2023 Guide to Native App Development

Native app development is gaining popularity among developers nowadays. Mobile phones have become an essential aspect of our daily lives. As people use their mobile phones to access various applications and websites, they contribute to almost half of the internet traffic.

This trend has led to the mobile app development industry becoming highly profitable worldwide. As a result, new developers entering the market are enthusiastic about learning and adapting swiftly.

Developing native mobile apps can be advantageous for developers who aim to build strong and user-friendly mobile applications. To begin, let’s dive into the guide to native app development including its concept, advantages, and examples.

What is Native Mobile App Development?

Native app development refers to the creation of mobile applications that are designed specifically for a particular operating system, like iOS or Android. These apps are built using programming languages and tools that are unique to each platform.

Unlike websites and web applications that run in web browsers, native mobile apps are downloaded from platform-specific app stores. For example, you can find iOS and iPadOS apps in Apple’s App Store and Android apps in the Google Play Store. Developing native apps involves using different skills and technologies compared to creating mobile websites. With native app development, you don’t need to concern yourself with browser behavior and compatibility issues. Instead, you can take advantage of the specific features provided by the mobile operating systems to deliver a tailored user experience and implement the desired functionalities of your app.

Since native apps are built for a specific platform, developers need to use different programming languages and tools depending on whether they are creating an iOS or Android app. For iOS, developers typically use languages like Swift or Objective-C, while Android apps are often built using Java or Kotlin.

When we say “native languages,” we mean that Swift, Objective C, Kotlin, and Java are specifically designed for their respective platforms. However, there are alternatives to native app development, such as cross-platform or hybrid app development. Nevertheless, many software developers argue that native app development is the best approach because it offers inherent advantages over hybrid apps. Because of this, tech companies may invest extra time and resources to create separate native apps for each mobile platform, including Android, iPhone, and, in the past, even Windows.

What are the Advantages of Native App Development?

1. Cybersecurity

Security is another important aspect where native apps are often considered more secure. Hybrid apps rely on web technologies to achieve multi-platform compatibility, which can introduce potential vulnerabilities. On the other hand, native apps have security protocols that operate at all levels of the operating system.

Cybersecurity is a major concern in the software development industry and for valid reasons. Data breaches can have severe consequences, including damage to your brand, and reputation, and the loss of valuable data.

2. High-Quality Performance

Native mobile apps interact directly with the native APIs of the operating system without relying on additional software like plugins or WebViews. Because of this, native apps have fewer dependencies, making them faster and more responsive compared to hybrid apps. This is particularly crucial for apps that require high performance, such as games and applications with a lot of graphics.

3. User Experience

Native apps provide a seamless and tailored user experience as they can leverage the platform’s specific design guidelines, features, and interactions. This helps in creating intuitive and user-friendly interfaces that users are already familiar with, leading to higher user engagement and satisfaction.

4. Offline Functionality

Native apps can store data locally on the device, enabling them to work even when there is no internet connection. This is particularly useful for apps that require offline access or have data-intensive operations.

Top Native Apps in 2023

1. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a social media platform specifically designed for professional networking. It allows job seekers and employers to connect with each other and gain a better understanding of their needs and goals in a professional setting.

When it comes to native app development, LinkedIn initially made the error of using HTML5 for their mobile web apps instead of opting for native development, which was actually the better choice. However, LinkedIn eventually realized its mistake and decided to switch to native app development.

2. Spotify

Spotify is a famous streaming software that allows its users to listen to music wherever they are, whether they’re on the move or at home. The best part is that users don’t need to download songs or playlists onto their phones to enjoy the music.

What sets Spotify apart is how it utilizes cloud technology. This enables the app to perform exceptionally well, surpassing the expectations you might have for a combination of different app types.

3. WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a popular messaging service that was initially a native app for iOS and Android phones. It is widely used in many parts of the world. In fact, in the third quarter of 2020, it was the fourth most downloaded app globally, with more than 140 million downloads. Because of this, it can be considered a practical solution for corporate communication tools in the workplace.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re building a native iOS app or a native Android app, understanding the foundations and following the best practices of native mobile app development is essential to ensure success. Remember, native app development is a journey of continuous learning and improvement. Embrace the challenges, explore new possibilities, and strive to deliver exceptional native apps that delight users and make a lasting impact in the mobile world of 2023 and beyond.