Mobile apps have become indispensable tools in our daily lives, serving purposes ranging from shopping and entertainment to productivity and communication. Given this reliance on smartphones, mobile apps are supposed to be high-performing, stable, and easy to use. To exceed users’ expectations, app builders are leaning towards native app development.
Indeed, according to Precedence Research, the global mobile application market size reached USD 196.08 billion in 2023 and is projected to surpass USD 1,383.65 billion by 2033, experiencing a remarkable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 21.55%. Regarding quantity, there are a staggering 3.2 million apps on the Google Play Store and 1.9 million on the Apple App Store, underscoring the immense popularity of native apps.
Understanding the prevalence of native applications, in this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of native app development, from its benefits, drawbacks, and cost, to its differences from hybrid and cross-platform approaches, along with detailed steps to build your organization’s native app.
What is Native App Development?
Native app development refers to the creation of applications tailored for particular devices and mobile platforms such as Android and iOS. Here developers utilize native programming languages of the operating system (OS) to design apps optimized for a single platform, be it desktops, smart TVs, smartphones, or other digital devices.
Based on Statista’s latest data, Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS operating systems have effectively dominated the mobile market, accounting for 99.2% of total mobile OS usage in the first quarter of 2024. As we move further into 2024, it’s thus evident that mobile app development remains predominantly focused on building native apps for the Android and iOS platforms.
Native Android app development
Native Android app development means building applications specifically tailored for Android devices, primarily for distribution on the Google Play Store.
To build these apps, developers employ programming languages such as Kotlin, Java, and C++.
Google also provides a range of resources to IT professionals, including Android Studio – its official Integrated Development Environment (IDE), Android SDK, Firebase, and Android Jetpack. These resources collectively contribute to an environment conducive to simplifying the process of Android app development.
Native iOS app development
iOS native app development focuses on the creation of iOS apps for the Apple App Store. Unlike Android, iOS operates on a closed-source code exclusive to Apple’s hardware. As a result, developing and deploying iOS apps necessitates the use of a Mac device.
The two main programming languages used in this process are Objective-C and Swift. A suite of software and tools is also supported by Apple itself, including iOS SDK, Swift Playgrounds, Xcode as the official Integrated Development Environment, and TestFlight for testing and deployment.
Native vs. Hybrid vs. Cross-platform App Development
Basically, there are three main approaches to developing solutions, regardless of types of mobile app: native, cross-platform, and hybrid.
Here’s a quick comparison of these methods!
Native app development: This approach entails building separate applications for each platform, such as iOS and Android, using platform-specific languages and tools. By doing so, software engineers can achieve optimized performance, seamless compatibility, and an enhanced user experience customized to each platform’s unique characteristics.
Hybrid app development: Hybrid app development combines native and web solutions. Here developers integrate code written in languages like CSS, HTML, and JavaScript into a native app using plugins like Ionic’s Capacitor or Apache Cordova so that users can access native functionalities. Generally, these apps consist of backend code and a native viewer downloaded for displaying functions. With hybrid development, code is written once and can be applied across multiple platforms.
Cross-platform app development: Cross-platform frameworks like React Native or Xamarin aim to create shareable and reusable code for developing apps across different operating systems. This method involves writing code once and reusing it across multiple platforms, thereby reducing development costs and efforts. While cross-platform apps offer some performance benefits over hybrid apps, they may not match the level of optimization and integration found in native apps.
For more details, check out the table below:
How to Decide on an App Development Approach?
When selecting an app development approach, it’s of great importance to strike a balance between user needs and your business constraints.
To kickstart your organization’s evaluation process, start by defining your app’s target audience. Are they primarily dedicated-platform users, or do they span across different platforms? Do they belong to specific demographic or geographic groups? What are their motivations for downloading the app – work, education, entertainment, or other purposes?
Once the target audience is identified, your firm should move on to consider the following 9 factors for a well-informed decision:
App complexity
For highly complex apps, native development is preferred. This is because, with this approach, developers can leverage tools like Android, iOS, and other system-specific Software Development Kits (SDKs) and APIs to meticulously code apps and have them function seamlessly on a particular platform.
For simpler apps, hybrid or cross-platform development may be more suitable. While these two methods may not deliver ultra-high speeds, they can support rich media and provide visually appealing UI designs.
Speed and responsiveness
Native apps excel in performance, offering quick uploads and intuitive interactions with the platform’s UI design.
Cross-platform apps can provide solid functionality and a native-like look and feel but may not match the performance of native apps.
Hybrid apps generally offer satisfactory performance but may have inconsistent UIs.
Time to market
Cross-platform and hybrid approaches are ideal for rapid development, bringing close-to-native experiences without the need for extensive customization.
