Apps in brief
An app (short for application) is application software that people use on smartphones, tablets, or other devices. Apps differ from classic websites: they are often distributed or installed via app stores (iOS, Android), offer an optimised experience on mobile devices, and can use device features such as camera, GPS, or push notifications. Apps can be built natively (platform-specific), as web apps, or as cross-platform solutions.
How does an app work?
Apps are installed on the device or loaded in the browser. Native apps use the platform’s languages and frameworks (iOS: Swift; Android: Kotlin/Java). Web apps and PWAs are based on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Cross-platform frameworks such as React Native or Flutter compile shared code to platform-specific execution—one codebase, two platforms.
- Installation & distribution:Native apps are delivered via the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Web apps and PWAs are reachable via URL and can optionally be installed on the home screen.
- Device features:Native and cross-platform apps can use camera, GPS, sensors, push notifications, and offline storage. Web apps have more limited access—PWAs extend what is possible.
- Updates:Store apps are updated through the stores. Web apps and PWAs are updated on the server—users always see the latest version.
App types at a glance
The right app type depends on your requirements, budget, and audience. Native apps offer maximum quality; cross-platform and PWAs are often more cost-efficient while still delivering a strong user experience.
Native app
Built specifically for one platform (iOS or Android) with Swift/Kotlin or native frameworks. Maximum performance and access to all device features (camera, GPS, push). Must be published in app stores. Higher effort for two platforms: two separate codebases.
Web app
Runs in the browser; no installation required. Built with HTML, CSS, JavaScript—reachable via URL. One codebase for all devices. Trade-off: limited access to device features and less of an “app feel” than native apps. Ideal for simpler applications or as a complement to your website.
Progressive Web App (PWA)
A web app with app-like capabilities: usable offline, installable on the home screen, push notifications. One codebase; no app-store approval required. A good balance between reach and experience. Google and many modern browsers support PWAs.
Hybrid / cross-platform app
One codebase for iOS and Android—e.g. with React Native, Flutter, or Xamarin. Much cheaper than two native apps. Near-native performance and device access are possible—a balance between effort and quality, often the best fit for medium-sized projects.
App vs. website—differences
Websites are reachable in the browser without installation. Apps can be installed, often perform better on mobile devices, and can access device features. A website reaches all devices with one URL; an app must be built for each platform or delivered as a PWA. For many businesses a responsive website is enough; apps pay off when you need repeat use, offline features, or complex interactions.
- Reach:Websites are discoverable immediately via search engines and links. Apps require a download or app-store search.
- Engagement:Apps on the home screen increase visibility and allow push notifications. Websites reach users without installation.
- Development cost:One website serves all devices. Native apps for iOS and Android double the effort—cross-platform reduces cost.
App development—technologies
Building an app requires planning, design, programming, and testing. For native apps: Swift (iOS) and Kotlin (Android). For cross-platform: React Native (JavaScript/TypeScript), Flutter (Dart), or Xamarin (.NET). For web apps and PWAs: HTML, CSS, JavaScript—often with frameworks like React or Vue. The choice depends on complexity, budget, and target platforms.
- React Native:One codebase for iOS and Android, large community, solid performance. A good fit if you already have web expertise.
- Flutter:Developed by Google; one codebase for iOS, Android, web, and desktop. Fast performance and its own UI toolkit.
- PWA:Web technologies; no app-store approval. Suited for content, e-commerce, and tools with moderate scope.
Apps for businesses
Companies use apps for customer retention, internal processes, e-commerce, or services. A well-planned app can strengthen brand awareness, expand channels, or streamline workflows. Important: clear audience, defined value, and realistic budgeting. Often a PWA or cross-platform app is the best entry point—less effort than two native apps, still a professional result.
- Customer apps:Ordering, booking, support, loyalty programmes—a direct channel to users.
- Internal apps:Workflows, inventory, time tracking—mobile access to company data.
