Creating Cutting-Edge, Multifaceted Cross-Platform Apps for Startups and Corporations

Cross-platform app development involves creating an application that is compatible across multiple platforms and operating systems. Most commonly, this implies developing an app that can be distributed for both Android and Apple devices, but it can also extend to any other cross-channel applications.

This contrasts with native app development, where an app is created specifically for Android, iOS, or another operating system. Native app developers employ platform-specific codes, using languages like Kotlin, Java, or C++ for Android, and Swift or Objective-C for iOS. Applications created in these languages are not deployable across other systems without modification.

During the provision of cross-platform mobile app development services, developers utilise languages and technological options like JavaScript, CSS, and HTML that are non-platform-specific. Once developed, these apps are packaged into virtual “containers”, allowing them to operate and interact with each platform.

Creating cross-platform mobile apps ensures you reach the widest user base without isolating any segment of your audience. Mobile device usage shares by operating system as of 2021 were roughly divided as:

Android: 72%
iOS: 27%
KaiOS: less than 1%
Other: less than 1%

This implies that by developing a mobile app compatible with both Android and iOS, you can potentially cover all mobile device users. Excluding iOS would mean missing out on around a quarter of potential users, while ignoring Android leads to an even larger lost opportunity for most organisations.

You could, of course, develop an iOS app and then develop an Android app, or vice versa. Alternatively, you could develop both apps separately but concurrently. However, these options would entail more work, higher costs, and extended timelines. Choosing cross-platform app development processes instead of individual app development strategies could save you time and money, enabling faster app delivery and more budget-friendly operations.

Despite these advantages, cross-platform app development presents a few challenges. It requires more complex code, incorporating both platform-native and non-native components. Additionally, these types of apps may not support all native-only features, including certain 3D effects or animations, constraining some design and user experience elements to what works across all platforms. Update challenges may also arise since cross-platform apps need to be updated separately when Apple or Google roll out platform updates, while native iOS and Android apps are typically updated automatically.

Given these potential hurdles, native app development might be a better option for some apps. Whether or not cross-platform app development suits your project is a decision you’ll need to make in collaboration with your development team. Generally, this process is best for projects that do not require highly advanced design elements, have substantial data processing needs, or necessitate access to platform-specific features.

The cross-platform app development process is not vastly different from standard app development procedures:

Begin with a strategy: Initially, you address questions about the app’s business objectives and the features and functions it needs to encompass. This aids your development teams in determining the best course of action, including whether cross-platform app development is the right choice for your project.

Design the app: During the design phase, you consider the app’s visual appeal and user experience. Business requirements are detailed, designers formulate wireframes for approval, and you begin to see the theoretical form of the app take shape.

Development: Once there is a clear understanding of what the app should achieve and design elements have been approved, the developers start building the app according to those specifications. In the case of cross-platform app development, this involves constructing a single app that will be launched across all selected platforms. Development includes all standard components, such as coding and quality assurance testing.

Packaging for native environments: After the app is completed and tested, it is packaged for various native environments. This might involve a small amount of coding and technical work for each platform, but it is substantially less than developing separate apps for each operating system.

Implementation: The app is tested by end users, and the team provides final tweaks and troubleshooting. Then, you can start promoting the app to your customers, or you can begin integrating the app into your business processes and training employees on its use.

Cross-platform app development is generally quicker than native app development, and it is certainly faster than developing separate apps for each platform you intend to support. However, your project’s exact timeline depends on factors such as the complexity of your app and the number of platforms you wish to deploy on.

On average, the time to market for apps ranges between four to six months. The simplest apps may be developed in weeks rather than months, while the most intricate apps could require more time to develop. To get an estimate of potential timelines for your specific app development project, reach out to Progryss. Our teams can discuss various options with you and help you understand the associated timelines, enabling you to make an informed decision about your app development project.

Selecting the appropriate cross-platform app development company is crucial for the success of your project. You should seek a company with a proven track record in cross-platform app development and experience working with organisations in your industry of a similar size and type. The requirements of a small business or startup can often differ significantly from those of an enterprise or nonprofit. Similarly, the common challenges involved in developing apps for retail organisations are different from those associated with developing apps for healthcare companies.

Ask about the development firm’s experience in cross-platform app development, including the platforms they work with, the problems they’ve successfully resolved, and whether they offer end-to-end services that carry your project from the strategy phase through to implementation.

You might also want to inquire about their post-implementation services and support. What options does the company provide for modifications once an app is launched, and will they assist you in getting your app into app stores?

Most app platforms, including both iOS and Android, incorporate inherent security measures. For instance, Android apps each reside within their own virtual machine, which ensures that code and functions from different apps never interact, thereby enhancing security.
At Progryss, we aim to provide even more robust security, ensuring that your app data remains safe from the inception of your project through its implementation and beyond. This includes employing DevSecOps procedures to integrate security within the app development frameworks we utilise.

Yes, Progryss offers app development service packages that include ongoing support for your products.

The concept of “owning” source code can be complex and misleading. Often, app development relies on open-source code, which is a shared code base that any developers can use. This code serves as the foundation for app development, helping to increase efficiency and reduce the time to market.

However, at Progryss, we don’t restrict your access to your code or make it difficult to transition to other services. Reach out to us to learn more about our relationship with our clients and how we support you, including providing transparent access to your code.

Progryss possesses a profound understanding of advanced cross-platform app frameworks and provides a comprehensive range of development services. Our offerings include strategic ideation, app engineering, optimization, testing, and support and maintenance. We are committed to fulfilling your business goals by delivering an exceptional product experience that delights your users and strengthens your bottom line.