If you have explored the process of developing a custom application, you have undoubtedly encountered the phrase “cross-platform” before. Cross-platform can mean different things depending on the context. In computing, it usually refers to software designed to work on multiple platforms. However, in the app development community, “cross-platform app development” often refers to “write once, run everywhere” frameworks intended to simplify the app development process.
In recent years, we have worked with various cross-platform frameworks and platform-provided languages and toolsets. With the release of iOS 16.4 and the enablement of native push notifications for iOS web apps, we believe that web apps, specifically Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), are the solution for most businesses. This approach offers cost savings and reduced ongoing maintenance compared to traditional cross-platform methods.
What is Your Long-term Goal?
Developing a mobile app requires significant preparation and planning. When potential clients mention “cross-platform,” they typically want to ensure that the app can be efficiently brought to other computing platforms, making it more cost-effective. This mindset is crucial when starting a development project. However, there are two ways to approach this: cross-platform frameworks or adopting a cross-platform strategy that focuses on web apps.
The Rise of Web Apps
With the introduction of iOS 16.4, native push notifications have become available for iOS web apps, making PWAs a more attractive and cost-effective solution for businesses. By focusing on web apps, businesses can save on development and maintenance costs compared to using cross-platform frameworks.
Downsides to Cross Platform Frameworks
From a developer’s perspective, cross-platform frameworks may seem like an obvious choice. However, using these frameworks often requires adherence to specific tools and libraries, which can introduce limitations and pose risks in terms of dependency on third-party frameworks. Additionally, many cross-platform options result in apps that lack the quality of fully native apps. The benefits of cross-platform frameworks are primarily for developers and often come with a steep learning curve, negating any potential cost savings.
Having a Cross Platform Strategy
With all the headaches and compatibility errors that comes with trying to make cross platform frameworks work, is much more efficient to code directly into the latest developer language is provided by the platform creator. Our strategy is to use Swift for iOS and Kotlin for Android. These phone coding languages, along with HTML5, allows us the most agility to launch into other platforms like iPad, Apple Watch, tvOS, Smart TVs, Amazon Fire Tablets, and even Windows PCs. For most of our clients, a website is central and imperative to their overall business and marketing strategies. We specifically build our website platform in such a manner that our clients can easily and affordably extend into native applications in any way that they need to in the future.
A Cross-Platform Strategy Embracing Web Apps
Given the challenges and compatibility issues associated with cross-platform frameworks, it is more efficient to code directly in the latest developer languages provided by the platform creator. Our strategy involves using Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android, and focusing on web apps to achieve the most agility in launching on other platforms like iPad, Apple Watch, tvOS, Smart TVs, Amazon Fire Tablets, and even Windows PCs. For most clients, a website is central and crucial to their overall business and marketing strategies. We build our website platforms to allow clients to easily and affordably extend into web apps in the future.
Let’s Get Started!
Implementing a strategy like this requires forward-thinking and making specific decisions early in your business’s life. It’s never too late to course-correct or set things up the right way! Contact us today to set up a FREE app consultation and explore the benefits of web apps in the era of iOS 16.4 and beyond.
