Learn More About The Different Mobile App Options
Apple iOS and Android mobile applications have dominated the market for the past several years, but Progressive Web Apps have essentially caught up in both popularity and functionality. Native apps and PWAs each have their place though, and it’s important to understand the Pros and Cons.
What is the difference between a Native app & a pwa
A native mobile application is coded to be installed on and run in a specific operating system. In other words, developers must code the app to function within the iPhone iOS or the Android operating system. This means that in order to serve your entire audience with a native app, you would have to essentially have two applications developed (iOS an Android account for 99% of smartphone users). Android native apps are coded primarily using Java, and iOS native apps are built with Objective-C and Swift (programming languages). Native apps are mostly downloaded from Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and must be installed to be used.
Progressive Web Applications, or PWAs, are essentially mobile websites that look and feel like a native mobile application. As technology advances, PWAs continue to provide virtually all of the functionality that was once exclusive to native mobile apps. A PWA does not have to be installed onto a phone in order to function, and users can easily maintain an app icon on their home screen to access it (the same way they can access a native app). From a cost perspective, it is less expensive to develop a PWA. This is because the app must be coded only once, but both iOS and Android users can access it (since it is web based). PWAs are also more secure than normal mobile websites, since they must run on HTTPS.
what is required to publish an app in apple & Google play stores?
Apple: To publish a native mobile app in the Apple App Store, a business must create a developer account. Apple charges $99 a year for this, and they also require the business to have a Dunn & Bradstreet (D&B) number (business identity number), also known as a DUNS number.
Google: A business must also create a developer account to publish to the Play Store, as well as pay a one time fee of $25 to Google.
Both app stores have quality guidelines and rules that a mobile app submission must align with in order to be approved.
what is the difference between a pwa and a mobile friendly website?
A mobile friendly website has shifted from “nice to have” to “must have” as a result of the explosion of smart phone and tablet use across the world. Any website owner who wants to survive and thrive must have a website that is easy to view, navigate, and use from a mobile device.
That being said, a Progressive Web App (PWA) is very different than a website that is simply mobile friendly. PWAs offer navigation and functionality on a whole new level. They are much more similar to native mobile apps in their appearance and usability. Both native apps and PWAs are powerful brand portals, in that they house all of a company’s digital assets in one convenient, easy to use place.
Mobile apps provide customers an efficient way to message a business, make payments, schedule appointments, earn loyalty rewards for repeat business, view the latest content, digitally sign forms, and much more. From the perspective of the business owner, a properly developed mobile application can streamline numerous daily operations, as well as create a highly effective marketing channel.
What are the ongoing costs to maintain a mobile app?
In addition to Apple’s annual developer account fee of $99, the typical monthly costs to maintain a mobile app (hosting and updates) can range between $50 to $200.
Custom mobile app development typically costs tens of thousands of dollars. how can vangarde applications do it for so much less?
There are a few reasons for this. First, our team is decentralized, meaning we do not have the high overhead involved with maintaining a large commercial office. Additionally, we use the latest in coding software to cut the development timeline down from several months to one month. Using this process, our team can remain lean and efficient. Many of the functionality features that we offer are, in a manner of speaking, “pre-coded,” which heavily contributes to our efficiency. We invite you to research the developer options out there. You will find most start at $10-20k.
Why Would Customers Use My Mobile App?
A key question that must be answered before developing your branded mobile app, is “why would anyone download or use it?” Customers must be incentivized to use your app. There are many ways to accomplish this, such as loyalty reward programs, easy appointment booking, and online ordering, to name a few.
What Are The Advantages Of Native Mobile Apps?
There is a trust factor when users download your app from the well known Apple and Google app stores, especially considering the quality and security standards that they uphold for listed apps. When your brand is listed in the two powerhouse app marketplaces, you can expect a boost in brand authority and consumer confidence.
What Are The Pros & Cons Of A Progressive Web App (PWA)
Progressive Web Applications have many advantages that make them an enticing alternative to native app development. A PWA only has to be coded/developed once, because it can be used on any mobile operating system, which can reduce development costs significantly.
PWA development essentially bypasses the hurdles involved with publishing an app, since it does not need to be listed in the App Stores (PWAs use the phone’s browser to run).
Another benefit is the fact that users don’t have to download anything to use the app. Native mobile applications must be installed and frequently updated, and they occupy space (memory) on a consumer’s smartphone. PWAs are ready for use with none of these obstacles.
Now, there is one key negative from the perspective of the business owner. One of the most powerful marketing functions of a mobile application is the fact that the owner can send out “push notifications” at any point, and reach around 90% of their mobile app users.
While this can be done with PWAs on Android devices, Apple iOS has yet to allow it. This means that you would be limited to sending out your promotional messages and alerts to Android users (for now).