Home
Services
Products
Projects
Who We Are
Blogs
Contact Us
Develop a Cross-Platform Mobile App: A Comprehensive Guide for Android and iOS
Developing a mobile app requires a keen understanding of cross-platform compatibility for both Android and iOS. Neglecting this crucial aspect during mobile app development significantly limits your audience and potential revenue.
While iPhones enjoy a certain prestige, Android dominates the market. Statista reports, "Android held a 70.5% global market share in Q3 2023, dwarfing Apple's iOS at 28.8%."
Ignoring nearly a third of the market is unwise. Launching an app on both platforms offers substantial benefits, from increased revenue through subscriptions and in-app purchases to amplified brand recognition through cross-platform word-of-mouth marketing.
If you've been searching for how to build an app for both Android and iOS, you're not alone. Mobile app development is complex but achievable.
This article explores the technical differences between Android and iOS development, analyzes native vs. progressive web apps, outlines the manual cross-platform app development process, and reveals a streamlined no-code approach for easier app creation.
Developmental Differences Between Android and iOS
While most users can identify basic differences between Android and iOS (Android's customizability vs. iOS's user-friendliness), significant technical distinctions exist:
- Programming Languages: iOS primarily uses Swift and Objective-C, while Android relies on Java (distinct from JavaScript) and Kotlin. All are powerful languages, but require different skillsets. Think of them as different spoken languages requiring translation.
- Integrated Development Environment (IDE): Apple recommends Xcode 15 for developing, testing, and distributing apps across its platforms. Android utilizes Android Studio. However, app development is possible without either.
- UI Design: Android uses XML layouts (wireframes depicting screen elements), while iOS traditionally used storyboards (visual representations of app flow). However, Swift UI is gaining traction in iOS development for its speed and efficiency.
- Interface Elements: iOS employs UIKit and the newer SwiftUI for its user interface, whereas Android utilizes Views and ViewGroups. These provide an interactive framework during coding before final design implementation.
- Open-Source vs. Closed-Source: While parts of iOS are open-source under the Apple Public Source License, it's largely closed-source. Conversely, Android is predominantly open-source under the Apache License, allowing greater community involvement in development.
- Security: Android, previously considered less secure, has bolstered its security through stricter file system access protocols. Apple maintains a strong security reputation through app sandboxing, isolating apps within contained environments.
Despite these differences, both iOS and Android development are manageable with the right expertise. Now, let's explore another crucial aspect of building robust cross-platform apps.
Native vs. Progressive Web Apps (PWA) for iOS & Android
Cross-platform apps fall into two categories: native and progressive.
Native Apps:
- Platform-Specific: Designed for a single OS, offering optimal performance and UI integration. Requires separate development for each platform.
- Platform-Specific Languages and Tools: Leverages specific languages and tools for each OS, increasing development effort.
- Superior Performance and UI: Provides a smoother user experience due to direct access to OS features.
- Increased Development Effort: Building separate apps for each platform demands more time and resources.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs):
- Cross-Platform Framework: A single codebase runs across multiple platforms, including browsers and mobile devices.
- Single Code Language: Primarily uses JavaScript, rendered natively for each platform.
- Framework-Rendered UI: While offering cross-platform compatibility, PWAs may sacrifice some native performance and UI fluidity.
Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each is crucial when developing cross-platform applications.
7 Steps to Manually Build a Cross-Platform App
Before opting for a no-code solution, understanding the manual app development process is valuable.
- Choose a Framework: Select a cross-platform framework like React Native, Flutter, Ionic, Xamarin, or NativeScript to streamline development. Each framework has unique strengths and weaknesses.
- Set up Development Environment: Configure your chosen IDE (Android Studio, Xcode, or Visual Studio) based on your target platforms.
- Design UI/UX Mockups: Create visual representations of your app's interface and user flow, considering mobile accessibility and optimal user experience.
- Write Shared Business Logic: Develop the core logic that governs data exchange between the database and UI, ensuring consistent functionality across platforms.
- Access Native Features Using Framework APIs: Leverage framework APIs to tap into platform-specific features, enhancing the user experience.
- Test on Both Platforms: Rigorously test your app on both Android and iOS to ensure seamless performance and identify any bugs or issues.
- Publish to the App Stores: Prepare your app for launch, including marketing materials and user reviews, before submitting it to the App Store and Google Play Store.
Using a No-Code App Builder to Create an Android/iOS App
No-code app builders offer a simpler alternative to manual development.
- Create a Wireframe: Outline the app's structure, appearance, and screen functionality.
- Select a Pre-Built Template: Choose a template that aligns with your wireframe and design preferences.
- Choose Your Features: Integrate pre-built modules like push notifications, image galleries, and social media integrations.
- Publish Your App: Test thoroughly and submit your app to the app stores for approval.
Building Your Cross-Platform App with Defx
Creating a cross-platform app for both app stores requires planning, but is entirely achievable. Expanding your app's reach to both platforms maximizes market penetration and profitability.
While manual development or hiring a developer are options, no-code app builders offer a more accessible route.
Defx empowers you to design native-feeling cross-platform apps without the complexities of native development. Our drag-and-drop templates, pre-built features, tutorials, and seamless integrations enable rapid app development. Test your app with our integrated preview tool, incorporate features like media galleries and event listings, and launch your app quickly and efficiently.
Explore Defx with a 14-day free trial and experience the power of no-code app development.
Building Apps for Android and iOS: FAQ
How much does it cost to create an app for iOS and Android?
Developing a mobile application can range from $16,000 for a simple app to $72,000 for a complex one. Retaining a US app developer can cost approximately $105,000 annually. However, these costs are not always necessary.
How can I make an app for Android and iOS for free?
No-code app builders like Defx allow you to create apps without coding skills, often offering free trials.
What’s the difference between an iOS App and an Android App?
Key differences include programming languages, development environments, and app store submission processes. However, these differences don't prevent you from building a single app compatible with both platforms.
See More
Contact Us
Let’s make your Idea into Reality
Let's Talk
© Copyright DEFX. All Rights Reserved
GoodFirms ★ 4.2
Clutch ★ 4.2
Google ★ 4.2