When you get an app idea, the first thing that comes to mind is: “Which type?” You want to define the app type that will be suitable for an MVP as well as for the long-term scalability.

Cross-platform and native apps may seem similar but they are distinctly different. With many differences, which one do you choose for your app idea? Let’s find out your answer in this guide.

What is a Cross-Platform App?

A cross-plaform app is a software platform designed for multiple operating systems, such as Android, iOS, and web. But here’s the catch: these apps use a single codebase for every platform.

These apps are built either on native compilation or native bridging. Both of these methods use programming languages like Dart, JavaScript, or C# and frameworks like Flutter, React Native, or .NET MAUI.

On installation, the codebase gets locally stored on your device based on how the app was built. Native bridges access your device’s APIs to create an experience close to a native app.

What is a Native App?

Native mobile apps are software applications that are built for specific mobile operating systems, such as Android and iOS. Hence, they can function only on the mobile system they’re designed for.

Native apps have different programming languages that are ‘native’ to each operating system. For instance, Swift and Objective-C are used for iOS apps while Java and Kotlin are native to Android apps.

When you install a mobile app, the code gets locally stored on your device. This is why native apps can integrate well with your device features, such as camera and GPS. Hence, it creates a seamless user experience.

Native vs. Cross-Platform Apps: Key Differences

Although cross-platform apps do exactly what native apps are supposed to do, the two still are distinctly different. Let’s have a glance at their key differences.

User Experience

Cross-platform apps have one codebase for all platforms: Android, iOS, and web. Depending on the framework they’re built with, the app can range from consistent to slow. This makes them consistent but less responsive.

Native mobile apps, on the other hand, are designed with programming languages native to specific operating systems. This gives native apps an edge with intuitive, seamless user experiences.

Security

Cross-platform apps rely on their “bridge” or third-party plugins for security. This adds a layer of dependency which can delau access to the newest system security updates. In addition, any vulnerabilities in the shared codebase also risks the app’s every version.

By contrast, native apps follow strict security protocols to get approved by app stores. Native mobile apps also leverage local encryption mechanisms provided by operating systems.

Platform Compatibility

Native apps are developed for specific operating systems, such as Android and iOS. When a user installs a native app, the codebase gets downloaded on their device. Hence, the app integrates seamlessly with the device’s features such as camera and GPS.

This isn’t the case with cross-platform apps, though. These apps need a “bridge” or a “channel” to access complex or newly released system features. In addition, the integration may not be as smooth as in native apps.

Development Costs

Although both cross-platform apps and native apps are expensive to build and maintain, cross-platform apps are generally less expensive. It also means that you’ve to compromise with your app’s security and user experience in the long run.

Here’s a way to build native apps, though: AI app builders.

AI app builders like Natively allow you to build native mobile apps without coding at a budget. You can build any app you want — simple to-do list apps or AI-powered chatbots — for iOS and Android devices at minimal costs.

Conclusion

Both cross-platform and native apps have their own sets of advantages and limitations. Depending on your target audience and competitors, you can choose the one best for your app’s success.

The best thing is, you can build native apps without thinking of high costs. AI app builders allow you to test and validate new ideas, get user feedback, and launch apps efficiently. Start building and scale your idea now!