The world is moving fast and for the tech savvy GenZ generation, creating an app for both iOS and Android can be challenging, especially if you’re trying to do it quickly and cost-effectively. To resolve these challenges we have cross-platform development, where developers just need to write one codebase and deploy it across both platforms. Easy Right!, wait until you explore tools like Flutter and Native. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how these frameworks work and why they’re increasingly popular in 2025.
Native Development vs. Cross-Platform Development
Technology and its development has grown with a straight leap in the last decade. So to get the basics clear lets understand first, what is native development and cross-platform development?
The word native in technology is defined as for use on a particular platform or device.The process of their development usually includes using Swift for iOS and Kotlin for Android. This method provides maximum performance and allows developers to use the full features of the device. However, it’s also more time-consuming and expensive since developers need to write and maintain two separate codebases.
But in case of cross-platform development as the name defines itself it allows developers to write a single codebase that works on both platforms. This can save time and resources, especially for startups or small businesses with limited budgets. As all pros have its cons, thus with this platform performance gets compromised and making them slower than native apps. And here comes our rescuers, the modern frameworks like Flutter and React Native which have minimized this performance gap.
Why Flutter and React Native Are Popular Choices in 2025
Now let’s get into why Flutter and React Native have become so popular among developers and businesses alike.
Flutter: Speed and Customization
Flutter is a UI toolkit which is developed by Google, this is specifically developed for developers to create beautiful, high-performance apps for both iOS and Android using a single codebase. Its development framework uses Dart programming language and comes with a rich set of pre-designed widgets that help developers customize the UI.
Flutter’s performance is one of its main benefits. Flutter performs faster because it compiles directly to native code, in contrast to other frameworks that interface with the native platform via a bridge. In fact, 40% of developers use Flutter in their projects, making it one of the most popular frameworks among developers, according to a 2020 Stack Overflow study.
React Native: Familiarity and Flexibility
Facebook (Meta) created React Native, a mobile app development tool that leverages JavaScript and the well-known React package. It’s easier to get started with React Native because many developers are already familiar with JavaScript, one of the most popular programming languages in the world.
The adaptability of React Native is another factor contributing to its popularity. When needed, developers can write some of the app’s code in native code, which facilitates the implementation of sophisticated features that the framework might not support. React Native is actually used by Meta for a number of its products, such as Facebook and Instagram, demonstrating its dependability for extensive applications.
The Benefits of Cross-Platform Development
Efficiency in Time and Cost
Saving time and money is the biggest benefit of cross-platform development. Instead of writing and maintaining two versions of the software, developers can use a single codebase. Companies that used cross-platform solutions witnessed a 30–40% decrease in development time as compared to creating native apps, per a 2020 Statista analysis.
Quicker Bug Fixes and Updates
Any updates or bug fixes may be produced once and applied to both platforms at the same time because there is just one codebase. This lowers the possibility of having distinct versions of your app on iOS and Android with different features or faults and makes it simpler to keep your app updated.
Getting in Front of More People
Reaching both platforms is essential in a world where consumers use both iOS and Android smartphones. You can be sure you’re not alienating potential consumers by creating your app with a cross-platform framework. Given the dominance of iOS and Android in global marketplaces, this is particularly crucial for companies aiming to expand internationally.
Why Choose Cross-Platform Development in 2025?
In 2025, mobile app demand is showing no signs of slowing down. With companies under pressure to build apps quickly and affordably, cross-platform development is more relevant than ever. Tools like Flutter and React Native are helping businesses streamline the process by enabling one codebase for both iOS and Android. Especially in competitive markets like Singapore, Canada, and Malaysia, this approach is a game-changer—cutting development time, reducing costs, and expanding audience reach.
Choosing the Right Mobile App Development Company
The need to find the right company for the development of your mobile app either its iOS or Android, is very crucial in this fast paced development world. If you’re looking to build a mobile app for your business, whether you’re based in Singapore, Canada, or Malaysia, it’s important to find a company that understands the value of cross-platform development and has experience with frameworks like Flutter and React Native.
With a focus on both Flutter and React Native, we at Netscape Labs assist companies worldwide in creating scalable, high-quality mobile applications. We as a company understand the needs of our client with in-depth knowledge of our work. We can assist you in navigating the world of mobile app development and coming up with a solution that suits your needs, regardless of how old or new your business is.
Conclusion
The process of creating mobile apps has been completely transformed by cross-platform development. You may save time and money by creating apps that run well on both iOS and Android with frameworks like Flutter and React Native. By 2025, cross-platform solutions provide the same user experience and performance at a fraction of the price, making native development unnecessary. It’s time to think about cross-platform development.
If you’re prepared to begin your mobile app adventure, we can assist you with that.
FAQs
1. If I build a cross-platform app, can I still access device-specific features like the camera or Bluetooth?
Yes, but with some effort. Most cross-platform frameworks offer plugins or APIs for accessing common device features. However, if your app needs something niche or hardware-specific, you might need to write custom native code and link it. This is called creating a native module.
2. Can I switch from native to cross-platform mid-way through development?
Technically, yes—but it’s not always easy. You can migrate parts of your app (like UI or business logic) to Flutter or React Native, but there’s a learning curve and potential rework. It’s best done with careful planning and often during a major redesign or version update.
3. Will my app look the same on both iOS and Android? Should it?
Not exactly—and that’s okay. Cross-platform apps can have a consistent look, but iOS and Android users are used to different design patterns (like back buttons, tab bars, gestures). A good cross-platform app respects platform-specific design norms while maintaining a unified brand feel.
4. What if Flutter or React Native becomes obsolete in a few years?
That’s a fair concern. Both are backed by tech giants (Google and Meta), and they’ve matured enough to be trusted for production apps. But to future-proof your app, make sure your codebase is clean and modular. That way, migrating to another tech (if needed) won’t be a nightmare.
5. Is it harder to find developers for Flutter or React Native?
Not really, but availability depends on your location. React Native has more developers globally due to JavaScript’s popularity. Flutter, though newer, is growing fast—especially in Asia and Europe. Remote hiring can solve most skill availability issues.
6. Can cross-platform apps scale for millions of users? Or should we go native for that?
Cross-platform apps can absolutely scale, provided your backend and architecture are solid. Instagram and BMW both use cross-platform code at scale. The key is not the framework itself—but how well the app is architected.
7. Will app store reviewers treat cross-platform apps differently?
No. Apple and Google care about performance, stability, and user experience—not what tech stack you use. Just make sure your app complies with store guidelines and feels polished.
8. Can I use the same developer to build both my app and website using React Native or Flutter?
Sort of. Flutter has web support, but it’s still maturing. React Native isn’t meant for websites, but developers familiar with React (the web version) can often build both. If you want a single team for web + mobile, go with React (for web) and React Native (for mobile) for better synergy.