Native apps are built specifically for a single platform, such as iOS or Android, and they offer unique advantages in performance, user experience, and access to device-specific features. In today’s mobile-first world, native apps have become essential to many businesses’ digital strategies.
In this article, we’ll dive into native applications, exploring their benefits and downsides, as well as why they are a popular choice for businesses.
What Is a Native App?
A native app refers to a software program written and created specifically for a certain ecosystem and is there to enhance the platform itself. In fact, native mobile apps can interface with and optimize the performance of a particular gadget’s native features, functionalities, and hardware, such as GPS, camera, compass, contacts list, and accelerometer.
How To Build a Native Application
Unlike web applications, which are written primarily in JavaScript, native apps are written in programming languages supported by the operating system they are designed for. They also require platform-specific development processes.
Building a native app involves several steps and requires knowledge of programming languages, software development frameworks, and various app development tools.
Here is a general overview of the native app-building process:
- Set objectives: Identify the goals you want to achieve with your native app and the metrics you will analyze to measure its success.
- Define requirements: Determine all app requirements, including the target audience, functionality, and features.
- Choose a platform: Select the platform on which you will run the app: iOS, Android, or Windows. Your choice will depend on your overall objectives, target audience, and functionalities.
- Choose a programming language: The programming language must be appropriate for the platform, such as Swift for iOS or Java for Android.
- Choose a software development framework: Some of the best options are React Native, Xamarin, or Flutter.
- Design the user interface: App design includes visual elements like layout, color scheme, and typography. Choose these elements carefully because they will shape the user experience.
- Develop the application: Write the code for the app, including the core functionality, user interface, and third-party integrations.
- Test the app: Test the application to identify fields that require improvements.
- Launch the app: Submit the app to Apple’s App Store or the Google Play Store for distribution.
- Maintain the app: Monitor the app for issues or bugs and regularly release updates to fix problems or add new features.
Costs of Native Application Development
In 2024, the cost of building a native app ranges from $5,000 and $500,000+. App complexity is the primary factor that affects expenses — simple apps with essential features are the most affordable (from $5,000 to $40,000). Medium-complex apps have customized UI and more features and integrations, but they are significantly more expensive (between $60,000 and $150,000).
Complex apps have advanced features, chatbots, and many other functionalities, pushing development expenses up to $500,000 and beyond.
Costs also vary based on the following:
- Design: This includes user interface and visuals, branding, and copywriting. All of these elements contribute to satisfying UX. The more features you add to your native app, the more expensive the project will be.
- Platform: iOS apps cost between $70,000 and $500,000, while Android apps cost between $50,000 and $500,000. To capture users on both platforms, you must develop two separate native apps.
- Labor: App developers in the US charge $120 to $150/hour, while ones in Western Europe charge $80 to $100/hour. The lowest hourly rate for developing native applications is in Eastern Europe ($30 to $50/hour) and India ($20 to $30/hour).
- Hidden costs: These include third-party integration, app maintenance, and marketing costs.
7 Essential Benefits of Native Apps
Global consumer spending on mobile apps reached $171 billion in 2023. Many of those are native apps, chosen by users because of these benefits:
- Security and reliability
- Optimal performance
- Advanced customization options
- Improved user experience
- Increased scalability
- Fewer bugs
- Instant updating
1. Security and Reliability
A native app will likely have fewer platform-specific vulnerabilities compared to hybrid apps that depend highly on a browser security system. It is protected against misuse due to the multiple layers of security in the operating system. A native app undergoes security inspection on each layer and through each system or version upgrade.
2. Optimal Performance
Native apps operate faster and more efficiently compared to hybrid apps, which ensures user satisfaction. They also have commendable offline performance. After installation and during online operation, they maximize their in-browser caching attribute, enabling offline availability derived from its cached resources.
Aleksandr Kozhevnikov, CEO of Smart Technologies, says that artificial intelligence (AI) significantly contributes to native apps’ performance: “The fastest-growing trend in app development is AI, both as a feature in apps and as coding assistants. These assistants, like GitHub Copilot and Android Studio Bot, integrate into development environments to provide quick answers, code examples, and coding hints. Tools like ChatGPT still work well, saving up to 10-15% of the time.”
Furkan Senvenli, Engineering Manager at Epigra, agrees and adds: “AI is revolutionizing native app development for iOS and Android. Core ML for iOS enables sophisticated machine learning integration, enhancing personalization and user experience, which is evident in predictive text, image recognition, and real-time translation. Google's ML Kit offers similar capabilities to Android, with strong integration into Android-specific features and hardware.”
