Cross-Platform Apps
Cross-Platform App Developer
SolutionBuilt uses cross-platform technology to create flexible, functional, and cost-effective mobile apps.
First, what is a cross-platform app? A cross-platform application is a mobile app that is compatible with multiple operating systems (iOS, Android, Windows, etc.), allowing itself to run on ANY smartphone or tablet.
A mobile app for your business is a very beneficial way to improve customer engagement, increase brand recognition, and cultivate customer loyalty.
However, it’s not always as simple as including a mobile version of your current site. The benefits of mobile business apps can include an immediate return on investment. With your business mobile app, your brand can automate processes, decrease staffing costs, and send real-time messages and updates with push notifications to your customers.
Types of Cross-Platform Apps
An app that runs on any device and only one codebase.
Native
These apps are typically created by two or more developers (iOS and Android).
The result? An app that runs on ANY device, complete with native source code, native feel, and multiple codebases that will need to be continuously maintained.
Hybrid
These apps use technology like HTML, Javascript, and CSS to embed code into a thin “native wrapper” that provides access to native platform features. App developers combine the top elements of native and HTML5 apps.
The result? An app that runs on any device and only one codebase.
Built For Both
See some of our cross-platform apps in the portfolio
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You’ve found your next app development partner.
The Pros and Cons of Cross-Platform
PRO: Cross-platform apps allow app developers to create one single source code for an app. Then, the platform converts code for the native environment (Android, iOS, Windows, and more).
PRO: Increased exposure to a larger number of users. Cross-platform apps run on both iOS and Android (as well as Windows, Linux, Tizen, and even Symbian).
PRO: Cross-platform software solutions allow app maintenance and release updated versions of your app more expediently.
CON: We’re honest, compromises do exist. Creating an app that works on multiple OS does require a level of compromise. A cross-platform app can only get so close to a native feel without actually being native and compromising some usability. However, as far as Hybrid applications have come over the years, most end-users won’t notice the difference.
Immediate Benefits of Cross-Platform Apps
- Shorter development time
- Cost-effectiveness
- Increased exposure to a larger number of users
- Update synchronization and fewer maintenance costs (this is where hybrid cross-development definitely wins)
Choosing between native or cross-platform mobile apps?
Between native apps and hybrid apps, there is no absolute “better”. It simply depends on your app’s requirements and future phases of your apps. This is something that we can help you decide during our Solution Design phase.
With native apps, businesses can achieve increased access to a mobile device’s innate capabilities, such as GPS mapping, contacts, and other embedded phone technologies. To run a native app, the different operating systems (iOS, Android, Windows, etc.) require different source codes per platform. In contrast, Hybrid app technology compiles a single app source code using an app wrapper technology to run on different operating systems. The choice between a native and cross-platform app depends on your apps’ requirements, which we will determine during the Solution Design process.
Let’s Get Started With Your App!
We have an expert team of app designers & developers to help make your app dream come to life.