Cross Platform Mobile App Development: Pros, Cons & Tools

Mobile apps, which were once simple games and utilities, have come a long way since Nokia’s Snake and BlackBerry’s email features. When Apple’s App Store launched in 2008, it transformed the way businesses reached their customers. As Google followed suit with the Play Store, businesses were faced with a tough choice: invest heavily in developing separate apps for iOS and Android or find a more cost-effective solution. Suddenly, the challenge became how to build for two competing platforms iOS and Android application without doubling the effort.  

Cross-platform app development tools like React Native, Flutter, and Xamarin provide a lifeline, helping developers to write code once and deploy it everywhere and allowing businesses to launch apps faster and reach a broader audience without doubling their workload. But now, as AI, augmented reality, and the Internet of Things continue to push the boundaries of mobile experiences, you must be wondering—what comes next? Is cross-platform development the future, what are the pros & cons of cross-platform app development. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Understand how cross-platform development can save time and reduce costs. 
• Learn the challenges involved in adopting this approach. 
• Discover the top tools used by developers for cross-platform app development. 

What Is Cross-Platform Mobile Development?

Imagine you're building a mobile app. Traditionally, you would need to create one version for Android and a completely different version for iOS, which means double the work, double the cost, and more time spent managing two separate codebases. 

Cross-platform development changes that. With this approach, you build one single app that works on both platforms using a unified codebase. So, instead of maintaining two separate apps, you maintain just one. This can lead to huge savings in time and cost while still giving you the ability to reach both iOS and Android users. 

Why Choose Cross-Platform Development? 

Let’s take a closer look at why many businesses, especially in the USA, opt for cross-platform development. 

1. It’s Cost-Effective 

The biggest advantage here is cost savings. With traditional development, you would need to hire two teams—one for iOS and one for Android—and you’d end up paying for two separate apps. Cross-platform development allows you to cut that down to just one team and one app, which drastically reduces costs. For small to medium-sized businesses with tight budgets, cross-platform app is the most cost-effective option. 

2. Code Reusability 

One of the most significant benefits of cross-platform development is the ability to reuse code across multiple platforms. This means that once the code is written, a large portion can be shared between iOS and Android, significantly reducing the development effort. With code reusability, developers can focus more on refining the app and improving its functionality rather than rewriting code from scratch for each platform. 

If you’re launching an eCommerce app, 70-80% of the app’s core features—such as product listings, payment processing, and user accounts—can be reused across platforms, speeding up the process and minimizing redundant tasks.  

3. Faster Time to Market 

Time is money, especially in the fast-moving world of tech. Since you’re developing one app instead of two, you can get to the market much faster. This is particularly useful if you’re launching a product or service and need to have a mobile presence up and running as quickly as possible. 

4. Reach a Broader Audience 

When you develop a cross-platform app, you're making your product available to both Android and iOS users at the same time. This is crucial for USA businesses because these platforms dominate the market. By reaching both types of users, you’re expanding your audience and increasing your chances of success. 

5. Simplified Maintenance 

Once your app is live, you’ll need to update and maintain it. With cross-platform development, you only need to manage a single codebase. This makes it easier to roll out updates, fix bugs, and improve performance—all at the same time across both platforms. Think about the long-term savings on effort and resources! 

6. Easy Access to Plugins 

Most cross-platform frameworks come with a wide range of plugins and integrations that developers can leverage to add features and functionalities without the need for custom code. This allows businesses to take advantage of pre-built solutions for common tasks such as social media integration, in-app purchases, and payment gateways. 

Suppose you need to add a payment gateway, many cross-platform tools offer pre-integrated plugins for services like Stripe and PayPal, making it easier to enhance your app's functionality quickly. 

Challenges of Cross-Platform Development 

While cross-platform development offers plenty of benefits, it’s not without its drawbacks. Understanding these challenges is crucial for making an informed decision. 

1. Performance Limitations 

Native apps built specifically for iOS or Android generally perform better, especially when it comes to speed and graphics. This is because native apps are tailored specifically for each platform. Cross-platform apps, while efficient, might not be able to match the performance of native apps when it comes to heavy-duty tasks, such as gaming or apps that require high-end graphics. 

If your app involves complex animations or 3D graphics, cross-platform tools might struggle to provide the same smooth experience that a native app could offer. 

2. Limited Access to Native Features 

Both Android and iOS have their own set of unique features, such as voice recognition, camera functionality, and sensors. With cross-platform development, accessing these native features can be more challenging, and sometimes, the integration might not be as smooth as in a native app. 

Let’s say your app needs features like augmented reality (AR). In a native app, you can access the full capabilities of the camera and AR functionalities because the app is specifically designed to work with that operating system. With cross-platform tools, you may encounter limitations in utilizing these features to their full extent, or the integration might be more complex, requiring additional workarounds. 

3. Design and User Experience Challenges 

Each platform, Android and iOS, has its own UI/UX guidelines. Android users are used to certain layouts, navigation flows, and interactions, while iOS users expect a completely different experience. When you build a cross-platform app, you have to strike a balance between the two, which can sometimes result in a less polished or slightly awkward user interface (UI) for one or both platforms. 

iOS users are accustomed to certain gestures like "swipe to go back," while Android users use on-screen navigation buttons. Creating an app that feels native to both platforms without losing functionality can be tricky, and sometimes, the user experience (UX) might suffer. 