He continues: “Both platforms are witnessing AI-driven advancements like voice assistants, context-aware computing, and predictive analytics, making apps smarter and more intuitive. This trend boosts user engagement and creates new app functionalities previously hindered by technology limitations.”
3. Advanced Customization Options
Native apps have full access to operative systems and device features, which can be highly customized. Since a native application is highly compatible with each platform, users can configure direct integration with the gadget’s hardware, such as the microphone and camera.
Thanks to this ability, developers don’t have limitations; they can access all parts of hardware that help create a unique user interface (UI) and user experience (UX). For example, they can utilize a microphone function for sound effects or a camera for filters.
4. Improved User Experience
Every platform has UI/UX guidelines that developers must follow. With native apps, these standards are rigorous, guaranteeing a consistent look and feel within the operating system. Users are very familiar with the layouts typical for operating systems; therefore, the consistency of native mobile apps provides a much more intuitive and interactive user experience.
Lucky Gobindram, General Manager at CXR.Agency, adds: "Increasing integration of AI and ML personalizes user experiences. Leveraging these technologies can significantly enhance app functionality and user engagement, setting your offerings apart in a competitive digital landscape."
5. Increased Scalability
Native apps are easy to scale, which means they can easily handle an increase in the number of users or amount of data being processed without sacrificing performance. This is because native apps efficiently use hardware on any platform, with minimum risk of crashing in case of extreme traffic increase.
Native apps can also be updated and improved over time to meet the changing needs of a growing user base. This makes them an ideal choice for businesses that anticipate growth and need to ensure their apps can handle increased demand.
6. Fewer Bugs
Native apps are designed for a specific operating system, such as iOS and Android, and they use programming languages and software development tools optimized for that platform.
Compared to web apps, which are designed to run on multiple platforms and may have compatibility issues, native apps generally have fewer bugs and errors. This ensures a more stable and reliable user experience and higher user satisfaction and retention.
7. Instant Updating
When Android and iOS release software updates, IT teams can quickly implement the latest features into native apps. They have easy access to new software development kits (SDK), allowing them to modify the app and ensure a smooth user experience.
4 Drawbacks of a Native App To Note
While native apps offer exceptional performance and seamless integration with device features, they come with several challenges you must consider before committing to this development path:
- Hefty app development costs
- Lengthy processes and time for development
- Frequency of updates and high storage requirements
- Monetization
1. Hefty App Development Costs
Native applications are not only expensive in terms of the development process. The launch and the maintenance on iOS or Android are just as pricey, if not more.
You will also need two separate dev teams to release the same app product – one dedicated to dev for iOS and another assigned to developers for Android. You may need a third if you also want to place your app on the Windows Phone marketplace.
2. Lengthy Processes and Time for Development
Software-specific app development can be very resource-intensive and time-consuming. From conception to beta testing and completion, preparing a single app for just one platform can take at least two months, often longer. The development period can last up to nine months if the app has complicated requirements and advanced features.
3. Frequency of Updates and High Storage Requirements
While regularly introducing newer versions and upgrades is necessary to fix bugs and rectify errors, it can be tedious and disruptive for the end users. On top of that, these updates also take up a sizeable amount of device storage space.
4. Monetization
iOS and Android have different monetization structures, which can make it difficult to balance strategies for native apps on each platform. Furthermore, creating and maintaining in-app ads in native apps requires additional effort — you need to manage ad networks and ad formats that work best for each system.
How To Make Your Native App Development Process Error-Free
Building a native app requires proficiencies in specialized tools, programming languages, and architectural configurations that deviate from conventional web or hybrid app development. An innovative approach is the best route for app design and development. Some best practices include:
1. Know Your Users
It is good practice to release a beta version of your app before the general release. Gather a limited group of users to test an early version of your app before going live. Make sure they are not involved with the software product's design or construction.
These are the main aspects you should examine and assess:
- User-friendliness, efficiency, and ease of navigation
- Screen resolution
- The adaptability of screen orientation
- Validation that features and functionalities are running without interruptions
- Compatibility with device, network, database, and browser
- Speed and stability
- App security
2. Stay Updated With Native App Development Technologies
You should strictly adhere to the Google Play Store and the App Store’s policies on which you are building your native application. Moreover, keeping pace with the latest industry news and the most recent update releases can help you minimize the risk of compatibility issues, a decrease in app quality, or even rendering it unusable.
Shreyansh Pancholi, Assistant Vice President at Verve Systems, agrees: “We'll see big changes in mobile app development. Internet of Things (IoT) will fit seamlessly into our daily lives. Foldable devices will call for flexible interfaces. 5G will allow apps to run better and faster. Wearable tech will make more apps possible, while beacon technology will make apps smarter with location-based alerts. Mobile shopping will still be a major player.”
