A mobile app is software specifically designed for portable devices such as tablets, smartphones, and smart watches.
A native app is made for a specific mobile Operating System, written in that system’s own native programming language. For Android, these languages are Kotlin and Java; for iOS, Objective-C and Swift are used. This approach allows the app to be optimized for the software as well as the hardware, thereby enabling the native apps to work as correctly and quickly as possible.
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A web app is a website adapted for mobile devices. Instead of launching from a smartphone or tablet’s built-in memory, it uses a browser.
Development consists of using standard web technologies such as JavaScript, CSS, and HTML. Most, if not all user data is stored in the cloud. A constant internet connection is required for it to operate, so performance depends directly on the speed and stability of that connection.
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A hybrid app combines some of the features of native and web apps. Like web apps, hybrid apps are developed in HTML5, JavaScript, and other web programming languages, so they can work on any device, regardless of the OS. All information gets processed through the built-in browser. And similar to native apps, they are uploaded exclusively to the official app store. They also have a broader functionality than web apps. They can access a device’s hardware to enable certain features.
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Despite some similarities, the development processes for iOS or Android platforms involve different System Development Kits, or SDKs for short, that allow you to create software for a specific technology.
In addition to selecting a platform and programming environment, it is worth considering the technical characteristics of the devices for which the software is being created.
The GPS, gyroscope, accelerometer, camera, Bluetooth, NFC and other hardware capabilities allow for features like QR and barcode scanners, object recognition, augmented and virtual reality, voice assistants, and various location-based services to be implemented.
In addition to current trends and preferences of the target audience, UI design should take into account the form factor and diagonals of mobile device screens so that an app can be comfortably used with one hand.
Testing is conducted at every stage of development. This allows for errors and problems with usability, design, functionality, performance, and security to be found and fixed in a timely manner.
Emulators allow for apps and their functionality to be tested in a development environment and on devices that are not physically accessible. Beta testing involves outside testing with real users who can then provide feedback.
When all bugs have been fixed, it's time to enter the market.
The placement rules and verification processes are different for each digital store. It could take several days or even months depending on the app’s quality and how well it complies with the platform’s recommendations.
Google Play is the official app store for Android devices. In the first quarter of 2021, there were 3.48 million apps on Google Play, up 10% from early 2020.
Developer accounts cost $25. Effective January 1, 2022, Google has reduced the sales commission for paid apps from 30% to 15%.
The App Store is the marketplace for iOS-based devices. According to the analytical firm, Business of Apps, there were 3.6 million apps on the App Store as of the end of 2021.
Developer accounts cost $99 per year. Beginning on July 1, 2021, all developers who make less than $1 million a year from their app will pay a 15% commission instead of the current 30%.
Amazon Appstore is an app store created by Amazon for the Android and Fire operating systems. In the first quarter of 2021, the Amazon Appstore had 460,619 apps available.
The commission is 20% for developers who earn less than $1 million per year from their hosted app, and 30% for everyone else.
AppGallery is Huawei’s digital distribution store. It allows Android and Harmony devices to download and install apps. The store comes preloaded on Huawei’s HONOR smartphones. In the first quarter of 2021, Huawei reported more than 530 million active AppGallery users worldwide. Plus, there are 2.3 million app developers registered on the store.
AppGallery doesn’t charge a commission from developers for their first year on the platform, and app promotion is free. Starting from the second year, the commission for educational apps is 10%, and 15% for all others.