Cross-Platform App Development

Buyers Guide

Last updated: May 29, 2023

Cross-Platform Application Development – Complete Guide

Almost every business needs a mobile app in 2021. Whether you’re a B2C or a B2B company, small or large scale business, having a user-friendly mobile app is essential. One of the most effective ways to build your app is through a cross-platform application development tool.

Cross-platform apps use a single code source to build mobile apps for Android and iOS devices. The alternate is making a separate mobile app for Android and iOS devices, which I think you’ll agree is a hectic process. However, with cross-platform mobile apps, you can build mobile apps that feel native to iOS and Android. While the basic code used remains the same, fonts, colors, and icons are platform correct. Here’s a visual representation of how they differ:

Mobile apps are getting more and more popular every day. As the world heads towards digitalization, mobile applications are providing new opportunities for businesses to stay connected with their users. Companies now more than ever need to have cross platforms that can scale, provide varieties, and organizational structure. Although developing a mobile app is comparatively more expensive than web apps, taking this step is crucial to stay connected with your customers.

Developing a mobile app from scratch is a daunting task. However, with the right tools at your disposal, it’s a piece of cake. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the various types of cross-platform app development tools, how you can choose the right cross-platform app development tools.

Features of Cross-Platform Mobile Apps

Here are some of the common features of cross-platform mobile app development tools:

• Security – The most primary feature that should be administered for data confidentiality.
• Good Image Resolution – High picture resolution for a worthwhile user experience.
• User Experience Focused (UX/UI) – It should focus on interaction and simplicity.
• High speed – keep it simple, keep it quick! A good speed means graphics that do not withhold large databases and sets of graphics.
• Push Notifications – These can be text, graphic, or a combination of both. Personalized push messaging is better than old unsolicited messaging.
• Augmented Reality – An extremely exciting and fascinating feature giving users the benefit and comfort of the ‘try before buy’ model.
• Social Integration – Integration with social channels keeps users engaged with the app and simplifies the signing process.

Choosing the Best Platform for Mobile App Development

The core functionality of mobile devices is to run as a host of applications that can serve nearly every imaginable purpose. If you need an app right away, then go for building a web app. It speeds up development time, and users will only require a mobile browser to use it.

However, if you have limited resources such as time and money, then go for either a hybrid app or a web app. This will give you a chance to test the market with a minimum viable product that can be in the hands of users within a few months. And if it turns out to be successful, you can decide to build a full-fledged native version later. It will not require you to build the app and deploy it to different platforms using Javascript. Another cheaper option is the cookie-cutter method, which is also best for budget-constrained businesses.

If fast and stable performance is your utmost priority for your Mobile app, then you need to develop a native app. Since it only focuses on one platform, this app will give you speed, stability, and customized features targeted best for your business model.

If you want full control of your platform and don’t want to outsource everything, opt for Low-Level Coding.

In the end, monitoring the metrics will determine the success and growth of your brand. Depending on your user’s needs, one can always build another type later down the road.

Rapid App Development (RAD): If you do not have any specific result planned out, this model is for you. Rapid application development focuses on user feedback and works by developing prototypes that can be tested out for functions and features without affecting the product. It can also be pricey, depending on your platform.

Some of the best platforms for mobile app development are React Native, Xamarin, Flutter, and Ionic.

Market Trends of Cross-Platform Mobile App Development

The mobile age has fundamentally transformed business and operating models in marketplaces. The tech giants see a huge sum of investment in the app industry over the past few years. To thrive in a digital era, getting acquainted with the latest development trends has become a need. Here are the latest market trends that are happening.

5G Wireless Technology

5G wireless service has been the most significant and on the top of Mobile application development. Without question, the 5G network’s speed is 100 times faster than the 4G network. The industry professionals expect a transition from presently used 4G services to the 5G wireless network by the end of 2021. Apart from the high speed, the 5G wireless services also serve other functionalities like:

• 3D Gaming
• Augmented Reality
• Data Security

Blockchain

Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology (DLT), and its goal is to allow digital information to be recorded and distributed but not edited. Blockchain development is being used in android apps to enhance security, tracking, and quality controls. Almost all the apps are already using this technology for secure and faster payment options.

Artificial Intelligence and Chatbots

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning have taken a new level and revamped technology’s face. Integration of AI in android app development is not only time-saving but also enriches user engagement and experience. Chatbots are on the front line of AI; they’re getting smarter every day and help users from ordering pizza to understanding B2B sales’ complex process. Android apps with services like cab, food delivery, and online shopping are integrating chatbots to quickly respond to customers’ queries.

Cloud-based Android Apps

Cloud technology is helping organizations store a massive amount of data. Enterprises are resorting to cloud-based android applications for the following reasons:

• Multiple platforms compatibility.
• Seamless integration.
• Lesser development time and cost.
• Massive storage.
• No installation is required.
• Greater productivity.

For more extensive databases, most apps use Amazon Web Service (AWS) as their cloud computing backup.