Framer Builds Websites.
Natively Builds
Your Mobile App.
Looking for a Framer mobile app builder? Framer is one of the best website design tools on the planet — but it cannot create native mobile apps. If you need Framer for mobile apps, Natively is the AI-powered alternative that builds real iOS and Android applications you can publish to the App Store and Google Play.
What Is Framer?
Framer is a no-code website builder beloved by designers for its Figma-like canvas editor, world-class animations, and pixel-perfect design control. Originally a prototyping tool, Framer has evolved into a full-featured platform for creating, hosting, and managing live websites.
As of early 2026, Framer has surpassed $50 million in annual recurring revenue, serves over 500,000 monthly active users, and raised $100M in a Series D round at a $2 billion valuation. Around 40% of the most recent Y Combinator batch launched their websites on Framer. Companies like Scale AI, Perplexity, and Miro trust it for their web presence.
But here is the key detail: Framer builds websites, not mobile apps. It cannot produce native iOS or Android binaries, publish to the App Store, or access device hardware like the camera, GPS, or push notifications. If you are searching for a Framer mobile app solution, you need a different tool entirely.
The "Framer Gap"
Framer is phenomenal for websites. But if you need a mobile app in the App Store or Google Play, there is a gap that only a native app builder can fill.
Framer Builds Websites
Framer is designed from the ground up for the web. Its canvas editor, CMS, hosting, and animation tools are purpose-built for creating stunning web experiences — not mobile binaries.
- Stunning drag-and-drop web design
- Built-in hosting with CDN
- Best-in-class web animations
- Responsive layouts for all screen sizes
- Cannot generate APK or IPA files
- No App Store or Google Play publishing
- No native device hardware access
- No push notifications
Natively Builds Mobile Apps
Natively is purpose-built for native mobile app development. Describe your app with AI prompts, preview it on your phone, and deploy real binaries to the App Store and Google Play.
- Real native iOS and Android apps
- One-click APK and IPA generation
- App Store and Google Play publishing
- Camera, GPS, Face ID, push notifications
- Full React Native source code export
- Liquid Backend or Supabase integration
- AI-powered generation from prompts
- Starting at just $5/month
Why Mobile Apps Matter
The data is clear: users overwhelmingly prefer native apps over mobile websites.
of mobile time spent in apps vs. browsers
higher engagement with native apps vs. mobile web
more conversions from push notifications
global mobile app revenue in 2024
Sources: Statista, data.ai, Business of Apps
Framer vs. Natively: Head-to-Head
A detailed feature-by-feature comparison for mobile app needs.
| Feature | Framer Website Builder | Natively Mobile App Builder |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Output | Websites | Native iOS & Android Apps |
| App Store Publishing | Not possible | iOS App Store & Google Play |
| APK / IPA Generation | No | One-click builds |
| Native Device APIs | None | Camera, GPS, Face ID, Push Notifications |
| Offline Functionality | Limited (PWA only) | Full native offline support |
| AI-Powered Builder | AI layout & copy tools | Full app generation from prompts |
| Visual Design Tools | Best-in-class canvas editor | AI prompt-based design |
| Website Building | Core strength | Not the focus (PWA export possible) |
| Animations & Interactions | Advanced (Framer Motion) | Native animations (React Native Animated) |
| CMS / Content Management | Built-in CMS | Liquid Backend or Supabase |
| Code Export | Limited (code components only) | Full source code (React Native + Expo) |
| Push Notifications | Not available | Native push via Expo |
| In-App Purchases | Not available | RevenueCat integration |
| Starting Price | Free (limited) / $15/mo | $5/month |
| Collaboration | Real-time multi-user editing | GitHub sync for team workflows |
Framer excels at web design. Natively excels at native mobile apps. They serve different purposes and work great together.
Why a Website Is Not a Mobile App
A responsive Framer website on a phone may look good, but it fundamentally lacks the capabilities, distribution, and experience of a real native app. Here is why that distinction matters.
App Store Presence & Distribution
Over 1.8 million apps live on the Apple App Store and 3.5 million on Google Play. Being listed in these stores gives your product built-in discoverability, trust signals, and a distribution channel that websites simply cannot match.
