Mobile applications have become an integral aspect of our daily lives, catering to a diverse range of needs and preferences. From improving productivity to providing entertainment, the mobile app ecosystem is vast and continually evolving. The demand for mobile applications is rising with each passing day, and developers are constantly innovating ways to address the needs of users. However, there are numerous types of mobile application with each of them offering different functionalities based on their purpose and usage.
In this informative guide, we will explore different types of mobile applications, each serving a unique purpose and contributing to the richness of our digital experiences.
All About Mobile Application
A mobile application is a software program or software designed to operate on smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. The users can easily download these apps from app stores or from other online platforms. The apps serve various functions including entertainment, communication, productivity, etc.
Types of Mobile Application: Technology Based
There are three main kinds of mobile app development which have been categorised based on technology including:
- Native apps are designed for a particular platform or operating system like iOS or Android.
- Web apps are responsive versions of websites that are fully compatible with any mobile device or OS as they’re delivered using a mobile browser.
- On the other hand, hybrid apps are combinations of both native and web apps. These apps are developed using web technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript and then wrapped in a native container.
List of Various Types of Mobile Application
Now let’s discuss the above-mentioned apps in detail.
Native Apps
The Native apps are created specifically for an operating system or a platform, so these are native to Android or iOS. They are built for one operating system, so one cannot download the same on other devices. The main programming languages used to create native apps are JAVA, Python, C++, Objective-C, Kotlin, Swift, and React.
Advantages:
- These apps have a single focus point.
- They are fast and more reliable.
- They use the native device UI to give enriched user experience.
- These apps let users access broader features like Bluetooth, camera roll, phonebook contacts, NFC, and more.
Disadvantages:
- One of the main drawbacks of native apps is that they are available to a single operating system user, i.e. iPhone or Android devices.
- Also, the code used once can’t be duplicated which increases the overall cost.
Web Apps
Web apps are other types of mobile applications that can be optimised for mobile devices. They are accessed through a mobile browser and don’t need to be downloaded or installed from an app store. In reality, these web applications are responsive websites and can easily adapt to several multiple user interfaces based on the user’s device. The web applications are backed by technologies including HTML5, JavaScript, CSS, and Ruby.
Advantages:
- Designing these apps is not expensive as these apps are web-based and thus don’t require customization.
- These apps don’t take much device storage memory as compared to native apps.
- These apps are easy to maintain, and no special downloads are required.
Disadvantages:
- These apps are dependent on the browser used and have different experiences based on the functionality of their browsers.
- These apps don’t work offline and users need an internet connection.
Hybrid Apps
Hybrid apps are the blend of native and web apps. They have their own icon or logo and can be easily downloaded from an app store. Hybrid apps have a home screen icon, and are more responsive, function offline, and perform better as compared to web apps. They are the perfect combination of both Native and Web apps and are built using technologies like Objective C, HTML5, Ionic, and Swift.
Advantages:
- Hybrid apps are much faster and more responsive as compared to web apps.
- They are more affordable and are faster to load.
- They provide enriched user experience across all platforms.
- These apps have a single code base and thus are easy to update and maintain.
Disadvantages:
- Hybrid apps may exhibit performance differences compared to native apps, particularly when handling resource-intensive tasks, attributable to the extra layer introduced by the native container.
Industry-Specific Types of Mobile Application
Let’s check out some other kinds of industry-specific mobile applications and how they meet users’ demands.
Social Media Apps
These are the most favourite apps used by billions of users across the world. Social media apps deliver a seamless and enjoyable experience while constantly upgrading to provide more advanced features. The most common social media apps include Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, etc.
Utility Apps
These apps are designed to ease and enhance our day-to-day tasks, from managing calendars to note-taking. Examples of utility apps include Microsoft Office Suite, Evernote, and task management apps. These apps require less space and are fully compatible with device’s own hardware and software features.
Lifestyle Apps
In the last several years, there has been a significant surge in the popularity of lifestyle apps. The most common type of lifestyle apps includes fitness apps, dating apps, food delivery apps, shopping apps, etc.
Productivity Apps
With the help of productive apps, both individuals and organisations can manage their work and personal tasks effectively. Big organisations rely upon these apps to manage their day-to-day professional work. Some examples of productivity apps include Google Docs, Google Sheet, Evernote, Zoho Docs, etc.
Gaming & Entertainment
Mobile gaming, one of the most popular types of mobile application has witnessed exponential growth, with a diverse range of genres and captivating gameplay. From casual games to high-end graphics, this section will explore the impact of gaming apps on entertainment and the evolution of mobile gaming technology. The most common kinds of mobile apps are Netflix, Subway Surfers, Hotstar, etc.
Final Thoughts
The mobile app landscape is incredibly diverse, offering solutions to an array of user needs. From socialising and entertainment to productivity and well-being, mobile applications play a pivotal role in shaping our digital experiences. As technology continues to advance, the mobile app ecosystem will undoubtedly evolve, introducing new possibilities and enhancing the way we interact with our digital devices.
If you have any queries or just want to know the right app for your business, we’re here to talk. Connect with us and discover how different types of mobile application can revolutionise your digital world. Get a customised app designed by the panel of experts at Kodehash Technologies.