Bolt is for Web.
Natively is for Mobile.
Bolt.new is incredible at generating full-stack web apps. But when it comes to the complex native build pipeline—EAS, signing, certificates, and app stores—you're on your own. Natively fills that gap.
The "Native Gap" in AI Development
Bolt.new utilizes WebContainers to run Node.js directly in your browser. This is revolutionary for web development because it removes the need for a local environment.
However, iOS and Android apps cannot be built in a browser. They require:
- Complex compilation (Xcode & Android Studio)
- Code signing certificates & provisioning profiles
- Native device feature bridging
- Strict App Store compliance checks
✔ Build complete
✖ Error: Xcode not found in WebContainer
Cannot access native build tools...
Bolt.new vs. Natively
They aren't competitors. They are partners in your stack.
| Feature | Bolt.new | Natively |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Output | Full-Stack Web Apps | Native iOS & Android Apps |
| Environment | Browser (WebContainer) | Cloud Native Build Service |
| Mobile Strategy | Export Code Only | End-to-End Compilation |
| EAS Management | — | Fully Managed |
| App Store Publish | — | Automated via Expo Launch  |
The Perfect Workflow
From AI prompt to App Store in three simple steps.
Create in Bolt
Use Bolt.new to prompt your application into existence. Iterate on the UI and logic until it’s perfect in the browser preview.
Deploy to Web
Publish your Bolt app to a live URL. This serves as the "brain" of your application that Natively will wrap.
Build with Natively
Enter your URL into Natively. We wrap it in a native container, add native features, and build the binaries.
Why can't Bolt just export to the App Store?
Bolt runs in a WebContainer, which is essentially a micro-VM running Node.js inside Chrome. It's a brilliant piece of engineering for web dev.
However, building a native app requires the native toolchains: Xcode for iOS (Mac-only) and Gradle/Android Studio for Android. These tools are gigabytes in size and require direct access to OS-level APIs that browsers sandbox away for security.
To bridge this, you typically need a service like EAS (Expo Application Services)or a dedicated build machine. Natively acts as an abstraction layer over these complexities, giving you the "Bolt experience" but for the native build phase. We use React Native and Expo Launch to handle the entire build pipeline.
The Native Stack
Native Powers for your Bolt App
Universal Linking
Deep link directly into your app content from shared URLs.
Enterprise Security
Biometric authentication (FaceID/TouchID) integration.
Native Navigation
Smooth, gesture-based navigation that feels truly native.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does Natively do for my Bolt app?
We handle the entire native mobile lifecycle. While Bolt builds your web application, Natively wraps it in a high-performance native container using React Native & Expo. We handle all the complex signing, certificates, and build processes (EAS) required to turn that code into real .ipa and .apk files for the App Store and Google Play. Learn more about our process on our create mobile app page.
Can I deploy my app to the App Store and Google Play?
Yes! Natively integrates directly with Expo Launch, allowing you to deploy your apps to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store with just a few clicks. We've helped thousands of apps get approved and provide a pre-launch checklist to ensure compliance.
How do I test my app on a real device?
Natively includes a built-in APK builder at no extra cost. You can generate an installable Android file instantly to test on your phone. For iOS, we support TestFlight builds. No Xcode or Android Studio installation is required on your machine.
Can I add native features like Push Notifications?
Yes. Because we build a real native app (not just a shortcut), you gain access to device capabilities that standard web apps struggle with, including Push Notifications, Biometrics (FaceID/TouchID), and deep system integrations.
Do I own the source code?
Yes, you have full ownership of your app source code. You can export it, modify it, and deploy it anywhere without any vendor lock-in. Natively is a tool to help you build and ship, not a walled garden. Check out our text-to-app capabilities to see how easy it is to generate production-ready code.
Can I just use the Bolt export feature instead?
You can, but you'll get raw code that requires a local development environment. You would need to install and configure Xcode (Mac only), Android Studio, CocoaPods, and Gradle, which can be gigabytes of downloads and complex to set up. Natively handles all of this server-side.
Ready to take your Bolt app to the App Store?
Stop wrestling with native builds. Let Natively handle the heavy lifting while you keep building cool stuff. Plans start at $5 USD per month.