5 common mistakes when choosing between a web app and a native app

Choosing between a native app (mobile app) and a web app is one of the first, but also one of the most crucial steps in developing a new app. Unfortunately, many companies get this choice wrong, which leads to unforeseen costs, delays and technical complications. In this article we go through five common mistakes to avoid when choosing between a web app and a native app.

1. Underestimating the extra work a native app takes

With traditional native development you have separate development phases for both iOS and Android, which means you need two development teams, or one team with in-depth knowledge of both platforms. If you use a cross-platform framework such as React Native, however, you can build for iOS and Android at the same time from a single codebase, which can cut development time and the maintenance burden considerably.

Supporting multiple versions of the operating systems can still take extra work and testing, but how much depends on the technology you choose.

Solution: if you do not need specific functionality that only native apps offer (such as deep hardware integration), consider a web app, a hybrid solution or a cross-platform framework such as React Native. That can save you a lot of time and money, while still giving you an app that works on both iOS and Android.

2. Underestimating the knowledge and expertise required

Building a native app calls for specific technical expertise. People often forget that native apps require knowledge of platform-specific programming languages and frameworks, such as Swift for iOS or Kotlin/Java for Android. Building a native app is therefore not just a matter of programming; it demands specialist knowledge of both platforms.

Your developers need specific iOS or Android skills to build apps effectively, which means you may have to invest in a team that knows both platforms.

Solution: if you choose a web app or a hybrid app, you can use general, platform-independent programming languages and frameworks, such as React Native.

3. The costs are often underestimated

Native apps are more expensive to build and maintain. It is not only the initial development: the ongoing costs of updates, maintenance and bug fixes can add up quickly. That is because native apps have to be updated regularly to stay compatible with new operating system versions. On top of that, you may need to work with different teams for iOS and Android.

• Web apps, on the other hand, have one codebase for all platforms, which lowers development and maintenance costs considerably. That makes a web app far more attractive for start-ups or smaller companies on a limited budget.

Solution: if your budget is limited, consider starting with a web app. It is often cheaper and easier to maintain in the long run. The money you save can then go into growth and expansion.

4. Assuming too quickly that you need a native app

One of the biggest mistakes companies make is assuming they absolutely need a native app, while a responsive web app is a perfectly good alternative in many cases. A web app lets you serve both desktop and mobile users from one codebase, and it is accessible through a browser. That makes it a flexible and fast solution for many situations.

• A responsive web app adapts automatically to the screen size of the device and offers the same experience to desktop and mobile users alike.
• If you do not need complex native functionality, such as working offline or advanced hardware integrations, a web app is often enough to reach your goals.

Solution: ask yourself whether your app really needs native functionality. If what you mainly want is quick access and broad compatibility, a web app or responsive design may already be enough.

5. Not taking ongoing support and updates into account

Choosing a native app can mean a lot of work, especially when it comes to maintenance and updates. Every time a new operating system is released (think of a new version of iOS or Android), you have to make sure your app stays compatible. That requires ongoing work and can be quite time-consuming, particularly if your app has to be updated for several platforms.

Unlike native apps, web apps are kept up to date automatically, without users having to do anything. All updates and improvements are applied straight away on the server, so you do not depend on users installing the latest version of the app.

Solution: if you do not have the time or the resources for constant maintenance across several platforms, consider a web app. It is a simpler way to keep your application up to date, and less time-consuming in the long run.

Conclusion: choose smart, choose deliberately

Choosing between a web app and a native app is not an easy decision. Both options have their advantages, but it is important to think carefully about the long-term costs, the expertise required, and the specific functionality your app needs. The most important thing is to avoid rushing into the easiest or most obvious option without seeing all of the implications.

Want to talk through what would work best in your situation? Get in touch. We are happy to help you make the right choice!