Cross-Platform App Development
Cross-platform development builds one app that runs on both iOS and Android. Using React Native and Expo, we create native-feeling applications for both platforms from a single codebase - dramatically reducing development time and cost while maintaining quality.
Why Choose Cross-Platform
Cost Efficiency
Get both platforms for roughly 60% of the cost of building them separately. One codebase means one development effort.
Faster Delivery
Single development cycle, unified testing, and simultaneous platform releases. Coordinated update schedules.
Consistent Experience
Uniform features across platforms. Same business logic, synchronized user experience, same functionality everywhere.
Simplified Maintenance
One codebase to update. Single bug fix addresses both platforms. Unified feature additions and streamlined QA.
Our Cross-Platform Stack
React Native and Expo for efficient, high-quality development
React Native
Single codebase for both iOS and Android, battle-tested at scale by Instagram, Facebook, and Discord.
Expo Framework
Rapid development with Expo's streamlined workflow, build services, and over-the-air updates.
Native Modules
Access native iOS and Android features when needed through native module integration.
Hot Reloading
Faster development iteration with instant feedback during the build process.
Code Sharing
Share significant code with React web applications for maximum efficiency.
OTA Updates
Update apps without app store review for bug fixes and minor improvements.
Is Cross-Platform Right For You?
For 90%+ of business applications, cross-platform delivers equivalent results
Cross-Platform Is Ideal For
- Business apps and customer portals
- eCommerce mobile stores
- Content and media apps
- Social and community apps
- Productivity tools
- Companion apps to web platforms
- MVP and market testing
- Resource-constrained teams
Consider Native When
- Graphics-intensive games
- AR/VR experiences
- Deep hardware integration
- Maximum performance critical
- Platform-specific showcase apps
- Budget allows separate teams
What Gets Shared vs Platform-Specific
We maximize code sharing while respecting where platforms genuinely differ. Write once, then adapt where needed.
Shared (90%+)
Platform-Specific
Maximum efficiency, native results
Framework Comparison
React Native wins for most projects due to ecosystem size and web development synergy
| Framework | Our Assessment | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| React Native | Mature, large ecosystem, web code sharing | Primary Choice |
| Flutter | Good option, smaller ecosystem, Dart learning curve | - |
| Xamarin | Microsoft ecosystem, C# requirement | - |
| Ionic/Cordova | Web wrapper, not truly native | - |
Skip the app store for small fixes
A Major Cross-Platform Advantage
Over-the-air updates through Expo enable rapid iteration without waiting for app store reviews.
What OTA Enables
- Bug fixes without app store review
- Minor feature additions instantly
- A/B testing capabilities
- Rapid iteration cycles
Still Requires Store Updates
- Native module changes
- New permissions
- Major feature additions
Cross-Platform Development Process
Discovery
Define requirements for both platforms and identify shared vs platform-specific needs.
Design
Create designs respecting both iOS and Android patterns and guidelines.
Development
Build shared core with maximum code reuse, then platform branches where needed.
Testing
Test on both iOS and Android devices, then beta via TestFlight and Internal Testing.
Launch
Coordinated or staggered release to App Store and Play Store with unified maintenance.
Cross-Platform Connects to Everything
Your cross-platform app integrates with web development, design, and analytics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will users know it's cross-platform?
No. Users experience native iOS or Android apps. The cross-platform nature is invisible to end users.
Can you add a feature for just one platform?
Yes. Platform-specific features are supported when needed (Apple Watch, Android widgets, etc.).
What if we only want to launch on one platform first?
Cross-platform is still beneficial - launching on the second platform later requires minimal additional work.
How do updates work?
Minor updates can be pushed over-the-air to both platforms simultaneously. Major updates go through respective app stores.
Can you work with our existing backend?
Yes. React Native apps connect to any standard API. We can work with your existing backend or build a new one.
What about app size?
React Native apps are slightly larger than minimal native apps but comparable to feature-rich native apps. Typically 20-50MB depending on features.