Ever wondered why some applications feel smooth and fast? What is better about them, compared to other applications? It is all about their build. A native app can be designed and constructed to use only one operating system, whether iOS or Android. That being said, they’re fully utilizing features of the device. As a result, the apps load quickly, are way more secure, and offer a fantastic experience.
But is it worth it to make a native app? And how can you tell if that’s the right choice for what you want?
In this blog, we try to answer such questions. You will learn about the benefits of native apps, how they differ from other applications, and how native applications contribute to business development. You’ll learn why native apps stand out and how they provide a seamless experience that keeps users coming back.
Defining Native Apps
The term “app” first gained widespread use in the 2010s, in fact, it was named “Word of the Year” by the American Dialect Society. So, what does this all have to do with native apps?
A native application is a mobile application targeting either iOS or Android operating systems. Native apps are not like web apps, which run inside browsers. Native apps are installed on your device, which can access features of your phone, such as the camera, GPS, and microphone. That’s what makes it fast, fluid, and user-friendly.
These apps store data locally on your device and work even when you’re offline. They are built using app development tools and languages matching their platform. iOS apps are built with Swift or Objective-C together with their iOS SDKs, while Android apps are built with Java, Kotlin, or C++ combined with the Android SDK.
Many people use the words interchangeably-native app, a native mobile application, or for that matter-even a mobile application. While native apps theoretically seem to come under one and other categories of applications, respectively, such applications clearly differ from all other web-only apps, Hybrid Apps, or applications made by simply white labeling. Each is coming with an operating method in itself and a further development method that differs from the previously mentioned applications of each category.
What are the examples of Native Apps ?
Native apps cover a wide range of uses across different platforms. Let’s look at some well-known examples and how they work.
iOS:
WhatsApp is the fastest, most reliable, and one of the most-used messaging applications around the world by billions. It will be a good example of what is a native app, having smooth communication and an easy-to-use design.
Spotify
A high-quality sound-playing application that allows users to listen to millions of songs and podcasts in a very convenient way. It also has a strong presence of app design, natively featured for the best experience.
Pokémon GO
The augmented reality game that stormed the world, which depends on GPS and the camera for an exciting real-world experience in gaming. It really shows what is possible with app development tools in terms of creating engaging, interactive applications.
Android:
Spotify
Cloud-native and dealing with very heavy workloads to deliver music to millions, is one strong example of how native applications can be efficient and scalable.
Sober Grid
A social networking application for recovering addicts. This would create a strong community of sober individuals-a decent usage for a white label app for serving niche communities.
Google Maps
A navigational app that offers real-time traffic updates, turn-by-turn directions, and location-based information. It shows how developers for Android can make fast and useful apps.
Windows:
Microsoft 3D Viewer
This app lets users see and interact with 3D models. It makes exploring objects in three dimensions simple and smooth.
Windows Calculator
A basic yet powerful tool for solving math problems. It proves that simple app design can still create highly functional applications.
Zoom
A video conferencing app with a native Windows 10 version. It makes online meetings and teamwork easy and reliable.
These examples show how native apps work across different systems. They meet a variety of needs and provide smooth, high-quality experiences. Businesses looking to monetize with mobile can learn from these apps. Whether using advanced app development tools or white-label apps, developers for Android and iOS can build apps that engage users while driving revenue.
What is the Native App Development Process?
The process of creating a native app depends on the platform. While some steps are the same, there are key differences between iOS and Android. To understand what is a native app, it’s important to know that each platform has its own way of building apps.
Common Steps:
- Planning and Design: First, you need a clear idea of what your app will do. Who will use it? What features will it have? This stage also includes making wireframes and mockups. These help visualize how the app will look and work. When thinking about what is a native app, remember that a good user experience is key to success.
- Development: This is where coding happens. Developers write the app using a programming language and SDK for the chosen platform. They use the SDK to access device features, create the interface, and add app logic. During this stage, knowing what is a native app helps developers make sure the app runs well on the platform.
- Testing: Testing is very important. Developers run the app on different devices and emulators to find and fix bugs. They check if the app works well on different OS versions and optimize its performance. While testing, it’s crucial to keep in mind what is a native app and how it should perform on different devices.
- Deployment: Once testing is complete and the app is ready, it’s time to release it. Developers submit the app to the app store, following store guidelines. Understanding what is a native app is important here because it ensures smooth distribution.
