full stop.

To answer your question, I have to know the type of product you’re building and some key details about your target audience.

For instance, during your market research, you noticed that your potential customers have iOS. Would you go for native Android development? Probably not. Native iOS is your number one choice. So, naturally, the choice of platform will hugely depend on that, but also on other factors.

Now, if you see that your target audience uses both Android and iOS in equal shares, then the question should be asked from a different angle - “Should I build two native apps or one cross-platform one?”, and the choice here will depend on your resources.

So let me tell you about the pros and cons of native and cross-platform apps, and you’ll decide for yourself.

Pros of native apps

• Extraordinarily stable performance. Native apps are famous for their impeccable performance, high speed, responsiveness.
• Seamless and consistent UX. Native apps built with Java/ Swift are characterized by excellent user experience and consistency.

Cons of native apps

• More costly. Not only is it more expensive, because you have to build two native apps (well, if you have to!), but also because you have to support and maintain two apps after release.
• Take more time to develop. If we’re talking about building two native apps, in comparison with one cross-platform app, then the development time for the native platform will be twice as long.

Pros of cross-platform apps

• Less time- and budget-consuming. This one is rather logical. If you don’t have huge funding, but rather you’re bootstrapping your business, you should go for a cross-platform app, because you’ll have to invest once, instead of twice, as with native apps.
• Faster time-to-market. You have an idea for your startup and you want to validate it as soon as possible. That’s when the cross-platform app comes in handy.
• Native look and feel. If developed professionally, it’s hard to tell apart which app is native and which is cross-platform one.

Cons of cross-platform apps

• Limited functionality. It’s true that some native functionality can be implemented only on native apps. Also, if you want to go with a trend and implement AR, your only option is a native app.

There are lots of myths that state that cross-platform equals poor quality. But times change, and cross-platform development is not dragging behind, that’s for sure.

With the rapidly growing app market, it's no wonder that so many developers are jumping onto the scene and all types of new apps are being created. Nowadays, there are two main ways of creating an app: cross-platform development and native app development.

Cross-platform apps are usually built using HTML5 or JavaScript frameworks, while native apps have been developed from scratch to take advantage of the hardware capabilities on specific operating systems. Native apps allow for greater user experience, because they run faster, consume less battery power and offer better performance than cross-platform ones. However, these benefits come at a cost, as most developers will end up having to create two separate versions of their app in order to reach both platforms.

Before you decide which type of app to develop, you should take into account the complexity and time involved in making each type of app.

Native app:

Native apps are developed by creating an entire operating system from scratch, which allows for greater user experience and performance.

Cross-platform app development:

Cross-platform apps are created by using HTML5 or JavaScript frameworks to create a version of the app that works on multiple platforms. This requires less time and resources, but makes it more difficult to reach the same features as a native app.

Pros and Cons of native vs. cross-platform apps

Native apps are more engaging, require more time and resources to create, but have better performance than cross-platform apps.

Cross-platform development is cheaper and takes less time, but doesn't offer the same user experience as native apps.

It all boils down to what your business needs. If you need your app to be on an app store and be accessible to a broader audience, then native app development is the way to go.

If you need both a desktop and mobile version of your app, cross-platform app development is the best option.

The choice between choosing between native and cross-platform depends on factors like budget, timeline, performance needs, and required features. Native is best for high-performance or platform-specific apps, while cross-platform is ideal for faster, more cost-effective deployment across multiple platforms.

Native app development:

• Apps are built specifically for one platform (either iOS or Android)
• Uses platform-specific programming languages (e.g., Swift for iOS, Java/Kotlin for Android)
• Offers better performance and full access to device features
• It provides a more natural look and feel that matches the platform
• Usually more expensive and time-consuming to develop for multiple platforms

Cross-platform app development:

• Apps are built to work on multiple platforms from a single codebase
• Uses frameworks like React Native, Flutter, or Xamarin
• Allows faster development and easier maintenance across platforms
• Generally more cost-effective
• May have slightly lower performance compared to native apps
• Can achieve a near-native look, but might not perfectly match the platform-specific design

Hold up, native isn’t the opposite of cross platform. Get your opponents right first.