Apple App Store Requirements
Apple has strict guidelines about what qualifies as an app. WebView-only experiences are explicitly discouraged in Apple's Review Guidelines. Section 4.2 states that apps should provide functionality beyond a repackaged website.
What Apple Expects
- Native UI components and navigation patterns
- Device feature integration (notifications, camera, etc.)
- Offline functionality where appropriate
Google Play Store Compliance
Google Play has become increasingly strict with apps that are essentially web wrappers. The Spam and Minimum Functionality policy requires apps to provide a stable, engaging, and responsive user experience.
Key Requirements
- Meaningful app experience beyond a website
- Proper Android navigation (back button, gestures)
- Stable performance without excessive loading
Performance & User Experience
Native apps run compiled code directly on the device processor, while web apps run through a browser engine. The performance difference is significant and directly impacts user retention.
Native vs. WebView Performance
Rendering & Responsiveness
App Startup Time
Why This Matters
Studies show that 53% of users abandon an app if it takes longer than 3 seconds to load, and apps running below 30 fps feel sluggish and unresponsive. Native rendering ensures your app meets the performance bar users expect.
Native Device Access
A native app can tap into the full power of the device hardware and OS. Websites — even responsive ones built with Framer — are sandboxed by the browser and can access only a fraction of these capabilities.
Camera & Media
Full camera control, photo library access, video recording, and barcode scanning.
Location Services
GPS tracking, geofencing, background location updates, and map integration.
Biometric Auth
Face ID, Touch ID, and fingerprint authentication for secure login flows.
Push Notifications
Send targeted notifications even when the app is closed. 88% engagement boost.
Offline Mode
Full offline functionality with local storage and background sync.
Haptic Feedback
Tactile vibration responses that make interactions feel real and immediate.
The "Just Wrap It" Myth
A common suggestion is to wrap your Framer website in a WebView container using services like Median.co. While this technically produces an installable app file, it is not a native app and comes with significant drawbacks.
What a WebView Wrapper Actually Does
- Loads your website inside a hidden browser
- Adds an app icon to the home screen
- Requires an internet connection to function
- Inherits all browser performance limitations
- Limited native feature access via JavaScript bridges
What a True Native App Delivers
- Compiled code running directly on the device
- Full access to device hardware and OS APIs
- Works offline with local data persistence
- Native UI components (tab bars, gestures, transitions)
- Full App Store compliance from day one
App Store Rejection Risk
Apple's App Review Guidelines (Section 4.2) explicitly state that apps should provide functionality beyond a repackaged website. WebView wrapper apps face a high rejection rate during review, and even if initially approved, can be removed in subsequent audits. Natively generates real React Native code compiled to native binaries, ensuring full compliance.
Same AI Workflow,
Native Output
If you love how easy Framer makes web design with AI, you will feel right at home with Natively. Describe your app, watch it appear, and deploy.
Describe Your App
Tell the AI what you want to build in plain English. Describe screens, features, and design. Natively generates real React Native code — not a mockup, not a prototype.
Preview on Your Phone
Scan a QR code to see your app running on your actual device via Expo Go. Test navigation, interactions, and the full user experience in real time.
Deploy to App Stores
Build a production APK for Android with one click, or use Expo Launch for iOS — no Mac required. Your app is ready for the App Store and Google Play.
Pricing Comparison
Both platforms are affordable, but they serve completely different purposes. Here is how the costs break down for each.
Framer Pricing
Simplified in October 2025 from 5 plans to 4
Annual billing saves ~33%. Prices as of Feb 2026.
Natively Pricing
Simple, usage-based. All features included at every tier.
What is included in every plan:
- AI-powered native app generation
- One-click APK builder (Android)
- iOS deployment via Expo Launch
- Full source code ownership
- GitHub sync (bidirectional)
- Liquid Backend or Supabase integration
- Camera, GPS, push notifications, biometrics
- In-app purchases via RevenueCat
Plans differ only in monthly AI prompt credits. View full pricing.