Platform-Specific Differences:
iOS:
- Development Environment: iOS apps are built using Xcode, Apple’s development tool. Xcode includes everything needed to create iOS apps. Developers need to understand what is a native app to make sure their app fits well within iOS.
- Programming Languages: Swift or Objective-C are used for iOS development. Knowing what is a native app helps developers choose the right language for iOS apps.
- App Store: iOS apps are released on the Apple App Store. Developers must follow Apple’s review process. Understanding what is a native app makes it easier to navigate this process.
Android:
- Development Environment: Android apps are built using Android Studio. This is the official tool for Android development. Developers need to understand what is a native app to use the right tools for the job.
- Programming Languages: Java, Kotlin, or C++ are common for Android development. Knowing what is a native app helps developers pick the best language for high performance.
- Play Store: Android apps go live on the Google Play Store. Understanding what is a native app is essential for a smooth Play Store release.
What are the Advantages of Native Apps?
Native apps have many benefits that make them a top choice for app development. If you are asking what is a native app, it is an app made for a specific platform using special tools and languages designed for that system.
Performance
Native apps are fast and smooth. They work well because they use the device’s full power. This makes animations smoother, pages load faster, and the overall experience better. If
User Experience (UX)
Native apps follow the design rules of their platform. This makes them easy to use because they look and feel familiar to users. A good user experience keeps people using the app. App design for native apps ensures users have a smooth and enjoyable time.
Offline Functionality
Unlike web apps that need the internet, many native apps work without it. Users can still access important features even when they are offline. This is useful in areas with poor internet. Developers for Android often focus on offline features because Android users may need them more.
Access to Device Features
Native apps can use the phone’s camera, GPS, microphone, and other hardware. This allows for better and more interactive experiences. Many app development tools help developers create apps that make full use of these features.
Fewer Bugs
Native apps are built specifically for one platform. This means they have fewer bugs compared to other types of apps. A stable app is more reliable and enjoyable to use. App development tools help developers test and fix problems quickly, making apps more stable.
What are the Disadvantages of Native Apps?
Native apps have many benefits, but they also have some downsides. If you are wondering what is a native app, it is an app made for a specific operating system like iOS or Android. It uses special programming languages designed for that platform.
Development Cost
Creating native apps for different platforms can be expensive. This is because each platform needs its own version, using different coding languages, tools, and testing methods. However, businesses looking to monetize with mobile may find that native apps offer better speed and user experience. Also, white-label apps can help reduce costs since companies can customize pre-built apps instead of starting from scratch.
Maintenance
Native apps need regular updates to work with new operating system versions. Fixing bugs and security issues is also important. This ongoing maintenance increases costs and effort. Unlike web apps, which update automatically on a server, native apps must be updated manually. Users have to download updates from the app store. For businesses focused on app design to create great user experiences, keeping the app updated is key to staying relevant and helping monetize with mobile.
Platform Dependency
Native apps work only on the platform they were built for. An iOS app won’t run on Android and vice versa. This limits the number of users you can reach. If your goal is a large audience across different systems, this can be a problem. If you are still wondering what is a native app, remember that each version must be built separately. However, developers for Android and iOS can use white-label apps to expand reach without starting from zero.
Platform Fragmentation
Devices and OS versions change often. This can cause issues because not all native apps work perfectly on every device. Developers must ensure their app runs well across many devices and OS versions, which can be difficult. App design should account for these differences to provide a smooth experience. Developers for Android, in particular, must work with many device types to ensure good performance.
Conclusion
Understanding the strengths and limits of native apps helps developers and businesses make better choices. By thinking about all the key factors, they can pick the best way to turn their ideas into reality. This also ensures they provide users with great experiences. Whether you want to make money with mobile app development, use ready-made solutions, or explore app-building tools, knowing what a native app is will help you decide what’s best for your project.
In today’s fast-changing mobile world, choosing the right app-building method is more crucial than ever. Not taking the necessary advice from the experts can make one miss opportunities and commit costly mistakes. At Linkitsoft, we deliver top-notch native apps that boast speed, security, and ease of use-all of which your business needs to grow and succeed.
With us, your app will always be a step ahead of your competitors, hence giving you a fantastic lead in the market. Do not give your competitors a head start with weak solutions. At Linkitsoft, you get the best tools put together by the best team of skilled developers. We work on keeping costs low while providing excellent quality.
The mobile world is moving fast. Don’t get left behind. Contact us today and let us help you build an impeccable app to amaze your users. Let’s build something amazing together!
