Softgen for
Mobile Apps
Does Not Exist.
Looking for a Softgen mobile app builder? Softgen is a powerful AI tool for web applications, but it cannot build native iOS or Android apps. Natively is the AI-powered platform that does — generating real React Native apps ready for the App Store and Google Play.
Why Mobile Matters in 2026
If your software only lives in a browser, you are missing the majority of your users' screen time.
The Softgen Gap
Softgen is a fast, AI-powered builder for full-stack web applications. But if you need a Softgen mobile app that lives in the App Store, you will hit a wall. Here is why.
What Softgen Does Well
Softgen generates full-stack Next.js web applications from natural-language prompts. It supports Supabase and Firebase backends, Stripe payments, and one-click deployment to Vercel. Its unique annual-license pricing model ($33/year + pay-as-you-go AI credits) makes it affordable for web projects.
- Great for web dashboards and SaaS products
- Full-stack output with database integration
- GitHub export with 100% code ownership
Where Softgen Falls Short on Mobile
Softgen cannot generate native mobile applications. It outputs React (web DOM) code that runs in browsers. There is no path to producing an APK, IPA, or any binary that can be submitted to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Cannot build native iOS or Android apps
- No APK/IPA binary generation
- No native push notifications or device hardware access
- No App Store or Play Store publishing
Natively Fills the Mobile Gap
Natively is purpose-built for the exact problem Softgen cannot solve. It uses the same conversational AI approach but outputs React Native code that compiles to real native iOS and Android binaries. One-click APK builds, Expo Launch for iOS, and full access to device features like cameras, GPS, biometrics, and push notifications.
Softgen vs. Natively — Feature Comparison
A complete breakdown of capabilities for web vs. native mobile development.
| Feature | Softgen | Natively |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Output | Web Application (Next.js) | Native Mobile App (React Native) |
| Target Platforms | Desktop & Mobile Browsers | iOS (App Store) & Android (Play Store) |
| Framework | React (Web DOM) | React Native + Expo |
| App Store Publishing | Not supported | Yes — via Expo Launch |
| APK / IPA Binaries | Not available | One-click APK + iOS builds |
| Push Notifications | Web Push only (limited) | Native APNs & FCM |
| Device Hardware Access | Browser APIs only | Camera, GPS, Bluetooth, Biometrics |
| Offline Support | Service Workers (limited) | Full native offline storage |
| Navigation | Browser URL routing | Native stack navigation + gestures |
| Performance | Browser rendering engine | Native 60fps rendering |
| AI Prompting | Conversational AI | Conversational AI |
| Code Ownership | 100% (GitHub export) | 100% (GitHub export + ZIP) |
| Database | Supabase or Firebase | Supabase or Specific.dev |
| Starting Price | $33/year + AI credits | $5/month (all features included) |
Pricing and features accurate as of February 2026. Softgen data sourced from softgen.ai.
Why a Web App Is Not a Mobile App
Some developers try to wrap their Softgen web app in a WebView and submit it to the App Store. This approach almost always fails. Here are the three biggest reasons.
App Store Policies
Apple's App Review Guideline 4.2 explicitly rejects apps that are "simply a web page wrapped in a native shell." Apps must provide native functionality, responsiveness, and value beyond what a website offers. React Native apps pass this test because they render actual native UI components.
Performance Benchmarks
Web apps render through a browser engine, adding latency to every interaction. Native apps compiled with React Native achieve consistent 60fps animation performance and sub-100ms touch response. Users notice the difference — studies show native apps have a 3x higher engagement rate than mobile web according to industry data from Localytics.
User Expectations
iOS users expect swipe-back gestures, bottom tab bars, and native scrolling physics. Android users expect Material Design patterns and system-level back navigation. Web apps cannot replicate these platform-specific behaviors. Natively's AI generates platform-appropriate UI automatically using Expo and React Native.
Under the Hood
Understanding the fundamental architectural differences between Softgen and Natively explains why one cannot simply replace the other for mobile.
Softgen Tech Stack
Frontend and Backend
Output: HTML/CSS/JS served to browsers. Cannot compile to native binaries.
Natively Tech Stack
React Native and Expo
iOS Build Pipeline
Code Signing and Distribution
Natively handles provisioning profiles, certificates, and entitlements automatically via Expo Application Services. No Mac required. Deploy directly to TestFlight and the App Store from any operating system.
Android Build Pipeline
One-click APK generation built into the Natively dashboard. No Android Studio or Gradle configuration required. Download the installable APK instantly for testing on any Android device, or generate a signed AAB for Google Play submission.
What Native Gets You
These are the capabilities that only a native mobile app can provide — and that Softgen's web output cannot.
Push Notifications
Native APNs (Apple) and FCM (Google) push notifications that arrive even when the app is closed. Web Push has limited support and requires browser permission.
Camera and Media
Full camera access, photo library integration, video recording, and barcode/QR scanning with native performance.
