App Development
Creating applications for smartphones, tablets and desktop – from native iOS/Android apps to cross-platform (Flutter/React Native) and PWAs.
The mobile app is many companies' main digital touchpoint with customers. Whether internal tool, customer app or IoT control – the right development strategy affects cost, performance and user experience. Choosing between native, cross-platform and PWA is one of the most important architecture decisions.
What is App Development?
App development covers the full process of planning, designing, programming, testing and publishing applications for mobile and desktop. There are three main approaches: native (Swift/Kotlin for one platform each), cross-platform (Flutter, React Native – one codebase for several platforms) and Progressive Web Apps (PWA – web-based with app-like behaviour). Each has trade-offs in performance, cost, access to device features and time-to-market.
How does App Development work?
The app development process typically includes: discovery (requirements, audience), UX/UI design (wireframes, prototype, visual design), development (frontend, backend, API integration), testing (unit, UI, beta), deployment (App Store, Google Play, enterprise) and maintenance (updates, fixes, new features). Agile with 2-week sprints is standard. Cross-platform frameworks like Flutter compile one Dart codebase to native ARM code for iOS and Android. React Native renders native UI components via a JavaScript bridge.
Practical Examples
E-commerce app: Cross-platform app with Flutter for iOS and Android, connected to the existing backend via API, with push notifications for offers.
Employee app: Native iOS/Android app for shift planning, time tracking and internal communication in a 500-person production site.
IoT control app: App for remote control and monitoring of industrial machines with real-time data, alerts and Bluetooth/MQTT.
Health app: GDPR-compliant telemedicine app with video calls, booking, prescription requests and practice software integration.
PWA for a publisher: Progressive Web App that makes articles available offline, sends push notifications and works without an app store.
Typical Use Cases
B2C customer apps: Apps for online shops, services, restaurants or gyms with direct customer contact
Enterprise apps: Internal tools for field service, warehouse, quality control or time tracking
IoT control: Apps to monitor and control connected devices and machines
Healthcare: Telemedicine, patient portals and digital health applications (DiGA)
Education: Learning apps, training platforms and interactive content
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Direct customer access: Push notifications, offline use and presence on the home screen
- Access to device features: Camera, GPS, Bluetooth, sensors and biometric auth
- Higher engagement than mobile websites
- Cross-platform can save up to 40% development cost vs two native apps
- App stores provide visibility and trust
Disadvantages
- Higher development cost than web-only, especially for two native platforms
- App store dependency: Apple and Google set rules, fees (15–30%) and review process
- Ongoing maintenance: Updates for new OS versions, devices and security patches
- Cross-platform trade-offs: Not all native features available immediately; possible performance differences
Frequently Asked Questions about App Development
What is cheaper – native or cross-platform app?
How long does it take to develop an app?
Do I need an app or is a mobile website enough?
Related Terms
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