What Is a Mobile App? | App Development Basics for Businesses

2. Mobile App Development Approaches

Here’s a closer look at all the various technological considerations business owners must make before developing an app to assist you in understanding the process of developing a mobile application.

Native applications

How do native apps work? These apps are created specifically for a single mobile operating system. They are native to a certain platform or device, which is why they are referred to as native. Most modern mobile applications are created for iOS or Android operating systems. Simply said, you cannot download and use an Android app on an iPhone, and the opposite is true.

Native apps are developed specifically for a single platform (iOS or Android) using platform-specific programming languages and development tools.

Key Technologies:

• iOS: Swift, Objective-C, Xcode

• Android: Kotlin, Java, Android Studio

Advantages:

• Best performance and speed

• Full access to device features (GPS, camera, notifications, etc.)

• Enhanced UI/UX aligned with platform standards

• High security and reliability

Disadvantages:

• Separate codebases for iOS and Android → increased cost & time

• More expensive to maintain

Use Cases:

• High-performance gaming (e.g., PUBG Mobile)

• Banking apps (e.g., Chase, HDFC)

• Fitness apps with sensors integration (e.g., Apple Health)

Examples:

• Instagram (initially native)

• Spotify (native for core functions)

Web applications

Web apps are computer programmes that function on mobile devices and offer a similar user interface to native mobile apps. However, native apps and online apps differ significantly from one another. To begin with, web apps are programmes that run in browsers and are typically written in CSS, HTML5, or JavaScript. Such apps provide the user the choice to instal the app after rerouting them to the URL. All they do is add a bookmark to their page. They need the bare minimum of storage space, therefore.

Users can only use the application if they have an internet connection because all personal databases will be saved on the server. Web apps’ fundamental flaw is that they always need a strong internet connection. If not, you run the danger of providing a mediocre.

Web apps are responsive websites that mimic app functionality but run in mobile browsers rather than being downloaded from an app store.

Key Technologies:

• HTML, CSS, JavaScript

• Frameworks: Angular, React, Vue.js

Advantages:

• No installation needed

• Single codebase works across all devices

• Easy to update and maintain

• Cost-effective for MVPs

Disadvantages:

• No offline functionality (unless cached)

• Limited access to device features

• Slower performance compared to native apps

• Cannot send push notifications (without using PWA technology)

Use Cases:

• News platforms (e.g., BBC News)

• Blogs and content platforms

• Internal business dashboards

Examples:

• Gmail mobile web version

• Twitter Lite

Hybrid apps

These applications are created with the aid of web technologies including JavaScript, CSS, and HTML 5. What makes them hybrid, exactly? In essence, hybrid apps function like online apps wrapped in a native interface.

A definite advantage of hybrid apps is their quick and simple development. Additionally, you receive a single codebase for all platforms. As a result, updating is made easier and maintenance costs are reduced. Numerous APIs are available to developers for features like geolocation and gyroscopes.

Hybrid apps combine elements of both native and web apps. They are web apps enclosed in a native shell, allowing them to be installed on devices and distributed via app stores.

Key Technologies:

• HTML, CSS, JavaScript

• Frameworks: Ionic, Apache Cordova, PhoneGap

Advantages:

• Single codebase for multiple platforms

• Faster to develop and deploy

• Access to some device features

• Easier to maintain than native apps

Disadvantages:

• Performance may lag behind native apps

• UI may feel less “native” to users

• Debugging can be more complex

Use Cases:

• MVPs and prototypes

• Content-based apps

• Medium-performance apps across platforms

Examples:

• Evernote

• Uber (originally hybrid)

3. Mobile application categories

There are numerous types and sizes of mobile applications. In order to better comprehend the current trends in the mobile landscape, here are the most well-liked categories of mobile apps.

The most popular subcategory of mobile apps is gaming apps. How many consumers really instal games on their phones will surprise you. Because the market for games is so lucrative, companies devote more and more effort and money to developing new games and mobile versions of popular stationary games. A recent survey found that mobile games make for 33% of all app downloads, 74% of consumer spending, and 10% of all app usage time. The most popular mobile games, such as Candy Crush Saga or Angry Birds, get worldwide recognition.

Because consumers are more and more likely to use their smartphones and tablets to complete numerous difficult tasks while on the go, business and productivity apps currently account for a sizable portion of the market. For instance, apps can assist users in sending emails, making reservations, and monitoring their work progress. Business apps enable users to carry out a variety of operations, from purchasing replacement ink cartridges for office printers to hiring a new office manager, with the goal of increasing productivity and reducing costs.

4. Mobile app statistics

Apps in this category help users learn new things and expand their knowledge and skills. Due to the flexibility they offer users, language study apps like Duolingo, for instance, have grown very popular.

Here are the most significant facts that show you the current mobile environment and its future in order to offer you a more comprehensive understanding of the current mobile app scene.

Over 100 apps are typically installed on a mobile device in the United States. (Source) The average smartphone user checks their device 63 times each day. 87% of users check their phones at least one hour before going to bed (source). Sixty-nine percent of those will check their phones at least five minutes before going to bed. (Source) After just one day of use, 79% of users will stop using a digital product. (Source)

Today, more than 57% of all digital media usage comes from mobile apps. (Source)

5. What is the creation of mobile apps?

Traditional software development is heavily included into the process of creating mobile apps. But the emphasis is on developing software that makes use of the special hardware characteristics of mobile devices.

Taking a desktop-based application and importing it to a mobile device is the simplest situation for developing a mobile app. This method can, however, become problematic when the app’s functionality increases.

A more effective strategy entails creating specifically for mobile environments. It is a method that makes use of all the advantages that mobile devices have to offer. The procedure considers their constraints and aids business owners in striking a balance between cost and functionality.

6  How can I create a mobile app?

You essentially have three alternatives to pick from when developing a mobile application:

• assemble a development team internally,
• contract with a specialised software development company,
• rely on independent contractors’ knowledge.

To assist you in selecting the best option for your mobile development project, here is a brief summary of each choice and its associated advantages and disadvantages.

assembling an internal team

You will have complete control over how developers construct your mobile app if you choose to establish an in-house development team for your project. However, this will be very expensive.

After all, in addition to the developers’ salaries, you will also have to pay for a variety of overhead expenses including office space, bonuses and benefits, hardware, software licences, and a host of other things. If you reside in a region where hiring mobile developers is expensive, this may be particularly challenging.

If you choose with this option, your app will cost a lot of money. Due to your responsibility for your team’s work, the risk of your project will also rise.

the use of a freelancer

Of the three options, this one is unquestionably the least expensive. You can benefit from a streamlined development process by working with just one freelancer to create your mobile app. Because there is only one of you, teamwork may be simpler and easier.

However, it can be difficult to find a trustworthy freelancer. You can better rely on one person’s abilities and knowledge to ensure the overall success of your project. Even if you employ a skilled mobile developer, it’s possible that they’ll be an expert in backend programming but have little experience with frontend development. Your app will suffer if you develop it with a functional user interface but poor design.

Although hiring a freelancer is a cost-effective choice, there are numerous hazards involved that could jeopardise your app’s development at every level.

employing a software development firm

Today, there are many software development companies with a focus on mobile development. By collaborating with such businesses,

• UX/UI design,.
• frontend and backend programming,
• testing,
• quality assurance (QA),
• and project management
• are all related to product development.

The key advantage of choosing this option is that you may benefit from the team’s cumulative experience and knowledge gained from completing projects comparable to yours. Through the portfolio and client referrals, you may validate their qualifications.