“Could we live without AI, mobile wallets, augmented reality, and virtual reality? Chatbots will become even more essential. App safety, future trend analysis, on-demand services, cloud tech, and ready-when-you-are apps will shake things up. Staying updated with mobile app development will be key to long-term success.”
3. Solicit Feedback in Batches
Get feedback from the various teams involved in the app creation, from the product and design to the dev team. It is efficient and productive to assign a focal person of contact responsible for collecting feedback and communicating these insights productively.
How To Determine if Your Business Needs a Native App
Deciding whether your business needs a native app depends on several key factors:
- Features and performance: Native apps can fully leverage device-specific features like the camera, GPS, and sensors. If you need high performance for resource-intensive tasks, a native app is the best choice.
- User experience: Native apps integrate seamlessly with the platform’s look and feel, so you can provide a fluid, responsive interface for users.
- Target user base: If your target audience predominantly uses either iOS or Android, you can provide a tailored experience for them.
- Budget: Native apps can be a valuable investment but consider the separate development teams and resources needed for iOS and Android. If you have a tight budget, consider hybrid apps or web-based solutions.
- Scalability: If you plan to add more advanced features or anticipate a significant increase in users, native apps provide the flexibility and stability to support future growth.
Working With a Mobile App Development Agency on Building a Native App
Partnering with a mobile app development agency to build a native app is an important investment for your business. These steps will help you understand the entire process, from choosing the right agency to launch and long-term maintenance:
- Define your app’s purpose
- Select the right development agency
- Establish a clear contract
- Oversee the development process
- Ensure ongoing support
1. Define Your App’s Purpose
Before reaching out to app developers, you must have a clear understanding of what you want your app to achieve. Consider the following questions:
- Who will use it, and what are their needs?
- What essential functionalities does your app require? How will your app evolve with updates or new features?
- How will you monetize your app (subscription, freemium model, in-app purchases)?
2. Select the Right Development Agency
Once you have a well-defined app vision, the next step to outsourcing app development is to evaluate potential agencies based on the following:
- Portfolio: Look for agencies with experience in developing native apps for your niche. Review their portfolio to see if they’ve worked on similar projects and the value they’ve delivered to clients.
- Technical skills: Ensure the agency has specialists proficient in the required technologies and platform-specific design principles.
- Client testimonials: Check client feedback, references, and case studies to ensure the agency delivers quality results.
- Collaboration: Evaluate the agency’s responsiveness and transparency during the proposal stage. Clear communication is vital for long-term success.
- Cost: Get a detailed estimate of costs and a timeline for delivery. Make sure the agency’s pricing model aligns with your budget.
3. Establish a Clear Contract
Next, establish the scope of work, which is a document that outlines project deliverables, timelines and milestones, and payment terms. Make sure the contract explicitly states that you will own the source code and intellectual property once the project is completed.
Consult with legal professionals to ensure your work contract will not expose your business to unnecessary risks. Lawyers can help ensure that confidentiality clauses and non-disclosure agreements are robust, and your interests are safeguarded.
4. Oversee the Development Process
During the development phase, the app development agency will write the code for your native app. Schedule weekly or bi-weekly meetings to get updates on progress and review the completed work. Request a beta version of the app that you can test internally.
Work closely with your agency to ensure app store submission goes smoothly. Prepare all necessary documentation and prepare marketing materials for your app launch.
5. Ensure Ongoing Support
The app development process doesn’t end at launch. Continue working with the agency to address bugs or issues. Native apps may require frequent updates to stay compatible with the latest operating systems.
As your app grows, you may want to introduce new features or enhancements. Use analytics tools to track user engagement and app performance, then collaborate with your agency to continuously optimize and improve the app.
7 Best Examples of Native Applications
Here are the best examples of native apps available today:
1. Spotify
A must-have on any music lover’s smartphone, Spotify is a premium digital music service and library that houses millions of songs and podcast episodes. It is a cloud-based native app that functions both online and offline.
Key features:
- Personalized music recommendations
- Extensive music library
- Podcasts and audiobooks
- Ability to create and share playlists
- Social features to follow and discover music through friends and artists
- Offline listening mode
- Ad-supported free version and ad-free premium version
2. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is one of the world’s most popular instant messaging and voice messaging apps. It has end-to-end encryption, making it a practical and organized communication tool for media and document sharing for individuals and businesses.
Key features:
- Instant messaging
- Voice and video calls
- Group messaging and calls
- End-to-end encryption for secure communication
- Ability to share photos, videos, documents, and locations
- WhatsApp Web for desktop access
- WhatsApp Business for business communication
3. Waze
Waze is a GPS navigation app that gives drivers turn-by-turn instructions, including route details, real-time incident information, and accurate traffic data. It provides voice directions and accepts voice commands. Additionally, Waze can be conveniently integrated with Google Assistant.