Native’s opposite is virtualized, which in this case:

• Native is easier to deploy, most of the time a single binary of resulting simple compilatiom command is sufficient. Virtualized will require additional runtime (virtual) environment to be installed as well, such as .NET framework and Java RE
• Native binary is, well, native to the OS, it recognizes and can run the format directly. Virtualized requires an interpreter native to the OS, which will be feed the virtualized program to translate (commonly) on the fly to native format
• Native is usually bigger in size, as it contains everything it needs to run (read the first bulletpoint again)
• Virtualized will typically eat more RAM, as it needs to store both the original and native code in RAM for easier recompilation
• Virtualized has the potential (read: not always) to run unmodified on multiple platforms, provided the runtime environment has been installed
• Virtualized has the potential to run faster, at least some parts, due to its runtime environment ability to know the capabilities of the platform the program is running on. For instance, it may generate AVX instructions instead of SSE or even x87 for floating point operations if it knows the platform has such a feature, whereas a native is hardcoded to use whatever it was compiled for

Cross platform’s opposite is single platform, which in this case:

• Single platform can leverage everything the platform provides, cross platform will have to deal with lowest common denominator available on all platforms, at the very least must use conditionals on things available only on certain platforms
• Single platform tends to have smaller size, because you can give up abstraction layer, may also be faster for the same reason
• Single platform is easier to test
• Cross platform reaches more audience
• Cross platform usually has better / more sophisticated architecture
• Cross platform is ready to add more platforms, it’s usually easier to build for another target in a cross platform solution than a single platform one which is not expected to be ported in the first place

Typically there are three choices to develop the mobile apps native, web, and hybrid applications. Now, which one is better for you, can be decided only once you analyze each of them deeply and know which one best suits to your requirements.

Here I am describing the brief comparison which can help you to find the better one.

1. Native Apps – An application that is built for a single mobile platform that is actually installed on the user’s device.

Some advantages of Native aps are -

• Geo-location tagging allows companies to tailor their promotional and loyalty opportunities. Consumers can receive alerts when they are near physical stores, or are eligible for geography-based discounts.

• Analytics about a user’s actions can be easily captured and analyzed, making it easier to judge the effectiveness of app features or promotions

• Native apps typically run and “feel” better. Web apps sometimes are built to mimic native apps, but are restricted by internet speeds and the limits to the design options.

Some drawbacks are -

• Native apps are often more expensive to develop, especially for companies that want/need the app on multiple OS platforms

• Native apps have to be approved by the individual app store, and garnering interest in the app can be difficult.

2. Hybrid Apps - Typically built with the combination of languages, including CSS 3, HTML 5 and JavaScript. Unlike Native apps, Hybrid apps don’t need separate efforts for each mobile platform. They are developed once and can be made available in all the play stores.

Some advantage of Hybrid apps

• Hybrid apps offer the most functionality and customization for the user

• Developers are not locked into a certain OS platform, they can instead build a hybrid app that will work with multiple platforms.

• Hybrids are a good option for developers that are building visually-intensive applications such as games.

Some drawbacks are

• Very complex apps might be best suited as natives

• Development requires additional time and effort in order to mimic the native look and feel

• App stores might reject some hybrid apps if they do not perform fluidly

Please, upvote the answer if you like.

It is a critical question to answer which one is the best. Native vs Cross-Platform applications have been a popular point of debate throughout many years.

The difference between Native and Cross-platform solutions is not limited to performance but also considering their use cases and mapping-out some advantages and disadvantages.

I am listing out the characteristics of both the Platform by which you can decide which you will choose to build an application.

Now let’s first start with what is the Native App?

A native mobile app is an application that is developed for an only specific platform. This means that it fully corresponds to the mobile operating system’s requirements so that the application and take full advantage of the device features such as a camera, compass, GPS, Contacts list and so on.

Which Platform is used by Native apps?

Native apps mostly use platform-specific programming Language. Currently, the mobile OS market has two leaders Google and Apple. So it is usually developed either on Java/Kotlin for Android or on Objective-C/Swift for iOS.

Native App strong side.

• Native app provide Full integration of the device

• Native app is having better UX standards

• It is having High performance with great UX

• It is also having Broad Functionality

• Native apps are faster and more efficient because they are compatible with the device’s existing features

• Building and fine-tuning the app is made simpler with a software development kit (SDK)

• Native apps can be accessed offline at any time without internet access

• Because they require approval from the app store, native apps are safe and secure

• Native apps receive support from the app store

• Native apps are easier to find in the app store

• Native apps maintain aspect ratios, which bolsters image quality

• Native apps enable data to be saved and reloaded at launch

Native App week side.

