A native application is one specifically coded for the platform it is on. Doing so allows the app to take advantage of the unique features that platform has to offer. Today, we will talk about the native app Android environment, and what developing on android can mean for your business. Apps for the Android platform can be written in many languages such as Java, Kotlin, Python, and C#. With competition growing more and more fierce between Android and iOS, both platforms try and one-up one another. Every year at the different Google I/O and Apple Keynote events, new features are touted. On one hand, this is to entice users to buy into their environment of products. On the other, they want to convince app developers to focus on their platform.
After all, a great phone goes a long way, but it is the apps that allow users to get the most bang for their buck. Developing a Native Android App draws you back as you would have to do the same work to get it on iOS. However, this all depends on your audience and customers. In the end, the chances of them being on Android is higher than any other platform. According to Statcounter as of September of this year, 40.66 percent of OS (Operating System) users are on Android. The difference is even more stark when it comes to the mobile OS market. Android holds 72.44 percent of global users. Of course, narrowing down your specific audience is best. Let us look at some unique aspects of native apps for android.
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The Samsung Z Fold 2 has been making waves recently. With Android, you can be sure your application has folded screen support. But there is so much more. Android provides gesture-based navigation, which makes browsing easier. Instead of a back button, users can flip back and forth between pages. Throughout the years, Google has also increased the security of the platform while leaving it open. If you were to develop an Android app, you could place it with Alternative Android appstore. Giving you a wider reach than the regular manufacturer’s store. Going back to Samsung, there is an exclusive store on those smartphones that you can access. There are also countries where the traditional app stores are unavailable. However, Google has allowed the installation of alternative app stores. Therefore, it allows developers to reach a global audience with their native apps for android.
The variety of coding languages represented in the android section of apps gives you more flexibility. No matter how simple or complex your project is. You can work on the strengths of your team and allow for versatility when developing your next app. Device variety is another feature. As you can develop apps for a majority of devices and even find a specific niche. This all depends on your project. But it is nice to have options.
Google provides developers with a set of unique tools. Firebase, for example, is an all-inclusive mobile app design platform. Android SDK allows developers to work on their project while staying integrated with the platform. Android Jetpack provides a set of pre-built android components that ease app development. At the end of the day, it is in the interest of both platforms for developers to develop for them. The device they sell, needs to have access to quality apps. iOS also provides iOS SDK and XCode in a similar fashion. So, both software platforms encourage development through engagement and releasing tools to the community. Where Android excels however, is the multiple platforms available. Android has been deployed on Smart TVs, Smartwatches, and a plethora of other platforms embraced by a diverse group of customers. This will allow you to get your app out there to as many people as possible.
Another factor is the different default app stores. On iOS, you only have the titular App Store and the review process can be grueling to say the least. On Android, besides the multiple other options available, Google Play takes much less time to approve updates and new apps. Sometimes, the process might take less than a day. Both platforms have been proactive when it comes to UI/UX design. They both release guidelines to keep developers in the loop. That is why Android apps have their certain feel and iOS apps have theirs. An advantage iOS apps have, is that Apple users generally spend more money. However, this all depends on your upcoming app. Maybe in-app purchases are not your source of income. Something like a marketplace, or an app for a restaurant.
Android apps have a higher return on investment. Due to the platform being so open, development costs can vary. This can play into your advantage. You have access to more devices and wider options to deploy your native app. Customization on Android is another way your app could be better for business. Giving your app the unique look you would want and not worrying about strict guidelines can best represent you. Not only you, but your vision and creativity. The simplest and most complex apps both have a place on the Android platform.
Developing on Android reduces your time to market or TTM. With a reduced TTM, you can get your winning app ideas out before the competition however, deploying application marketing strategies for your new app help it grow faster. Google has made many tools available to developers and made it easier than ever to develop native apps for Android. The reason for native of course, is that you will be able to take advantage of everything the device has to offer. Native applications get their name from being developed for that specific device. Of course, due to the versatility of the Android platform, your app will work across all the updated devices it is intended for.
Any native app large enough to be mentioned here, is clearly large enough to be on both platforms. Once an app gains enough of a userbase, it would behoove the developer to make the app for the other operating system. Whatsapp is always a shining example. Especially in the global marketplace. Spotify is another example you might be familiar with. Thanks to its native nature, you can save music on the device and listen to it offline. You can even integrate Spotify Radio with other apps. The smooth feel of the app and its amazing user interface is another benefit it gets from being developed natively.
Magento 2 POS is an example you may not have heard of. Ever been to a store where all employees seem to be using an app to check inventory or offer alternatives? Many of them use Magento 2 POS (Point of Service). The app can offer many features thanks to being native. It can offer offline mode for tough situations. Cashiers can use it with ease as the interface is smooth and interactive. The app can record customer data to better keep track of their shopping habits. Every transaction, whether inflow or outflow, can be checked with ease. One final example is navigation apps, one such as Waze. To provide the easy-flowing and instantaneous experience users expect from a navigation app, it has to be native. One wrong turn, could mean an uninstalling of the app. Therefore, it is important to keep users engaged with the massive amount of features native apps offer.
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Platform exclusivity is not common among mobile apps. For every developer, it makes sense to want to reach as wide an audience as possible. Tasker is a great example. It automates tasks based on user’s preferences, such as raising the volume at a certain time, playing something at a certain location, reacting based on calls and SMS’ received. The app touts more than 350 actions to truly customize the user’s phone. UCCW is another android-exclusive. It allows users to custom create their own widgets for their home screen. A widget is like the little bubble that tells you the weather. Or the clock you see before going into your menu. There are many other examples, but they tend to be niche. As the gradual part of an app having a large audience is finally being developed for iOS as well as Android. The vice versa is true as well. Clubhouse is a recent example. Where the app was first exclusive to Apple phones and eventually found its way to the Google Play Store.
Here at Twelfth Dream, we have worked on many projects. When presented with the question of “how to develop a native android app?” or “how long”/”how much mobile app development costs?” we have you covered. You can book a free consultation. Based on the information you provide us, Team As A Service (TAAS) can tell you the best option for your project. Every app idea needs a different venue to succeed. Maybe a native app is the best option for your idea, but a PWA would be suitable for someone else’s. It all depends on time, budget, and the features needed.
Is Instagram a native app? No alike Twitter and Uber, Instagram is a hybrid app.
Can Android apps work on iOS? No, it is not possible since the programming languages for iOS and Android app design vary. However, magically the hybrid app can work on both operating systems.
Can I upload a native Android app on different app stores? Yes, it is possible to publish the app almost anywhere you like.
