Key takeaways
- Cross-platform (React Native or Flutter) is the usual choice for MVPs and business apps.
- Choose native when you need heavy graphics, AR or deep hardware access.
- A PWA can work for simple tools, but iOS limits some device features.
- Plan for backend, push notifications, app store review and yearly OS updates, not just screens.
The four approaches
| Approach | Built with | Strengths | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native iOS and Android | Swift and Kotlin | Best performance and full access to platform features | Two codebases, higher cost and longer timeline |
| React Native | JavaScript or TypeScript | One codebase, large ecosystem, shares skills with web teams | Some features need native modules |
| Flutter | Dart | Consistent custom UI and strong performance | A different language and a smaller talent pool in some markets |
| Progressive web app (PWA) | Web technologies | No app store, lowest cost, instant updates | Limited device features, especially on iOS |
How to choose
- Startup or MVP: cross-platform. You reach both platforms faster and learn from real users.
- Already have a React web team: React Native lets them reuse skills.
- Heavy graphics, AR, games or Bluetooth hardware: go native.
- Simple content or booking tool: a fast, installable PWA may be enough.
What else goes into an app
- A backend and API for accounts, data and payments.
- Push notifications and analytics.
- Offline behaviour and error handling.
- Store accounts, screenshots, privacy policy and review time.
- Updates for each new iOS and Android release.
Where to start
Define the one thing a user should be able to do on day one, build that well and expand. If you want help choosing, our mobile app development service starts with a short discovery to match the approach to your goals.
Frequently asked questions
Can one app work on both iPhone and Android?
Yes. Cross-platform frameworks such as React Native and Flutter let you build one app that runs on both.
Is React Native good enough for production?
Yes. It is used in production by many companies, and it works well for most business, e-commerce and service apps.
How long does it take to build a mobile app?
It depends on features. A focused first version can often be built in a few months; apps with payments, real-time features or many integrations take longer.