• Native apps usually cost more and take longer to develop, especially if the app is intended to be compatible across multiple platforms

• If intended for multiple platforms, native apps are especially expensive to maintain

• Native apps require the user to take a number of steps to gain access – they must go to the store, locate the app, accept the terms and conditions, and download it – which can deter impatient users

• There’s often a lengthy approval process for native apps seeking entry to the app store

• It becomes Difficulties with Updates and Maintenance

• The developer must know and be capable of implementing the application for all platforms or must have a team of developers who specialize in each platform

What is Cross Platforms App?

A cross- Platform app is an application compatible with different mobile platforms. Cross-Platform development usually means web applications and hybrid applications that have web technologies in app creation. But you can also develop a cross-platform app with more up-to-data, sophisticated tools like React Native or Flutter.

It is the latest approach to create apps for both platforms iOS and Android. There is no need to code specifically, developer code once and that same is reuse for both iOS and Android.

Cross-Platform a strong side.

• It’s cost-effective. There is a great debate when it comes to native app vs cross-platform app but when the points come on cost efficiency then surely cross-platform beats.

• The biggest benefit from my side is it's reusable. As a developer don’t have to write the code for each system separately.

• It allows you to reach with more people and have a great scope for the wider audience. They can focus on both user’s android and iOS users without losing any potential audiences.

• Consistent app performance across platforms. If a developer writes a native app for each operating system, the two might require significant changes when it comes to UI and features supported due to the differences in how the two platforms implement functions. With cross-platform apps, drastic changes between the applications on various systems are not much of an issue as the two share a common codebase. This way there will be fewer visible performance and UI changes, so your brand identity will remain coherent.

• Easy app support and Maintenance. Since with the only one codebase, it’s easy to change anything in the app. The mobile team can able to update to multiple platforms correspondingly.

Cross-Platform weaker side.

• Low App Speed. The real problem is, cross-platform apps are somewhat slower than the native ones.

• It is having Limited Functionality compare to native. Too bad, cross-platform applications don’t have access to all the native APIs. Also, they have limited access to OS features and often don’t work without an Internet connection.

• Cross-platform mobile developers can’t follow Apple’s HMI guidelines and ignore Google’s. Because if they do, Android users will find it uncomfortable to use the app. So, a cross-platform application has to provide the same experience through all platforms. The UX has to be unified, which is not an easy thing to do.

• Customization will take you away from the hybrid model in which you may as well go native

Native Vs Cross Platforms app

There’s no definite answer to which app development approach is better. But you can decide which suits your startup better based on the company’s needs. So, before jumping into mobile development, ask yourself the following:

How much can you afford to spend on app development?

How fast do you have to deliver the app?

Native apps, built specifically for iOS or Android, offer superior performance, optimal user experience, and full access to device features. However, they require separate development for each platform, increasing costs and time.

Cross-platform apps use a single codebase for multiple platforms, accelerating development and reducing costs. While they've improved significantly, they might still compromise on performance, user experience, and device feature access compared to native apps.

The best choice depends on factors like budget, timeline, app complexity, and target audience. Consider a hybrid approach combining elements of both if needed.

What You Need To Consider When Choosing An Approach Between Native & Cross Platform App Development -

Application Complexity - If you’re building an app that’s just displaying information fetched from the network, cross-platform development will be a good choice. However, if it involves heavy processing or requires access to low-level APIs like Bluetooth, you’ll want to go with native development.

Cost - Native development produces apps with high performance, but it can be costly to build. If you have a limited budget to work on, cross-platform development is the ideal choice. You’ll save around 30%-40% as only a single codebase is created for an app that works on both Android and iOS.

Development Time - In some projects, you’ll want to get an MVP app up as soon as possible. This is where you’ll want to consider cross-platform development. You don’t have to work on two versions of the app. Instead, only a single cycle of development is needed for an app to be released for Android and iOS.

UI/UX - If you’re looking for stunning visuals and experience, the answer lies in native development. Developers have access to UI/UX components when developing in a native environment. Opting for cross-platform will greatly limit the UI/UX element of the app.

Both.

When it comes to games I imagine it’s mostly cross-platform today, via e.g. Unity. For many other types of apps cross-platform also makes sense, to make them look and behave the same independent of platform and to speed up development.

That said, to get access to all the device functionality it’s best to go fully native or use a cross-platform tool that accesses platform APIs directly.