Biometric Auth
FaceID, TouchID, and Android fingerprint authentication for secure, frictionless login experiences.
Offline Access
Full offline storage with SQLite and async storage. Your app works reliably without an internet connection.
60fps Performance
Native rendering means smooth animations, instant touch feedback, and no browser engine overhead.
Home Screen Presence
A real app icon on the home screen, not a browser bookmark. Badges, widgets, and system-level integration.
From Idea to
App Store
Natively uses the same conversational AI workflow you already know from Softgen. Describe what you want, and the AI builds it — but this time, the output is a real native mobile app.
Describe Your App
Tell the AI what you want to build in plain English. Describe screens, features, and user flows. The AI understands mobile patterns like tab bars, swipe gestures, and native navigation.
AI Builds Your Native App
The AI generates a complete React Native + Expo project with TypeScript. Preview it instantly on your real phone by scanning a QR code — no simulators needed.
Deploy to the App Stores
Download your Android APK with one click. For iOS, use Expo Launch to build and submit directly to TestFlight and the App Store. No Xcode or Mac required.
Does Your Project Need a Native App?
Not every project needs a native mobile app. Use this quick interactive assessment to find out if yours does.
Check the boxes that apply to your project
Select the requirements above to see our recommendation.
Pricing Comparison
Both platforms are designed to be affordable for indie developers and small teams. Here is how their pricing models differ.
Softgen Pricing
+ pay-as-you-go AI credits
- Annual license fee (no monthly option)
- AI usage billed at near-wholesale rates
- Credits purchased separately (min $3)
- 10 projects included
- Web apps only (Next.js)
- Deploy to Vercel
Natively Pricing
All features included at every tier
- Monthly or annual billing (save with annual)
- AI app generation included
- Built-in code editor
- One-click APK builder for Android
- iOS deployment via Expo Launch
- Full source code export (ZIP + GitHub)
- Supabase and Specific.dev backend support
When to Use Softgen, Natively, or Both
These tools are not direct competitors — they solve different problems. Here is a practical guide to choosing the right one.
Use Softgen When...
- You need a web-based SaaS or dashboard
- Your users access the product via desktop browsers
- SEO and web discoverability are critical
- You want to deploy to Vercel or similar web hosts
- Mobile app presence is not a priority
Use Natively When...
- You need to be in the App Store or Play Store
- Users expect native mobile interactions
- Push notifications are a core feature
- You need device hardware access
- Offline functionality is required
- You want a mobile-first product
Use Both When...
- Your business needs both a website and a mobile app
- You want to share a Supabase backend across platforms
- You are building a marketplace, social platform, or SaaS with a mobile companion
- You want the fastest path to both web and mobile presence
Pro tip: Both Softgen and Natively support Supabase. Build your web app with Softgen, then build your native mobile app with Natively using the same database. Users log in once and their data syncs across both platforms.
Exploring Other AI App Builders?
We have written detailed comparisons for other popular tools. See how Natively compares to the most popular AI builders on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about using Softgen for mobile apps and how Natively compares.
Can Softgen build a native mobile app?
No. Softgen generates full-stack web applications using Next.js and React. It outputs code that runs in web browsers. It does not support React Native, cannot produce APK or IPA binary files, and has no pathway for publishing to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. If you need a native mobile app, you need a purpose-built tool like Natively.
Can I convert my Softgen web app into a native mobile app?
Not directly, because Softgen outputs React (web DOM) code while native mobile apps require React Native or a similar native framework. However, you can use Natively alongside Softgen by connecting both apps to the same Supabase database. This lets your users share data and authentication across your web app and your native mobile app seamlessly.
What is the best alternative to Softgen for building mobile apps?
Natively is the leading AI-powered native mobile app builder. It uses the same conversational AI prompting approach as Softgen but generates React Native code instead of web code. This means you get real native apps with access to device hardware, push notifications, offline storage, and full App Store and Play Store compliance — all starting at just $5 per month.
How much does it cost to build a mobile app with Natively?
Natively plans start at $5 USD per month, which includes AI app generation, a built-in code editor, one-click APK builds for Android, iOS deployment via Expo Launch, and full source code export. All features are available at every tier — higher tiers simply include more AI prompts per month. Annual billing offers additional savings.
Do I need coding experience to use Natively for mobile apps?
No. Natively uses the same conversational AI prompting style as Softgen and other AI builders. You describe your app in plain English and the AI generates a complete React Native + TypeScript project. If you do have coding experience, Natively also includes a built-in code editor and supports exporting your full source code to GitHub for manual development with any React Native developer.
Quick Quiz — Win $5 Off
Answer all 3 correctly to unlock a promo code.
Question 1 of 3
What framework does Natively use to build native mobile apps?
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Softgen Builds the Web.
Natively Builds Mobile.
Stop searching for a Softgen mobile app feature that does not exist. Build real native iOS and Android apps with the AI-powered platform designed specifically for mobile.