The 9 Main Types of Mobile Apps

 

 

Software programs known as “mobile applications” are designed specifically for use on portable electronic devices like smartphones and tablet computers.

Even if they may just have a few features, they still provide people with high-quality services or experiences. Depending on the needs and expectations of the intended users, apps can range from simple games to more comprehensive solutions.

Every business in the smartphone era wants to take advantage of mobile apps’ potential to outperform the competition. Native apps, hybrid apps, and web applications are the three most popular categories of mobile applications now available.

Based on the technology used to build them and the sector they serve, apps can be divided into two primary groups. Prior to examining the many app kinds based on category or technology, it’s important to understand why mobile applications are sweeping the globe.

Related: 10 Mobile Application Development Best Practices in 2023

1. Native Apps

A platform or operating system-specific app is referred to as a native app. Different mobile device operating systems are taken into consideration by these apps. You can presumably download native Android or iOS apps as a result.

They were developed for a particular operating system, thus they cannot be downloaded onto other devices. For example, they are using an iPhone app on an Android phone.

These apps also have the advantage of being quicker and more reliable due to their single area of focus. When used with the proper operating system, they work well and take advantage of the built-in user interface to give users a better experience.

Native apps can access more features including Bluetooth, the camera roll, contacts in the phonebook, NFC, and more because they are directly connected to the mobile device’s hardware.

2. Web Apps

Web applications are responsive versions of specific websites that work on any device because they are provided utilizing mobile browsers. These apps are similar to Native apps because they can be browsed on mobile web browsers.
They aren’t standalone programs because there’s no need to download and install them. These websites are actually web applications since they are responsive and can adapt their user interfaces to the user’s device. Your smartphone bookmarks the website URL when you decide to “install” a web app.

There aren’t many development expenses because these apps are web-based and don’t require customization. Additionally, unlike native programs, these apps utilize less storage memory on the device because there is nothing to save.

3. Hybrid Apps

Hybrid apps, which combine native and internet apps, have distorted native app styling. It has a unique icon or logo and may be downloaded straight from an app store. These web applications resemble native programs in both appearance and operation.

They are intended to function even more quickly than web apps, be responsive, work offline, and have a home screen icon. They combine native and web applications in an optimal way.

In addition to being quicker and more responsive than a web app, the hybrid app is less expensive to produce than native apps. These apps are regarded as minimum viable products that serve as proof that creating native apps is feasible.

4. Progressive Web Apps

These app-like website extensions are available for download and use on your devices. PWAs use web browsing APIs and provide capabilities found in native apps. These additional web pages are now present on your devices and mirror the online application.

They also operate faster, regardless of the device or operating system being used. Progressive web apps are incredibly data-efficient and automatically update when you use them.

Installation is not required for PWAs because they are web pages. By including the URL, they can easily be shared, which is an added benefit.

5. Lifestyle Apps

The significance of lifestyle applications has increased recently. The numerous components that define your lifestyle are supported by a lifestyle app. The best thing about these apps is how habitual they become for users once they are downloaded.

They remain put indefinitely. These programs help users keep their current way of life by providing an opportunity to find new restaurants, vacation places, or even new songs.

6. Cross-Platform Apps

Desktops, tablets, smartphones, wearables, and even smart TVs may all be utilized with these apps. They work with many different operating systems.

These programs’ almost 90% reused code makes it easy to update and maintain them. They are also substantially more adaptable than other uses. Many people utilize cross-platform programs because they are accessible across all operating systems.

7. Social Media Apps

All of us are familiar with and often use these apps. We utilize these apps daily to create our social networks. Facebook claims to have over 1 billion daily active users.

To maintain user satisfaction, these apps must be quick, entertaining, and regularly integrated with new features.

8. Gaming Apps

The game app market is competitive and large. They are popular because they encourage consumers to return numerous times daily.

Popular gaming applications have high levels of app use frequency and duration. The aim of app developers is frequently to include interesting gaming surprises that will make the game as addictive as feasible.

9. Utility Apps

Even though we commonly utilize these programs, we don’t classify them as apps. Many of these are already present on our gadgets and usually serve just one function.

These apps are often used for under a minute at a time. Several beneficial apps include a calculator and flashlight etc.

Mobile Apps Categorized by Business Channel

Business-to-business (B2B) apps are created for use by another organization in order to improve productivity, streamline complicated business processes, or meet the demands of a particular sector.

Business-to-consumer apps, or B2C apps, are any software applications created with the user in mind. In-app marketplaces, there are only B2C apps that are frequently used.

Each smartphone app has benefits and drawbacks. Based on the requirements of your business or brand, you can choose the ideal type of app for you. Based on their demands, objectives, and features, businesses should choose the app and the features that go into its development.

Moreover, remember who your target market is. Depending on the needs, age, geography, and technological aptitude of you are audience, you can choose the type of mobile app you need.

Related:  How to Optimize and Improve Mobile Application Performance

 

 

Add comment

Tell Us What You Need - We Will Get It Done

Contact Us Today!