How to Choose Between Cross-Platform Mobile Development and Native App Development?

Currently, more than 60% of all internet traffic comes from mobile devices. This is clear proof that cross platform mobile development is now a priority.

So there are two paths to tread. You can go for native app development, diving deep into the specifics of a single operating system and developing the product separately for Android and iOS. The other is cross platform development, aimed at creating an app that works seamlessly with one codebase across various operating systems.

As I’ve observed, many people consider cross-platform app development services the most logical choice. Yet, opting for cross-platform app development or native development sparks a chain reaction, and this blog article explains it in detail.  

What is a Native Mobile Application?

Although native applications are a concept we use daily, they can be quite complex. So, before proceeding, let’s review the definition of a native mobile application.

Native application is a software made specifically for one type of device.

These apps include platform-specific features and are written specifically for certain processors. Therefore, a native application will only work on one type of operating system, either iOS or Android, and will use platform-specific languages, libraries, and other tools.

For example, developers employ programming languages like Kotlin or Java for Android app projects. In contrast, developers use languages such as Objective-C or Swift when the client wants to focus on iOS applications.

Read an article on mobile technologies and how to choose them if you are interested in getting the perfect tech stack for your project.

Native applications will have fuller access to hardware, such as mobile cameras, GPS, etc., which might enable broader functionality for some of them. Yet, you need to consider that native mobile application development will only enable you to create an app for one platform.

Industries such as fintech, e-commerce, social networking, health and fitness, and media streaming often benefit from the enhanced performance and seamless integration of native mobile apps.

Why Does it Matter?

Choosing this type of mobile development might significantly change the way your business operates. Let’s examine why it matters to you as a business owner.

• Opting for a single programming language and platform-specific tools can reduce development costs. It simplifies the development process, leading to fewer complexities and smoother coordination among the development team.
• Working with a single programming language speeds up development, leading to quicker coding and easier bug-fixing of your app.
• Using platform-specific tools helps maintain consistent branding across different platforms. The app’s look, feel, and functionality align better with each platform’s distinct characteristics, making your product recognizable.
• Focusing on one platform initially can help allocate resources more effectively. It also allows you to release a high-quality app on one platform before extending it to other platforms.

Examples of native apps: SwiftKey, Spotify, WhatsApp, and Google Maps.

Pros of Native Mobile Application Development

In this section, I’ll explain the compelling advantages of adopting native mobile app development for business owners, users, and development teams. My aim is to help you understand how it influences each aspect of product development.

#1. Optimal performance. Native components boast exceptional performance, fortified by a spectrum of native app development tools, APIs, and kits. These resources foster the building of products. For instance, the ability to execute user interface code on a separate processor thread significantly reduces loading times, easing user waiting duration.

#2. Intuitive user experience. Native mobile application development harnesses the expertise of mobile engineers, employing native Software Development Kits (SDKs) to ensure a uniform user interface. The interfaces of native apps harmonize with specific platforms, leading to an integrated feel and an intuitive user experience.

#3. Maximized capability. By working with a mobile app development company to create an app tailored for a specific platform, you maximize that platform’s capabilities. Experts can integrate cutting-edge, platform-specific features that effectively engage users and cater to their needs. Native development equips the engineering team with optimal tools to create an interactive, user-centric product.

#4. Addressing complexity. Native app development is the right choice for complex mobile applications with native features (use GPS, upload files from a phone/tablet, function while offline, etc.). This approach helps develop high-performing applications that can be fine-tuned and personalized to align with user preferences.

#5. Direct hardware access. Native apps provide direct access to the smartphone’s hardware, including microphones, cameras, GPS, and more. In contrast, hybrid and cross platform app development services rely on APIs to access hardware, which can impact app performance.

#6. Reduced bug potential. While proficient software engineering teams can ensure bug-free products irrespective of the app development approach, adopting native methods minimizes bug risks. This stems from consolidating development efforts into a single codebase, streamlining maintenance, and mitigating the chances of errors.

Yet, no technology is perfect. Let’s look at the other side of the coin in the next subsection.

Cons of Native Mobile Application Development

Now, having reviewed the pros, let’s discuss the downside of native mobile applications. Compared to cross platform applications, they possess several cons that might impair your development process.

#1. Cost implications. Native app development comes with a notable cost consideration. Crafting applications separately for iOS and Android platforms necessitates the engagement of two distinct teams. This bifurcation of resources can escalate costs significantly. It enables your developers to focus more on one application and perfect it, but at the same time, narrows your user base or makes you spend more.

