Cross-Platform Development: Expanding Mobile Reach

According to the Digital 2020 Reports, the world is witnessing a steady rise in the number of internet users, with 9 new users joining every second. This rapid growth translates to over 800,000 people connecting to the online world every day, using both desktop and increasingly, mobile devices. Notably, mobile has emerged as the dominant choice, fueled by shifts in lifestyle and technology. Today, the average internet user spends close to 7 hours online each day, with over half of that time spent on mobile platforms.

This increasing preference for mobile usage is accelerating the growth of the mobile app market. According to 2020 findings and predictions from Statista, mobile app revenues globally hit nearly $582 billion in 2023. And this number is only expected to grow as a result of paid downloads, in-app purchases, and targeted advertising. Such figures reflect the high demand for mobile experiences, opening up lucrative opportunities for businesses across industries.

Choosing your path in mobile app development

Mobile applications have evolved from being a luxury to a necessity for most modern businesses. With the combination of widespread user adoption and impressive profitability, integrating a mobile app into a business’s strategy is often an optimal choice. However, deciding on the right development approach is crucial to achieving both functionality and scalability.

When it comes to mobile operating systems, Android and iOS hold an overwhelming share of the market at around 99%. Android leads in terms of user numbers, while iOS commands a loyal user base of approximately 25.75%. Additionally, the Google Play Store offers over 2.5 million apps, with the Apple App Store close behind at 1.8 million, making both platforms valuable. With Webmil, we offer guidance on navigating this landscape to ensure that your app meets the specific needs of your target audience.

To make the most of both worlds, we often recommend building cross-platform applications. This allows businesses to reach users on Android and iOS devices without the need to develop and maintain two separate native applications. By embracing cross-platform development, we create apps that provide a consistent experience across multiple platforms with less time and cost involved.

What is cross-platform development?

Traditionally, mobile applications are developed natively, meaning separate apps must be created for each operating system. Native development relies on specific languages – Swift and Objective-C for iOS and Java or Kotlin for Android. This approach ensures high performance but requires separate codebases, resulting in higher development costs and time investments, along with a need for specialized skills in each language.

Cross-platform development, on the other hand, allows for building a single application that operates smoothly on multiple platforms, thanks to frameworks like Flutter (by Google) and React Native (by Meta). These frameworks use a universal codebase, meaning the app is written once and can run on both iOS and Android. This approach combines the look and feel of native apps with greater development efficiency, as it avoids the need for dual programming in separate languages.

At Webmil, we specialize in cross-platform development, leveraging frameworks like Flutter and React Native to ensure a seamless experience across devices. We harness these technologies to create apps that look, feel, and function like native applications, offering an intuitive and engaging experience to users regardless of their device.

Key benefits of cross-platform development

Cross-platform development has rapidly become a popular choice for businesses aiming to reach a wide audience without compromising on quality. Here’s how Webmil’s cross-platform development approach delivers distinct advantages:

1. Budget-friendly and higher ROI

Creating a single application that functions across platforms dramatically reduces costs. Using one codebase minimizes development hours, testing efforts, and ongoing maintenance. This unified approach reduces project budgets and, as a result, boosts return on investment. For instance, costs associated with quality assurance, deployment, and future updates are significantly minimized as they only need to be handled once.

2. Faster time-to-market

With a single cross-platform app, development time is shortened, allowing businesses to launch their apps faster. This speed is crucial for competitive industries, enabling companies to enter the market swiftly and start benefiting from their investment. At Webmil, we streamline the process to ensure that your app reaches users quickly, giving your business an edge in an increasingly fast-paced digital landscape.

3. Unified application logic

A cross-platform app allows developers to implement the same business logic across platforms. The single codebase ensures that the app’s functionality is consistent on both iOS and Android, reducing the likelihood of discrepancies or errors. This also simplifies future updates and adjustments to the app logic since developers only need to make changes in one place. Webmil’s development team ensures smooth functionality, which translates to a reliable and seamless user experience on any device.

4. Consistent design and user experience

User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) are critical to app success. Cross-platform development facilitates a cohesive design across all devices, maintaining uniformity in layout, navigation, and aesthetics. By using a single codebase, Webmil ensures that your app’s visual and functional elements are consistent across platforms, creating a cohesive brand experience that builds trust and engagement with users.

5. Expanded audience reach

With cross-platform development, your app can reach both iOS and Android users from day one, broadening your reach and maximizing user acquisition. For businesses seeking to build their brand and grow their customer base, this approach ensures they are accessible to the widest audience. This versatility is especially valuable for businesses aiming to achieve a global presence, and Webmil is dedicated to helping clients capitalize on these opportunities.

Navigating potential risks in cross-platform development

While cross-platform development offers many benefits, businesses should be mindful of certain risks to ensure a smooth project. At Webmil, we recommend a detailed discovery phase as a foundational step. This phase involves defining the app’s features, business requirements, and technical needs before development begins. A thorough discovery phase helps us anticipate potential challenges and align the app with your business goals.

Choosing the right development partner is equally essential. At Webmil, we bring a consultative approach to every project, helping clients make informed technology choices that maximize value and minimize risk. Our experienced team has a track record of delivering high-quality cross-platform apps that meet specific business needs.

Why choose Webmil for cross-platform development?

At Webmil, we’re more than just a development firm – we’re a strategic partner for businesses seeking to thrive in a mobile-driven world. Our cross-platform development process is designed to balance efficiency with functionality, ensuring a fast, reliable app that provides an exceptional user experience. By working closely with our clients, we deliver solutions that aren’t just technically robust but also aligned with their business vision.

Real-world example

Consider a retail business looking to engage both Android and iOS customers. Rather than investing in two separate native apps, Webmil’s cross-platform approach allows them to develop a single app that provides the same functionality and appearance on both platforms. The result? Faster development, lower costs, and a cohesive experience that reaches a larger customer base with fewer resources.

Commercial considerations for cross-platform development

The decision to pursue cross-platform development should be made with a clear understanding of the commercial benefits and potential risks. While cross-platform development minimizes costs and simplifies maintenance, a well-defined strategy ensures that the app meets both technical and business requirements.

At Webmil, our advisory services extend through the entire lifecycle of the app, from initial planning to deployment and beyond. By incorporating feedback and adapting to industry changes, we ensure that your app continues to deliver value over time.

Conclusion

In today’s competitive landscape, businesses need a mobile presence that delivers consistent performance across platforms. Cross-platform development offers a way to achieve this efficiently and affordably, creating a seamless experience for users on both Android and iOS.

Webmil’s commitment to excellence in cross-platform development means that we’re equipped to help your business leverage the full potential of mobile technology. Whether you’re looking to enhance customer engagement, reach a broader audience, or streamline costs, we’re here to guide you through every step.

Get in touch with us to explore how cross-platform mobile app development can drive growth and success for your business.