An increasing number of startups, enterprises, and other companies are developing apps because they realize that more users are utilizing software to consume information and entertainment and access data and services in the modern age.
The right app can help your business connect with customers, deliver services cost-effectively, and augment your brand. But before developing an app, you must have the right app strategy. Selecting the ideal app platform is an essential part of your app development roadmap.
When considering a platform for your business’s app, you can either pick a mobile app or a web app. Some organizations stick to one, while others choose both to maximize their market reach.
So, when it comes to the web app vs mobile app debate, what’s the difference and which one is right for you? As one of the top-rated app developers in Montreal, Toronto, and Brooklyn, having served satisfied clients across North America with software that’s acquired over 31 million users, we can use our expertise to help you unpack this crucial question.
Mobile apps are software that work on mobile phone operating systems on devices such as phones and tablets. Users can download mobile apps through app stores or other resources. Mobile apps take advantage of a mobile device’s hardware components such as the touchscreen, buttons, camera, microphone, GPS, processor, and storage to provide a service to the end user.
Common examples of mobile apps include Facebook, Instagram, Gmail, and YouTube for your phone. An Internet browser, calculator, clock, and camera are also examples of mobile apps.
The two primary platforms for mobile apps are Android and iOS.
Whether you need a native Android app, iOS app, or both depends on your needs, goals, and target audience.
We leverage our experience, expertise, and proficiencies in computer languages and technologies to develop native mobile apps. We use languages such as JavaScript or Java to develop Android apps. Meanwhile, we use Swift for app development for iOS.
On the surface, web apps look very similar to mobile apps with the same functionality. However, they’re different products that may lack some advanced functions. For example, a social media mobile app may allow users to play augmented reality games through their mobile hardware, but the web app may only offer browsing.
Unlike native mobile apps, web apps don’t require users to download an application. Instead, users can access web apps through Internet browsers on their computers or devices on different operating systems.
Another factor to consider in the hybrid app. These are web apps with a native app shell that allows deployment to different platforms. Examples of hybrid apps include Uber, Instagram, Gmail, and Twitter.
While hybrid apps are convenient, the layer between the operating system and source code can become a bottleneck, restricting performance in demanding situations.
With our industry-wide expertise, we can ensure that your web app delivers the same experience as its mobile counterpart. We utilize technologies such as React, AngularJS, JavaScript, Ruby on Rails, NodeJS, and Mango DB for cutting-edge web app development services.
Mobile apps and native apps can have some of the following features:
The answer to whether you should develop a mobile app or web app depends on your needs and specifications. Mobile apps can be more expensive to develop as they’re more complex and specialized than web apps. Native mobile apps must also be built from the ground up for every platform. But the extra cost and effort of native mobile app development can be worthwhile.
You can always connect with Guaraná Technologies to determine what software works best for your business. Here are some questions we may ask to establish the ideal development process for your project’s success.
You should build a native mobile app if your software requires specific mobile hardware features like a GPS, microphone, or camera. For example, a virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) app works best as a native mobile app because it leverages mobile hardware. A mobile app also helps you access a specific user base like Android or iOS.
You can develop a web app if you want to extend your native app experience to the web for users who lack access to the mobile app’s platform or hesitate to download new software. A web app is also a good match for companies interested in delivering information or resources to a wide range of users.
You may opt to develop a hybrid app if you want to reach more users through an agile development cycle more cost-effectively. However, the lack of a native feel in hybrid apps can be problematic. In addition, hybrid apps can be slower and may be unable to utilize platform capacities.
Some organizations, such as banks, healthcare organizations, or even nonprofits, create apps to deliver services, market their products, or offer information. However, others develop apps to earn a return on investment through revenue generation. If monetization is a goal, then you should know that mobile apps and web apps monetize differently.
Web apps are usually easier to monetize. A web app typically uses monetization features such as ads, promotions, and subscriptions through the browser, while such features must be baked into a native app.
We can deliver an excellent product that matches your objectives, industry, and resources, whether you need an Android, iOS, or web app. Our designers, engineers, and developers have experience creating cutting-edge apps for all mobile platforms.
Our knowledge of the following mobile and web app programming technologies can allow you to innovate more quickly with an industry-leading product:
We’re also with you through every phase of the mobile app development process:
After launching your item, we offer services such as analytics, A/B testing, store, optimization, and app maintenance to ensure the long-term success of your investment. At Guaraná, we’re your partners in the app development journey, from platform selection to post-launch support.