#2. Time intensiveness. The commitment to platform-specific development inherently translates to time consumption. This approach limits the feasibility of repurposing the same development efforts for another platform. Consequently, a dedicated team must be allocated to fashion the counterpart version.

#3. Frequent updates. Updating native apps is regularly driven by the need to resolve issues like bugs and errors. Users receive notifications when these updates are available to download from their respective app stores. However, there’s a challenge here. Some users may delay or overlook these updates to conserve storage space on their devices. While this might seem reasonable, it can inadvertently lead to a less-than-optimal app experience. The app’s performance and functionality could suffer if these updates aren’t promptly installed, affecting the seamless user experience that the app aims to deliver. It’s crucial to balance managing device space and ensuring the app runs smoothly with the latest updates.

Now that we know so much about native app development, let’s talk about its counterpart—cross platform app development. This process is similar yet different in the specifics and technologies and can yield different benefits for your business.

What is a Cross-Platform Mobile Application?

First, let’s define cross platform application before delving into its specifics.

Cross platform mobile applications are designed to operate on multiple platforms maintaining the same efficiency and functionality.

Cross platform application development, sometimes called multi-platform development, saves time, costs, and effort and allows you to market your product to a broader audience. Developers achieve this by using shared portions of the app’s code for different platforms. They use tools like React Native, Xamarin, and Flutter to make applications work this way.

While cross platform mobile app development has the advantage of saving time and money, there are potential downsides to consider. Making an app work well on different platforms can be challenging. It might also require an extra layer of technology to make the app run on various platforms, which can affect its performance.

Here is an example of how this approach has been put into action by our experts at DashDevs:

Keen Advisor – a cross platform lifestyle mobile app

This is a cross platform mobile app tailored for advisors on the Keen platform. Advisors can seamlessly connect with their customers through in-app chat or calls (so it’s simple). They provide valuable insights, assist users in finding answers to pressing questions, and offer closure. This user-friendly app brings together advisors and customers, regardless of whether they use iOS or Android. It’s important to note that the app’s functionality isn’t overly complex. This is why we strategically decided to opt for multi-platform mobile application development. By doing so, we’re streamlining time and cost factors, ensuring an efficient solution for our valued client.

Startups and businesses often find cross platform app development services attractive because of its efficiency in terms of time and cost. But it’s important to remember that multi-platform mobile application development might limit how much you can customize the app beyond what the tools allow.

While multi-platform mobile app development can be a wise choice, weighing its pros and cons against your specific needs and goals is crucial, especially if you’re aiming to create a customer-centric product that aligns with the needs and expectations of your target audience.

Examples of cross platform apps: Airbnb, The World Bank, Fox Sports, Alaska Airlines.

Cross Platform tools

React Native, Flutter, Adobe PhoneGap, Xamarin, Qt, Ionic, Apache Cordova, Sencha, Solar 2D, Unity.

Pros of Cross-Platform Mobile Applications

Now, in addition to discussing the examples and opportunities, let’s also examine the benefits of cross platform mobile app development. In the multi-platform mobile application development process, businesses might discover pros that yield higher efficiency, faster time-to-market, and resource optimization.

#1. Unified codebase. When you opt for multi platform mobile application development, you create a single code set that works across different operating systems. This means developers can avoid writing new code for each platform, saving you money that could be invested in a larger expert team and extended development period.

#2. Speedy development. The cross platform route means less code to write and test, speeding up the development process. You can get things done quicker since you’re not bogged down with writing and checking as much code. Consequently, you can swiftly launch your app, seize market opportunities promptly, and establish your brand presence ahead of competitors.

#3. Savings in costs. Cross platform solutions make a lot of sense for startups and businesses with limited budgets. They can help cut down development expenses. This can be an intelligent choice to make the most of your resources.

#4. Tapping into new opportunities. Modern cross platform technologies can attract fresh talent to your team. Developers often thrive on tackling new challenges and incorporating new technologies into your projects can motivate and excite your team. DashDevs engineers always accept new opportunities to work on impressive ideas and turn them into working products.

#5. Shared logic. Thanks to the single codebase approach, you can be sure that your app works the same way on different platforms. It’s like having a common thread of logic running through everything. The same codebase means fewer resources and costs, which is better for developing simple apps.

