“Businesses globally spent an estimated $296 billion on mobile app development in 2023.”Clearly, the ever-growing popularity of mobile apps is deniable. However, companies are often met with one dilemma – Native or Hybrid?
So, should you take the native approach, or seek hybrid app development services? This guide walks you through the various features, benefits, and potential limitations of native and hybrid app development frameworks.
Let’s get started.
# What is Native app development?
Native app development involves creating applications designed specifically to operate on its “native” device or operating system (Android, iOS, Blackberry OS, etc.). Native apps are designed using programming languages (Objective-C or Swift for iOS, Java or Kotlin for Android) to work seamlessly with their native device.
Note that running a native app on both iOS and Android devices would mean developing two apps from scratch for each OS. Some organizations initially choose to develop a native mobile app, and if it yields the desired results (performance, downloads, ratings, etc.), they may choose to re-create it for other operating systems.
By tapping into the device’s capabilities (like contacts, camera, GPS, etc.), a Native app development company can create highly intuitive and responsive mobile apps. Native apps are popular for their performance, visually appealing UX/UI, and robust security features.
Examples:
- Google Maps
- Spotify
- Uber
- SoundCloud
- Pokémon Go
Advantages: –
- Platform-native approach: As mentioned, native apps can leverage native device features and capabilities (microphone, geolocation, contacts, etc.) for enhanced user experience.
- High-end performance: Native app development yields the best app performance, making it suitable for creating enterprise-level apps with a complex architecture.
- Offline functionality: Unlike web or hybrid apps, native apps support offline functionality. Users can therefore leverage device features even without an internet connection.
Limitations: –
- High maintenance: Native apps require timely updates to operate seamlessly on the latest OS versions, leading to higher maintenance and operating costs.
- Expensive: The need for separate development processes, languages, skills, and tools makes creating native apps more expensive and time-consuming.
- Limited reach: Your application is available either on Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store, thus limiting its audience reach. Also, developers have to adhere to each platform’s specific rules and guidelines.
# What is Hybrid App Development?
Hybrid apps may be the answer to the age-old native v/s web app dilemma. Here, the app’s core is written in programming languages (JavaScript, HTML5, C#) used for web apps and then merged it with a native environment using plugins like Apache Cardova or Capacitor.
So, how does that help?
Basically, businesses should acquire hybrid app development services when looking to create a cross-platform, budget-friendly mobile app. Here, a single application can run smoothly across various platforms and operating systems (Windows, iOS, Android).
The best part? Developers can leverage a single codebase for multiple platforms, which not only facilitates code reusability, but ultimately reduces development cost and time-to-market. With proficient hybrid app development services, users can enjoy the performance and flexibility of native apps with the simple learning curve of web applications.
Examples: –
- Gmail
- Twitter X
- Airbnb
- Amazon
Advantages: –
- Code reusability: Thanks to a shared codebase, developers can create apps for multiple devices. This also makes hybrid apps easier to maintain and update.
- Faster time-to-market: SMBs and startups looking to quickly launch their product to new markets should adopt the hybrid approach.
- Cost-effective: By eliminating the need to create the same app separately for different platforms, businesses can significantly reduce development costs.
Limitations: –
- Limited device access: Hybrid apps depend on web functionalities, and hence, may encounter limited device accessibility compared to their native counterparts.
- Performance considerations: Owing to their web-based nature, hybrid apps are best suited to lightweight, or single-page applications (SPAs) with a clutter-free interface.
- No offline capabilities: Hybrid apps don’t provide offline functionality. Users must have an active internet connection to leverage app’s features.
# Native vs Hybrid App Development – Which is Better?
As we can see, both these app development approaches present their own unique benefits and limitations. However, the final choice may ultimately depend on a business’s specific project requirements and goals.
For instance, if cost-effectiveness and lightning-fast delivery is your primary concern, then hybrid app development services may be an optimal choice. Also, hybrid apps require less specialized expertise, making it suitable for companies with limited in-house resources.
On the other hand, if creating a graphic-intensive, platform-specific app takes the front seat, then a native development approach makes sense. Once again, note that additional costs may be incurred to maintain native apps and ensure compatibility with newer OS versions. So, discuss your project deliverables with an experienced native app development company beforehand.
However, note that a hybrid approach strikes the perfect balance between the cost and performance considerations offered by web and native apps respectively, making it an exciting prospect for most enterprises outside the ‘Fortune 500’ bracket.
# Conclusion: –
When it comes to uncompromised performance and flawless delivery, our recognition as a topnotch native app development company speaks for itself.
With 100+ hybrid apps launched as of February 2024, your app is in safe hands with us!
With our innovative hybrid app development services, you can expand your reach to a diverse user base across multiple platforms, all while staying within your budget.
Why settle for anything less when you can transform your entire business model with a best-of-breed mobile app solution?
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