Native vs Cross-Platform Mobile App Development (2024)

When it comes to developing a mobile app, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to go with native or cross-platform development. Each approach has its own advantages, and the right choice depends on your project's specific needs. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both native and cross-platform development and provide examples of successful apps built using each method, so you can make the best decision for your project.

What is the Difference Between Native, Cross-Platform, and Hybrid Mobile App Development?

Native, cross-platform, and hybrid are the three primary approaches to mobile app development, each serving different needs:

• Native apps are designed for a specific platform (Android or iOS) using platform-specific languages, providing excellent performance and access to all device features.
• Cross-platform apps use a single codebase to run across multiple platforms, allowing for efficient development and easier maintenance.
• Hybrid apps are essentially web apps wrapped in a native shell, offering some cross-platform benefits but with more limited device access.

Since hybrid development shares many similarities with cross-platform, this article focuses on the broader comparison between native and cross-platform approaches. 

Native App Development

As mentioned earlier, native app development is the process of building mobile apps specifically for one platform, either Android or iOS, using platform-specific programming languages. This method allows developers to fully leverage the capabilities of the device and operating system, leading to optimal performance and seamless user experiences. 

Native Mobile App Development Pros

Native app development offers several advantages, making it a go-to for projects that demand high performance, security, and a smooth user experience. Let’s explore some of the key benefits:

• Better stability. Native apps tend to offer a bit more stability compared to cross-platform apps, as they are built specifically for one operating system and can take full advantage of platform-specific updates and features. This makes them less prone to compatibility issues, ensuring smoother operation and fewer crashes, especially when new OS versions are released.
• Full access to device features. Native apps have unrestricted access to device-specific functionalities like the camera, GPS, push notifications, and other hardware features. This makes it easy to implement advanced, integrated features, giving users a more immersive experience.
• Enhanced security. Native apps benefit from built-in security features provided by the operating system. For industries like banking, healthcare, or any app that handles sensitive user data, this is a significant advantage.
• Quality UX. Since native apps are built to follow the guidelines and standards of a specific operating system, they offer a smoother user experience. The interface feels familiar to users and allows for more natural navigation and interaction. 

Native Mobile App Development Cons

While native app development has many benefits, there are also some challenges to consider. It’s important to weigh these cons when deciding if native is the best approach for your project:

• Higher cost. Native apps require separate teams for iOS and Android, which means higher upfront development costs. This is particularly important for businesses and startups with tighter budgets.
• No code reusability. During the development phase, you’ll need to create distinct codebases for each platform, which adds time and effort compared to cross-platform development.
• Extra effort for maintenance and support. After launch, any updates, bug fixes, or new features must be done separately for both platforms, increasing long-term maintenance costs and slowing down the update cycle.

Native Mobile App Development Frameworks

To develop native apps, you need to use platform-specific programming languages and integrated development environments (IDEs). Here’s a quick look at the most popular frameworks:

• For iOS: Swift and Objective-C are the primary programming languages used for native iOS apps. Swift, introduced by Apple in 2014, is a modern language that offers faster performance and easier syntax compared to Objective-C.
• For Android: Kotlin and Java are the main languages used for native Android development. Kotlin, officially supported by Google in 2017, has gained popularity due to its cleaner syntax and compatibility with Java.

Both platforms also have their own development environments — Xcode for iOS and Android Studio for Android — which are used to create, test, and deploy apps. 

Native Mobile App Examples

Many of the apps we use daily are native, and their performance and functionality often reflect the strengths of this approach. Here are a few examples of successful native apps:

• Google Maps: Built natively for Android and iOS, Google Maps offers lightning-fast performance, access to GPS, and real-time updates — all critical to its functionality.
• Spotify: This music streaming app fully utilizes native development to deliver seamless performance, even while handling large data streams.
• Pinterest: Pinterest’s native app leverages device-specific features to offer a smooth browsing experience and personalized notifications.

When Should You Choose Native App Development?