#6. Effortless maintenance. Updating a cross platform app is a breeze. Why? Because you’re dealing with just one codebase. All the different versions for various platforms use the same code, ensuring consistency in every build. This benefits your business considerably since, should you need to modify features or onboard the new cross platform mobile dev, a unified codebase guarantees easier comprehension and quicker adaptation.

Cons of Cross Platform Mobile Applications

After reviewing the pros, it’s only fair to consider the cons. Cross platform app development services can be as efficient as they can be challenging, so let’s consider the cons of multiplatform mobile app development.

#1. Taking up more space. Cross platform apps often occupy more space on your device. The team should be mindful of mobile optimization possibilities to manage this aspect effectively. This can be a concern for your business as it might deter potential users who are cautious about consuming too much of their device’s storage. Hence, you should prioritize efficient storage usage to maintain a positive UX and attract more clients.

#2. Integration challenges. Cross platform frameworks might not seamlessly include all the features specific to each platform. For certain hardware-specific functions, such as utilizing GPUs, expertise in native app development might be necessary for smooth integration.

#3. Slower performance. Cross platform frameworks generally include a unique tool to run your app and communicate with platform-specific services. While this can be helpful, it adds an extra layer of processing, potentially leading to slower application performance and imperfect UI.

#4. Delayed access to platform features. New Software Development Kit (SDK) versions typically include new features and enhancements. With Cross platform frameworks, you might have to wait for a separate update to access these new functionalities.

For you, this could mean missing out on providing cutting-edge features to your users, which could impact user engagement and satisfaction. While this may momentarily postpone your app’s access to the latest offerings, rest assured that these delays won’t hinder your ability to perform necessary updates or interrupt your overall progress. Considering how this delay could affect your app’s competitiveness and relevance in the market is essential. So, if you need your updates to be fast - choose the Native approach.

Native vs. Cross Platform: Choose the Right Option

After looking at some primary differences between development approaches, it’s time to discuss the crucial factors to consider when deciding between native and cross platform solutions for mobile app development. By factoring in these elements, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your app development goals and business objectives.

App type and purpose

Understand your app’s nature and purpose. Is it complex, loaded with features, and unique? This scenario could demand extensive programming.

Also, consider if the user interface is a standout feature or not. Do you need access to specific hardware functions like the camera and GPS? If yes, native development provides direct access to these functions for optimal performance. Your mobile approach should give the right tools for your app’s needs and ensure an excellent user experience.

Developer expertise required

The team’s skills matter. Developers should be familiar with the frameworks you choose. Look into the programming languages and tools required. To simplify this process, you may need a product manager who conducts a discovery phase or a business analyst who will discover the market and choose what’s best for you.

For instance, consider that iOS native apps are developed using Objective-C or Swift (finding an experienced developer here might be more accessible, given the significant number of native developers in the tech industry). On the Android side, you’ll need Kotlin or Java skills.

If you’re exploring cross platform options like Flutter, remember that it uses Dart. Therefore, hiring a cross platform mobile app dev with expertise in Flutter can be relatively expensive due to its newer status.

In this article about Flutter and React, you can learn more about the tech specifics of the language.

If you’re interested in Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile, it’s a favorable choice as its syntax aligns with Swift concepts. While it might be challenging to find developers within a budget, you can always find experienced professionals.

Long-term reliability

Assure that your chosen approach has staying power. Investigate platform providers, community size, and adoption by big companies.

If you’re considering your app’s long-term prospects, both native and multi-platform mobile application development have merits. Native development offers robust performance and tailor-made user experiences, which can be advantageous for sustained app growth. On the other hand, multiplatform mobile app development can accelerate the development process and potentially save costs, making it appealing for long-term projects with budget considerations.

To decide, evaluate your app’s nature, UI significance, and specific hardware requirements. If your app requires extensive hardware access and a highly customized UX, native mobile app development can potentially be the best option. Alternatively, cross platform mobile app development can be a valuable solution if you’re looking for faster development and cost efficiency.

Industry acceptance

Gaining insights from tech experts matters. Communities like Reddit, StackOverflow, and Google Trends offer valuable perspectives. Look up trends for “native mobile development” and “cross platform mobile development.” Both approaches have their share of interest, but cross platform methods appear to be growing.

Learning resources

Access to learning materials is critical when exploring native or cross platform mobile development. Investigate official documentation, books, and courses for multiplatform frameworks. Ensure that the provider offers a clear roadmap with long-term plans.

