With over 3.2 billion smartphone global users, the mobile app industry is growing at an astonishing pace.
The global mobile application market size is expected to skyrocket from $106.27 billion in 2018 to $407.31 billion in 2026. Therefore, it is not surprising that companies across various industries are investing in mobile app development.
Creating mobile apps for your business helps you boost your reach and cater to smartphone users. That is a channel to increase customer engagement, conversions, and loyalty.
Now, if you plan to create an app for your company, you are probably wondering what type of apps would be best for your business. What are native apps, and how are they different from their hybrid alternatives?
To help you choose the right app type for your business, we compiled this brief guide on native apps. Here is everything you should know about them.
What is a Native App?
A while ago, native apps referred to the applications, such as Mail, Sticky Notes, or Contacts, which were preinstalled and configured in every operating system. However, with the rise of mobile devices, the term native app has significantly changed.
A native app is a software program that is developed for use on a specific OS or device. App developers build native applications with the specific Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for a certain type of mobile operating system.
How Native Apps Are Built
As we mentioned above, app developers use various interface elements and tools to build a mobile app for a particular OS.
The core app-building centers are Android Studio for Android apps and XCode for Apple devices. With these tools, programmers can create apps that perform well on their operating systems.
Now, every operating system supports certain programming languages. For example, Android-native apps are usually built on Java. Kotlin is another popular option for Android app creation. On the other hand, iOS developers often use Swift. It is far cleaner than Apple’s traditional programming language – Objective-C.
Since these apps are built for a particular operating system and devices, they use device-specific hardware and software. That way, developers can ensure optimal app performance and optimize the user experience for that platform.
If the app attracts users of various device types, developers can build separate app versions for each one. One such example is the Facebook app. Initially, the app was written in HTML5 for both Android and iOS. However, since the app was slower on iOS devices, Facebook’s app developers decided to build a separate code for iOS.
Additional resources: PHP development
The Traits of Native Apps
Native app development solutions have multiple advantages over other mobile app options. Here are some of their most prominent benefits:
- Improved performance: Native applications are perfectly optimized for a specific operating system. That makes them highly responsive, fast, and more reliable than hybrid or mobile web apps.
- Security: Native apps face fewer platform-specific security issues.
- Boosted UI/UX: Again, native apps are created with a specific device and OS in mind. Therefore, they conform to its requirements and improve the overall user experience.
- Advanced technologies: Native apps can leverage the latest architecture and features for the given operating system.
The major disadvantage of native apps is that you need to create several app versions for different operating systems. That increases your app development expenses and requires you to have more resources.
The Examples of Native Apps
A perfect example of a native app is Waze, a GPS navigation tool that generates positive feedback from drivers. The app heavily relies on a smartphone’s GPS support. That way, it helps users navigate by providing turn-by-turn details, route information, and user-submitted travel times.
WhatsApp is another common native app, created for both iOS and Android devices. As mentioned above, the app uses the phone’s contacts, camera, microphone, and gallery. That is how it allows for voice/video calls, media sharing, and voice messaging.
Which Platform Should You Build the App for?
Once you decide to build a native app, the next question you will ask is whether to build it for iOS or Android.
Some fresh statistics may help you make the right decision. For example, Android has the largest share of the global market at approximately 72%. On the other hand, iOS makes up only 27% of the global market.
Sure, your choice depends on your target audience’s preferences and locations. The abovementioned figures change based on users’ location. For instance, iPhones are popular in the U.S. Given that, it is not surprising that iOS has a 61% share of the market, while Android makes up only 39%. Therefore, if you are targeting narrow U.S. markets, building a native app for iOS may be the right solution for you.
On the other hand, if you want to cast your net wide, opt for Android apps. The Android OS works on smartphones by various manufacturers, from Xiaomi and Samsung to LG. By building an app for Android, you can put your business in front of wider audiences and generate ROI faster.
What are the Alternatives to Native Apps?
Besides native apps, there are several app development solutions to consider. Here are some of them.
Progressive Web Apps
Progressive web applications are developed and delivered through the web using HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript. Unlike native apps that adapt to each operating system and device, progressive web apps are designed for universal use across multiple browsers.
Users do not download progressive apps. Instead, they use their browsers to open them. Therefore, they are very similar to websites but have certain UI/UX elements to boost mobile users’ experiences.
Now, there are many examples of progressive web apps. For example, we often use them to open our bank accounts or watch YouTube videos directly from the web browser.
While they are easier to develop, progressive apps are not as flexible and fast as native apps.
Hybrid Apps
Their name is self-explanatory. This kind of software is a combination of native apps and progressive web apps. While their functionalities resemble hybrid apps, they install like native apps.
These apps are built with HTML and CSS. When creating hybrid apps, developers build one code base for all operating systems and then make minor changes. Most hybrid apps run a web via Android WebView, a browser component that allows Android apps to display web content.
Hybrid applications have access to internal device APIs, meaning they can use its tools, such as the camera, storage, or GPS. Instagram is a perfect example of a hybrid app.
The major difference between hybrid and native apps is in user experience. Unlike native apps that can operate offline, hybrid apps work only with an internet connection.
Ready to Invest in a Native App?
Now you understand the difference between native apps and their alternatives.
What you could conclude from these examples is that native apps are a superior option. Since they are tailored to the needs of a specific operating system, they are faster, securer, and provide spotless user experiences. They can increase your brand’s visibility, drive sales, and encourage customer loyalty. As such, they are a long-term investment in your business.
Which type of mobile apps would you choose for your business? Please, share your thoughts with us!