If you're deciding between native and cross-platform development, it's important to understand when native development truly shines. Here are the key scenarios where native is the best fit:

• Targeting a single platform. If your app is built for either Android or iOS users, native development ensures the best platform-specific experience.
• Complex or UI-critical apps. For apps with intricate user interfaces or immersive experiences (like AR or gaming), native development allows for full customization and seamless performance. However, you can still use cross-platform solutions for shared logic while keeping the UI native.
• Team expertise. If you have a skilled team of Android and iOS developers and lack the time to adopt new tools or frameworks, native development will allow them to build efficiently without needing to learn new technologies.
• High security needs. For industries like finance or healthcare, where security is paramount, native apps provide the extra layer of protection you need.

Cross-Platform App Development 

Cross-platform app development allows you to build mobile apps that run on multiple operating systems, such as Android and iOS, using a single codebase. This approach streamlines development, making it faster and more cost-effective while still delivering great user experiences across different platforms.

Cross-Platform Mobile App Development Pros

Cross-platform development comes with several benefits, making it an attractive choice for many businesses:

• Faster development time. Since you only need to write one codebase for multiple platforms, development can be significantly faster compared to native apps.
• Lower costs. With a single development team and codebase, cross-platform apps reduce the resources needed, making them a more cost-effective solution, especially for startups and small businesses.
• Wider reach. Your app can run on both Android and iOS, allowing you to target a larger audience from the start.
• Easier maintenance. Updating cross-platform apps is simpler since you only need to make changes in one codebase. This allows for faster bug fixes and feature rollouts.

Cross-Platform Mobile App Development Cons

Despite its benefits, cross-platform development does have some downsides:

• Potential performance issues. While performance is often comparable to native, there can be cases where cross-platform apps experience slight delays or lags due to the extra abstraction layer.
• Limited access to platform-specific features. Some advanced device features may not be fully supported by cross-platform frameworks, requiring additional native development to implement.
• Larger app size. Cross-platform apps often have a bigger footprint due to the frameworks used, which can impact load times and storage space on users’ devices.
• Delayed access to new features. When new platform features are released, cross-platform frameworks may take longer to support them, potentially delaying updates.

Cross-Platform Mobile App Development Frameworks

Several frameworks are popular for cross-platform app development, each offering different benefits based on the project’s needs:

• React Native: Developed by Meta, React Native uses JavaScript and allows for the development of apps that feel and function like native apps.
• Flutter: Created by Google, Flutter uses the Dart programming language and is known for its flexibility in creating rich, native-like experiences across platforms.
• .NET MAUI: Previously known as Xamarin, this Microsoft framework uses C# and allows developers to build apps with a shared codebase for multiple platforms, including Android, iOS, and even macOS and Windows. 

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Read our expert guide to learn more about cross-platform app development trends and frameworks!

Cross-Platform App Development Trends & Frameworks 2024

Cross-Platform App Examples

Many successful cross-platform apps demonstrate how this development approach can work for a variety of industries and use cases. Some well-known examples include:

• Instagram: Built using React Native, Instagram delivers a high-quality user experience on both iOS and Android platforms.
• Google Ads: Flutter powers Google Ads, showcasing how the framework can support complex, high-performance apps.
• NBC Sports Next: By embracing .NET MAUI, the team achieved a significant breakthrough in code sharing and coordination across their web, mobile, and API platforms. This streamlined development process resulted in a remarkably fast time-to-market for new features.

When Should You Choose Cross-Platform App Development?

Cross-platform development is a great choice when:

• Time-to-market is critical. If you need to launch quickly on multiple platforms, cross-platform development will help you reduce development time.
• The budget is limited. For companies that can’t afford separate native development teams for each platform, cross-platform solutions provide a more budget-friendly option.
• The app doesn’t require heavy use of platform-specific features. If your app has relatively simple requirements and doesn’t rely on deep integration with device hardware, cross-platform can deliver a solid experience.
• Targeting a broad audience. If you want to reach both iOS and Android users without doubling your development efforts, cross-platform is a smart choice. 

Debugging Some Popular Myths About Cross-Platform App Development

There are several misconceptions about cross-platform development, many of which are outdated. Let’s clear up a few common myths:

Myth #1. Cross-platform apps have poor performance. In reality, modern cross-platform frameworks like Flutter and React Native can achieve performance levels close to native, with minimal noticeable differences for users.

Myth #2. Cross-platform apps lack a native look and feel. Today’s frameworks provide access to native UI elements, allowing cross-platform apps to deliver experiences that feel right at home on any platform.