Update: In my work the following languages/tools have been used (with me as developer or project leader): Objective-C, Swift, Java (Android Dalvik, and earlier CLDC/MIDP), C/C++ (embedded software), Javascript (via Cordova) on multiple occasions. I’ve also seen Xamarin and Titanium being used in other projects beyond my control.

My experience is that fully native dominates in larger projects, as they are so expensive anyway, with also an extensive backend, very high quality and functionality requirements, need for native look-n-feel etc, but it’s not a rule.

I assume by "cross platform" you mean using a development tool like Phonegap, Titanium, Xamarin, etc. that lets you build one core app (usually using HTML and javascript) that can be compiled for multiple targets (iOS, Android, Windows).

The choice between developing a native app and using cross platform tools depends on many factors. If you want to take advantage of newer features in the underlying OS, a user experience that fits the platform, better performance, more control over optimization, etc., a native app will always be a better choice.

However, If you want to prototype and launch a relatively simple app on multiple platforms quickly, you can start with cross platform tools. The downside is that some features may available in the mobile OS, but the tool developer may not provide access to it and you will not be able to use it.

Debugging and build tools are also much better for native app development, and that may become a critical issue for large scale projects.

Mobile app development

Mobile app development is the process of creating software applications that run on a mobile device. Now lets understand about what is native and cross platform mobile app development.

Native Mobile app development

Native Mobile apps are developed to target either Android or iOS. For android you can use Java or kotlin programming language. For iOS you can use Objective C or swift programming language.

Cross- Platform Mobile app development

Cross- Platform will provide you the flexibility of using a universal language. The main benefit of using cross- platform mobile apps is code reusability to make the entire development process simple.

How to Choose Between Developing a Native iOS App or a Cross-Platform App

When deciding between developing a native iOS app or a cross-platform app, several factors need to be considered. Each approach has its advantages and is suited for different business needs. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you make the right choice:

1. Understand the Difference

• Native iOS App: A native app is developed specifically for iOS, using Swift or Objective-C. It provides high performance and access to all device features like camera, GPS, etc.
• Cross-Platform App: A cross-platform app is developed using frameworks like Flutter or React Native, allowing the same codebase to be used for both iOS and Android platforms.

2. Assess Performance Needs

• If your app requires high performance, such as in gaming, AR, or heavy computational tasks, native development is often the best choice.
• For apps with simpler functionalities or if you want to target both iOS and Android without compromising too much on performance, cross-platform development could be a suitable option.

3. Evaluate Development Time and Cost

• Native iOS development requires separate development for iOS, which can increase both time and cost if you also need to develop for Android.
• Cross-platform apps save time and cost because you can write the code once and deploy it on both platforms. This makes it a more cost-effective choice, especially for startups or businesses with limited budgets.

4. Consider User Experience

• Native apps offer the best user experience, as they are designed specifically for the platform and can take full advantage of the platform's capabilities.
• Cross-platform apps may face some limitations when it comes to achieving the same level of smoothness or integrating advanced features specific to each platform.

5. Think About Maintenance and Updates

• Native apps require updates to be made separately for each platform, which can be time-consuming.
• Cross-platform apps require fewer updates since you only need to update one codebase, making them easier to maintain in the long run.

6. Target Audience and Market

• If your target audience is mostly iOS users, developing a native iOS app will help you leverage iOS-specific features and get the best performance.
• If your goal is to reach both iOS and Android users, a cross-platform app can help you expand your reach while saving on resources.

7. Budget Constraints

• Native apps are more expensive to develop as you need separate development for both platforms.
• Cross-platform development is generally more affordable and faster, making it ideal for businesses with limited resources.

Why Choose Artoon Solutions?

Artoon Solutions, with over 15 years of experience in mobile app development, can help you make the right choice for your project. Whether you need a high-performing native iOS app or an efficient cross-platform solution, their result-oriented approach ensures that your app meets your business goals and delivers an exceptional user experience.

Conclusion

Choosing between a native iOS app and a cross-platform app ultimately depends on your app's requirements, target audience, budget, and desired user experience. By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that benefits your business in the long run.

This forum content answers the question with a simple and SEO-friendly structure, promoting Artoon Solutions' expertise at the right moments without overwhelming the reader.

Creating mobile applications! Imagine you have a magic wand, and you can create your very own app. Cool, right? But wait, how do we make that magic happen? Well, there are three different ways to create apps: Native, Web, and Cross-platform. Let's look at each choice and see which one is best for you!

