Mobile App Development: Choosing Between Native and Cross-platform
Oleksandr Andrieiev
Digital Health | CEO & Сo-founder at Jelvix | Powering Business Growth through Technology | My content presents the resolution to your business challenges
The phrase, “There’s an app for that,” could not be more appropriate for 2023. Apps are playing an increasingly significant role in our lives – from retail-based e-commerce businesses to personal finance and life management, entertainment and gaming, and tracing contacts during the COVID-19 epidemic. In fact, as of 2021, there were 100 billion downloads from Google Play and iOS stores globally, and this number is expected to reach 200 billion in 2025. And in October 2022 alone, about 97 thousand apps were released on the Google Play Store and 36 thousand on Apple App Store.
Many of these were developed for one or both of the two major app stores via native app development, but many were also developed and launched via cross-platform technology, a method designed to reach a much larger audience on multiple platforms.
So, which should you choose for your development – native or cross-platform? In this article, you will receive a comprehensive explanation of both types of development and the pros and cons of each. In the end, you should be able to make an informed decision on which type of development is right for your apps so that you can locate the right developer or team for what you want.
First, an overview of the Mobile Development Market in the Current Environment
As of the 4th quarter, 2016, mobile devices surpassed the use of desktop PCs as the venue for consumers to communicate with others, obtain information, search for products or services, make purchases, and solve specific problems they face. And they use them everywhere and in all environments:
When users conduct a search related to what they need, they will immediately be rewarded with results that point them to specific websites or apps. And even those websites have apps, which they encourage visitors to download, to make access easy while “on the go.”
Let’s unpack more stats about the mobile apps market:
It’s also important to look at the demographics of app use, especially among age groups. There are probably no surprises here.
The monthly use in hours is as follows:
It is also interesting to note that Google Play app downloads outnumber iOS downloads by quite a bit.
This information should help drive decisions as individuals and organizations consider what types of apps they are interested in developing in at least the nearest future and for whom these apps will be developed.
The other question, of course, is which development model is best to use – native or cross-platform. So here is an in-depth look at both technologies.
Native App Development
In short, a native app is developed specifically for a specific platform(s) or device type – usually Android or iOS. Programming languages vary, depending on Android or iOS. Customary languages for Android include Java or Kotlin with the Android Studio framework. For iOS development, the most common languages are Objective- or Swift, with Xcode as a framework.
In both instances, the development can take advantage of the features of the devices for which they are being programmed, including such things as cameras, GPS, etc., uploaded to the Apple app store or Google Play for consumer download.
When Native App Development Is Preferred
Native app development usually occurs when the individual ordering it has a good budget and is flexible enough on time-to-market or launch time frame. In general, it’s a good investment and results in a user-friendly app with all the detailed features the app’s owner wants.
It sounds as if native development is ideal; however, there are lots of advantages. Let’s have a look at the pros and cons.
Pros of Native Development
The advantages of native development are obvious to those who use it:
For someone who wants efficiency, responsiveness, speed, and security, native app development delivers. This all is possible because native apps are built for a specific platform and with core programming languages and APIs. Loading time is fast and streamlined.
Native apps have multiple layers of an OS and are thus difficult to breach. Further, they do not rely on any third-party system; they use APIs that have been previously determined to be secure. And one of the reasons for native development taking longer is that security structures are to be designed and tested prior to launch.
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A native app uses a single codebase, as opposed to cross-platform apps that must house two codebases. There are fewer chances for bugs because there is no reliance on cross-platform tools (e.g., Xamarin or Cordova).
As well, native app developers have access to the latest SDKs as they start their development. Such kits are bug-free, and because they give developers a faster lead time, more time can be spent on testing, finding any bugs, and fixing them.
Apps that are here for the long-term need code that is easy and cheap to maintain. Apps written in native code are easier to update and maintain – there is just less coding and dependencies required. Adding new features is simply easier. And users can get information about any updates easily.
Native app content is downloaded onto a user’s device and is fully usable with all of that device’s features, including such things as its contact list, GPS, camera, and more.
Cons of Native App Development
While everything seems to be lovely in the choice for native app development, it is not without its disadvantages. Here are the most common cons:
Most individuals or organizations who want apps want them to be developed for both Apple Store and Google Play. This obviously requires two totally separate development tasks, adding to the cost.
Other than the development of two separate apps, native apps involve complexity and customization that cross-platform development does not. And with this complexity comes higher cost.
Native app development is a lengthy process. Anyone who is in a hurry for their app to be launched and marketed will not want native development.
Maintenance costs can run 15 – 20% of the original development cost. Such costs will include content upgrades, adding new features (including graphics), modifications in code, and the integration of newer technologies (e.g., security). It will also include increases in recurring expenses, such as payment gateways.
Any time a bug is fixed or an upgrade is launched, developers will first have to submit those to the respective store, and then users will have to be notified, usually by the store. There is always a chance that users will not notice the update notification. The app will then develop glitches that can cause loss of customers.
Tools and Languages for Native App Development
Most commonly, developers will use these tools in the building process:
For iOS: AppCode, Xcode, Atom
For Android: IntelliJ IDEA, Android IDE, Android Studio
Programming languages common to native app development are as follows:
For iOS: There are two primary options – Objective-C, and Swift.
For Android: Again, two primary options are available. – Java and Kotlin
Cross-Platform Development
Cross-platform apps are those that are developed to operate on multiple mobile platforms. They are thus compatible with both Android and iOS operating systems, as well as less-used platforms. Developers of cross-platform apps use only one code system, and thus the app is released faster to reach a larger audience.
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