It is widely known that people consume twice as much content on their mobile phones compared to their desktops. This is why the number of mobile apps has soared in recent years, with almost 3 million available through the Google Play Store and App Store.
There are many reasons why mobile app development is so important. Mobile apps can facilitate direct communication with customers, improve customer engagement, increase brand awareness, and provide effective marketing channels.
Mobile app development can be approached in various ways. The conventional method involves writing native code specifically for each device, typically Kotlin for Android and Swift for iOS. Native apps have a dedicated codebase for each platform.
Another approach is to create “hybrid” applications, which essentially present web pages within an application container known as a web view. Hybrid apps combine web elements with mobile components, allowing developers to use standard web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These apps have a single codebase that can be run on both iOS and Android platforms.
Cross-platform development is yet another method of building apps. Although it may appear similar to hybrid development, they are not the same. The key similarity lies in the concept of code shareability. Cross-platform app development allows developers to reuse code when building apps for different operating systems.
In this article, we will dive into the intricacies of Native Mobile App Development and explore the advantages it offers as a chosen development approach.
What is Native App Development?
Native app development is the process of building a mobile app that is specifically designed for a particular platform, such as Android or iOS. Native apps are built using the programming languages and tools that are native to each platform. For example, native Android apps are built using Java or Kotlin, while native iOS apps are built using Swift or Objective-C.
Native apps are known for providing an amazing user experience because they run really well. They also provide enhanced user experiences as they are tailored to the platform’s unique user interface and design elements However, one downside is that it can be expensive for startups to develop native apps because they have to make separate versions for both platforms.
Some well-known examples of native apps include:
- Spotify
- Google Maps
Native App Development vs. Hybrid vs. Cross-platform
There are three main types of mobile app development: native, hybrid, and cross-platform. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs.
Native App Development
Native apps are built specifically for a particular platform, such as Android or iOS. This means that native apps can take advantage of the specific features and capabilities of each platform. For example, native Android apps can access the Android camera, while native iOS apps can access the iOS GPS.
Native apps are also generally more performant than hybrid or cross-platform apps. This is because native apps are written in the native programming language for each platform, so they are able to communicate more efficiently with the operating system.
However, native app development can be more expensive and time-consuming than other types of app development. This is because native apps need to be developed separately for each platform.
Hybrid App Development
Hybrid apps are a mix of native and web apps. They are built using web technologies, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. However, hybrid apps also have a native “wrapper” that allows them to interact with the operating system.
Hybrid apps are less expensive and time-consuming to develop than native apps. This is because hybrid apps can be built using a single codebase that can be run on both Android and iOS.
However, hybrid apps are not as performant as native apps. This is because hybrid apps are not able to communicate as efficiently with the operating system as native apps.
Cross-Platform App Development
Cross-platform apps are similar to hybrid apps, but they are built using a more sophisticated framework that allows them to take advantage of more of the native features of each platform.
Cross-platform apps are typically more performant than hybrid apps, but they are still not as performant as native apps.
Benefits of Mobile Apps for Businesses
Mobile apps have become an essential tool for businesses of all sizes and industries. Let’s explore the benefits in more detail:
- Increased customer engagement: Mobile apps can help businesses engage with their customers in a more personal and interactive way. A well-designed app keeps customers informed about your products or services. Push notifications can be used to share real-time updates on sales, promotions, new products, and important information. They can also provide customers with access to exclusive content like videos, tutorials, and user reviews, which can boost engagement and drive sales.
- Improved customer loyalty: Mobile apps can help businesses improve customer loyalty by providing a convenient and easy way for customers to interact with the business. Personalised recommendations, special offers, and rewards programs create a sense of belonging and attachment to the brand. They can also provide an easy way for customers to access customer service and support, building trust and enhancing overall customer satisfaction.
- Increased sales: Mobile apps can help businesses increase sales by providing a convenient way for customers to purchase products or services. Apps provide a convenient and streamlined purchasing experience, with features like in-app purchasing facilitating direct transactions. Exclusive deals and discounts offered via apps also drive sales. Location-based services allow businesses to target customers in specific geographic areas.
- Cost-effective approach: Developing a mobile app can be more cost-effective compared to traditional marketing methods such as print or television advertising. It provides a better return on investment as customer engagement increases. They can be used to deliver targeted marketing messages and measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.
- Brand awareness: Mobile apps provide an avenue to showcase products and services to existing and prospective customers. They offer easy access to information, pricing, and the ability to make purchases, increasing the likelihood of a sale. Regular app updates create excitement among customers, encouraging them to check for new offerings and updates regularly.
Ready to build a native mobile app and grow your business?
Native mobile apps offer a number of benefits for businesses, including increased customer engagement, improved customer loyalty, and increased sales. However, developing a native mobile app can be a challenge, especially if you don’t have the right team in place.
That’s where Creativ Digital can help. We have a team of experienced product people who can help you every step of the way, from app strategy to UI/UX design to development and launch. We’ll work with you to understand your needs and goals, and we’ll create a custom solution that’s right for your business.
We know that launching a digital product is more than just building an app. You also need to make sure that your app follows the guidelines of the app store. Our team has experience with both the Apple App Store and Google Play, so we can help you ensure that your app is compliant and ready to launch.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you build a native mobile app that will grow your business.