Native Apps:

Picture this: Native apps are like superheroes with special powers! They are custom-made for a certain gadget, such as the iPhone or a phone running Android. This means they are extremely quick and can take advantage of every one of the device's interesting capabilities, like the camera and GPS. They are like wizards who speak the same language as your phone!

Pros:

Super fast and smooth performance.

Can use all the fantastic features of your device.

Great for apps that need to work offline.

Cons:

Requires different coding for each type of device (iPhone or Android).

It's the same as developing two separate apps, which might take more time and effort.

Web Apps:

Web apps are like friendly ghosts that live on the internet. They are not installed on your phone but can be accessed through a web browser, just like playing games or watching videos online. They are like digital nomads, always ready to roam around on any device with internet access!

Pros:

Works on any device with a web browser (phones, tablets, computers).

There is no need to download or install anything.

Easy to update and maintain.

Cons:

You need a good internet connection for it to work well.

May not have access to all the features of your device.

Cross-platform Apps:

Cross-platform apps are like chameleons; they can adapt to different devices! They are created with specialized tools which enable them to function on both iPhone and Android phones. Imagine having one app that works on different devices, like a shape-shifter!

Pros:

Saves time and effort, as you build one app for multiple devices.

Access to many features of your device.

Excellent for devices that require to appeal to a larger audience.

Cons:

May not be as fast as native apps.

Some features might not work perfectly on all devices.

Benefits of Native Mobile App -

1. The application has full support for multithreading and hardware accelerations.

2. A native app has full access to the device’s services and features.

3. There are no limitations in terms of advanced user interface customization.

4. Highly interactive reporting, or intensely computational algorithms for converting photos/ sounds.

5. Interacts with other apps and offers widgets on the initial page.

Benefits of Cross-Platform Mobile App -

1. With increasing mobile penetration, an app running on both platforms or converting an app has huge market potential.

2. The overall app design can be maintained across a diverse range of platforms if there is a single code that runs on the software.

3. Cross-platform app development is cheaper in terms of cost and takes less time to implement an app on all platforms.

4. The User Interface is rendered using ‘native’ controls, so UI performance can be as fast as native.

5. CPA development decreases the range of required skills and the number of developers.

If your project is not a game and aimed at long-term development, requires smooth performance and needs to be as responsive as possible – native development is the best choice!

Cross-platform apps use an intermediate language to provide for a single code base which can be used for multiple platforms. Usually, it does by creating platform-specific versions of various components.

So cross platforms can run on multiple platforms including android, iOS and many more.

Native apps work through a device-specific language to run for that specific platform only. These apps are known to best use the device features as they coded in that device's language. On the contrary, though cross-platform apps can run on multiple platforms they cannot use device capabilities as good as native apps.

The mobile apps market keeps growing and it is unlikely that anything will significantly change in the coming years. At the same time, 99% of all smartphones in the world work on one of two platforms – iOS or Android.

Entrepreneurs, start-uppers and independent developers produce hundreds of apps in a variety of niches every day. However, anyone who is going to develop a mobile app faces the need to choose between one of two options – native or cross-platform development. Both approaches differ in a number of features.

Native applications:

• When a project requires extensive data processing and, therefore, intensive use of the device's memory, the most obvious option is for the members of the team to choose a 100% native development. The higher performance of native applications is a significant aspect. A design and development for Android, another one for iOS and another for Windows Phone, if the idea is finally to have an app in this operating system.
• Scaling: Native applications are supported by companies such as Apple (developer of iOS) and Google (Android). Therefore, each new device or solution launched in the market by the two companies would have the advantage of the approval and all the facilities when scaling the native application to these new scenarios: whether Apple's new smart watch (Apple Watch 2) or Google's new smartphone (Pixel).
• If the choice is a native application, this will have implications in the design and development, which will take the project to specific usability standards for each platform. The native elements of Android and iOS are completely different and this conditions the entire process.
• Native applications make the most of all the possibilities afforded by the hardware. Each device has its standard operating system and, obviously, developing native applications not only has advantages on the operating system side, but also on the side of the hardware itself.
• Native applications usually have greater visibility at app stores and often get better user ratings and recommendations. This is essential for a good ASO positioning.

