Native Application
An app on the phone
A native application is a program developed directly for a specific operating system, most often iOS or Android, and installed on the phone from an app store. It fully uses the device’s features, such as the camera, GPS, or notifications, and can work even without an internet connection.
How a native application works
A native application is written in a language the system understands directly, so it runs fast and smoothly. The user downloads it from the App Store or Google Play, installs it on the device, and opens it via an icon on the home screen. That gives it access to the phone’s hardware and lets it work offline.
Because iOS and Android are different platforms, a native application is developed separately for each. There are also approaches that let you share part of the code between the two systems and make development more efficient, but the app still remains fully installed on the phone.
When to choose a native application
A native application pays off where smoothness, access to the phone’s features, and regular use matter. Typical cases are apps that send notifications, use the camera or location, or must work without a signal. In such cases mobile app development is worth it, and a presence in the app store also adds to credibility.
If, on the other hand, you need a solution available from anywhere without installation, a web application or a PWA is often enough. The choice depends on how and how often people will use the app and which device features it really needs.
- Installed from the App Store or Google Play.
- Fully uses the camera, GPS, notifications, and other hardware.
- Can work offline, without an internet connection.
- Usually developed separately for iOS and Android.
Planning a mobile application?
See our mobile app developmentFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between a native and a web application?
A native application is installed on the phone, makes better use of its features, and runs offline, but it is developed separately for iOS and Android. A web application runs in the browser without installation and works on all devices at once, but has more limited access to the hardware.
Do I have to develop the app for iOS and Android separately?
A fully native approach means two separate apps. There are, however, technologies that let you share part of the code and develop for both systems more efficiently, while the result is still installed on the phone.
When is a PWA worth it instead of a native app?
When you don’t need deep access to the phone’s features and want a solution available instantly from the browser without downloading. A PWA can be added to the home screen and resembles a native app, but it is developed only once for all devices.