Key Takeaways
Mobile app development consists of the entire process of developing an app that runs perfectly fine on a mobile phone. It consists of three major processes. The initial step is to create codes and other binaries. The second step is to implement the backend services like data access. The final step is to test the application on the desired mobile device.
1. Application development process and services
There are several developmental approaches while developing a mobile application. Based on the requirements of your business, you can choose any one approach to build your mobile application. The app developer may offer one or more services.
There are several alternatives to a conventional mobile application like a Hybrid mobile app, progressive web app or even cross-platform application. Web apps are apps designed typically to run over a website. With a stable internet connection, one can use web apps without software download and installation. Hybrid apps combine the features of both web apps and native apps to provide an enhanced user experience. Cross-platform apps are applications that can run on both iOS and Android.
Based on the needs of the business, one can choose these alternatives. If nothing suits, we can also have our mobile applications customised according to the user’s needs. Let us now look into the typical services offered by mobile application companies.
1.1. Android application development
Android is an operating system used by almost 70% of mobile users. It is prevalent and famous because of its user-friendly interface and easy customisation. It is also known for its versatility and better functionality. To develop an android application, one might go to a developer with good portfolios and work experience.
Based on the requirements of the business, the developers can customise the android apps. Despite the popularity and other benefits, Android app development is still tricky because of the programming language used. To develop an Android app, one must know Java, which is comparatively a complex language. The learning rate is also low. Hence if you ask a developer which platform they prefer, most times, the answer would be Android!
1.2. IOS development
The developer’s favourite platform is Apple iOS. It primarily works on swift language, a sign language of Apple. It is easier to learn, and the development process is simple compared to Android. While developing an Android app, the developers usually split the entire process into fragments, requiring high concentration and complex coding. Hence, decoding might be easy, but too many cooks spoil the broth! That’s where Apple wins! The app development process right from front end development to back end development is done by a single person. Even though it sounds tedious, app development works better that way. Apple iOS is used by 30% of the world’s population, and it is still considered an elite platform!
1.3. Cross-platform application development
The Android vs iOS discrepancy gave rise to a new development giant called the cross-platform application. This type of application is trendy among giant companies like Amazon, Google, and Flipkart as they want an app that runs perfectly fine and is similar on both platforms. Cross-platform apps are also popular because they run the same on all devices. Irrespective of the device’s size, be it a smartphone, tab, or PC, a cross-platform application works perfectly fine. Some applications will have display issues. The application might look different while viewing on a laptop but doesn’t look appealing while seeing on a mobile phone. This issue can be solved by using a cross-platform application.
2. Steps involved in Android Application Development
2.1. Strategy and consultation
This step involves consultation with the app developer in order to bring strategic methods to create and popularise the app. Having the solutions of suitable mobile application development is the key to making strategies. Strategies, when aligned with the business requirements, help in improving the performance of your mobile app.
2.2. UI/UX design
UI stands for user interface, and UX stands for user experience. Based on these, the app must be developed to provide an enhanced user experience. These days it is very important to invest in the aspect of UI and UX with the growing competition in the market. UI/UX helps in differentiating your mobile app design and sets it apart from the rest in the market.
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2.3. Engineering and product delivery
The next step is the developmental stage, wherein all the backend frontend development of the app takes place, and the app is ready for delivery. Having the solutions of expert professionals is the most important requirement for meeting the functional requirements of your mobile app. Your mobile app must be fully functional and loaded with the best features to provide value to your users.
2.4. Optimization
Any application, in general, requires constant updates, and hence the app developer must be polite enough to answer your queries after the completion of the app. Optimization’s requires the mobile app development company to look into the intricacies of your business requirements and your client’s expectations.
3. Services offered by the Mobile Application Development Company
Let us look at the domain-specific services offered by the mobile application development company.
3.1. Health and medicine based application
With every unique industry, there arises a need for unique mobile applications. More than 65% of the world’s population uses smartphones. So even if your business has a website, mobile apps have a more significant potential to popularise your business as people are hooked to apps over websites. That’s how health and pharma based apps were developed.
We couldn’t even step out of our homes during the lockdown for regular checkups. That’s when the app Practo gained popularity! It has the option that allows you to have a word with doctors residing in your area! Nowadays, no one prefers to go to the medical store, stand in queue and then get medicines. Everyone wants to save time, so they pre-order the medicine using apps and get it delivered to their homes!
