The growth of mobile phone use across the globe has led to businesses tapping into their target demographics seamlessly through mobile apps. Having a good mobile app helps businesses manage outreach while having a 360-degree approach. However, budget concerns can often come into the picture when businesses try to build native apps for both iOS and Android audiences. Businesses can opt for cross-platform app development to make a single app that works across several platforms at once.

Cross-Platform App Development Myths

The popularity of cross-platform app development has led to a surge in myths about the process and consequences of building a cross-platform app development. This can confuse anyone looking to build a mobile app for their business. Let’s look at some common myths about cross-platform app development and how much truth there actually is to these myths:

The same code can work on both Android & iOS:

The common code of a cross-platform app development usually depends on the frame that we are using. Generally, frameworks allow there to be 70-90% common code between Android & iOS. There are exceptions to this, the primary one being Flutter. Flutter allows 100% sharing between Android & iOS while building native-like apps.

Cross-platform frameworks are not secure:

There is a general misconception that cross-platform apps are less secured than their native counterparts. It could not be more further than the truth. However, cross-platform apps are as safe as native apps, if not more, as opposed to popular belief. It does take a little extra effort to secure a cross-platform app. These apps are created using web technologies and hence require additional security measures. Top mobile app development companies can help provide the exact security you need for these apps.

Cross-platform apps tend to be slow:

Cross-platform apps can be slow sometimes, but that’s less because of their nature and more because of using an incorrect code or the wrong framework. Some cross-platform apps compile into native every time they need to use navigation or animations, which can create a lag. One can easily avoid this by using the best and the right cross-platform frameworks available to build the mobile app.

Cross-platform apps do not gel easily with native functions:

It’s common knowledge that modern app programming uses the latest cross-platform frameworks. The latest technology facilitates access to several features and functionalities from native devices such as camera activation, smart geolocation, microphone, etc. That is why developers build apps using cross-platform frameworks and access native device’s features through plugins. In case the plugins are not securely located, the app developers sometimes write them to accomplish their goals in the app.

Cross-platform frameworks hamper design & app UX:

Let’s establish that if any custom mobile app development company thinks cross-platform app development requires a ton of work, they are not doing it the right way. Cross-platform frameworks are highly efficient and help in developing useful, intuitive apps with native design. Apps like React Native and Xamarin are well-known for displaying the app designs as native ones and can be adjusted to several mobile platform versions or dimensions.

However, the truth is the app design and UX rely on the technology chosen & the app developer’s expertise. Cross-platform frameworks can prove to be useful at developing highly responsive apps with intuitive UX. However, favoring native app development instead of cross-platform doesn’t automatically guarantee intuitive app design.

Cross-platform app development empties your savings:

One of the biggest misconceptions about mobile app development is that it is expensive in the long run. Mobile app development costs remain low even with cross-platform frameworks, be it for the short-term or the long-term. The costs rise with the amount of time, resources and developments. Furthermore, making the app functional for iOS and Android on native apps means two development teams and double the resources. In fact, the same is more efficient with cross-platform frameworks. Only one development team is sufficient to create the code and it costs much less than native apps.

Responsive web pages are more efficient than cross-platform apps:

Apps that offer mobile-centric functions and design layout are built best using cross-platform frameworks rather than responsive web pages. Due to the functionality and difference in platforms, cross-platform app development can prove to be more functional across most of the devices. Once the development phase is completed, it all boils down to the level of UI and UX built for the app.

If you would like to know more about cross-platform app development or clarify your doubts about it, Team TechRev is just one email away – info@techrev.us