Mobile Apps
Cross-platform app development services
For most business apps, sharing code across iOS and Android is the sensible default. The harder question is which approach, and whether your app is one of the exceptions.
Building two separate native apps means two codebases, two sets of bugs and two teams to keep in step. Cross-platform development shares most of that work, which usually means lower cost and features arriving on both platforms at once. It doesn’t mean half the price, though. You still design, test and release for two platforms, each with its own store, rules and quirks.
Comparing the main options
| Approach | Shares | Often suits | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flutter | UI and logic | Custom, branded interfaces | Smaller hiring pool (Dart) |
| React Native | UI and logic | Teams with React skills | Third-party library quality |
| Kotlin Multiplatform | Logic, optionally UI | Keeping fully native interfaces | Needs native mobile skills |
| Progressive web app | Everything | Simple tools, no store needed | Limited device features, especially on iOS |
| Fully native | Nothing | Hardware-heavy, top-tier experience | Highest build and running cost |
How we’d decide
We look at four things: which device features you depend on, who will maintain the app in future, how custom the interface is, and how your budget compares with your ambitions. If you’ve got developers in-house, their skills may be the deciding factor. Pick what your team can sustain, not what’s winning this year’s framework debate.
What cross-platform solves
Two teams, two roadmaps
Features land on iOS and Android months apart, and users notice the differences.
A budget that won’t stretch to two apps
A shared codebase means the money goes further, particularly for a first release.
Bugs fixed twice
Every business-logic bug must be found and fixed in two separate codebases.
How we can help
Technology assessment
A short, written recommendation based on your features, team and budget, rather than our preferences.
Proof of concept
Testing the riskiest device feature on real phones before you commit.
Full app build
Design, development, testing and store submission for both platforms.
Consolidation
Combining two separate native apps into one codebase, without disrupting existing users.
Where it fits
- Most customer-facing business apps
- First releases testing a product idea
- Staff tools used on mixed device fleets
Technology
- Flutter
- React Native
- Kotlin Multiplatform
- Expo
- TypeScript
- Dart
- Fastlane
Cross-Platform Apps questions
Is cross-platform cheaper than native?
Will users be able to tell it isn’t native?
When is native still better?
Interested in Cross-Platform App Development?
Outline what you need, and we will reply by email with questions or next steps.