Total Cost to Launch a Mobile App
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Natively plan (monthly) | from $5/mo |
| Apple Developer Account (annual) | $99/year |
| Google Play Developer (one-time) | $25 |
| First Year Total (both stores) | ~$184 |
Compare this to the $50,000–$150,000+ typical cost of hiring a mobile developer.
When to Use Framer vs. Natively
They are different tools for different jobs. Here is a practical guide to help you decide.
Use Framer When…
- You need a stunning marketing website
- You want pixel-perfect web design control
- Your project is web-only (no app stores)
- You need advanced web animations
- You are building a portfolio or landing page
- You need a built-in CMS for blog content
Use Natively When…
- You need an iOS or Android app
- You want to be in the App Store or Google Play
- You need push notifications or offline access
- You need camera, GPS, or biometric login
- You want full source code (React Native)
- You want to validate an app idea quickly
Use Both Together When…
- You need a website AND a mobile app
- You want Framer for marketing + Natively for app
- You are launching a SaaS product with mobile
- You want the best of both worlds
- You need a landing page that drives app installs
- Your business serves both web and mobile users
Apps You Can Build with Natively
From simple MVPs to complex production apps. If you can describe it, Natively can build it.
Fitness Trackers
~25 prompts
Social Apps
~50 prompts
Marketplace Apps
~80 prompts
Finance Apps
~40 prompts
Dashboard Apps
~30 prompts
SaaS Mobile Clients
~60 prompts
Content & Media
~35 prompts
Business Tools
~45 prompts
Each AI prompt takes approximately 5 minutes. A simple app with 25 prompts can be ready in about 2 hours of prompting. Learn more in our FAQ.
Features Framer Fans Will Love in Natively
If you love Framer's workflow, here is how Natively delivers a similar experience for mobile app development.
Natively: AI App Generation from Prompts
Natively: Live Preview via Expo Go on Your Phone
Natively: AI-Generated Native Components
Natively: Liquid Backend with Database & Auth
Natively: Full React Native Code Export
Natively: One-Click APK Build + Store Deploy
You Own Every Line of Code
One significant difference between Natively and most no-code platforms: with Natively, you get 100% of the source code. Export to GitHub with bidirectional sync or download as a ZIP. Hire a React Native developer to extend it further. Your code is yours — no lock-in, no vendor dependency.
GitHub Sync
Bidirectional sync keeps your repo and Natively project in lockstep.
ZIP Download
Download your entire project as a ZIP file at any time.
Standard React Native
Any React Native developer can work with the generated code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about using Framer for mobile apps — and why Natively is the better path.
Can Framer build mobile apps?
No. Framer is specifically designed for building websites and cannot produce native mobile applications. It cannot publish to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, and it cannot access native device features like push notifications, camera, GPS, or biometric authentication. Framer excels at creating beautiful, responsive websites — but if you need a mobile app, you need a different tool.
Is there a way to convert a Framer website into a mobile app?
Some third-party services like Median.co offer WebView wrappers that package your Framer website into an app shell. However, these are not true native apps — they are essentially your website running inside a browser container. Apple increasingly rejects WebView-only apps, and the performance and user experience fall well short of native applications. For a real mobile app, building natively with a tool like Natively is the recommended path.
What is the best alternative to Framer for mobile apps?
If you love the AI-powered, prompt-based workflow that Framer offers for websites and want the same experience for mobile apps, Natively is the closest equivalent. Natively uses AI to generate real native iOS and Android apps built with React Native and Expo — complete with App Store publishing, native device access, and full source code ownership. Plans start at $5/month.
Can I use Framer and Natively together?
Absolutely. Many founders use Framer to build their marketing website and landing pages, then use Natively to build and deploy their mobile app. This gives you the best of both worlds: Framer’s stunning web design capabilities for your online presence, and Natively’s native app generation for the App Store and Google Play.
How much does it cost to build a mobile app with AI?
With Natively, you can start building a native mobile app for as little as $5 per month. Simple apps typically take 10–30 AI prompts, while complex apps may require 50–200+ prompts. Compare this to hiring a mobile developer, which typically costs $50,000–$150,000+ for a custom app. You will also need an Apple Developer Account ($99/year) and a Google Play Developer Account ($25 one-time) if you want to publish to the stores.
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