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Native or cross-platform app: which one suits you?

Native or cross-platform app: the differences in cost, performance and maintenance, and when each path pays off for Swiss SMEs.

2 min read

A cross-platform app suits most SMEs: it comes from one shared codebase for iPhone and Android, so it costs less to build and maintain. Native development pays off if the app depends heavily on device features or on especially smooth rendering. At SIMPLY CODE SOLUTIONS a content app is CHF 15'000 –⁠ 22'000, a customer app is CHF 40'000 –⁠ 60'000.

What does native mean?

Native means the app is written separately for each system, with the languages and tools of Apple and Google. It has direct access to all device features, and new system features are available right away. In return there are two codebases that must both be built, tested and maintained.

What does cross-platform mean?

Cross-platform means one shared codebase runs on both systems, for example with Flutter or React Native. The app goes into the app stores like any other. For common tasks such as lists, forms, maps, the camera or push messages, this works well. If the shared code hits a limit, a single part can be added natively.

The differences at a glance

  • Cost: Two native apps take clearly more effort to build and maintain than one shared codebase.
  • Time: With shared code, new features appear on both systems at once.
  • Performance: In common applications users hardly notice a difference. With complex graphics or real-time processing, native has the edge.
  • Device features: Native reaches everything. Cross-platform sometimes needs an addition for special cases.
  • Team: Native development needs knowledge of both systems, often from two people.

When native is the better choice

  • The app revolves around images, sound or sensors in real time.
  • You need new iOS or Android features as soon as they appear.
  • The app must work reliably with special hardware over Bluetooth or similar means.
  • One of the two systems is enough for you.

Do you need an app at all?

A web app is often enough. It runs in the browser on any device, needs no app store, and updates reach everyone at once. An app in the store pays off if people open it daily and push messages or offline use matter. More under What does an app cost? and Web app development.

How we go about it

In a conversation we go through what the app must do and recommend the path that is enough for it. The guide prices are on the pricing page.