- MVP:Start with a minimum viable product—core features first, then extend based on feedback.
Apps—summary
An app is application software for mobile or desktop devices—with different types: native, web, PWA, or cross-platform. The choice depends on your goals, budget, and audience. For many projects a cross-platform app or PWA is the most sensible option—one codebase, multiple platforms, professional UX.
IVIS MEDIA builds tailored apps for iOS, Android, and the web—from concept and cross-platform development with React Native through to release. We advise on platform, technology, and delivery. More about app development.
Frequently asked questions about apps
What is an app?
An app (application) is application software for smartphones, tablets, or other devices. Apps are installed or loaded in the browser, offer an optimised experience, and can use features like camera or GPS. Types: native, web app, PWA, cross-platform.
What is a Progressive Web App?
A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a website that behaves like an app: it can work offline, be installed on the home screen, and support push notifications. PWAs use web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), need no app-store approval, and work across devices with one codebase. Ideal for e-commerce, content, and tools.
What is a native app?
A native app is built for a specific platform (iOS or Android) using that platform’s languages—Swift for iOS, Kotlin or Java for Android. Native apps use device features optimally, deliver maximum performance, and match the platform look and feel. Downside: two separate codebases for iOS and Android.
What is a web app?
A web app runs in the browser—no installation via an app store. Built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript; reachable via a URL. One codebase for all devices. Web apps have more limited access to device features than native apps. Suited for simple tools or as a complement to your website.
What is a cross-platform app?
A cross-platform app is built with one shared codebase for multiple platforms (iOS, Android, sometimes web). Frameworks like React Native, Flutter, or Xamarin compile to platform-specific binaries. Benefit: much lower effort than two native apps; near-native quality is possible. Ideal for medium-sized projects with limited budget.
What is a hybrid app?
A hybrid app combines web technologies with a native shell: content is HTML/CSS/JavaScript shown in a WebView inside a native app. Tools like Cordova or Capacitor expose device APIs. Hybrid apps are cheaper than fully native apps but often perform worse. Cross-platform frameworks like React Native have largely replaced hybrid approaches.
What is the difference between a native app and a hybrid app?
Native app: built for one platform (iOS or Android), maximum performance and full feature access. Two codebases for two platforms. Hybrid/cross-platform: one codebase for iOS and Android (e.g. React Native, Flutter). Cheaper; near-native quality is possible.
What is a PWA?
A PWA (Progressive Web App) is a web app with app-like features: offline use, home-screen install, push notifications. One codebase; no app-store approval. A good balance between reach and experience. Fits many businesses.
What is Flutter?
Flutter is Google’s open-source framework for cross-platform apps. With one codebase in Dart you can build for iOS, Android, web, and desktop. Flutter uses its own UI layer for consistent design across platforms. Known for fast development and strong performance.
What does app development cost?
Costs vary widely: simple apps from roughly €10k–20k, mid-complexity cross-platform apps €30k–80k, complex native apps €80k and up. Factors: platforms (iOS, Android, web), scope, design, maintenance. An MVP reduces initial cost.
App or website—what do I need?
Website: for information, contact, simple features—often enough and cheaper. App: when you need repeat use, offline features, push notifications, complex interactions, or presence in the app stores. A PWA can bridge both.
What is React Native?
React Native is Meta/Facebook’s framework for cross-platform apps. One JavaScript/TypeScript codebase for iOS and Android. Large community, solid performance, reuse of web skills. Widely used by companies and products.
Do I need the app store for my app?
Native and cross-platform iOS/Android apps are distributed via the App Store and Google Play—users find and install them there. Web apps and PWAs do not require a store: they are reachable via URL and optionally installable. PWAs avoid store fees and review processes.
What is an MVP for apps?
An MVP (minimum viable product) is an app version with the core features—just enough to deliver value and collect feedback. An MVP shortens time to market and cost, enables early validation, and sets you up for iterative expansion. Common for startups and new product ideas.