Native App
A native app is a software program that is developed for use on a particular platform or device. Because a native app is built for use on a particular device and its OS, it can use device-specific hardware and software. Native apps can provide optimized performance and take advantage of the latest technology, such as a GPS, compared to web apps or mobile cloud apps developed to be generic across multiple systems. Native apps are smartphone apps specifically designed for a particular operating system—iOS or Android. The advantage of choosing a native app is that it is the fastest and most reliable when it comes to user experience. Native apps are built using an operating system’s SDKs and can also interact with all of the device features, such as the microphone, camera, GPS, device storage, etc.
The disadvantage, however, is related to development and maintenance costs. A bigger budget is required if you want to build your app for multiple platforms also relates to any ongoing updates needed to keep your native app updated.
The biggest advantages to native apps are that they can normally access all the functionality of the chosen device easily and that they are more likely if developed properly, to run without error on the device. Many companies will develop their app for a single operating system when they choose the native route. If the app is successful in that environment, they will then go back and recreate it for other operating systems.
