So you have a great app idea and want to build it for both iOS and Android. As a developer or business owner, you're probably wondering what the best approach is. Should you build native apps separately for each platform or use a cross platform framework? There are good arguments on both sides.

In this article, we'll break down the key considerations to help you decide what works best for your needs.

What is Cross Platform Mobile Development?

Cross platform mobile development means building apps that work across multiple operating systems using a shared codebase. Rather than writing apps natively for iOS and Android, you can use tools like React Native, Flutter, Xamarin, and more to develop cross platform apps faster. The end result is higher code reuse across platforms.

The Benefits of a Cross Platform Approach

Faster Development Cycles

By leveraging a cross platform framework, you can develop mobile apps much faster compared to coding natively for iOS and Android. It requires significantly less effort to get an app functioning on two platforms.

Code Reuse Saves You Time and Money

Nearly 90% or more of your code can be shared between platforms using cross platform tools. This means faster time to market, lower development costs, and easier maintenance down the road. Less code duplication lightens the workload for developers.

Cross Platform Tools Are Improving Rapidly

Modern cross platform frameworks like React Native and Flutter offer huge performance improvements compared to tools in years past. They take advantage of native features and bridges to close most capability gaps that existed previously.

Easier to Find Cross Platform Developers

There's a larger talent pool of developers skilled in cross platform tools compared to more specialized native platforms. This abundance of talent makes hiring easier and more affordable.

The Downsides to Balance

Of course, cross platform approaches also come with a unique set of disadvantages you should factor in.

User Experience Challenges

Because cross platform tools render user interfaces differently than native platforms, it can be harder to achieve pixel-perfect, customized UIs tailored to each OS. There are often subtle but noticeable differences compared to native look and feel.

Feature Limitations

Although they're closing the gap quickly, cross platform tools still don't have 100% access to all native APIs and features. There may be small technical constraints compared to native development.

Performance Differences

In some cases, cross platform applications may exhibit slightly lower performance - like slower rendering or transitions - compared to native apps. Optimization best practices are vital for resource intensive apps.

Release Process Differences

While you share most code across platforms, you still need to adapt your release process to publish separate versions to the iOS App Store and Google Play Store. Maintenance can be trickier than a single native app.

The Bottom Line

Cross platform mobile development makes sense for many types of apps, especially if development speed is critical or budgets are tight. For simpler apps without advanced native requirements, you'll maximize code reuse without many downsides.

However, for more complex apps focusing heavily on advanced performance, immersive interfaces, or extensive integration with unique device capabilities, native development may still be preferable if budget allows.

Evaluate your app specifically - how important is custom UX versus development costs or time-to-market? Understanding these trade-offs helps determine the best approach.

Cross platform tools will only mature further in years to come, closing more capability gaps. They are reaching impressive sophistication today. With careful planning and design, cross platform apps can delight users while saving developers major time and headaches.

The choice depends on your specific priorities and the complexity of your mobile vision. Focus on users first and the technology second. By staying flexible, you can build excellent mobile experiences without compromise using the right approach.