4. Potential Long-Term Sustainability Issues 

Technology changes fast, and cross-platform tools must evolve to keep up. However, there’s always a risk that the tool you choose today might not be as well-supported in the future. This could result in additional costs to migrate or redevelop your app if the tool becomes obsolete or no longer supported by its developers. 

If the cross-platform tool you're using ceases to receive updates or support, your app could suffer from security vulnerabilities, performance issues, or compatibility problems with future operating system versions—leading to unplanned expenses for redevelopment or migration. 

5. Slow Code Rendering 

Cross-platform apps may not perform as efficiently as native apps. Because the code has to go through additional layers of abstraction to run on different platforms, it can lead to slower rendering times and affect the app's overall performance. 

If your app requires real-time processing, such as a high-performance game or an app with advanced graphics, you might notice some lag or slow rendering compared to a native app.  

Tools for Cross-Platform Development 

Now that you understand the benefits and challenges, let’s talk about some of the most widely used tools for cross-platform development. These tools allow developers to create apps that run smoothly across both Android and iOS. 

1. React Native 

Developed by Facebook, React Native has quickly become one of the most popular cross-platform frameworks. It allows developers to write code in JavaScript and render native components directly on Android and iOS, resulting in a nearly native performance. 

Best for: Businesses that want high performance and a broad feature set. If you need to build a content-driven app or an eCommerce platform, React Native offers great flexibility and efficiency. 

2. Flutter 

Flutter, developed by Google, is known for its ability to create visually stunning applications. It uses the Dart programming language and focuses on building beautiful, natively compiled apps from a single codebase. Flutter is particularly praised for its ability to create rich, custom user interfaces. 

Best for: Companies that prioritize design and user interface customization. If your app requires a lot of UI components, animations, or a unique visual identity, Flutter might be your best choice. 

3. Xamarin 

Backed by Microsoft, Xamarin is another powerful tool for cross-platform development. It allows developers to use C# and .NET, giving full access to native APIs. This means you can build highly performant apps that leverage the specific capabilities of each platform. 

Best for: Enterprise businesses or those already using Microsoft technologies. Xamarin’s deep integration with the Microsoft ecosystem makes it a good fit for companies looking to integrate mobile apps with existing systems. 

4. Ionic 

Ionic is an open-source framework that allows developers to build mobile apps using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It’s an excellent choice for web developers who want to create mobile apps without learning a new programming language. 

Best for: Businesses with web development expertise looking to quickly expand into mobile apps. It’s ideal for creating apps that don’t need heavy graphics or complex features but still need to reach a large audience. 

Should You Choose Cross-Platform Development? 

Now that we’ve laid out the pros, cons, and tools, it’s time to answer the big question: Is cross-platform development right for your business? 

Go for Cross-Platform Development If

• You’re looking for a cost-effective solution and don’t want to spend on developing separate apps for iOS and Android. 
• You need to launch quickly and want to reach both platforms with minimal delay. 
• You’re looking to test the market or build an MVP (minimum viable product) to validate your business idea before investing in a fully native app. 
• Your app doesn’t require intensive graphics or platform-specific features, such as AR or high-performance gaming. 

Consider Native Development If 

• Your app’s performance is a top priority, especially if it involves complex graphics, animations, or processing. 
• You need full access to platform-specific features and APIs. 
• You want to create a highly polished, platform-specific user experience, catering to the nuances of both iOS and Android. 
• Long-term scalability and support are important, especially for apps that will need constant updates and integrations with new features as platforms evolve. 

Making the Right Decision for Your Business 

Cross-platform mobile application development can offer significant benefits to businesses looking to maximize their reach while minimizing costs and development time. It allows you to serve both Android and iOS users with one codebase, saving resources and reducing complexity. However, it’s important to weigh the potential challenges, particularly around performance, native feature access, and design consistency—before making a final decision. 

The Role of AI and Machine Learning in App Development 

At Prioxis, we’re seeing more and more businesses take advantage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in their app development, and for good reason. These technologies are helping companies build smarter apps that can actually learn from how users interact with them, making the apps more intuitive and efficient over time. 

1. Delivering Personalized User Experiences 

One of the most exciting things we’ve been able to do with AI and ML is create apps that offer truly personalized experiences. Imagine an app that understands what your users want based on their previous interactions. Over time, the app tailors' content, recommendations, and even its functionality to better serve each individual user. This kind of personalization goes a long way in boosting engagement and keeping users coming back. 

2. Speeding Up the Development Process 

Another big advantage is how AI and ML can help automate parts of the development process. Tasks that used to take a lot of time, like analyzing user data or refining app functionality, can now be done faster and more efficiently. What this means for you is a quicker turnaround from idea to market, allowing you to launch ahead of your competitors without compromising on quality. 

3. Ensuring Your App Stays Relevant 

AI and ML also give us the ability to make your app smarter as it grows. By analyzing data and predicting user behavior, we can continuously optimize the app’s performance, so it stays relevant even as your users’ needs evolve. This adaptability is key to keeping your app competitive in the long run. 

At Prioxis, we specialize in helping businesses and consulting them about the types of mobile app development options available and which suits them best as per their requirements. Whether you're exploring cross-platform or native app development, our team of experts can guide you through the process, ensuring you make the right decision based on your unique business needs. 

Ready to build your app? Contact us today to start the conversation, and let’s create a mobile experience that drives results for your business!