Key features:
- Real-time GPS navigation and route guidance
- User-generated traffic and road hazard reports
- Alternative route suggestions based on current traffic conditions
- Points of interest and business locations
- Voice-guided navigation
- Gas station price comparison
- Integration with music and podcast apps
4. SoundCloud
SoundCloud is one of the most popular apps for music creators and collaborators. Artists can upload their audio recordings and make them available for streaming globally. Users can follow their favorite artists, create playlists, and interact with the music community.
Key features:
- Millions of tracks across various genres
- Ability to upload and share your own music
- Customizable playlists
- Offline listening (with subscription)
- Insights and analytics for artists
5. SwiftKey
SwiftKey is an app that allows users to customize the design and features of their dials and keypads. It learns the user’s writing style to provide personalized predictions and autocorrections, allowing for faster, more accurate typing across multiple languages.
Key features:
- Customizable keyboard with different themes and layouts
- Support for multiple languages
- Autocorrect and predictive text
- Swipe-to-type gesture typing
- Built-in emoji keyboard
- Cloud sync is used to back up and sync your data across devices
6. Uber
Uber is a ridesharing and ride-hailing native application that connects drivers with passengers. Users can easily request a ride, track the driver’s location in real-time, and pay seamlessly through the app. The platform boasts over 150 million monthly active users and more than $31 billion in annual revenue.
Key features:
- On-demand ride service
- Cashless payment system
- GPS-based tracking of driver and trip status
- Upfront pricing and fare estimate
- Ability to rate drivers and leave feedback
- Multiple vehicle options, including shared, standard, and premium rides
- Safety features, including driver background checks and real-time trip monitoring
7. Pinterest
Pinterest is a visual discovery and social media platform that allows users to explore and save ideas on a wide range of topics, from home decor and fashion to recipes and travel inspiration. Users can create and organize visual boards to “pin” images, videos, and links that inspire them.
Key features:
- Personalized content feed based on users' previous pins and searches
- Visual bookmarks or pins
- Custom pinboards or boards
- Search and discovery tools for new ideas and inspiration
- Shopping features for browsing and purchasing products
- Integration with other apps and websites for easy pinning
- Social features for following and interacting with other users
Key Takeaways on Native App, Its Development, and the Future Ahead
Native apps offer unparalleled performance, seamless user experiences, and deep integration with device features, making them ideal for businesses requiring high functionality and user engagement. As mobile technology evolves, native apps will continue to play a critical role in delivering superior user experiences.
The native app development process is complex, requiring specialized skills and higher budgets. Partner with the top mobile app development companies to ensure expertise, efficiency, and high-quality results.
Our team ranks agencies worldwide to help you find a qualified partner. Visit our Agency Directory for the top app development companies, as well as:
- Top-Rated React Native Development Companies
- Top Enterprise Mobile App Development Companies
- Top Android App Development Companies
- Top AI App Development Companies
- Top App Developers In San Francisco
Our team also highlights award-winning work on the Design Awards page, so be sure to check it out for the best and latest in app design.
Native Apps FAQ
1. What are the differences between native and hybrid apps?
Native apps are built for a specific operating system (Android or iOS) or device (mobile). In contrast, hybrid apps combine elements of web apps and native apps and are built using web technologies. Native apps have full access to a device's capabilities, while hybrid apps may have limited access to some platform features.
2. Web app vs. Native app - what’s the difference?
Web and native apps have distinct differences in accessibility, installation, platform compatibility, and feature integration. Here's a closer look at these differences:
- Web apps are accessible via a web browser and need an internet connection to run. In contrast, native apps are installed directly onto a mobile device and run on its operating system.
- Web apps are platform-independent and can be accessed through any browser on any device, whereas native apps can only be installed and run on specific operating systems.
- Native apps can also fully utilize the device's features, whereas web apps may encounter limitations depending on the device from which they are accessed.
3. Should my app be native or hybrid?
Native apps offer the best user experience and full access to the device's features. They are more reliable and faster than hybrid apps. However, because you must create separate apps for each platform, the process can be more expensive and time-consuming.
Hybrid apps are an excellent choice if you need to build an app quickly and cost-effectively and your app does not require advanced device features. Hybrid apps can run on multiple platforms. However, they may be limited in their ability to access device features and may not perform as well as native apps.
Native apps are a better choice if you have the required budget and require full access to device features. Hybrid apps may be better if you need to support multiple platforms or want to develop an app quickly and inexpensively.
