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Everything You Should Know About Native Apps

Native apps

If you’re a business owner, you must have come across terms such as ‘native apps,’ ‘hybrid apps,’ etc. While you’ll find many an example of popular apps under each app type, more than 50% of all mobile apps are native apps. Here we shall learn more about native apps and what makes them so popular and widespread.

Native Apps – The Basics

  • Native apps are platform-specific applications developed to run on a particular mobile platform (Android, iOS, Windows, or Blackberry).
  • Native apps are built using platform-specific programming languages, such as objective-C or Swift for iOS and Java for Android, unlike web apps that are created using tools to generate web pages, including HTML5.
  • Native apps need to be downloaded and installed on the mobile device, unlike web apps that can be accessed via the mobile’s web browser and need not be installed on the mobile device. They are available for download from the Play Store and the App Store.

Advantages of Native Apps:

Why do most business owners invest in native apps even though native apps are the most expensive mobile apps to build? It’s because of the many advantages native apps have to offer.

1] Maximum Access to OS-Specific Features

  • Native apps can easily access and utilize the device’s built-in capabilities as they are developed for a specific platform.
  • These apps have full access to the operating system-specific features and other software installed on the device. They can take full advantage of the platform by interacting with the latest technologies, such as GPS, camera, recorder, etc.
  • Native apps also have access to the data in the device, such as the calendar, contact list, etc., which can be a significant advantage.

2] Offline Accessibility

  • A browser does not run native apps and hence can function offline.
  • These apps can work offline as the content is already downloaded and stored in the app.
  • This offline access can be a significant advantage and makes native apps the primary choice for gaming apps as it enables the user to play the game without being connected to the internet every time.

3] High Efficiency

  • Native apps are faster than web or hybrid apps as they are developed with programming languages and tools specific to the platform.
  • They are more responsive.
  • They substantially impact customer engagement as they sit there right on the user’s home screen. This is of utmost benefit to eCommerce apps, where increased customer engagement can lead to increased sales.

4] Safe and Secure

  • Native apps win hands down when it comes to mobile app security, and this is due to the strict guidelines for uploading an app to the app stores.
  • Native apps need to live up to the specific requirements set by the respective stores, such as Google Play and the Apple App Store, for their approval.
  • The developers need to register for a developer account and pay an amount to publish their apps. While the entire process can take up a lot of time, it makes the app safer and more trustworthy.
  • The payment methods on native apps are highly safe and secure.

 Disadvantages of Native Apps

Despite all the fantastic things about native apps, there are a few shortcomings about these apps that one must take into consideration before going ahead with the decision to build a native app for one’s business. Let’s have a look:

  • These apps are expensive and time-consuming to develop and maintain
  • Every new update requires approval from the respective app store
  • Some apps consume substantial storage space

So, a native mobile app can be an excellent solution for your business. However, before you go ahead, consider the needs of your business and that of your target audience. We at Plobal Apps can help you build a powerful native app for your eCommerce store in a matter of minutes and at a price that makes you happy. Learn more about our platform to discover the fastest way to make your business mobile!

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