Choosing the right type of app for your business can be challenging with the variety of options available today. In this article, we explore the different types of approaches to app development —native apps, web apps, cross-platform apps, Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and hybrid apps. Understanding each of their distinct characteristics will help business leaders and product teams make informed decisions that are well aligned with business priorities and technical requirements.
The Different Types of Apps
Although there are a number of different frameworks on the market, the most common apps currently being developed generally fall under one of five categories. They are:
Native Apps
Native apps are developed specifically for use on one particular operating system. They use a programming language specific to the operating platform for which they are being developed. For instance, Swift or Objective-C for iOS and Kotlin or Java for Android. The app can incorporate features of the platform into it, like iTunes for iOS or Google Maps for Android. The benefits of native apps are that they can offer an enhanced user experience by utilising the platform’s features.
Web Mobile Apps
Web apps are applications that use web-based technologies instead of being downloaded onto the user’s device. They use a web browser (i.e. Chrome or Safari) to communicate and access the technology. Being internet-enabled gives them the flexibility to work on any device or operating system.
Cross-platform Apps
Cross-platform app development has emerged as a popular approach to app development over the years. These apps are developed to function across a variety of operating systems using a single codebase, including desktop platforms like Windows, macOS and Linux, as well as mobile platforms such as iOS and Android. App developers utilise cross-platform tools to create these applications, allowing them to write code once and deploy it across multiple platforms. This streamlined process saves significant time and resources compared to developing native applications for each platform individually. As a result, cross-platform applications provide a cost-effective and efficient solution for reaching a wider audience.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
While native apps and cross-platform apps need to be downloaded onto a mobile device to function, a progressive web app (PWA) doesn’t need to be downloaded. It runs inside an app browser and is accessed through the internet. Running inside its own browser allows the PWA to mimic the user experience of the native app. It offers a flexible, more agile and faster user experience. For example, MS Teams is a popular PWA that can be used on a mobile device, yet it runs within its own web server and can be accessed by various mobile devices.
Hybrid Apps
Hybrid apps are a combination of a web app and a native app. They use the non-downloading flexible qualities of the web app but offer more of a native app user experience. To achieve this cross-platform functionality, they use front-end technologies like Cordova, CSS, Ionic, HTML5 and JavaScipt. Since these technologies offer better access to native device APIs, users can download them from their app stores.
The Apple App Store and Gmail are two examples of a hybrid app developed using HTML5. They are examples that have really made people rethink the capabilities of hybrid apps.
Real World Approaches to App Development
When choosing your approach to app development, it’s important to consider several factors such as time-to-market, cost, security requirements, frequency of updates, platform compatibility, and the app’s features and functionalities.
Now that you understand the different types of apps available, let’s explore how top brands from different businesses approach app development. We will highlight some key features of each app, as these significantly influence the choice of development.
Starbucks: Native app development
Starbucks is one of the most renowned coffee shop corporations, known for its product offerings, consistency and omnipresence. The company has cultivated a loyal customer base over the years. Its mobile app enhances customer convenience by allowing them to order drinks and food for pickup.
App feature examples:
- A simple menu system for customers to browse for available options and menu customizations
- Online ordering and payment options, including store balance and gift cards
- Star-based rewards system built around Starbucks loyalty that allows uses to track their balance
Instagram: Hybrid app
Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, utilising a hybrid approach to effectively manage various types of media and support offline data functionality. With over 2 billion users, it stands out as a prime example of a successful hybrid app.
App feature examples:
- Instagram provides a consistent user interface across different platforms, ensuring easy navigation and interaction with content.
- Instagram’s hybrid design supports limited offline access, allowing users to browse content and leave comments even without an internet connection. Any actions taken during the offline period will be synced and sent as soon as an internet connection is available.
Spotify: Native app development
Spotify is a digital music service platform that offers users access to thousands of songs and podcasts from record labels and media companies. As of 2024, Spotify has over 601 million users worldwide, with approximately 254 million premium subscribers. The user interface of Spotify is developed using native technologies to ensure a smooth and efficient user experience on both Android and iOS platforms.
App Feature Examples:
- Users can create a library to store their downloaded music and podcasts.
- The app seamlessly integrates WebView components with native features for a unified experience.
- Spotify is optimised for performance and easily integrates with other device functions.
Telegram Web: Progressive Web App
Telegram Web is a rapidly growing cloud-based communication platform known for its exceptional security and speed. All messages are encrypted in the cloud, and users can quickly upload and send pictures, music, and videos.
The company aimed to offer users additional methods to access their messages across various platforms while retaining the features that make Telegram highly popular. The Telegram Progressive Web App meets all essential PWA standards, such as HTTPS, Manifest, service workers, and offline mode.
Contact Appsynth for App Development
Are you looking for a definitive answer? The best form of app development is the one that aligns with your specific business objectives. It’s a decision that requires careful consideration, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right approach will depend on your business goal, resources and the requirements of the customers you cater to.
Appsynth is a digital innovation consultancy providing turnkey solutions for enterprise businesses in Bangkok and across Southeast Asia. We specialise in developing high quality applications, and can support business leaders and product owners in identifying the right approach to software and application development. Get in touch to discuss your project.
