MVP for Mobile Apps: Native or Cross-Platform?

Building a mobile MVP? The first big decision: native or cross-platform?

Understanding Your Options

Native Development

iOS: Swift or Objective-C. Android: Kotlin or Java. Two codebases, two apps.

Cross-Platform Development

React Native: JavaScript, backed by Meta. Flutter: Dart, backed by Google. One codebase, both platforms.

The MVP Perspective

For most MVPs, cross-platform wins:

• Faster to market: One development cycle
• Lower cost: Not paying for two apps
• Easier iteration: Changes deploy to both platforms
• Smaller team: One developer vs. iOS + Android

When Cross-Platform Makes Sense

• Standard UI patterns (lists, forms, buttons)
• Budget constraints
• Speed is critical
• Need both platforms from day one
• Team knows JavaScript/Dart

When Native Makes Sense

• Heavy device integration (camera, Bluetooth, sensors)
• Performance-critical applications
• Platform-specific features needed immediately
• Only need one platform
• Team has native expertise

React Native vs. Flutter

React Native: Huge ecosystem, JavaScript (widely known), mature. Best for teams with JS experience.

Flutter: Excellent performance, beautiful UI, extends to web. Best for custom UI-heavy apps.

Cost Comparison

Native: $80,000-$150,000, 4-6 months

Cross-Platform: $50,000-$100,000, 3-4 months

Cross-platform typically saves 30-50%.

The Bottom Line

For most mobile MVPs: go cross-platform. React Native or Flutter—either works. Ship fast, learn from users, iterate quickly.