Cross-platform mobile app development is one of the best ways businesses can maximize their exposure, build a loyal customer base, and 3x their profit.
And what is even more exciting is that it’s the most speedy method to build a mobile app for multiple operating systems.
A bit confused? Let us explain you in simple words.
Simply put, businesses can get their apps faster because once the development team creates an Android version, they can reuse that codebase and develop the same application for iOS users.
Let’s dive into the details to learn more about the cost, development process, and frameworks needed for cross-platform mobile app development.
What is Cross-Platform App Development Mobile?
As the term speaks, cross-platform is building a mobile app for multiple operating systems without writing codes for each platform.
Some common types of mobile app operating systems are Android, iOS, Windows, Blackberry, and Symbian.
On the other side, coding is a set of instructions given to the computer.
Putting together; Once you write the code on any of the frameworks, it will be effective for all the operating systems. This way you can save time and effort by not writing the code for each platform individually.
4 Reasons To Choose Cross-Platform Mobile App Development
Dual platform development: You can get an app developed for multiple platforms and operating systems by cutting the most significantly if you develop a native app for each platform individually.
Single team: You don’t need a team consisting of many developers. Just a single team will handle all the development which is easy to manage and budget-friendly.
Reusable code: Developers don’t have to code the app again and again for each platform. Thus reducing the effort, time, and price.
Frameworks: Frameworks that are exclusively for cross-platform mobile apps escalate the development process.
Cross-Platform App Development Examples
To help you better understand, we’ve listed some of the most prevalent examples of cross-platform applications.
- VMware
- Zipcar
- Firefox
- Adobe Reader
- Apache
- Walmart
- Bloomberg
- VLC
Pros and Cons of Cross-Platform Mobile Development
Similar to any mobile app solution cross-platform has its own set of drawbacks that can be a real challenge to deal with if not addressed before.
Poor Performance: When compared with a native application, applications that are made on cross-platforms are slower in functionality and unreliable.
Unexpectedly poor UI/UX Design: When compared to its counterpart, Cross-platform mobile apps, don’t offer the same experience and user interface. Which tends the app to perform slower which can be very disheartening for users.
Complicated code design: When choosing design and functionalities developers just don’t have to concentrate on a large number of devices but also on different platforms, which require lots of effort.
Dawdle for new features: Android and iOS come up with regular features, but cross-platform applications take an eternity to embrace new features which are discouraging for new users.
Open to Security threads: Apps built on cross-platforms are always on the verge of security threads as they are easy to breach and violate.
Pros of Cross-Platform Mobile Development
If the downsides have turned you down. Run through the benefits of Cross-Platform Mobile Development to perk up.
Frequent Development: Cross-platform streamlines and automates the coding process. That means you don’t have to code every time from the ground up.
Reuse the code: Developers don’t have to write code for each platform individually. Once the code is written for Android it can also be used for iOS or any other operating system.
Quicker and wider target audience: When you build an app cross-platform you have an app for multiple operating systems that you can launch on different play stores reaching a significantly large target audience.
Less investment: Cross-platform apps are 30% cheaper than native apps built for both Android and iOS separately. Because when you code for Android and iOS separately you need to pay more to the developer. Or in case you’re doing it on your own, it will take more time.
Consistency Between Platforms: Modern-day cross-platform frameworks and architecture such as React Native, Flutter, Xamarin, or Adobe PhoneGap are dynamic and it is almost impossible for users to differentiate.
Low Maintenance Cost: Cross-platform apps are built on a shared single code base thus it is relatively easier and takes less effort to maintain the app.
5 Big Factors Influencing The Cross-Platform Mobile App Development Cost
When thinking about mobile app development either native or cross-platform the biggest matter of confusion is “ How much does a cross-platform mobile application cost?”.
This is probably the most necessary thing to consider when determining the cost of cross-platform mobile app development.
When calculating the cost five factors influence the cost of making a cross-platform mobile app. We’ve mentioned the list below.
- Number of Operating Systems
- App Type
- Design Requirements
- App Complexity
- Development Options: DIY vs Freelancer vs Agency
Let’s discuss these factors one by one and how they will determine the cost.
