What is a native app?

Native apps are designed to work only on a specific mobile operating system and don't work on devices running other operating systems. For example, if developers create an app for iOS, Android users won't be able to utilize the app. The main advantage of native apps is that they run smoothly on their native operating system when developed properly.

Before you place a bet on this type of mobile development, consider its downsides:

• Development expenses: Developing a native app requires specialized skills. It will cost a lot more if you've created a native iOS app and later decide you need apps for Android or Windows as well.
• Maintenance: Maintaining native apps is not an easy task for developers since they have to deal with multiple versions of the same information across different platforms. Apps need to be updated regularly, packaged, and placed in the app store.
• Content restrictions policy and fees: Dev teams of native apps must deal with the app store's content restrictions and get their approval before uploading an app. Additionally, Apple's app store takes 30% of subscription fees, which is a huge disadvantage for an app's revenue.

Native apps are also less discoverable and have a higher interaction cost.^[1]