Mobile app or web app? Which one do I develop (first)?

A mobile app to effectively increase engagement

Mobile applications developed for a smart device (phone, tablet) are software that requires installation, the functions of which can be limited only by the customer's imagination. Mobile apps are created in a unique programming language and can be accessed by users through the app stores.

The advantage of installed mobile applications is that

●They are extremely fast, because they directly use the power of the processor,

●they can be found in the app store even without searching,

●can also be equipped with innovative featuresbecause they have direct access to the device's camera, notification system and GPS,

●they are safebecause they go through a strict verification process in the app store,

●provide the best possible user experience on the respective deviceif they are made with native (direct platform optimized) development.

AP4 DIGITAL Tip:It's also worth getting into mobile app development if the main goal of your online presence is to increase engagement. Just think about the global success of TikTok, it already seems that a good mobile app can chain its target audience in front of the display for hours.

This is exactly the kind of native mobile application we have developed for the ANET (Another Set of Eyes) team. The Anet360 mobile application is a virtual driving training that, in addition to traditional workshop methods, helps to successfully pass the exams that can be taken within the app with 360-degree videos and interactive games generated by machine learning.

Web application, or simple communication with users

Responsive web applications are software that can be accessed from anywhere, at any time and by anyone.Typically, you do not need to install a separate program to use them, because they run on the web browser of your smart device.

Although web apps are similar in structure to websites, they are often chosen to replace or supplement mobile applications due to their diversity of functions. A good example of the latter ism.facebook.com, which makes almost all the functions of one of the most popular social networking sites in the world available without downloading, even from a mobile browser.

The web application is the perfect corporate communication channel, which also provides convenient and immediate access from the user side, because its use, regardless of operating system, requires only an Internet connection.

The advantage of the web application is that

●can be quickly sharpenedbecause you don't have to wait for app stores to approve,

●easy to maintain, because developers use the same code base for it regardless of operating system,

●cushy, because to use it you do not need to load anything and updates are also automatic in it.

Although web applications are slightly cheaper and faster than native and hybrid mobile application development, they require an Internet connection to run for the first time, and their speed can be strongly influenced by the bandwidth of the connection used.

Mobile app or web app? Which one should I choose?

Choosing the right technology is highly dependent on the company. While native mobile apps designed specifically for your phone's operating system can use your device's camera, GPS, and Bluetooth connectivity, the possibilities are almost endless, but responsive web apps that don't take up your device's storage space can be more cost-effective and faster.

At AP4 Digital, we always start with a collaborative design with the customer when we help you find the technology that best suits your business goals. In the corporate sphere, we can also recommend parallel mobile application development and web application, because the different functions can even mean double revenue for the company.

Following the success of the latest mobile app trends, PWA (or Progressive Web Application) can also be a good choice. This solution largely includes innovative features (e.g. push notifications, navigation menu) that are specific to the mobile application development process, but are run conveniently from the browser, just like web applications.

Connect with your customers on mobile devices? The AP4 DIGITAL team helps you find and implement the right development technology.

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