Native development requires longer development cycles for each platform, making it suitable for apps with longer lifetimes and specific platform requirements.
Customer reach
Native apps are exclusively available on platform-specific stores like Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Cross-platform and hybrid apps can be distributed across multiple app stores, enhancing visibility.
Hybrid apps also offer accessibility via web links, catering to users who prefer not to download apps.
Developer expertise
For broad audience targeting, native development often requires separate developer teams for different platforms.
Cross-platform and hybrid approaches enable a single team to create a shareable codebase, boosting productivity.
Native coding expertise is still required for customizing plug-ins and bridges in cross-platform and hybrid development.
Development and maintenance costs
Native app development typically demands more resources for both development and maintenance. However, it offers immediate support for new operating system releases and clear upgrade paths, which other approaches might lack.
Hybrid or cross-platform development is the more cost-effective choice for companies operating on a limited budget. These methods allow for simultaneous development, testing, and updates across platforms, resulting in reduced overall costs.
>> Delve deeper into mobile app maintenance: types, cost & best practices.
Hardware access
Native developers can directly access all device-specific hardware capabilities.
Cross-platform and hybrid developers can utilize APIs and plug-ins to activate some hardware functions, but may not achieve the same level of access or speed.
App security
Native programming libraries provide tools for implementing built-in security features and debugging code.
Cross-platform and hybrid apps have their own security configuration tools, but they’re perceived as more vulnerable due to their web-based nature.
How to Create A Native App?
Now comes the meat of the matter – how to develop native mobile apps. Explore the 5 essential steps below to help steer your app development journey!
Step 1: Conduct market research
First things first, your business should carry out thorough market research, competitor analysis, and budgeting. At this stage, stakeholders need to define the app’s concept and objectives meticulously to align resources effectively.
It’s important to note that investing ample time and resources in this software development planning phase will lay a strong foundation for the development process later on.
Another way your company might try to gain a solid start is to create and test prototypes.
Step 2: Decide on your app’s development path
After finishing researching, it’s time to select your application’s development approach. If your organization is comfortable with coding, opting for native app development tools specific to each platform is the way to go.
Otherwise, exploring no-code native application development tools that simplify the app-building process is also worth considering.
Step 3: Develop your native app
The software development process varies depending on companies’ chosen method and available resources.
Nevertheless, there are some fundamental tasks your business is expected to encounter, including:
Designing the UI/UX
Building desired features and functionalities
Developing apps tailored for targeted platforms
Ensuring a customized look and feel
Thoroughly testing the app in dedicated environments to guarantee seamless performance
Feeling overwhelmed by all the time and effort required? Outsourcing native app development services could be the solution!
By outsourcing mobile app development to a team of seasoned IT professionals, your business can reap numerous benefits:
Reduced costs: Developing a mobile app in-house demands significant expenses, including hiring developers, designers, and project managers, as well as investing in infrastructure and tools. Outsourcing to developing countries like Vietnam can bring substantial cost savings to the table, ranging from 30% to 70% according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Faster time to market: Outsourcing companies often follow established development processes and best practices, streamlining the workflow to accelerate the software development cycle. This results in quicker delivery of the final product to the market, giving your app a competitive edge in the saturated market.
Access to diverse talent pool: Outsourcing provides access to a vast talent pool comprising skilled professionals capable of delivering high-quality, scalable, and secure apps tailored to specific business needs.
Business resilience: Delegating app development enables your company to focus on core competencies and primary business goals, while external teams handle the technical aspect.
Scalability and flexibility: Outsourcing service providers can quickly adjust team sizes to meet evolving application requirements, offering your organization’s scalability and flexibility as needed.
In case you’re looking for a trusted partner providing native mobile app development services right now, don’t hesitate to reach out to LTS Group!
Located in Hanoi, Vietnam’s primary tech hub, LTS Group boasts over 7 years of experience in providing comprehensive software development and testing services. With a successful track record of collaborating with more than 60 clients worldwide across various industries, we specialize in developing mobile apps from scratch or improving existing ones. Partnering with LTS Group guarantees your company access to a seasoned team dedicated to delivering functional and user-friendly native apps.
Step 4: Launch on app stores
Finally, it’s time to officially release your native mobile application to its designated marketplaces!
For example, Android apps can be launched on the Google Play Store, while iOS apps are made available on the Apple App Store for users to discover and download directly.
It’s of great importance to follow the submission guidelines provided by Google and Apple meticulously, ensuring compliance to avoid rejection.
Once deployed, your app is ready to reach its intended audience and begin making an impact!
How Much Does It Cost to Develop Native Apps?
Based on the rates made public by Upwork’s freelance mobile app developers, the average hourly rate for a native app developer ranges from $35 to $150 or more. Assuming it takes about six months to finish the whole creation process for a robust v.1.0 app, we can expect the total cost would fall between $33,600 and $144,000.