Cross-platform applications:

• Compared with the obvious benefits offered by a native application, web project encapsulating solutions or cross-platform applications considerably shorten development and deployment times at app stores. There are therefore fewer costs and the risk of opting for projects that will fail is lower.
• Moreover, we should not forget that cross-platform applications not only cut costs, but they also maximize the profit, either through exposure to a larger number of users (the company will have an application in most environments) or on the revenue side.
• The development team can centralize all the launch effort on a single source code. The fragmentation when implementing an MVP and also in subsequent upgrades does not exist.
• This also has the advantage of not only avoiding fragmentation, but also when it comes to saving error resolution efforts. When the code produces a bug, one single solution can be used for all the environments.
• It is not necessary to incorporate new profiles to the team other than those that can already be serving a desktop version: having a team knowledgeable in HTML, CSS and JavaScript would be enough.

It fairly depends on your requirement. if your requirement is a very simple standalone app or simple tic-tact-toe game or an application which doesn't involve the high GPU rendering or which doesn't involve high network payload exchange, then you can go for a cross platform application.
If you demand the performance of your application like you want your app to run on all varieties of devices of particular platform seamlessly disregarding the high end requirements of your application. then you have only one option that is native.

But consider another case where, you have an idea with you, with which you can make more money and you want it as soon as possible for maximum users in that case you can for Cross-platform apps as you can show the gist of the application to your users. later on you can improve you performance, if that isn't possible you can shift over to the native application while you are already in the market. but there is a risk in this which may defame your application if there is no performance ( if needed).

thanks.

What is Native App Development?

Native app development is concerned with creating apps for a specific platform, such as iOS, Android, or Windows.

The main advantage of native apps over cross-platform apps is that they can take advantage of all of the operating system's functions as well as all of the device's features—camera, GPS, contacts list, gravity sensor, gyroscope, and so on. Furthermore, all complicated functions, such as complex networking, memory management, and more, become easy for developers to use.

Pros of Native App Development

• High Performance
• Broad Functionality
• Ultimate UI/UX
• Higher Security and Reliability
• Store’s Support

Cons of Native App Development

• High Cost
• Difficulties with Updates and Maintenance
• Slow Development Speed

What is Cross-platform app development?

Cross-platform app creation gives you the freedom to create mobile apps using a universal language, allowing you to use a single programme across many platforms. The main benefit of cross-platform development is code reuse, which simplifies the entire development process.

Pros of Cross-platform App Development

• Cost-Effective
• Quick Development
• Easy App Support and Maintenance
• Faster time to market
• Maximum Exposure to the Target Audience

Cons of Cross-platform App Development

• Limited Functionality
• Limited support of 3rd-Party Libraries
• Integration Issues

Hey, many thanks for a great question!

In all likelihood, there seems to be a vast gulf between the native ad hybrid application development.

The first and most important thing among all the others is language you code on. When it is native - it is either Java/ Kotlin or Objective-c/Swift for Android and iOS platforms respectively. When we talk about cross-platform, there are things like Cordova and Xamarin you have to develop your app on.

Secondly, time and money difference is also here. Yeah, it’s true that you get to pay less for a hybrid app than you actually get to pay for a native one. And in terms of money as well - you get to spend less for having a hybrid application developed.

Thirdly, although hybrid app may seem to appear a more cost-effective solution, it aint so. Xamarin and Cordov both have a limited amount of plugins which are installed for every feature in the app (like push-notifications, user profile and so on). So you basically do not create anything out of the new stuff - you just get to use what others have made years ago.

All in all, this is up to you to choose the most convenient option; however, my experince in the sphere of tech-savvy apps suggests that it is always better to go native if possible :)

best of luck!

Mobile Native App
Native applications are built in the software programming language of the phone. As an example on iOS the native language is Objective-C and Swift so apps written in this language are considered native apps. On Android the native language is Java.

Usually native applications have access to many low-level functions that may not be available via a cross-platform app. Native applications also maximize performance by not having intermediate steps between the application and the operating system.

Cross-Platform Apps
This refers to applications built using some library or technology that enables the application to look platform specific by enables the developer to not have independent programs for each language.

Native vs. Cross-platform is like a speaking a new language
You can be a native speaker or you may require a translator. Cross-platform apps requiring a translator. This makes things slower. Sometimes things don’t feel right or don’t sound right because they are being translated. A native speaker on the other hand, fits in, performs quickly and requires no translation.