Read More: 11 Factors That Skyrocket Cost Of Mobile App Development
Number of Operating Systems
The most important and direct factor that influences the cost to create a cross-platform mobile app is the operating system or platform you choose.
The most popular and widely used operating systems are “iOS and Android”.
There‘s more chance that you would be choosing the platform among these two to develop a mobile app.
When talking about cross-platform a single code base is used to develop a mobile app. Hence it will require less developers’ effort and time.
The starting price for a cross-platform application is around $20,000-$30,000 while a native app can cost 1.5 times more.
App Type
The type of app you want to develop determines the cost of the cross-platform mobile app.
Based on the category you want to develop such as a calculator app, torch light app, e-commerce app, social media app, business app, ride-hailing app, food delivery app, e-commerce app, enterprise app, etc.
The cost differs significantly.
Design Requirements
Your app design is everything. It can break or build your app’s reputation in the market.
A good app design or interface depends on the features such as simplicity, usability, and allure.
The cost of a cross-platform mobile app largely depends on the app design.
App Complexity
Another factor that determines the cross-platform mobile app is the number, level, and complexity of features and functionality you want to integrate into your app.
The more numbers and high-level features you want to incorporate increase the mobile app development bill.
Below sectioned the app based on the app’s complexity.
Simple apps: A simple app consists of very basic features such as app login, social media integration, payment gateways, and a search option. The price for such an app development is $20,000.
Medium-level apps: A medium-level app is a bit more complex than the basic one and consists of features like a live chat option, in-app purchases, push notifications, etc. The cost to develop such an app is $30,000-$50,000.
Complex app: The high-level mobile app integrated with the most advanced features like Augmented reality. The cost to develop a complex mobile app is above $50,000.
Development Options: DIY vs Freelancer vs Agency
The cross-platform mobile app development cost is also affected by the type of development team you’ve hired.
If you’re a developer yourself and will complete the whole app development on your own, then it’ll not cost you anything.
Secondly, if you hire a freelancer it’ll be the most economical way to get your cross-platform mobile app developed. However, avoid this platform if you want to come up with some big.
The last way is outsourcing the app development project. It can be a bit expensive but the final project will be the best you can develop.
Read Our Blog Here: What is the Cost Of Mobile App Development In The UK?
Top 5 Frameworks For Cross-Platform Mobile App Development
Flutter
The Google-supported open-source framework is used by some of the giant companies that ever existed.
The fame and popularity that Flutter gained wasn’t just due to its support from Google but the level of convenience and satisfaction it offers to developers.
Luckily, developers can build high-engaging apps for multiple platforms from a single code base.
Flutter is equipped with two major components; 1) SDK (Software development kit) 2) UI library
Pricing: Free
React Native
Another popular and widely used cross-platform mobile app development framework was launched by Facebook.
As being backed by the most dependable social media platform, making it one of the prime reasons for its success.
Developers can develop native and cross-platform applications from a single code base.
In addition, besides Android and Google, it also supports Microsoft Universal Window Platform, Apple, tvOS, etc.
Pricing: Free
Ionic
Founded by Drifty and released in 2013 it is one of the most powerful frameworks to develop cross-platform apps.
Ionic allows developers to create an amazing user experience and interface.
The unique thing about this framework is the powerful Software Development Kit (SDK) that enables developers to create aesthetic and feature-rich UI.
Pricing:
Community addition: Free
Enterprise Edition: $1000
Xamarian
Another framework backed and supported by one of the biggest software companies Microsoft makes it widely embraced.
The powerful framework allows developers to create a cross-platform app for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone in C# with Visual Studio.
The three characteristics that make it better than any other framework are large community support, exciting learning opportunities, and complete technical backing from Microsoft.
Pricing: Free
Onsen UI
The quickest, and easy-to-learn cross-platform mobile app development framework. It uses HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS to build apps.
Developers mostly use it to develop complex apps within a record time with a large number of components and tools.
Although it is recommended to use it with AngularJS it also adapts well with jQuery.
Pricing: Free