There are multiple ways to access online content. The simplest example is a web browser. We enter a URL, and the web content loads on the screen.
Web browsers have been around for a long time (quite a long time). They are still widely used, but there is competition from another medium.
Mobile apps are one of the most common ways we now access content. From a small tweet to a full-length movie, we consume content of all sizes and types within mobile applications. Their presence is more ubiquitous than ever. In fact, people are now less inclined to use web browsers unless they are on a desktop.
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Choosing the right mobile app development platform |
Native Apps: What Are They?
Any mobile application you use on your smartphone is a native app. In general, when we talk about mobile apps, we use the term "native apps." However, the scope of these apps goes beyond mobile phones.
If you're using MS Office or any other software on your desktop or laptop, they are also examples of native apps.
So, what is a native app?
Native apps are those that are installed directly on the device's memory. Users don't need to go to a web browser to access native app content. They can simply open the app and view any content they want.
To create such an app for mobile devices, users have two options:
- Develop the app with traditional coding.
- Use a native mobile app builder for iOS and Android.
If users lack the technical background required for app development, the second option is much better. A skilled native app developer for iOS or Android can assist in creating a high-performance app.
App builders have advanced significantly. Users who have an online store on WordPress can utilize native iOS WooCommerce app builders to create successful and stable mobile apps. AppMySite is an example of such a tool.
Native apps are more common compared to other types of apps, such as web apps. Most of the popular apps we use are native, and there are various reasons for this. We will cover this topic further below.
What Are Webview Apps?
To understand this concept, we first need to know what a web browser is. A web browser is essentially a combination of two parts - the user interface and the engine.
The user interface includes the address bar, plugins, menus, and the output page. This is the visible part of the browser that we are accustomed to seeing.
The engine is the backend part that interprets and codes the content into the display we prefer in the user interface.
If we remove the engine part from the browser, we essentially get a webview.
Any app that loads content from a web page is a webview app.
To build such an app, users have two options:
- Develop the app if they are knowledgeable about coding.
- Use a native mobile app builder for iOS and Android.
For those who are unfamiliar with coding, the second option is much better.
Yes, there are many ways to create an Android webview app. There are also numerous options for building webview apps on iOS. However, is it wise to focus on building webview apps?
What is the scope of webview apps?
In general, it makes sense for a budget-conscious user to create a cost-effective webview app. It's not surprising to see a small online store using WooCommerce and a mobile app builder for iOS and Android.
These apps are not a one-size-fits-all solution for everyone or every business in any field. There are reasons why these apps may not be suitable for your business. The following points elaborate on some of these reasons:
Design Cohesion
These apps are essentially native apps that pull some or all of their content from a website. The design of a web app and the website producing the content are different.
Design inconsistency can severely disrupt the user experience. Imagine using an app and pressing a button only to suddenly encounter a different design. It may even make you question whether you are using the right app.
When it comes to achieving a cohesive design aesthetic, web apps fall short.
Potential Rejection from App Stores
App stores, whether Apple's App Store or Google Play Store, are not particularly fond of these apps and prefer native apps. There are several reasons for this as well.
The primary goal of creating an app is to offer a unique mobile experience that a web browser on the same device cannot replicate. Since these apps essentially pull data from websites and display them within an app, they cannot provide a truly unique experience to users.
Security is another concern. App stores typically review each part of an app for malware. In these apps, they cannot inspect specific parts of the app as it directly comes from a website. Therefore, all else being equal, a native Android app, for example, has a higher chance of being accepted.
Offline Functionality
Many mobile apps are designed to work without an internet connection. However, a web app does not function offline.
Hardware Integration
Native apps are built to work seamlessly with a mobile device's hardware. Touchscreens, cameras, and GPS all work smoothly within a native app.
Web apps are not built for the mobile device's operating system. They are essentially a collection of web pages that run within a browser. This ultimately leads to poor hardware integration.
User Experience
User experience is a crucial factor in building a successful app. Statistics show that 25% of downloaded apps are used only once.
All elements of a native app are tightly integrated to work cohesively. That's why navigation in a native app is straightforward. Every option and feature is carefully designed to work within a specific framework.
In contrast, web apps load their content from a website and wrap it in a native environment. Since users essentially access a web page when using these apps, they do not enjoy the same cohesive experience that a native app provides.
In Conclusion
This article highlights the differences between native and web apps. There are situations where developing a web app may make sense.
It's logical to use a web app during the ideation phase of an app, as they are quicker to build and more cost-effective.
However, only native apps are ideal for bringing an app to the market. Start your app development journey considering your needs and budget.