A native app is built using the sdk and frameworks provided by the mobile operating system. Android provides android sdk and development is done in java, where as ios provides its own libraries and coding is done in obective c or swift

A cross platform app is done with a third party sdk or framework and then converted to multiple formats using wrappers or code converters and then built into different platforms like ios android or windows. Eg cordova/phone gap wraps web apps done in html and javascript using their own wrapper for ios android etc and builds them to apps for corresponding platforms.

There are frameworks that converts code to various platforms.

There are roughly 5 different strategies that you can follow to develop a cross platform app. The choice between that will depend on what you want to build. your expertise and the tradeoffs you are willing to make (resources, time, experiences, etc.).

1. A completely native app: Write an app for Android, another one for iOS, another one for Windows, etc. The only common piece would be any cloud services that your apps call into. This is probably the most ineffecient from an Engineering standpoint, but will provide the best user experience (including performance).
2. Native app with some code reuse: You can write your runtime/business logic in pure C++ while your UI can be written in the native frameworks provided by the platform. For instance, on Android, you will write your UI code in Java and use JNI to talk to the C++ code while on iOS, you will write your UI code in Cocoa/Objective-C. You will also need to write platform specific code for calling device/OS APIs. You can also make some optimizations here. For instance, you can use some open source or third party libraries for OS/device specific APIs. Clearly, the C++ code will not enable you to use this code for the browser. This model typically works better than the first approach but still has all the benefits of the previous approach. You can also write your business logic in javascript instead of C++, but that wont provide you many benefits in this model.
3. Provide Native app experience but by writing the code exactly once. There are two sub-approaches here, but both the approaches let you write code exactly once and use it on all major platforms.
1. Create an app using Xamarin. In this model, you create the application once using C# and it gets converted to native code on other platforms. This still gives you all the benefits including performance of the native app and will be very appealing to teams that are more familiar with .Net technologies. Ofcourse, this approach will cover iOS, Android and Windows, but not web or other platforms.
2. Create a webapp using a javascript technology and create the UI in JS but by using React. This enables you to provide a native experience to your users on iOS and Android while also enabling you to make the same app available via the web. Here the runtime is in javascript, but your UI will be Native UI. This also enables you to include the web in your platforms, which enables you to use this webapp on platforms other than iOS and Android. This will be most appealing for teams that are more experienced with web technologies.
4. WebApps: These apps are created entirely in HTML/JS and will be most appealing to teams familiar with web technologies. You can use a lot of technologies here like Angular.js, etc., to write the app in javascript. However, you will still need to write code or use libraries to call into the device/OS specific APIs. For this, you can use technologies like PhoneGap/Cordova. Ofcourse, using this, you can target browsers as well. Though the downside is that these might not be most performant or memory efficient on lower end devices, the gap is closing fast.

I have categorized the solutions in the above 5 categories, but I have not listed all the technologies there. I am sure that once you identify a strategy, you can find many libraries and tools that will make your development easier and faster.

Simple answer - it depends on your requirement.

Generally, Cross Platforms use HTML pages with JS, which is bundled into a simple native app that uses a WebView component. When you run this app on iPhone/Android/Windows this HTML is presented with the native look and feel, which looks much like a native applicaiton.

If you need a quick app developed that just delivers some data from the internet and present it on an interface, you can use Cross-Platform.

If you really need good processing powers, more networking, you should go native. For example, you can make a Twitter / Facebook / 2048 / Quora like apps in Cross-Platform, but you should go native if you plan for an Instagram / Temple Run / Google Maps Navigation / Music Player like app.

Now a days, these cross-platform libraries comes with advanced libraries that helps to access the hardware like GPS, Accelerometer, Camera etc.

To conclude : If your app needs a good processing power, then go native. If it's just simple data display and posting, go Cross-Platform.

Ultimately, native. In the short term, it depends on what the app is doing and how much money the business has to spend on it. If the app is a slightly better, quicker version of the web site, and the business has limited time and money, it can settle for cross-platform. Don’t expect people to be wowed by it, and don't expect most of the mobile-only features to be supported.

Which is the biggest problem with cross-platform: very limited support. I have seen where a business needed a certain new platform-only feature, and found out cross-platform couldn’t do it. The whole team and the manager got fired, and the business started over. This happens a LOT. Businesses run the risk of paying a lot more later, and will lose a lot of time in the end. Money and time are supposed to be the best cross-platform advantages. That’s true right up until the future moment when it’s painfully not.

Can the business guarantee it will never need a mobile-only feature in the future? Does the business have limited funds and time to prove itself viable short term? These are real questions to ask the business. Assuming business success, native is always the best for business.

