Top 5 Reasons Cross-Platform Mobile Apps Are The Future

BY: Patty Nicholson
MARCH 24, 2022

If you want your goods and services to reach a wider audience, or widen your brand’s appeal, then cross-platform mobile app development is the way to achieve this.

Depending on which framework you choose, an application built with Flutter or React Native will enable you to develop an app that works across all platforms.

Whether available for Android, iOS, or browsers, a cross-platform app gives the user access to the same robust features and exceptional performance on every device.

What is a Cross-Platform Mobile App?

Cross-platform mobile apps run multiple operating systems like iOS and Android. Previously, developers had to create a different application for each platform. But with cross-platform apps, you can build a single app and deploy it to multiple platforms without compromising the look and feel.

Cross-platform apps rely on web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create the layout. When it comes to the best cross-platform mobile app development framework, consider your business goal, the type of application, and customize across platforms, your budget, and how the cross-platform application fits into your overall vision.

Popular Cross-Platform Frameworks

Traditionally, developers created mobile apps separately for each platform — for instance, Objective-C or Swift for iOS and Java for Android.

Cross-platform app development is writing a single code that runs on both iOS and Android devices. This technique enables developers to work on an app for different platforms simultaneously.

Some cross-platform programming languages and frameworks include Flutter, React Native, Xamarin, and Ionic.

Flutter

Flutter is an open-source SDK for developing high-performance, high-fidelity iOS, and Android mobile applications. The Flutter framework makes it simple to create user interfaces that respond quickly in your app while decreasing the amount of code necessary to synchronize and refresh your app’s display.

Flutter’s rapid reload allows you to experiment quickly and simply, develop UIs, add functionality, and solve errors. Experience sub-second reload times without losing state on iOS and Android emulators, simulators, and hardware.

React Native

React Native is a Meta framework that’s increasingly popular as a tool for cross-platform app development since it allows developers to build native apps with a single codebase. React Native’s core philosophy is that “learn once, write anywhere,” meaning developers can incorporate React Native into their existing JavaScript codebases and reuse the code across different platforms.

The basic programming code of React Native includes the same elements as in the Core React: components, props, state, and events. React Native components render using native platform APIs instead of HTML elements.

Top 5 Benefits of Cross-Platform Mobile Apps

Mobile apps have become necessary as organizations look for versatile platforms to build high-quality mobile apps. There’s been an increased emphasis on cross-platform mobile app development in the recent past.

This demand, in turn, has led to the development of hybrid frameworks that can help reuse codes across platforms and enable organizations to deliver a similar set of user experiences across different app interfaces.

1. Convenience

Developing an app for two platforms instead of one means you’ll have a more extensive user base, which leads to more downloads, higher revenues, and greater visibility. So, it comes down to convenience because the app is available on the most popular platforms.

Only one application needs to be built and maintained. You don’t have to worry about managing multiple projects or dealing with different languages and tools for separate platforms.

2. Reach a Wider Audience

Cross-platform apps are built using such technologies that users can deploy on multiple platforms at once. This capability allows you to reach a wider audience and expand your customer base.

There are 6.5 billion smartphone users worldwide. Approximately 25% of these cell phones are iOS-based, while 75% are Android-based. By designing your app for both demographics, you significantly boost your earning potential.

You can only cover a portion of your market segment with a single native application. However, with a cross-platform application, you gain access to a more extensive client base, which can increase brand engagement, market presence, and your bottom line.

3. Faster Time to Market

Instead of writing code from scratch, you can use existing modules or templates to build an app faster. Developing an App for one platform requires a lot of time and energy.

Building an app from scratch, testing it, making changes, writing code, etc., takes up a lot of time. But with cross-platform development, you only need to write the code once, and you are done.

4. Cost Effectiveness

Cross-Platform App Development is a cost-effective solution for startups as it saves both the time and cost required for developing separate apps for different platforms.

With a cross-platform code, you can develop an entire app for multiple devices, reducing your budget to half what it would cost to create a separate app for every platform. This capability can significantly reduce development costs and provide faster returns on investment (ROI).

5. Brand Consistency

A consistent digital experience and interface design ensure that users feel comfortable navigating through the application on multiple platforms, on iOS or Android. Cross-platform development ensures the same user interface and experience across all platforms, regardless of operating system specificities or features.

Brand consistency is a significant factor that leads people to adopt an app in the first place, which ultimately increases conversions and revenue. An optimal UX and UI.

Final Thoughts

Competition is increasingly challenging in the business world, and businesses have to be innovative in developing and deploying tools. In the case of mobile apps, companies can use cross-platform mobile app development to build apps for multiple platforms simultaneously.

Cross-platform mobile application development can help businesses save their resources and reduce the cost of building applications with native user experiences for Android, iOS, or Windows phone platforms.

Moreover, these apps can run on web browsers too. Cross-platform means that you can enjoy maximum compatibility with your existing resources and infrastructure without compromising on quality or performance.

Contact RD Global today or schedule an appointment with a consultant to find out how we can help you develop your cross-platform mobile application.

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Written by Patty Nicholson

"With an exceptional ability to execute and implement enterprise-wide, highly complex strategic initiatives building trust with teams and cross-functional partners, and over 20 years of demonstrated leadership skills, Patty Nicholson oversees all operations while maintaining a commitment to 5-star customer success. Most of her career has been working with insurance organizations on ways to automate manual processes to new digital platforms."

MARCH 24, 2022
RD Global Empowers Insurance Companies to optimize total digital experience, unify data, and harmonize processes by developing high impact technology solutions infused with a 5-star customer experience.