3.2. Video and photo editing application
Editing can be pretty troublesome, especially if you have to edit long context and videos. Photo editing can be done only in specialised studios! But with the development of apps, everything is in our hands! In an instant, we can improve the picture’s brightness, the quality of the picture and even put a funny animated face over the usual faces. Videos as long as 3 hours can be compressed to 30 seconds video! So if your business requires these apps, your app developer will be more than pleased to design one.
3.3. Consultancies and other Finances application
If your business is in the finance or consultancy sector, you can develop an app accordingly. Many consultancy firms have an app to interact with them to check your mutual insurances and policies. Some apps also allow the easy renewal of expired insurance. Some allow instant payment and approval. So based on your business and the customer needs, the facilities can be added or subtracted from the application.
3.4. Educational Apps
Educational institutions offer many applications. These apps facilitate easy learning and understanding of concepts. They also provide facilities to visualise the theory, which can be boring on text. The educational apps also have facilities for testing knowledge and understanding.
3.5. Food Applications
Life during lockdown has been bearable only because of food apps like Swiggy and Zomato! In an instant, we could order food from our favourite restaurants and get it delivered to our doorstep. So if you have a food-based industry, the apps could be beneficial to grow your business and reach out to more people.
3.6. Gaming Applications
Mobile apps have initially gained popularity mainly because of mobile games. Initially, people thought the apps were meant to play games only! So if your business focuses on developing apps for mobile video games, you could proceed with it. Games that promise to return cashback and offers have become popular in the lockdown times.
3.7. Transportation
There are apps flooded for booking train, bus and flight tickets. But we remember only the prominent ones because of the ease of usage of their apps. People prefer booking tickets on apps instead of booking them on the portal/ web page. So if you are from the transport industry aiming to expand your business to facilitate more easy services to the people, you could focus on developing an app.
3.8. Internet of Things
Internet of Things (IoT) is a buzz term, and it is trendy as it serves as a medium to link the hardware and software. Everything related to automation, robotics and other fancy projects falls under IoT. If you require an app to control the home appliances like fans and lights and integrate the working with a microcontroller, we can use an app. The personalised apps for your application can be easily accessed by using the play store/ app store.
4. Conclusion
The mobile app developer can develop mobile apps based on your business needs and budget. Your business might have any of the following goals, like reaching more customers, increasing efficiency and user interactions, extending the business operations to reach out to more people, or just getting updated technically. With a clear objective set in mind, you can go for the app development company. Before choosing an ideal company, understand the major platforms to develop an application.
The app development companies offer several services like android app development, iOS app development, and even cross-platform application development. If mobile apps don’t sound pleasing, you can opt for several other options like hybrid app development and web app development. Several features could be integrated with the app if you have enough budget. There is no point in going to a high-end app if you don’t have the budget.
Apart from the operating system specific services, there are also services offered based on the domain. Some features could be used for several industries like food-based, IoT, transportation business, gaming, and photos and video editing apps. The apps are also popular among educational institutions, the health and pharma industry and financial services.
FAQs
Q. What services do mobile app development companies typically offer?
Mobile app development companies typically offer a wide range of services including custom app development, user experience (UX) design, digital transformation strategies, tech stack consultations, application testing, deployments, and after-sales support. They also specialize in updating and enhancing existing applications and developing both native and cross-platform apps.
Q. Can these companies help with app design as well as development?
Yes, many mobile app development companies offer comprehensive services that include both app design, focusing on user experience and interface (UX/UI), and technical development, ensuring a seamless and engaging user journey from concept to launch.
Q. Do mobile app development companies cater to specific industries?
While some app development companies specialize in certain industries, many offer their services across various sectors, leveraging their expertise to meet diverse business needs and audience requirements.
Q. Are services offered by these companies suitable for small businesses?
Absolutely. Mobile app development companies often tailor their services to suit businesses of all sizes, including startups and small enterprises, offering scalable and cost-effective solutions.
Q. How do these companies handle post-launch app maintenance and support?
Post-launch maintenance and support are key services offered by these companies, encompassing regular updates, bug fixes, performance optimization, and continuous enhancement to keep the app relevant and efficient.
Q. Can mobile app development companies assist in modernizing legacy applications?
Yes, one of the critical services offered includes modernizing legacy applications. This involves updating old systems with new technologies, improving functionality, and ensuring compatibility with current platforms and devices.
Q. Do these companies provide consultation services?
Many mobile app development companies offer consultation services, helping clients choose the right technology stack, strategize app development processes, and provide expert advice on market trends and best practices.
Q. Is cross-platform app development a common service offered?
Cross-platform app development is increasingly popular and commonly offered, allowing businesses to build apps that are compatible with multiple operating systems like iOS and Android, providing broader audience reach.