LookFar Labs28 June 2021
Mobile vs. Web Apps—What’s the Difference?
When you think of apps, the first thing to come to mind will typically be something downloaded from Google Play or the App Store. And while you certainly wouldn’t be wrong, there’s more to it than that. Mobile use has overtaken desktop use since as far back as 2016. And, as a result, apps have become increasingly important in the digital space, especially when it comes to mobile apps and web-based apps. But there are some key differences between both types, and each has its own advantages. Find out what makes them different and why from the New Orleans app development pros at LookFar Labs.
Mobile Apps
These are the apps most people are familiar with. Native mobile apps are built specifically for their platform (iOS or Android) and downloaded via an app store. This means that an app built for iOS can’t be used on an Android device, and vice versa. So reaching both audiences requires two versions of an app.
Examples of mobile apps include Facebook Messenger, food-ordering apps like Uber Eats or Postmates, Twitter, Spotify, etc. They are installed in the device’s storage and may have access to certain system resources, such as the microphone and camera. And, since they’ve been downloaded, they may be able to run just fine without internet access, depending on the app’s functionality, and they’re faster than web-based apps, too. They can also send push notifications to the device, which can be a huge help in keeping both the app and brand top of mind for users.
Web-Based Apps
Web-based apps have some key differences from mobile apps, with their own unique pros and cons. For starters, they’re accessed through a web-browser instead of being downloaded from a marketplace. This can be beneficial since they don’t need to go through a store’s approval process, which can sometimes take extra time before getting a mobile app out there to the public.
But, because they depend on the internet, users in areas without Wi-Fi won’t be able to access standard web-based apps. Also, because they are not stored on the device, they won’t have the same access to the device’s resources as mobile apps.
However, many of these issues have been addressed with the introduction of progressive web apps in recent years. This type can load much faster than standard web apps, which users appreciate. Progressive web apps can also work offline and even offer functionality such as push notifications and native video and audio capture that were traditionally only available on mobile apps.
Need App Development in New Orleans? Look No Further Than LookFar Labs
Finding the right approach for your company’s app development can be complicated, but LookFar Labs makes it easy. We can discuss your organization’s needs and help you find the best strategy to help you connect with your audience. We build native mobile, web-based, B2C, B2B, SAAS, internal business, and white label apps that can help you do business better. So, when you need app development for your business in New Orleans or beyond, we’re here to make it happen.
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