However, these figures are just estimates, and actual project costs may vary. Hourly rates might also fluctuate weekly based on project requirements and freelancer availability. Plus, the number of hours dedicated per week can influence project duration. All these factors will greatly impact the cost of building your company’s apps when hiring freelancers.
Alternatively, outsourcing to a native mobile app development company offers significant advantages, including tighter project management, higher expertise from a team of experienced developers, and faster time-to-market. Depending on the complexity, additional features, platform, location, and business niche, the cost of outsourcing mobile app development can range from $10,000 to $50,000 for simpler projects and may exceed $250,000 for more complex ones. But, in general, the benefits of outsourcing are much more pronounced, making it an ideal approach for companies in the long run.
Benefits of Native Mobile App Development
The idea of having to use different programming languages for each platform might seem daunting, but many organizations still choose native app development for a reason. Check out the 5 key benefits of this approach for more insights!
Superior performance: Native apps excel in performance, offering unparalleled speed and efficiency. Unlike hybrid or cross-platform apps, native apps don’t have intermediate layers, resulting in faster speeds, robust graphics support, and overall enhanced performance.
Enhanced user experience: Built using platform-native SDKs, native apps maintain consistency in look and feel, ensuring familiarity for users and elevating their experience. In addition, native apps simplify and improve user interaction with features like robust in-browser caching, offline availability, and device-centric functionalities.
Access to device features: Native apps can directly access a device’s hardware and software features, such as the camera, GPS, and sensors, enabling developers to create advanced, feature-rich applications that fully utilize the device’s capabilities.
Fewer bugs: Fixing bugs in native apps is simpler compared to hybrid or web apps. Unlike hybrid apps that rely on cross-platform mobile development tools, native apps avoid additional layers that increase the likelihood of bugs. This streamlined approach creates smoother app performance, enhances user loyalty, boosts app reputation, and ultimately increases revenue.
Better security and scalability: Native apps benefit from built-in security protocols of underlying operating systems, receiving quick releases, system fixes, and updates ahead of web and hybrid apps. Leveraging the robust infrastructure of dedicated Google and Apple tools also helps minimize errors or bugs. Moreover, native apps facilitate easier implementation of security measures like biometric and two-factor authentication, ensuring heightened security.
Drawbacks of Native Mobile App Development
Building apps is never easy, and native app development can be particularly demanding. Here are the 3 main disadvantages of this approach:
No code reusability: With native app development, developers cannot use the same codebase across different platforms. This means that targeting multiple platforms requires separate code for each one, complicating the development and maintenance process. If your company’s resources are limited, this could restrict the ability to support various platforms.
Longer development time: Developing the same app for different platforms, such as iOS and Android, means programmers cannot simply transfer features from one platform to another. Each platform requires its own development process, thereby doubling the time needed to implement features.
High development cost: The need for separate development teams, lack of code reusability, and extended project timelines all contribute to higher development costs. For companies aiming to launch apps on numerous platforms, the budget can escalate significantly.
FAQ about Native App Development
What is native app development?
Native app development means creating applications tailored for particular devices and mobile platforms such as Android and iOS. Here developers utilize native programming languages of the operating system to design apps optimized for a single platform, be it desktops, smart TVs, smartphones, or other digital devices.
What are some examples of native apps?
4 notable examples of native apps are Spotify, LinkedIn, Google Maps, and Pinterest.
What are some tools for native app development for Android and iOS?
Tools for Android native app development:
Android Studio
IntelliJ IDEA
Tools for iOS native app development:
XCode
AppCode
What are the differences between native vs. cross-platform vs. hybrid apps?
Native apps: Built with platform-specific, non-reusable code, offering optimal performance and access to device features.
Cross-platform apps: Developed using a single codebase that runs on multiple platforms, enhancing code reusability and reducing development time.
Hybrid apps: Combining elements of both web and native apps, built using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and embedded within a native container to access device features.
Final Thoughts about Native App Development
Native app development is the process of crafting mobile applications specifically tailored to platforms like iOS or Android. This approach brings significant advantages for businesses, including optimized performance, enhanced security, and scalability.
While hybrid and cross-platform approaches may offer time and resource savings, they often fall short in delivering the same level of quality as native apps.
With that being said, native app development can be complex, involving various steps and mastery of development tools. Additionally, adherence to app store guidelines, whether for the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, adds another layer of consideration.
Therefore, to navigate this process successfully, it’s essential to have a dedicated and expert native app development team in place that takes full care of designing, developing, deploying, and rolling out the app in the corresponding app store.
Ready to kickstart your native app development journey? Let LTS Group be your reliable partner today!
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