AI is getting increasingly integrated into workflows over time. According to the 2025 Stack Overflow Survey, 84% of developers use AI tools in their development processes. This is an increase over last year, which was 76%.

AI-assisted coding and AI app builders are being used more than ever. It’s mainly because AI allows non-coders to build software at ease. In this article, we will explore what AI app development is, and how you can use it to build apps.

What is AI App Development?

AI models are trained on large datasets of code. Hence, these models can understand user commands in natural language and translate them into a functional codebase. Developers use this AI-assisted code to develop apps.

There are two ways to use AI for app development: AI-assisted coding and AI app builders. In AI-assisted coding, the AI becomes your intern. You can write and debug code using tools like Cursor AI.

On the other hand, AI app builders such as Natively can build functional apps all on their own. The advantage here is that you don’t need to code. All you need to do is write a prompt and let the AI do your work.

Traditional Coded vs. AI Coded Apps: Which One is Suitable for You?

AI app builders are good enough to build a visually appealing, functional app. But are they really comparable to traditionally coded applications? Let’s do a fair comparison.

Development Timeline

If you’re building an app from scratch, it can easily take about 6-12 months. As traditional development involves phases such as planning, UI/UX design, coding, testing, and deployment, it is usually a slow process.

On the other hand, AI builders like Natively can build an app within 30 minutes. You can test ideas and build native apps with zero manual coding. It’s fast, functional, and easy.

Skill Level

Programming languages such as Swift, Java, Kotlin, or React Native are a must to build native apps. You have to be excellent at coding to build apps from scratch. This acts as a barrier for non-technical people.

However, AI app builders require no coding to use. Users can build exceptional apps without having to learn to code.

Cost

Traditional development can be really expensive, depending on the complexity of your app. In addition to the initial costs, you need developers to constantly resolve bugs, address user queries, and maintain the code.

AI app builders cost a fraction of the traditional route. For instance, you can build ten apps for $5 per month with Natively’s Micro plan. AI-coded apps are also easy to maintain and thus, they are scalable.

Flexibility

Custom coding provides you with complete control over customization. Since AI is trained on existing code only, this is particularly useful for complex applications.

AI-coded apps are just as customizable. Platforms like Natively offer full source code ownership. This means you can access and modify the code to add any complex features to your app. Hence, saving you from the effort of building from scratch.

Key Benefits of Building Apps Using AI

Building software using AI has countless benefits. From detecting bugs to refining user experience, AI app builders have made everything easier.

Here are the five key benefits of building AI-coded apps:

User Feedback: You can validate ideas, fix ideas, and iterate faster with AI. This allows you to focus on user feedback and strategic decision making better.
Quick Shipping: Since AI writes all the code, you can focus better on ideation, iteration, and shipping. Thus, turning the months of process into a few weeks.
Reduced Costs: AI-assisted development is designed to reduce hiring and delegation costs. It allows anyone to build apps without having to worry about high development costs.
Scalability and Quality: AI systems ensure consistency across the codebase, resulting in a clean, maintainable code. Hence, the applications stay stable in the long run.
Test Ideas: You can test and validate ideas faster with AI than manual coding. This allows you to fix issues and iterate quickly.

How to Build Apps With an AI App Builder in 3 Steps?

It may come as a surprise that you can build native apps in 3 simple steps using AI. Here’s your guide to building an app in Natively:

1. Write your idea

The first step is to turn your idea into a prompt. AI models rely on trained data to understand user prompts. So, you may have to practice AI prompt engineering to write a prompt that LLMs understand.

In Natively’s prompt box, you can write simple prompts explaining the app you want. You can describe the idea, functionality, and the UI/UX design as well.

2. Hit ‘Enter’

This is where the real work begins. The AI starts going through the core functionalities, the UI/UX design, and the basic structure of the app. Here’s the first version from the prompt we’d given:

The app looks simple and minimalistic. If you want to change anything in the app, you can use the prompt box on the left to iterate. In addition, you can preview your app by scanning the code on the right on Expo Go.

3. Add Integrations

So far, the basic structure of the app is ready. We haven’t added any real functionalities yet. Connect your project with your Supabase account. This will work as the app’s backend.

Once you’ve connected the app to Supabase, you can add further integrations such as text generation, or image and video generation. If you want to add AI capabilities in your app, you can also integrate OpenAI or Google AI Studio APIs.

After connecting your project to Supabase or adding any integration, you have to prompt the AI to add any specific functions. For instance, you can create a Sign Up/Login page only if you write the prompt for AI.

Once your app is ready, you can deploy it and launch on App Store or Google Play Store.

Conclusion

AI-coded apps are just as good as traditionally coded ones. They are easier to build, take less time, and you get more done in less time. In addition, AI mobile app builders are especially useful for developers who want to build MVPs quickly.

Natively is one of the best AI app builders to create iOS and Android apps. You can add integrations, change layouts and features within minutes, and iterate on user feedback. Thus, allowing you to build no code apps with simple prompts.