The following table illustrates the points highlighted in the section above.

Now, let’s summarize all we know about cross platform and native applications to find out how you can make the right choice.

How to Make the Final Choice Between Native or Cross Platform Approach?

When you decide between native vs cross platform mobile development, you can impact the costs, time, and user reception of your app at the same time. It’s important to consider the factors I’ve highlighted above before making the decision. However, if you’re still not clear on what to do, here are some extra points.

When to Choose for Native Mobile Application Development

Consider native mobile app development if:

1. Your app needs complete access to all the device’s resources and services to utilize hardware capabilities.
2. You aim to build a highly responsive app.
3. You desire an app that can be easily updated and enriched with new features.

When to Choose Cross Platform Mobile Development

Consider cross platform mobile development if:

1. It’s not critical that an app will be slightly less responsive to ensure broader platform compatibility and cost-effectiveness.
2. Your app doesn’t involve intricate animations or complex logic, such as generalized applications focused on basic utility functions.
3. There’s a short timeframe for testing your app idea and hypotheses in the market.

Now, I suggest we also take notice of a tool that enables cross platform mobile app development and adds web development to the deal. With .Net MAUI your business can budget even more efficiently and save up more time by using the same codebase for both web and cross platform mobile app development.

Cross Platform Development Beyond Mobile: MAUI

In this segment of the article, I will highlight the possibilities .Net MAUI has to create a cross platform app that snuggles in the intersection of mobile and web, bringing businesses the coveted benefits.

First, let’s define the tool:

.Net MAUI (multiplatform app UI) is a cross platform framework that enables developers to utilize a single code base to create applications that will run on iOS and Android for mobile and MacOS and Windows for desktop.

The graph you see below illustrates how one code base created with .Net MAUI can be applicable for different platforms and devices.

The biggest benefit of this tool is that it allows platform-specific features to be utilized in a cross platform application. This is the key distinguishing element of the technology, which makes it incredibly pliable for native-like cross platform development.

This level of flexibility is achieved through the following features of the technology:

1. Platform-specific code files. These code files are specifically designed for one platform. They can be integrated into the single code base but will only be executed when the app is running on the corresponding platform.
2. Dependency services. Dependencies can be utilized to develop an interface that is different for each platform in a single unified code base. The code for this interface won’t change; the changeable details will only be applicable to the platform’s specific design through dependency injection.
3. Custom renders. The technology enables high-level customization based on standardized renders. This would enable the development team to create functionally platform-specific components that correspond to native development.
4. Essentials API. MAUI includes a library of Essentials, which enables the development team to implement platform-independent APIs to expand the app’s functionality. They can also be combined with platform-specific APIs to create a fuller functionality and native-like experience.

Overall, MAUI is a tool capable of dramatically shortening development time and time to market, bringing the software to its full potential through a combination of platform-specific native features and cross platform opportunities.

Experience with MAUI in iOS Application

I had personal hands-on experience with software development projects that utilized MAUI to broaden the user base.

The client already had a native application written for iOS and MacOS platforms. It was aimed at printing photographs by connecting two devices directly without intermediaries.

The biggest concern our customer had was the narrow and very niche user base. As of now, only 17.4% of users worldwide prefer iOS over other operating systems. However, Windows is the most popular OS, with a staggering 47.21% of users.

Thus, our customers needed to broaden their user base by exploring opportunities with other platforms, and my team decided to opt for MAUI. Since the software already had written code for one platform, we could utilize it for native-like elements and features. With MAUI’s inherent ability to transfer platform-specific code files, we performed the transfer faster.

Custom renders and essential APIs also enhanced the development speed and improved quality. These features allowed us to implement a seamless and native-like user experience. Overall, the customer is prepping the software for release, and the expected user base has drastically expanded.

If you have a native application and are looking for a way to port it to different platforms, MAUI might be your best choice. I have some experience with that, so I could give you a consultation on how to do it right.

However, knowing all this, you should consider all pros and cons to make the final decision about choosing between native and cross platform approaches.

Conclusion

When deciding between native and cross platform mobile app development, each option has advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, your choice should be driven by your project’s specific needs and developers’ expertise. However, it’s essential to recognize that cross platform mobile application development is a viable alternative, especially for less complex applications.

If you are still uncertain about whether to go with native or cross platform mobile application development, consider reaching out to DashDevs for professional guidance. Our 15+ years of experience can assist you in making the most suitable decision for your business.

Let’s talk!