One of the biggest decisions you will ever have to make when developing apps is whether or not to go for a native or cross-platform app. Each has its own advantages and drawbacks, depending on your budget, target audience and app functionality.

This article will shed light on the difference between cross-platform and native apps, pros and cons and help you in deciding which one is most suitable for your app concept.

What are Native Apps?

Native apps are built specifically for one platform, such as iOS or Android. These applications are built on the platform’s development language and tools. On iOS, Swift or Objective-C is used, while Java or Kotlin is utilized for Android. 

Pros of Native Apps

Let’s look at some of the advantages of building your app in native package:

1. Improved Performance

Native apps provide optimal performance because they are specifically made for the platform. They can unlock the full potential of the device’s hardware, including sensors, cameras, and GPS.

2. Enhanced User Experience

As these apps are specific to a certain platform, native apps conform to platform-specific guidelines. It provides a more intuitive user interface because the application looks and feels like it was meant for that device.

3. Access to All Device Features

Native apps get full access to the device features like push notifications, accelerometer, camera, and Bluetooth. This is significant for apps that need sophisticated functionalities like games or AR (Augmented Reality).

Cons of Native Apps

Even though Native apps present a lot of advantages for new app ideas, there could be some challenges, such as: 

1. Increased Development Cost

You have to develop apps separately for iOS and Android so the development cost is a bit pricier. This becomes an impediment for small startups or small-sized companies.

2. Longer Timeframe

Native application development takes more time as you have to create and manage two different codebases for distinct platforms.

3. Overhead of Maintenance

Native applications call for updates and maintenance on a platform-by-platform basis, and it tends to be more labor-intensive.

What are Cross-Platform Apps?

Cross-platform apps are coded so they can operate on various platforms using a single codebase. Commonly used frameworks for building cross-platform apps are React Native, Flutter, and Xamarin. 

Pros of Cross-Platform Apps

The app is coded in one language and the framework compiles the code to execute on both iOS and Android. These apps are:

1. Cost-Effective

You only have a single codebase for iOS and Android so the costs of development tend to be lesser. This comes as a special advantage to businesses with smaller budgets.

2. Shorter Time to Market

With one codebase, cross-platform applications are quicker to develop than native apps. With this, businesses can market their products faster.

3. Easy Maintenance

It is simpler to support cross-platform applications since you only have to support one codebase, not two.

Challenges of Cross-Platform Apps

The downsides of the cross-platform apps are: 

1. Performance Issues

While performance has been enhanced with frameworks such as React Native and Flutter, cross-platform applications still don’t quite match native apps in terms of performance. 

2. Limited Access to Device Features

Although frameworks such as React Native and Flutter offer plugins for accessing device functionality, you might not have complete access to all of the native features. 

3. Inconsistent UI/UX

Cross-platform apps try to look the same on all devices but they don’t always match the style of each platform perfectly. This can make the app look a little less polished.

Which One Should You Choose for Your App Idea?

We know the pros and cons of native and cross-platform apps, so let’s explore which option might be best for your app idea.

1. Consider Your Budget

If you are financially constrained, then cross-platform is the way to go. Two native apps could be costly and cross-platform frameworks enable you to reach iOS and Android simultaneously without incurring double the price. 

Cross-platform development tends to need fewer resources which could be a big saving factor for you.

2. Think of Your Target Market

If you are going to target a specific platform (iOS or Android) and wish to offer the best experience to users, then a native app would be ideal. 

However, if your app must cover large numbers on both platforms (both iOS and Android) and a slight reduction in performance and usability is okay by you, then a cross-platform app would be more sensible.

3. Consider Application Complexity

For basic apps such as to-do lists or messaging apps, cross-platform development will be fine. But if your app has sophisticated features like rich graphics, real-time functionality or profound integration with device hardware, a native app will be faster. 

 

For example, an augmented reality or high-end gaming app would be the best native to avoid any speed issues.

4. Time to Market

If you have to get your app out on the market fast, a cross-platform app is a good idea. It enables you to create your app for both platforms at a fraction of the time it would take to create two different native apps. 

This is a great advantage for start-ups or firms that need to be in the market quickly.

5. Long-Term Growth

If you expect your app to grow and expand over the years, you might prefer to begin with a native app on both platforms. 

Native apps are more accommodating and can more easily handle massive updates or changes in the future. Cross-platform apps might be more difficult to scale as your app gets bigger, especially if you need more sophisticated features.

Conclusion

If you need optimal performance and user experience and can afford and spare the time for individual iOS and Android development, native apps are the solution. 

But if you need cost reduction, quicker development, and the possibility to target both platforms with one codebase, cross-platform apps could be the better option.

Still in doubt about what to do with your app? Contact DoerzTech for a complimentary consultation. Our team of experts will help you with the most appropriate solution for your app idea.

 

People Also Ask

1. Which type of app is best for a gaming app?

A native app is best for gaming apps because it can handle complex graphics and real-time features better. Cross-platform apps may struggle with the performance requirements of gaming.

2. Can a cross-platform app be scaled easily as my business grows?

Cross-platform apps can be harder to scale as they grow, especially with complex features. Native apps handle scaling better and can be adapted to bigger requirements over time.

3. Is a cross-platform app a good option for a startup?

Yes, cross-platform apps are great for startups because they are more affordable and quick to launch. It helps get your product to market faster with less initial investment.