Myth #3. Cross-platform is only for small apps. Large, complex apps like Instagram and Google Ads show that cross-platform frameworks can handle advanced functionalities without compromising quality. 

What to Consider When Choosing Between Native and Cross-Platform Development

When deciding between native and cross-platform app development, it’s crucial to consider a few key factors that will influence your project’s success:

1. Time to market. Cross-platform apps typically have faster development cycles due to the shared codebase. If speed is a priority, this approach can help you launch quicker. Native development, however, may take longer but offers better stability for complex apps.
2. Budget. Cross-platform apps are more cost-effective since you don’t need separate development teams for iOS and Android. Native apps, though pricier, allow for deeper platform integration.
3. App complexity. For apps requiring heavy processing, complex features like AR, or access to low-level APIs (Bluetooth, GPS), native development might be better suited. Simpler apps with less reliance on device-specific functions may benefit from cross-platform efficiency.
4. User experience. Native apps provide a highly customized user experience that aligns with each platform’s design guidelines. However, cross-platform frameworks have improved significantly in this area, allowing developers to deliver a solid, near-native experience.
5. Security. Apps handling sensitive data, such as banking or healthcare apps, may benefit from native development, as it provides tighter security measures through platform-specific libraries. Cross-platform apps offer easier maintenance but may lack some advanced security features.
6. Team expertise. Consider the experience of your development team. If they are already well-versed in platform-specific languages (Swift, Kotlin), native development might be easier. However, if your team has strong JavaScript or Dart skills, cross-platform frameworks like React Native or Flutter can be more efficient. 

Native vs Cross-Platform App Development Cost

The cost of developing native apps is generally higher because you need separate teams for iOS and Android, doubling both development time and effort. In 2024, native app development can cost anywhere from $30,000 to $150,000, depending on the app's complexity and the region where the developers are based.

On the other hand, cross-platform development allows you to build for both platforms using a single codebase, reducing costs by 30-40%. In Poland, a popular outsourcing destination in Eastern Europe, development rates typically range from $40 to $70 per hour, depending on expertise and the framework used. This makes it an attractive option for companies looking to outsource mobile app development while balancing cost and quality.

Cross-platform development is ideal for projects with limited budgets, while native apps are a worthwhile investment if your project requires superior performance and platform-specific features. 

Wrapping Up: Is Cross-Platform the Future of Mobile Development?

As businesses increasingly seek faster development and lower costs, cross-platform frameworks like React Native and Flutter are becoming more appealing. With nearly comparable performance to native apps and the ability to target multiple platforms from a single codebase, cross-platform development offers an efficient solution for many projects.

Companies like Memory2, which specializes in React Native development, are already embracing this trend. For businesses looking to reach a wider audience quickly and affordably, cross-platform will be the future of mobile app development.

FAQs on Native vs Cross-Platform App Development

Is cross-platform mobile development worth it?

Yes, cross-platform mobile development is worth it for many projects, especially those where speed and budget are key concerns. With frameworks like React Native and Flutter, you can develop apps for both iOS and Android simultaneously, saving time and resources without sacrificing much in terms of performance or user experience.

Should I learn native before cross-platform?

It’s not necessary to learn native first. You can jump into cross-platform development directly, especially with user-friendly frameworks like React Native. However, having a basic understanding of native development can help when you need to implement more complex features that rely on platform-specific APIs.

Is Airbnb native or cross-platform?

Airbnb initially adopted React Native for its mobile apps but later decided to return to native development due to challenges with performance and scalability. Their experience highlighted that while cross-platform solutions are great for certain use cases, large-scale apps with complex features sometimes benefit from going native.

Is Flutter cross-platform or hybrid?

Flutter is a cross-platform framework. It allows you to develop apps for multiple platforms using a single codebase. Unlike hybrid frameworks (such as Ionic or Apache Cordova) that rely on web technologies and wrap web views, Flutter renders its UI components directly. This gives it a more native-like feel and performance. Hybrid frameworks typically use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, while Flutter uses Dart to create high-performing apps with its own rendering engine.

Which is better for small projects — native or cross-platform app development?

For small projects, cross-platform development is often a better option. It allows you to develop once and deploy across multiple platforms, which saves time and money. Native development is typically more resource-intensive and might not be necessary unless your project requires advanced platform-specific features.