Hybrid app development – a solution for iOS & Android
As an app agency, we recognised the many advantages of a standardised program code for iOS, Android and web apps very early on: Lower development costs, greater user reach and yet, in practice, hardly any relevant disadvantages in terms of app performance. Talk to us about your hybrid app project!
What are hybrid apps?
Hybrid apps are mobile applications that are programmed with a single code base and can be used on different operating systems such as Android or iOS. Compared to native apps, which are developed specifically for Android or iOS, this saves costs during development and later also when maintaining and updating the app.
Hybrid app technology frameworks such as Ionic use web technologies such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript to develop a mobile app. The user interface is then rendered by the app development framework in such a way that the finished hybrid application does not differ from a natively programmed iOS and Android app in terms of appearance and functionality.
Popular development technologies for hybrid applications
At Hybrid Heroes, we work with a whole range of common frameworks for app development. Which framework is best suited to your app depends on a number of factors, such as the desired functions or the integration of databases and other existing IT systems. We would be happy to provide you with a non-binding technology analysis that is tailored precisely to your needs.
Advantages of hybrid apps
Lower costs
Developing a hybrid app offers obvious cost benefits: Instead of having to write two different apps for Android and iOS, it is sufficient for app developers to work on a standardised code base.
This also reduces costs after release, as only one app needs to be maintained.
High user reach
As hybrid apps work on both Android and iOS, they automatically open up a potentially larger user group: they can be published directly on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Some hybrid apps can also be used as web apps, which increases the reach even further, as no installation is necessary and the app can simply be accessed via a web address.
Access to the smartphone hardware
An important reason for the success of hybrid apps is the easy access to important hardware components such as GPS, camera, microphone or acceleration sensors. Many apps utilise these functions to provide a better user experience. Compared to native apps, there are now hardly any compromises in terms of such access in hybrid applications.
Disadvantages of hybrid applications
Even though more and more companies are turning to hybrid app development for obvious reasons, it's important to note that there are also situations where a native development approach is more suitable. Some limitations of native apps are:
Performance-heavy applications such as mobile phone games: In practice, hybrid applications can easily keep up with native applications in most cases. However, there are exceptions to this rule for applications that make heavy demands on the device hardware. Examples of this are very graphically complex mobile phone games.
Limited access to new hardware features: Hybrid apps have access to all common hardware components, but if completely new hardware functions are developed, these are usually available earlier in the native app programming languages.
Our clients say
We appreciate the competent advice, flexibility and reliability of Hybrid Heroes. Thanks to these qualities, our concept design was turned into a user-friendly app that we are successfully using in several international studies.
Sebastian Burchert, Free University of Berlin
At this point, a huge thank you for the great project and the successful setup. You can be proud of yourselves. Hybrid Heroes and the whole team did a great job.
Dr Cécile Mack, Springer Medicine
The great competence of the team and the high quality of the delivered results have helped to increase the app traffic tenfold and to raise our average App Store rating to 4.5 stars.
Marcel Gleis, Leasingmarkt.de
Should you rely on hybrid development for your app project?
With the exception of the scenarios listed in the previous section, the development of mobile applications with hybrid development technologies is recommended in most cases. The cost and time savings outweigh the disadvantages in most cases and in practice there are usually no noticeable differences in performance between native and hybrid apps. For this reason, many widely used apps, such as Instagram, Uber or the BMW app, are hybrid apps.
Contact us to discuss your app project with us. We will be happy to advise you without obligation.
Why companies and start-ups from all over Germany rely on us for hybrid app development
Over 100 successful app projects
Since 2015, we have implemented over 100 successful app projects for companies, start-ups and public institutions.
Fair and transparent costs
From the initial free consultation to the final implementation of your hybrid app, we work transparently and communicate which costs are incurred where.
No outsourcing or offshoring
Our mantra is: if it says Hybrid Heroes on it, it's only Hybrid Heroes inside.
Long-term client relationships
Over many years, we have gained the trust of numerous clients and maintain long-term, trusting partnerships.
Born in Berlin
Berlin is undisputedly THE city of tech talent in Germany. A fact that benefits us and you!
Heroes
Our constantly growing team consists of many creative minds and experts from different departments. Collaboration within the team always ensures fun and passion in our day-to-day work.
Our hybrid app development process
As a leading app agency in Berlin, we use a clearly structured and proven process to develop your hybrid app.
Concept phase & technology selection
We define the core app functions and select a development framework.
App UI/UX Design
Creating an intuitive UX and UI design for maximum app success and user engagement.
Proof of Concept
Creation of an interactive app prototype.
App programming
Development of the cross-platform app (with React Native, Flutter or Ionic).
User Testing
User tests with real users for smooth cross-app experiences.
Publication and maintenance
Publication of the app and regular updates for further improvements and new features.
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Trust through quality and expertise
Thanks to our extensive experience from numerous successfully completed projects, Hybrid Heroes is one of the few German agencies recommended by OMR Reviews.
FAQ – Hybrid app development
If you still have questions, you will find the most important answers summarised here.
What is a hybrid app?
A hybrid app is a mobile application that is developed with a single code base for multiple platforms such as iOS, Android and web. It combines elements of native apps and web apps, allowing it to function across platforms.
What are the advantages of hybrid app development?
Hybrid apps enable a faster market launch as they can be developed for several platforms at the same time. They are also more cost-efficient as only one code base needs to be maintained. Maintenance is easier and they offer a consistent user experience across different platforms.
Are there any disadvantages to hybrid app development?
In some cases, hybrid apps can have a lower performance than native apps, especially with very complex applications such as mobile games. In practice, however, no performance differences can be observed for most applications.
Which technologies are used for the development of hybrid apps?
Popular frameworks for hybrid app development are React Native, Flutter and Ionic. These enable the creation of cross-platform applications with a shared code base.
Which projects is hybrid app development suitable for?
Hybrid app development is particularly suitable for projects that require a fast time-to-market and need to be available on multiple platforms. It is ideal for applications where cost control is a priority, a consistent user experience is important and the widest possible user reach is required.
How long does it take to develop a hybrid app?
The development time varies depending on the complexity of the project. However, a hybrid app can generally be developed faster than separate native apps for each platform, as only one code base needs to be created and maintained.
How much does it cost to develop a hybrid app?
The costs depend on various factors, including the complexity of the app, the number of functions and the chosen development team. In general, however, the development costs for hybrid apps are lower than for separate native apps, as only one code base needs to be developed.
How is the quality and performance of a hybrid app ensured?
The performance of hybrid apps can be optimised through the use of modern frameworks and tools. Regular tests and updates also help to ensure high quality and user satisfaction.
Can a hybrid app access specific hardware functions?
Yes, by using plugins and special interfaces, hybrid apps can access device-specific functions such as the camera, GPS or accelerometer. However, access may be limited compared to native apps.
We look forward to your project!
Would you like to open up new digital worlds with your company or organization? Send us a message or give us a call! We will get back to you within a few hours.