Native apps refer to apps that developers create for a single platform. These programs are created with a specific operating system and hardware features in mind. They’re a targeted choice that holds a myriad of benefits.
Cross-platform design, on the other hand, has a broader reach. They aren’t limited to a single platform. While this might sound superior at first glance, there are actually advantages to native apps that you shouldn’t overlook.
According to BuildFire, mobile device users spend about 77% of their time on their device on their three favorite apps. Business owners need to carefully consider the details of app development to earn their place in a consumer’s top three choices. This includes analyzing whether the native approach to development is more beneficial than a cross-platform approach.
Native Apps Use Native Features
When an app development company creates an app for a single platform, they know exactly what they’re working with. For instance, an app designed for an Android device could take advantage of hardware such as the camera of the device and make this a main facet in the app. Alternatively, an app that’s made to work for mobile and smart home devices couldn’t rely on this consistent feature. The specialization adds a touch of personalization based on the device or OS in use.
Native Apps Are Less Prone to Bugs
Having a blanket design for an app is a great way to make that piece of software widely accessible. Unfortunately, that versatility comes with a cost. By its nature, the programming for cross-platform development is more prone to bugs and glitches than native apps. Too many glitches are likely to result in poor user experiences and uninstalled apps. Even a small amount can quickly add to the cost of repairing and maintaining an app.
Native Apps Encourage Higher App Store Support
When a company develops an app that caters to a certain platform, it’s promoting that platform. This might be an indirect choice. As an example, the marketing team might decide that more consumers use the iOS system than Android systems and decide to make an app for iOS, specifically. Indirectly, this supports the use of iOS devices by offering something specific to that OS.
No matter what the reasoning behind the plan is, companies want support for their products. So, if a company promotes something that works exclusively for iPhone users, Apple is more likely to show their support for it in the App Store.
Native Apps Have Higher Security
The development of an app for a specific system has a more specific design rather than the blanket design of cross-platform apps. As discussed, this has plenty of benefits but when it comes to security, this means that it doesn’t have the same loopholes. This improves not only the digital performance of the app but better protects user privacy as well.
Native Apps Are Easier to Test
Finally, it’s much easier to test a native app before release. This is because it’s undergoing testing on a single device or OS. There’s no need to try and test it from several different access points because these access points are, by definition, limited. This is another reason that these apps are less likely to suffer bugs, glitches, or oversights.
The higher cost and time-consuming nature of native apps might not seem like an appealing image for native apps at first. Upon closer inspection, these types of apps prove themselves to be an efficient and targeted marketing strategy. Choosing a native app over a cross-platform app is a great way to give your business an extra edge.
