Native or Cross Platform App? Choose the right one for your business

In today's technological landscape, mobile apps have become an important part of every company's digital presence. Once you've made the decision to develop an app for your business, the question arises: Should you choose a native or a cross-platform app? The choice depends on the purpose of your app and the specific needs you have as a business. Let's explore the benefits of each approach so you can make the right choice.

Native App

A native app is developed specifically for a particular platform, either iOS or Android. If your primary goal is to have an app for either iOS or Android and you want a quick development process and easy maintenance, then a native app is the right choice. Here are some situations where a native app can be ideal:

• Prioritising only one device: If you only want to support a specific platform or device, such as iOS or Android, you can take advantage of the specific features and performance improvements that the various platforms offer.
• Long intervals between updates: If you don't expect frequent updates to your app and want stability and compatibility with your chosen platform, a native app can give you the control and stability you need.
• Need for hardware support: If your app requires direct access to specific hardware or sensors on the device, such as camera, GPS or biometric identification, a native app can give you the best integration and performance.
• Game development: If your app project is a game that requires advanced graphics and intensive resources, a native app will ensure the best gaming experience and performance.

Cross Platform App

A cross platform app is developed using a single codebase that can run on multiple platforms such as iOS and Android. If you prioritise both an iOS and Android version of the app, fast development and updating and easy maintenance, then a cross platform app, e.g. developed with React Native, is the right choice for you. Here are some benefits of a cross platform approach:

• Support for both iOS and Android: With a cross platform app, you can reach a wider audience by supporting both iOS and Android users without having to develop separate apps for each platform.
• Fast development and updates: By utilising a single codebase, you can reduce development time and achieve faster updates for both platforms. This is especially useful if you need to react quickly to changes in your business or the market.
• Easy maintenance: With a cross-platform app, it's easier to maintain the app and roll out updates across both iOS and Android platforms. This saves time and resources.

Native app or cross platform app?

The choice between a native and a cross platform app depends on the specific needs and priorities of your business. If you want an app for both iOS and Android and value fast development, easy maintenance and updating, a cross platform app like React Native is the right choice. However, if you only want to support one platform, have long intervals between updates or need specific hardware support, a native app is preferable. Whichever approach you choose, it's important to ensure that your app fulfils your users' needs and creates value for your business.