Title: Native Android App Development vs. Cross-Platform Development: Unveiling the Key Differences

Introduction

When it comes to mobile app development, choosing the right approach can significantly impact your project's success. Two prominent methods for creating mobile applications are native Android app development and cross-platform development. In this article, we will explore the key differences between these two approaches, shedding light on aspects that are not widely discussed on the internet.

1. Development Environment

Native Android App Development:

- Native Android development requires the use of platform-specific tools and languages, primarily Java or Kotlin.

- Developers need to become proficient in Android Studio, the official Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for Android.

- Access to the full range of Android features and APIs is available, allowing for complete customization and optimization for the platform.

Cross-Platform Development:

- Cross-platform development utilizes frameworks like React Native, Flutter, or Xamarin.

- Developers can write code using a single codebase, often in languages like JavaScript or Dart.

- While cross-platform tools are advancing rapidly, they may not offer immediate access to the latest Android features, potentially leading to delays in incorporating new functionalities.

2. Performance

Native Android App Development:

- Native apps are renowned for their exceptional performance since they are optimized for the specific Android platform.

- Utilizing platform-specific APIs and libraries, native apps can provide seamless user experiences with smooth animations and quick response times.

Cross-Platform Development:

- Cross-platform apps often face performance trade-offs as they run on a shared codebase and rely on bridge technologies to communicate with the native platform.

- While advancements in cross-platform development have mitigated many performance issues, highly demanding apps may still opt for native development to ensure top-notch performance.

3. User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX)

Native Android App Development:

- Native apps seamlessly integrate with the Android ecosystem, offering a consistent and familiar user interface.

- Developers can make the most of platform-specific UI components and design guidelines to create an authentic Android look and feel.

Cross-Platform Development:

- Cross-platform apps tend to have a shared UI codebase, which can result in a more generic appearance across different platforms.

- Achieving pixel-perfect UI matching Android's Material Design guidelines can be more challenging but is still feasible with careful design and customization.

4. Development Speed and Cost

Native Android App Development:

- Developing separate apps for Android and iOS platforms may require more time and resources.

- Maintenance and updates involve managing two distinct codebases.

Cross-Platform Development:

- Cross-platform development offers faster development times and cost savings due to the shared codebase.

- Maintaining a single codebase reduces the effort required for updates and bug fixes.

5. Access to Device Features

Native Android App Development:

- Native development grants full access to all device features, including sensors, cameras, and hardware components.

- Developers can harness the latest Android features immediately upon release.

Cross-Platform Development:

- Cross-platform tools may lag behind in offering access to new Android features, requiring additional time for updates and support.

- Access to specific device features may vary depending on the chosen framework.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both native Android app development and cross-platform development have their merits and drawbacks. Native development excels in performance and provides immediate access to device features but may require more time and resources. On the other hand, cross-platform development offers cost-efficiency and faster development but may face challenges in achieving platform-specific user experiences.

Ultimately, the choice between these approaches depends on the specific project requirements, budget, and timeline. Careful consideration of these key differences will help you make an informed decision for your mobile app development endeavor.

We face this question with many projects - our own apps as well as 3rd party apps we help build for customers.

Our thumb-rule for this: If the app will be mostly a data rendering/access and act as a front-end for data based transactions; with a multiple platform coverage and limited budgets - a x-platform application is a good choice.

If the app is designed for innovative device experience - touch, sensors, UI innovation and needs to keep ahead of the market on these parameters, building a native app has significant advantages. It will take more effort and nearly double the investment but will be worth it in the long run.

As per my experience you should go with Web Development. As it is an open ground to try out every thing which you can think about. You get an opportunity to learn Database, Client server architecture, HTML, CSS, Javascript, Browser compatibility all at one go.

If you jump directly into Mobile development, you are basically jumping into war ground without adequate weapons. Means - you lose to learn all the above. Most of the time you will find yourself struggling with issues for eg. API integration in your mobile app. Believe me, I have seen people / freshers who directly jump into mobile without any knowledge of server side apps don't even know the meaning of term "API".

You cannot be perfectionist in your job as a mobile developer without above knowledge.
Let me also warn you that while you choose to do web development first you might find yourself being under paid but what you learn from it is priceless.
But I believe that is how it should go on !! Directly jumping on the top step of a ladder is often harmful.

Rest you decide :)