Cross-platform mobile app development is an excellent choice for enterprises compared to many app development types. The secret is its good performance, solid UI/UX, and intuitive design. The app is also workable on all devices using a single codebase.
This informative blog will elaborate on the rising need for cross-platform mobile app development.
A Historical overview of a Cross-platform mobile app development
When enterprises discuss app development needs, they often ask, “We need to build an app for two unique platforms: iOS and Android.” Each platform has its own structure, design approach, and blueprint.
Making an app for one doesn’t serve the other; enterprises must work separately for both, which is tedious. Take an overview of its past context:
- In the early days, app development was two-way only: IOS and Android—each with a separate code for each one. The outcome was nice, but it was a dual effort, time, and resources.
- With the arrival of new tech, a cross-platform idea emerged in the form of Titanium and PhoneGap, which convert each codebase into a single-code formula for both iOS and Android.
- With new tech continuously arriving, the rising issue of early cross-platform apps needs a sophisticated resolution. As users are more attentive to performance over convenience, new tools begin to enter the market.
Why Cross-platform mobile app development is rising
The path is twisting, surrounded by trial and error, and it sustains the modern cross-platform app development path that starts with a native app.
But why did this voyage attract attention during this period? Let’s talk about this.
- At its core, users are obsessed with performance, while enterprises are tormented with productivity, most often targeting cost reduction. Cross-platform mobile app development fulfils both wishes with a singular codebase that delivers astonishing user performance at the least cost to enterprises.
- The app development domain is complex, filled with everything from light and easy-to-use apps to complex and heavy apps. In this domain, timing is everything. A cross-platform app with a single coding structure allows developers to launch an app on time for both devices. With less effort, targeting dual-platform audiences is a competitive edge.
- After launch, managing monthly updates, dealing with bugs, and adding feature add-ons are needed. A single code base is a way to ease all these needs, as once done, these apply to all devices.
- Ongoing evolution is lingering behind cross-platform mobile app development at an amazing rate. New frameworks ease developers’ actions to craft apps that give users a native-like experience without any compromises.
- Users eventually switch apps from iOS to Android or vice versa, or some have both, so they strive for consistency. Cross-platform mobile app development serves this uniformity.
- Tech is known for its frequent updates. Within the blink of an eye, new platforms or their complete ecosystems can emerge. So, investing in cross-platform app development lets enterprises adapt to these new emergencies.
A Case Study of Airbnb and Pinterest using a react native tool that chose cross-platform mobile app development, coupled with the gaps needed for iOS and Android, is the biggest proof of rapid development, unified UX, and shared knowledge base.
Dares and Concerns in Cross-platform mobile app development
When there are benefits, there are drawbacks—a natural occurrence. While appreciating the benefits is obvious, identifying the hurdles is a must-do to rectify them as soon as possible.
- Although it offers native-like performance, minor glitches can occur compared to native apps, but the rectification practise is in progress.
- Additional native modules can be needed to add certain features for native functionalities that cannot be tapped into right away.
- The differences in UX and UI between both platforms have different architectural designs, so to give a smooth design, extra efforts are required.
- Cross-platform frameworks limit themselves at certain points. When an enterprise grows and exceeds the limitations of those frameworks, it needs an alternative solution.
- Although the initial development cost might be low, constant updates, features, add-ons, and frameworks will soon require high expenses.
The prospect of Cross-platform mobile app development — What is yet to come?
Although cross-platform mobile app development has gotten enough attention, where its future lies ahead also matters. Let’s discuss ways cross-platform frameworks might evolve in the future.
- Large corporations have adopted this tech due to its low cost, low time, and uniformity across platforms. With additional progress, we can predict startups and SMEs will love it.
- Minor disparities exist in platform performance compared to native, but the advancement of the new tool and framework has removed these gaps once and for all.
- With the entrance of giant tech like AI, ML, and AR/VR, cross-platform apps are becoming the norm. Cross-platform apps are meant to easily integrate this tech, allowing sophisticated and futuristic apps.
- A cross-platform app allows Real-time Synchronisation and Cloud Integration for interconnectedness, so users won’t feel uncomfortable switching between mobile and tablets.
All the frameworks for cross-platform mobile app development have solid security features that promise native-like security. This clears the blurred line between native and cross-platform apps.
Creating the Optimal Choice— When to get for Cross-platform mobile app development
It can be a bit confusing to determine which native or cross-platform is a better choice, so let’s take a look at how to pick the better ones.
- Having Limited Budget and Resources.
- Intention to test the app or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) before launch.
- Aim to deliver consistent UI/UX Across Platforms
- Making non-intensive Graphics Apps
- Don’t want to juggle with the frequent Maintenance and Updates
All these points show that one should opt for cross-platform mobile app development if these situations exist.
Another thing you can consider is the performance needs, long-term strategy, and user base.
Conclusion
Development Speed, cost efficiency, and consistent UX/UI across devices make cross-platform mobile app development an optimal practise. Success stories like Pinterest and Airbnb are great examples. The key is aligning cross-platform mobile apps with your business goals and user needs. Cross-platform app tools and new frameworks will unfold as technology evolves, shaping the enterprise’s future.
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