Organizations today are at the forefront of changing the way we deal in business. And you know what’s the secret behind their success? It’s the use of cross-platform mobile app development services. 

Since 2011, the concept of cross-platform apps has become a center of attraction for top-class and startup companies. Not only does it help developers to create applications faster but also gives great compatibility whenever incorporated on any device or platform. 

If you have a question that is similar to “Does your business need a cross-platform mobile app” then this blog is for you.

Here we will be sharing some great insights into cross-platform app development by including its benefits, statistics, and various cross-platform app development frameworks that you can use in your next project.

What is Cross-platform app development?

Development of cross-platform apps involves making a single application that runs on several different operating systems, including Windows, iOS, Android, and more. As a result, you won’t need to create two or more different apps for every platform—just one.

For enterprises, it offers a lot of advantages.

• First off, since you just need to design one app rather than several, it saves you time and money. 
• Second, because your software will run on several platforms, it will be simpler to reach your intended audience.
• Third, since your software will be tested across several platforms before it is published, cross-platform app development might increase its dependability.

When considering creating a cross-platform application for your company, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. 

• To begin with, make sure you have the tools and knowledge required to create an application that runs on several platforms. 
• Second, think about what your target market wants and make sure your app can fulfill their demands. 
• Third, make sure you have the funds and schedule to support the additional time and expense that cross-platform app development might bring compared to creating a single app for a single platform.

Cross-platform App Development Statistics

• When compared to native app development, cross-platform app development may save companies up to 30% on development expenses.
• Compared to native apps, they are usually downloaded and utilized more frequently.
• Compared to users of native apps, its users are more engaged and have a greater retention rate.
• Currently, more than half of companies are working on at least one cross-platform application.
• A cross-platform software project typically costs $270,000.
• A cross-platform app development team typically consists of five to ten members.

As a company owner, you’re constantly searching for methods to expand your clientele and outperform your rivals. Making a mobile application is one method to do this. 

However, what if you wanted to make an app that works with both iOS and Android smartphones? This is where you need to know when to choose cross-platform app development services for your business. 

When should you choose cross-platform app development services?

There are a few important factors to take into account while developing cross-platform apps. First and foremost, creating apps for several platforms requires more resources and effort than creating them for just one. 

Furthermore, developing cross-platform apps might be more difficult as you have to take various screen sizes, operating systems, and resolutions into consideration. Cross-platform software development does, however, come with a few significant benefits. 

Above all, cross-platform app development enables you to distribute your program to a larger user base. Additionally, creating apps for different languages and geographical areas may be simpler with cross-platform development. Ultimately, developing cross-platform apps may offer a unified user experience across several platforms.

So, when should you create your app using a cross-platform approach? Cross-platform development is an excellent choice if you want your software to be seen by as many people as possible. 

What’s more, if you need to support several languages and geographical areas, cross-platform development might be a wise option. In conclusion, cross-platform development is a viable choice for ensuring a uniform user experience across various platforms.

Native app development vs. Cross-platform mobile development 

There has always been a dispute between native app development versus cross-platform mobile app development. There are advantages and disadvantages to both strategies, and the best course of action for you as a developer or company owner will depend on your particular requirements.

The process of developing apps for various platforms, including iOS, Android, and Windows Phone, is known as cross-platform mobile development. 

This method’s primary benefit is that it saves you money and effort because you just need to design the program once rather than separately for each operating system. Cross-platform apps, however, do not always provide the same degree of performance or user experience as native apps, and they might also be less dependable at times.

Developing distinct apps for every platform you wish to support is known as native app development. This method has the benefit of allowing you to customize the application for any operating system, which makes it more dependable and easy to use. 

However, since you have to make different versions of the app for each platform, native app development can be more costly and time-consuming than cross-platform development.

Which strategy is thus best for you? Depending on your financial situation and demands. Cross-platform mobile development can be the best option if you’re looking to develop an app rapidly and don’t mind losing some performance and dependability.

However, native app development is a superior choice if you’re prepared to put in the time and money necessary to create high-quality software.

Top 5 Cross-platform app development frameworks

1. React Native App Development

Introduced as React in 2013, Facebook welcomed a full-fledged React Native app development framework in 2015. It is a widely accepted open-source framework that gives cross-platform app development functionalities for Web, iOS, Android, Linux, and desktop. 

React Native app development services include Native-like performance, hot reloading, large component library, third-party library support, community, and any time available developer to give complete support to your mobile app development project. 

The framework has been used in the development of many popular applications such as Facebook, Instagram, Skype, Shopify, Tesla, and the list goes on. 

Hire a React Native app development company to better understand how the framework works best for your next app project. 

2. Flutter App Development

Flutter is a Google-obtained cross-platform app development framework that has recently acquired the great attention of developers and businesses. It is a UI toolkit that gives best-in-class solutions similar to React Native app development. However, a few additional features are Flutter app development services offer widget-based development and also include a rich set of widgets alongside a strong developer community across the globe. 

The framework gives relatively fast development, native-like performance, and stunning UI designs, and is the most outshined framework within a very short period. 

Popular businesses that have used Flutter development are Google Ads, Alibaba, Realtor.com, Reflectly, Hamilton Musical, and many more. 

If you need assistance in knowing what more can Flutter framework do, our best advice is to get in touch with a mobile app development company that specializes in Flutter app development. 

3. Ionic 

With the use of web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, developers can create cross-platform mobile apps with the well-known hybrid app development framework Ionic. The cross-platform app development framework offers great UI components, performance, and easy integration of third-party plugins, and has a variety of developer tools. 

Ionic furthermore provides better compatibility, rapid development, and cost-effectiveness, and also has a bucket full of web technology stack. The framework has been used in many valuable brands such as Shipt, JustWatch, Sworkit, etc. 

4. Xamarin

Microsoft owns the well-known cross-platform app development framework Xamarin. It enables programmers to create native mobile applications with the.NET framework and the C# programming language. 

Key features of Xamarin are a shared codebase, Native performance, visual code, large community, and support, and Native APIs. The platform has been used by many businesses such as The World Bank, Alaska Airlines, Insightly and many others. 

5. PhoneGap

PhoneGap is an open-source framework for developing cross-platform applications, formerly known as Apache Cordova. It enables programmers to create mobile applications with web technologies including JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. The cross-platform mobile app development framework top quality features such as website technologies, Native plugins, rapid prototyping, large community and ecosystem. 

The platform is used by Walmart, Harmonious, Wikipedia, HeathTap and much more. 

Conclusion

From increasing user reach, reducing development costs, and unveiling great user experience to getting faster time to market, easy maintenance, and access to a large pool of development talents, cross-platform provides the best mobile app development services to businesses in need. 

This blog is a full-proof solution for giving cross-platform app development worth a try in your next business project. Hire a top mobile app development company to leverage the amount of benefits it can offer.