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Mobile application development: how to choose a platform and tools

Mobile app development continues to gain popularity as smartphones become the main way to interact with the digital world. In 2024, the number of mobile app users continues to grow, and businesses are increasingly asking themselves: which platform should they target — Android or iOS? In addition, technology development allows you to create cross-platform solutions using tools such as React Native and Flutter, which can significantly speed up the development process.

In this post, we will look at how to choose a development platform, discuss the trends of 2024 and the best tools for cross-platform development.

When developing a mobile application, one of the first decisions that needs to be made is the choice of a platform. Here are a few key factors that will help you make the right choice:

1.1. Target audience. The choice of platform largely depends on what kind of audience you want to attract. Android has global market dominance and is especially popular in developing countries such as India, Brazil and many Asian countries. If your product is aimed at a mass audience, Android is a good choice.

iOS, in turn, dominates markets such as the USA, Canada, Japan and Western European countries. iOS users are more likely to pay for apps and make in-app purchases, which makes this platform attractive for premium products and services.

1.2. Development time and cost. Development for iOS is usually faster and less expensive in terms of testing, since iPhone and iPad devices have a limited number of models. This allows you to quickly adapt the application for each model.

Android, on the other hand, has many devices with different characteristics, which can increase testing and development time. However, the Android platform provides developers with more customization and integration options.

1.3. Monetization. If your business plan includes monetization through in-app purchases or subscriptions, iOS may be the best choice, as iPhone users are more likely to spend money in apps. For monetization through advertising, Android is also a good choice, given the large user base.

1.4. Functionality. If your application requires access to advanced device features such as NFC, sensors, or security systems, each platform offers its own unique capabilities. Android offers more freedom for deep integrations with the system, while iOS pays more attention to security and stability.

2.1. Artificial intelligence and machine learning. In 2024, the integration of AI and ML into mobile applications will become an important aspect. Applications with personalized content, chatbots, recommendation systems and voice assistants based on artificial intelligence will be actively developed. Such technologies allow you to increase the level of interaction with users, providing a more personalized experience.

2.2. Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) applications. AR and VR continue to find applications in various fields, from gaming to education and e-commerce. With the development of technology, devices are becoming more accessible, which opens up new opportunities for application developers. For example, AR-navigators, applications for fitting products and games with augmented reality elements will be actively developed.

2.3. Progressive Web Applications (PWA). PWA is a hybrid of websites and mobile applications that provide high download speeds, the ability to work offline and fast integration on any device. In 2024, they will gain popularity among developers, as they offer low development and support costs.

2.4. Low-power applications. Users are increasingly paying attention to the power consumption of applications. Code optimization and the use of cost-effective technologies will become a trend in 2024, as energy efficiency directly affects the user experience and the rating of applications in stores.

2.5. Development of applications for the Internet of Things (IoT). With the increase in the number of smart devices, the demand for applications that can control IoT devices is increasing. Such applications will be relevant for smart homes, smart cities, healthcare and other areas related to automation and remote management.

3.1. React NativeReact Native is a cross—platform framework developed by Facebook. It allows you to create mobile apps using JavaScript and React, and then compile them into native apps for iOS and Android. One of the main advantages of React Native is the ability to reuse up to 90% of the code between platforms.

Advantages of React Native:

  • Fast development thanks to the use of the familiar JavaScript language.
  • A wide ecosystem and many ready-made libraries.
  • The ability to integrate with native code if necessary.

React Native is great for creating simple and medium-complex applications with minimal differences between platforms.

3.2. FlutterFlutter is a cross—platform framework from Google that uses the Dart programming language. Flutter offers high performance due to its architecture: it does not use native components, but renders the application interface on its own.

Advantages of Flutter:

  • The ability to create beautiful, highly efficient user interfaces with rich animations.
  • High-speed applications thanks to rendering directly into the graphics engine.
  • A single code for iOS and Android without the need to create separate UI layers for each platform.

Flutter is especially popular among developers who value cross-platform visual consistency and performance.

The choice between Android and iOS depends on the target audience, monetization strategy and the specifics of your application. However, with the development of cross-platform tools such as React Native and Flutter, many companies prefer to create one application for two platforms at once, which reduces development time and costs.

Following current trends in mobile app development, such as the integration of AI, AR/VR and IoT, will help create more competitive products that meet user expectations in 2024.

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Nursultan Kabenov

Sept. 17, 2024 12:49

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Alexandr Timofeyev · Sept. 20, 2024 11:39

Хорошая статья. 👍

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Наталья Агишева · Sept. 19, 2024 09:56

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

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