Do you want to develop a native application?
Today Codeur explains this format with many advantages. We will also look at techniques for creating a native app on iOS and Android, as well as tips to retain your users!
What is a native app?
A native application is developed specifically for an operating system: iOS or Android. It is installed directly on the smartphone and can work without an Internet connection, depending on its purpose and nature.
The installation method for a native app
To install it, the mobile user goes through a store such as Google Play Store or the Apple Store. The user doesn't need any tool (except their smartphone or tablet, of course!) or a browser to launch it. The data it generates is stored in the app's memory or in the cloud, depending on the mobile device's configuration.
How a native application works
Native apps fully leverage the device's features (with the user's consent), such as:
- GPS
- Camera
- Microphone
- Contact list
- Multimedia files
They also make use of the phone's processor power, which boosts their performance. On some smartphones, a native app can control peripherals and include settings different from those of the operating system.
Finally, an app installed on the phone can use the device's notification system to send alerts to the user (always subject to consent).
Installation settings for a native application
Note that a native app designed for one operating system will only work on that system. You cannot install an iOS app on an Android device, and vice versa, for example.
These applications are written in languages specifically supported by those platforms. They follow the technical and user experience guidelines of the operating system. For example, Swift or Objective-C is used for native iOS apps; Java is used to write native Android apps.
Also read: Hybrid or native mobile app: how to choose?
What are its main advantages?
Native apps offer more advantages than their hybrid or web counterparts. Which ones? We'll tell you everything:
Better performance
Optimized for a particular platform and built on a core API, the native application stands out for its speed and responsiveness. Stored on the device, it uses the smartphone's full processor power. Content and visual elements are already installed on the phone, which speeds up the app's loading time.
Moreover, this type of application offers better handling of 3D content or augmented reality.
By contrast, a web application mainly relies on an Internet connection to function. It can therefore experience slowdowns if the network is weak.
A smoother user experience
Native mobile apps are much more responsive to user input. The reason? They follow guidelines that improve and align the user experience with the operating system.
Consequently, the app flow feels more natural and smoother because it adheres to platform-specific interface standards. Users become familiar with the app more quickly since they can use it with actions and gestures they're used to (pinch-to-zoom with two fingers or double-tap, swipe right to move to the next screen, etc.).
Moreover, native apps maintain better control over orientation, size, and resolution. Developers have access to layout features during creation, allowing them to adapt perfectly to all devices.
Fewer bugs
With native apps, you rely less on cross-platform tools like Xamarin or Cordova, thereby reducing bugs. This is not the case, for example, with hybrid apps.
When updates are released, developers benefit from new software development kits (SDKs) to build their apps with the latest features. Thanks to this cadence, native app users gain access to new platform features as soon as they update the operating system.
Enhanced security
Native apps are known for their reliability and security. Before being accepted on the store (whether Google's or Apple's), they undergo checks and tests.
Furthermore, for an app that manages and stores sensitive data (such as banking or online payment apps), developers can code strengthened authentication protocols. They also have the ability to integrate two-factor authentication, to pin some SSL certificates and to better control API calls to and from the server.
Greater stability
Android and iOS, in addition to providing full support to native apps, continue their efforts to constantly improve their platforms. These improvements offer a better experience for developers as well as users.
These ongoing initiatives to improve translate into more stable native mobile apps. Fewer and fewer anomalies occur during their development and maintenance. The user experience is also improved, as the app runs smoothly with minimal bugs or crash reports.
Flexibility
Flexibility is defined by the ability to manage the growth of the native app, whether in terms of increased traffic, load, users, or the implementation of new features. For example, native app architecture allows it to handle higher traffic without having to significantly change the backend.
How to create a native mobile app?
Native apps meet the specific requirements of each operating system. So let's see how the development of an app for Android and for iOS unfolds.
Native Android app development
You can create native Android apps in Java, Kotlin and C++. Google provides you with powerful Android development tools such as:
- The software development kit (SDK), shipped with Android Studio, the official integrated development environment (IDE) for the operating system.
- Command-line tools for Windows, Mac and Linux.
- Firebase, a comprehensive mobile development platform.
- Android Jetpack, a collection of prebuilt Android components.
You can create native Android apps on both PC and Mac. When your mobile program is ready, you must submit it to the Google Play Store where users can download it or buy it.
Native iOS app development
The iOS operating system, unlike Android, is completely closed and designed exclusively for Apple devices. To develop native mobile applications for this platform, you will need a Mac computer.
Objective-C and Swift are the two options for creating native iOS apps. Apple offers several tools and resources such as:
- iOS SDK integrated with Cocoa Touch.
- Xcode, the official IDE for iOS development.
- Swift Playgrounds, a learning platform for Swift development.
- TestFlight, a beta testing application.
iOS also has a third-party ecosystem with development tools like AppCode and CodeRunner. Once the native app is developed, all that remains is to submit it to the App Store.
5 tips for successfully developing a native app
A useful app is one that is downloaded and appreciated by its target users. To succeed at this stage, here are 5 tips to follow.
1. Define the app's primary goal
Before launching a native mobile app, you need to understand what you can achieve by developing it. For example, you can create:
- A mobile e-commerce app: its goal is to target a new customer segment that prefers to shop exclusively via their smartphone.
- An app for your product/service: which improves the user experience and allows customers to discover all the features of your offering.
- A branded app: to bring your audience and a community together around your brand
2. Determine your business model
How will you monetize your mobile app? If you have an e-commerce site, the answer is simple, since you'll be selling your products directly through this new channel. But otherwise?
Several business models are available to you:
- Freemium: this involves offering a free but limited version of your app. To get more features, the user must pay (a subscription or a one-time fee).
- In-app purchases: this model is similar to freemium. Instead of offering an upgraded version of your app for purchase, you let users add "à la carte" options based on their needs.
- Paid download: not all native apps are free. You can charge a few euros for your tool.
- Advertising: like everywhere on the Internet, you can sell advertising space in your app.
- Sponsorship: this is similar to advertising. The difference is that you have only one advertiser who has exclusive ad rights in your app.
Each mobile app business model has its advantages and disadvantages. Analyze the competition to get a starting idea.
3. Improve user retention
25% Some users abandon an app after a single use. You must therefore retain them for as long as possible to ensure the success of your program.
Here are some avenues to explore:
- Simplify the onboarding and discovery process: the tutorial should require no more than 3 steps and users should be able to skip it with one click.
- Use gamification to boost user engagement (loyalty points, badge rewards, playful animations…).
- Implement push notifications sent at the right time, based on user behavior.
- Use in-app messaging to give relevant tips or convey information, promotions, exclusives…
Good to know: also track data on user behavior within your app. You'll gain useful insights to improve your interface ergonomics, content, and the timing and days for notifications.
4. Develop a content-focused approach
Whether it's an error message or a marketing memo, the content of your mobile app must enhance the user experience. Texts, descriptions and taglines must be perfectly aligned with the sales funnel.
When writing your messages, consider:
- Tone: it should match your brand voice.
- Your audience: how do they communicate? What jargon do they use?
- Objective: do you want to persuade the user or inform them and wait for them to convert later?
5. Address technical questions
To ensure the success of your native app, you must:
- Decide how many previous versions of Android and iOS you want to support based on your target market. This is very important, because depending on the audience, some users have recent smartphones… and others are more "older generation"!
- Avoid using the same designs on iOS and Android interchangeably. Interfaces differ, as do user habits and expectations.
Our tip for developing a native app
Developing a native app can be a lengthy process—especially if you have no coding knowledge.
Our tip: post your project on Codeur.com to find a freelance mobile developer who will take care of everything!
