Would you like to develop your own app, but are unsure which technology is best?
The decision to develop your own app is an exciting step. But before it starts, one of the most important decisions has to be made: Should there be a native app or become a web app? Each of these technologies has its own advantages and disadvantages and may be the better choice depending on the objectives and requirements of your project. In this article, we'll look at the key differences between native apps and web apps to help you choose the right technology for your project. Whether you want maximum performance, wide accessibility, or a cost-effective development aim — here you can find out which option is best for your needs.
Native apps are specialized applications that are developed for specific operating systems such as iOS or Android and are installed directly on the smartphone. These apps are programmed by trained developers and are only compatible with the operating system for which they were developed.
By installing them directly on the device, native apps can optimally access hardware functions such as camera, GPS and acceleration sensors. Native app development offers numerous benefits, particularly in terms of design, functionality, and performance. For the development of iOS apps, for example, the Objective-C programming languages, React Native and uses Swift, while Android apps usually use frameworks such as Java or Kotlin.
These specific development environments make it possible to fully utilize the capabilities of each operating system, resulting in improved performance and a smoother user experience. Popular examples of native apps that benefit from these benefits include WhatsApp, Instagram, and Google Maps. These apps illustrate how powerful and easy to use native apps can be when developed and optimized specifically for an operating system.
Web apps are highly optimized web applications that have been specifically designed for use on smartphones and other mobile devices. They run in a web browser and are therefore platform-independent, which means that they work on various devices without specific adjustments. This universality means that web apps only have to be developed once and can then run on any device, regardless of the operating system.
Since web apps are developed like traditional websites, they use established web technologies such as JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and frameworks such as React.js. This significantly reduces development effort and costs. However, this can also result in limitations in terms of performance, functionality, and overall usability compared to native apps developed directly for specific operating systems.
Visually, web apps can barely differ from native apps and often offer a very similar user interface. A major advantage of web apps is that they do not have to be downloaded via app stores, but are accessible directly via the browser. Typical examples of such applications include the mobile version of Facebook or Google Docs, which offer users access to important functions without the need for a download. These features make web apps an attractive option for developers and companies looking for a cost-effective solution to reach a broad user base.
Native mobile apps are specialized applications that are developed for specific operating systems such as iOS or Android and are installed directly on the smartphone. These apps use the programming languages of the respective operating system to provide optimal performance and user experience.
You have full access to the mobile device's hardware, such as the camera, GPS, and accelerometer. Popular examples include WhatsApp, Instagram, and Google Maps.
In contrast, web apps are highly optimized web applications that are designed for use on mobile devices. They run platform-independently in the browser and do not have to be downloaded.
Web apps use technologies such as JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. However, their functionality is often limited compared to native apps. Examples of prominent web apps include Google apps such as Google Docs and Google Drive, communication tools such as Zoom and Skype, and entertainment platforms such as Spotify and YouTube. Native apps are the better choice when it comes to performance, deep integration into the device's operating system, and a high level of usability.
Apps such as Instagram, WhatsApp and the McDonald's app are specifically developed for specific operating systems and offer access to hardware components, which enables optimized performance. They are particularly useful when companies are looking for strong user engagement and a personalized experience.
Some advanced web apps, known as Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), such as those from Starbucks and Uber, offer an experience that is very close to that of native apps. They are accessible directly via the browser and do not require any download, which significantly lowers the hurdle for use. This demonstrates how PWAs can bridge the gap between web and native apps.
On the other hand, there are performance-intensive applications such as games (e.g. “Clash of Clans”) or social media (e.g. “Snapchat”), which benefit significantly from native development to ensure optimal performance and user experience.
The decision between a web app and a native app depends heavily on the specific requirements of the project. While web apps are valued for their rapid development and wide availability, native apps offer unmatched performance and deep integration, which is essential for specific applications.
Examples of prominent web apps include
In contrast, Native apps The better choice when it comes to performance, deep integration into the device's operating system and ease of use.
are specifically developed for specific operating systems and provide access to hardware
In summary, the choice between a native app or a web app depends heavily on the specific requirements of the project. Here are the key points about costs:
Ultimately, the decision between native app and web app depends heavily on project requirements, budget and desired functionality. Native apps offer more options, but are more expensive to develop.
The costs of developing an app can vary significantly, depending on the chosen technology: native apps or web apps. Native apps developed for specific operating systems, such as iOS or Android, require separate development for each system. This can increase costs, as individual adjustments, tests and optimizations are necessary in each case.
As a result, development costs for native apps are usually higher. For the unfolding For a native app that covers all operating systems, you have to plan at least twice the amount of a simple web project, and depending on the complexity and scope of the project, the costs can rise even further.
In contrast, web apps that run in browsers across platforms are often less expensive to develop. Since web apps can have less functionality and complexity and only need to be developed once for multiple platforms, development costs are usually significantly lower. Simple web apps can be implemented for just a low five-digit amount.
Although web apps can be cheaper to develop, there are certain limitations in terms of functionality and opportunities for deep integration into the device ecosystem that can be achieved with native apps. Therefore, if you have app ideas that require advanced features or deeper integration with the device that doesn't enable web technology, then investing in a native app might be a better choice.
Benefits of native apps:
Disadvantages of native apps:
Benefits of web apps:
Disadvantages of web apps:
The trend is towards hybrid apps that combine the benefits of web and mobile applications. Progressive web apps (PWAs) offer a native user experience and can be installed on the home screen, similar to native Android apps. At the same time, they are web-based and can be used across platforms. 1PWAS close the gap between web and native apps by being able to access device hardware.
However, there are still challenges such as a lack of qualified developers for this relatively new technology.1 The conclusion is that native apps offer the best performance and functionality, but are more expensive. Web apps are cheaper, but with limitations. Hybrid solutions such as PWAs combine the advantages of both approaches and could be the future of app development.
The choice between a native app and a web app depends heavily on your specific needs and requirements. If performance and functionality are paramount and you don't want to make any compromises, then we recommend developing a native app again in 2023. This option is ideal if your app needs complex features and should offer the best possible user experience.
However, there are situations in which developing a mobile web app can be a more sensible, efficient and cost-effective alternative. This is particularly the case when cost and flexibility are your primary concerns. Web apps offer the advantage that they work across platforms and thus enable wider accessibility without the need for multiple development for different operating systems.
In order to make the right decision for you, it is important to consider carefully which functions your app needs and what expectations your target group has. A personal consultation can be very helpful here to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches and to reach a well-founded decision. At Applaunch, we are happy to help you analyze your specific needs and find the best solution for your project together.
Do you want to talk to our team about your project and just hear what we could do for you? Then simply book a free video call with us now!
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