Cross-platform and hybrid app development
We build cross-platform apps on Flutter and React Native: one codebase gives you apps for iOS and Android. This is usually less expensive and faster than two native apps. We take care of the design, programming and publishing to the App Store and Google Play.
How we build Flutter and React Native apps
01
What cross-platform development is
Cross-platform development means building an app for iOS and Android on a shared codebase instead of two separate apps, as in native development. Versions for both systems are built from one project, and access to the camera, location, push notifications and other smartphone features is provided by ready-made plugins or native modules in Swift and Kotlin. We build cross-platform apps on Flutter and React Native.
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Benefits and limitations
Cross-platform app development suits online stores, delivery services, online booking, loyalty programs, customer personal accounts and other services.
Benefits
- a shared codebase for iOS and Android, so development is usually less expensive and faster than building two native apps;
- versions for iPhone and Android smartphones can be released at the same time and with the same features;
- we make fixes and add new features in the shared code, so once the update is released in the App Store and Google Play, the changes appear in both versions;
- we connect the camera, location and push notifications through ready-made modules shared by iOS and Android.
Limitations
If there is no ready-made module for a smartphone feature, we program it separately for iOS and for Android. This most often applies to home screen widgets, new iOS and Android capabilities right after their release and connections to specialized hardware.
When you need native development
We recommend native development for iOS or for Android if the app:
- processes camera video in real time, for example applies filters or recognizes objects;
- displays complex 3D graphics or animation;
- connects to payment terminals, scanners or other hardware through manufacturer libraries;
- must run constantly in the background, for example to track a workout;
- is needed for only one platform.
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Flutter or React Native
Both technologies suit most apps, but they build the interface differently. We suggest which one to choose after the brief: it depends on the design and features of the app and on what your website is built with.
Flutter app development
Flutter is an open-source framework from Google, and apps are written in Dart. Flutter builds the interface from its own elements rather than standard iOS and Android components, so the app looks the same on both platforms. We recommend Flutter if you need a custom design in your brand style or complex animation.
React Native app development
React Native is an open-source framework from Meta, and apps are written in JavaScript or TypeScript. React Native uses standard iOS and Android interface elements, so buttons, scrolling and input fields behave the way iPhone and Android smartphone owners expect. We recommend React Native if a familiar interface on each platform matters or your website is built with React (a library for web interfaces): part of the website code, such as data exchange with the server, can be reused in the app.
04
How we build Flutter and React Native apps
We design, program, test and publish the cross-platform app for iOS and Android.
Design for two platforms
We create one app design in your brand style: a prototype and screen mockups shared by iPhone and Android smartphones, so the app looks the same on both platforms.
Shared code and native modules
We program the app on Flutter or React Native: one codebase produces versions for iOS and Android. If there is no ready-made module for a smartphone feature, we write that feature in Swift for the iPhone and in Kotlin for Android.
Website and server connection
If you have a website, the app gets data through its API. If there is no API, we add one to the website. If there is no website or it cannot be extended, we develop a backend on Laravel or Django that stores the app content, lets you manage it and exchanges data with your internal systems or services.
Testing on iOS and Android
We test each version on several iPhone and Android smartphone models with different screen sizes and system versions: we check the screens, payment, push notifications, camera and location. Before publishing, you install test versions on your smartphones through TestFlight and Google Play closed testing.
Publishing to both stores
We release the app to the App Store and Google Play under your developer accounts and guide it through the Apple and Google review.
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Cross-platform development cost
The cost of a cross-platform app depends on the scope of work. In addition to the general factors from the mobile app development page, the following matter for a cross-platform app:
One or both platforms at launch. For each platform, we adjust the app to its specifics and store rules, test it on smartphones of that platform and publish it to the App Store or Google Play, so launching on iOS and Android at once increases the scope of work
Platform-specific interface. If the screens on iOS and Android must follow the rules of their own platform rather than a shared design, we design and program some elements in two versions, so the scope of work grows
Features without ready-made modules. We program and test each such feature separately for iOS and for Android, so the scope of work grows
Tablet version. Elements are arranged differently on a large screen, so we additionally design, program and test screens for the iPad and Android tablets
Migrating an existing app. If the app already runs on Swift or Kotlin, we rebuild its screens and logic on Flutter or React Native, so the scope of work depends on the size of the existing app
We give a preliminary estimate after the brief.
Discuss a task06
Cross-platform development FAQ
01How is a cross-platform app different from a hybrid app?
A hybrid app is a set of web pages inside a wrapper program (WebView) that users install from the App Store and Google Play. Flutter and React Native apps build their interface without web pages, so they usually run faster and more smoothly. Such apps are sometimes also called hybrid, but the correct term is cross-platform.
02How much less expensive is a cross-platform app than two native ones?
Programming costs less: screens and features are written in one codebase for iOS and Android instead of two separate ones. A prototype, design, backend and testing are needed in both cases, so the overall savings are smaller than the savings on programming. We calculate the difference for your project after the brief.
03Can we publish the app to only the App Store or only Google Play first?
Yes. From the shared codebase, you can release one version first and the second one later. For the second version, the remaining work is mostly testing and publishing. If the app has features without ready-made modules, we program them separately for the second platform.
04Can you improve a Flutter or React Native app built by another team?
Yes. We will need the app source code and access to your App Store and Google Play developer accounts. If we also work on the backend, we need its code. We review the code and suggest the most cost-effective option: improving the current version, rewriting individual parts or building the app from scratch.
05Can we switch to native development later?
Yes. We program the iOS and Android apps from scratch and keep the existing backend and API. If needed, we adapt the design to the Apple and Google interface guidelines.
06Can you move our native app to Flutter or React Native?
Yes. We review your app code and propose a migration plan. We release the new Flutter or React Native version as an update of the same app in the App Store and Google Play, so the app keeps its ratings and reviews. We will need access to your developer accounts.
07How long does cross-platform development take?
The timeline depends on the same factors as the cost, on how quickly you approve the stages and on the Apple and Google review. We state the timeline for our work together with the cost estimate. To get the app into the stores sooner, we suggest first releasing a version with core features only and adding the rest in updates.
08Do you provide technical support after launch?
Yes. We provide technical support after launch: we respond to requests within one hour during business hours and fix critical failures outside business hours, if your plan includes this. We update Flutter or React Native and third-party modules for new iOS and Android versions and App Store and Google Play rules, fix bugs and develop new features. Learn more: “mobile app technical support”.
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Order a cross-platform app
Why clients choose RIVERIT as their cross-platform app development company:
- 100+ projects since 2015. They include websites, portals and mobile apps for businesses.
- Flutter and React Native in one team. We develop on both technologies, so we recommend the one that better suits the design and features of your app. We build the backend on Laravel or Django if needed.
- We dig into your business. We study the market, business processes and competitors and plan the user path so the cross-platform app brings you profit.
- Managed AI-assisted development. A framework defines the architecture, and tests check every change.
- Connected to your website and server. We maintain websites and administer servers, so the Flutter or React Native app works with them as one system.
- Dedicated manager. The manager is responsible for the progress of the work and agrees on the stages with you.
To order a cross-platform app or improvements to an existing one, describe your task in the form below. After the brief, we will recommend Flutter, React Native or native development. For an existing app, we will propose an improvement plan.
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