What are Native Apps ?

« Back to Glossary Index

Native apps are Software programs, which are designed for use on a specific Platform, or for a specific (mobile) device develops were.

Because they are developed for use on a specific device and its operating system, they have the ability to use device-specific hardware and software. The Advantage of these apps lies in the fact that, compared to web apps, or mobile Cloud-Apps performance optimized are. Therefore, you can take advantage of the latest technologies of each platform.

Native apps and their platforms

Typical platforms of Native Apps are for example Mac and PC. Thus, you can find pre-installed and configured apps like Photos, Mail or Contacts on every Mac. In the context of Mobile Web Apps however, the term Native Apps is used to refer to any application written to work on a specific device platform.

The two Main platforms for mobile operating systems are Apple's iOS and Google's Android. The Native Apps are already written in the code that is used for the device and its operating system in advance. The apps can work faster and more flexibly than others because they work with the device's operating system. When the app is marketed to users of different device types, developers create a separate app version for each.

For example, the Facebook app was once used in HTML5 to be able to use the same code for iOS, Android and Mobile Web. However, as this made the app slower for iOS users, a separate code was written for the iOS version.

Examples of Native Apps

The apps have the option - by using certain resources - to quickly access several services on a device at the same time. This includes the microphone, the acceleration sensor or push notifications, for example. Examples of native apps range from navigation programs like Google Maps, to social apps like Twitter, to games.

A famous example of a native apps game is Pokémon Go. It efficiently accesses system functionalities - GPS for location, the camera for augmented reality, and the accelerometer to measure acceleration - for an optimal user experience. Pokémon Go can also take advantage of push notifications that aim to bring users back into the game over time.

« Back to Glossary Index

FAQ

What are native apps?

Native apps, also called native applications or local apps, are applications developed for a specific operating system. They are usually installed directly on the device and can run without an Internet connection.

Why use native apps?

Native apps offer many advantages: they are more powerful than browser apps, enable a better user experience, and allow developers to focus on the specific operating system, which guarantees a more stable app.

How are native apps designed?

Native apps are developed using programming languages such as Swift (iOS) and Java (Android). They also require understanding the technology and interfaces of the respective operating system, such as notifications or camera APIs.

How do native apps differ from other types of apps?

Unlike native apps, web apps, cross-platform apps, and hybrid apps are not developed for a specific operating system. They can run on multiple platforms and usually run directly in the browser.

What are the costs associated with developing a native app?

The cost of developing a native app can vary widely depending on what features are needed. In general, native apps are more expensive than other types of apps because of the programming work required and the platform specification.

Can you develop native apps yourself?

Yes, it is possible to develop a native app yourself if you have the right programming skills. However, it is usually better to leave the job to a professional developer to get the best result.

Is there a unified interface for all native apps?

No, native apps do not have a uniform interface, unlike cross-platform apps. The design and features of each native app are shaped by the operating system and the personal preferences of the developer.

Can native apps run on any device?

No, native apps are each optimized for a specific operating system and therefore cannot be ported to other devices.

What are the advantages of native apps over web apps?

Native apps are more powerful, provide a better user experience, and allow developers to focus on the specific features of the operating system. Web apps, on the other hand, are easier to develop and update, but they are not as powerful or user-friendly as native apps.

How to install native apps on a device?

Native apps can be downloaded and installed via the respective app platform of the operating system (e.g. App Store for iOS and Google Play Store for Android). The installation is done via the platform that the user's device uses.

With top positions to the new sales channel.

Let Google work for you, because visitors become customers.

Niels Stuck

Niels Stuck has 10 years of SEO experience and is the founder of the SEO agency "WOLF OF SEO". He gained practical experience by building 20+ affiliate sites alongside his marketing studies. Finally, he wrote his bachelor thesis about the influence of SEO on Google rankings, traffic and sales development in the form of a case study. Today, he specializes in e-commerce SEO and helps more than 80 companies build a sustainable organic revenue channel through SEO. Niels advises startups, established brands and corporations in search engine optimization of their online stores and primarily focuses on data-based content strategies and link building. He shares his knowledge about SEO and online marketing in this blog, as a speaker at conferences, in podcasts and as a guest author for OMT, Forbes, Starting Up and many more platforms.

All contributions

Social Media & Links: