A website is mandatory for every business. Without one, a company will not look legitimate. But besides the website, businesses today also need to have their mobile apps. Sadly, most business people think that building an app is another unnecessary expense for the company. Still, this investment can help drive their sales, build their customer base, and improve their reputation and client relationships.

If you are still not convinced, think about the first thing you do on your phone at the start of the day. Have you counted how many applications you use throughout the day? That is how powerful and used mobile applications are. Who knows? Your business’s application might be the next one people open and use every day.

If you consider creating one for your business, you are about to make the best decision you can for your company. But before you contact an app developer, you should know that there are various kinds of mobile applications. Knowing your options and their differences can help you decide on what you should have.

The Three Types of Mobile Apps

1. Native Apps

These are the mobile apps that are exclusively made for a particular operating system or mobile device. It can be an app solely for Apple iOS or Android users only. While it cannot be used in other operating systems, the exclusivity helps the developers improve their app design and deliver an optimal user experience.

It is also a more affordable method since you only have to develop one program instead of multiple versions. For the developers, it is also beneficial since they can code less, and it would be easier to update the app. However, your audience can get limited because of its exclusivity.

2. Web Apps

Web apps can run on a web browser and do not require users to download an app from the app store. The users only need to bookmark the site, and they can quickly go back and forth to the app whenever they want. Applications like Trello and Notion are great examples of web apps today.

Opting for this type of application is quick and affordable to do. Deploying the app is also easy since you only have to deal with the search engines. You also have the freedom to launch and relaunch the app anytime you want without the need to secure the app stores’ approval.

Unfortunately, relying on the internet means no accessibility of the site when there is no connection. Your site could run super slow on some phones, plus you cannot explore and create interactive UIs. Furthermore, it would be hard for people to discover your app.

3. Hybrid App

From its name, hybrid apps refer to those applications with web presence and downloadable mobile apps. Think of applications like Netflix, Facebook, Twitter, and many more applications you can enjoy on your phones and web pages.

The hybrid app allows users to enjoy their application even when offline. The only downside is that customizing the program into two different platforms would incur more costs, and there is also a chance for its performance to be compromised. Design-wise, you also need to ensure that all elements you use would work well on both platforms.

Conclusion

The type of application that you would create depends on factors, such as your priorities, accessibility, target audience, and the experience you want to give to them. You also need to consider the development cost, timeline, specifications, and all features you want to integrate. Each of these apps has its pros and cons. Determine your project’s needs and requirements first so you would know what to prioritize among your options.  

If you need a mobile app development company that can make any of your preferred mobile app types, we can make them for you. Seisan has a mobile development team that is fluent in all major mobile platforms, such as iOS, Android, and Hybrid. Work with us! Contact us at 717 394 9225 or bd@seisan.com.