App Development Costs: Native Apps vs. Web Apps

Basics of App Development

Before starting application development, the first thing to understand is that there are two main types of applications. One is the "native app," which is installed and used on smartphones, and the other is the "web application," which operates in a web browser. These two types of apps differ in their usage scenarios and development methods, so it’s important to choose the right one based on your objectives. Now, let's look at the specific characteristics and differences of each.

Differences Between Native Apps and Web Apps

The main difference between native apps and web apps lies in where they operate. Native apps are downloaded from Apple’s App Store or Google Play Store and installed on the smartphone. In contrast, web apps run in browsers like Safari or Google Chrome and do not require installation.

Additionally, native apps can sometimes function offline, while web apps generally require an internet connection. The advantages and disadvantages of each depend heavily on the app's purpose and the user’s environment. Next, let's compare the specific benefits of each.

Features and Advantages of Native Apps

The biggest strength of native apps is that they can fully utilize a smartphone’s functions. For example, they can integrate deeply with the device’s hardware and system, such as the camera, GPS, push notifications, and contacts. This results in superior performance and usability, and they can even work offline. Native apps are often chosen for high-performance applications like games.

However, developing native apps requires separate code for both iOS and Android platforms, which increases development costs. Additionally, apps must go through a store submission process and be approved before release, which can also be time-consuming and costly.

Features and Advantages of Web Apps

The greatest advantage of web apps is that they can support multiple platforms with a single codebase. Since they run in browsers, they are accessible on any device, regardless of the operating system (iOS, Android, etc.). Additionally, updates are done on the server side, so users always have access to the latest version.

Any how, web apps rely on internet connectivity, making offline use difficult in many cases. Additionally, web apps cannot fully utilize smartphone features (such as the camera or GPS) like native apps can, which can be a disadvantage. Therefore, web apps are better suited for simpler services and applications.

App Development Costs – Native Apps vs. Web Apps

On the other hand, web apps are more cost-effective as they can support multiple platforms with a single codebase. In general, web apps can be developed for around 3 million to 6 million yen. However, this cost may increase for web apps with more complex features.

Processes You Should Know in App Development

App development involves several stages, including frontend, backend, API, and infrastructure. The frontend is the part that users interact with, the backend handles data processing and storage, the API connects the frontend and backend, and the infrastructure refers to the servers and network environment needed to run the app.

Specialized engineers are needed for each area, and the number and skill level of these engineers can significantly impact the overall project cost. For example, engineers who can handle both frontend and backend development are highly valuable and tend to be more expensive.

App Store Submission and Fees

To release a native app, it must be submitted to the Apple Store or Google Play. The key point here is that the app cannot be published unless it passes the store’s review process. Additionally, when in-app purchases are involved, Apple takes a 15-30% commission, and Google takes 15%, which can result in lower profit margins compared to web apps. For example, with a subscription service, web apps only incur credit card fees, while native apps have additional fees.

Options to Reduce Development Costs

There are several options to reduce app development costs. One is using a "hybrid app" approach, which allows developers to create an app for both iOS and Android with a single codebase, reducing costs while still providing near-native functionality.

Another option is outsourcing to overseas engineers, which can significantly cut development expenses. Engineers from Asia and Eastern Europe, in particular, offer high-quality development services at a reasonable cost.

Conclusion: Which App Should You Choose?

The choice between native apps and web apps depends on the purpose of the service, the target users, and the budget. If you need to fully utilize the device's functions or require high-level operability, a native app is the better choice. On the other hand, if you want to keep development costs low and need to support multiple devices, a web app is the better option. Both types of apps have their own advantages, so it's important to choose based on your specific needs.