Published: Sep 08, 2022

mobile application: types & examples

Mobile application development has been increasingly popular among business owners worldwide due to the proliferation of mobile computing devices like smartphones and tablets. Mobile applications are a burgeoning sector attracting companies from all around the world. According to a 2020 forecast, mobile app revenues will reach about $600 billion.

Having smartphones, laptops, desktop computers, smart tv, and other high technology stuff are signs that we live in an innovative world where mobile users are just one click away from downloading mobile applications. Everyone has the great luck of being privileged to live in a world where science and technology rule.

We now can profit from applications and improve our lives in various ways thanks to the advent of technology. Large and small businesses alike frequently use apps to improve efficiency and productivity.

We experience a fast internet connection while using our phones and other gadgets. We can download multiple platforms in the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, mobile games, etc., that are essential in communicating with your acquaintances and family. Such apps attract mobile device users to upgrade their android operating system for them to enjoy the device platforms.

There are hundreds of new mobile apps or web apps developed every year. Even if we’re familiar with operating systems like iOS and Android, we may not be aware of the exact technology platforms developers utilise during programs' design and development.

The three types of apps and cross-platform development discussed in this post will help you better understand progressive web development. Make sure to read the article until the end.

A mobile application, mostly known as a Mobile app, is the best option for software that can run on a mobile phone, tablet computer or watch. Users can still enjoy high-quality services and experiences even though apps are often little software units with limited functionality.

Unlike desktop apps, mobile applications do not rely on integrated software systems. As a result, each mobile app has a limited set of features. For example, it could be a game, a calculator, or a browser for mobile devices.

Apps on early mobile devices could not provide several functions because of the limited hardware resources available. However, even though today’s devices are significantly more advanced, mobile apps remain limited in their capabilities. This is how mobile app developers allow consumers to choose exactly what functions they want on their devices.

In contrast to the integrated software systems on PCs, mobile applications are a breakaway.  Each program delivers a single piece of functionality to avoid this, such as a game or a calculator. While early devices’ limited hardware resources may have prevented programs from multitasking, their distinctiveness is now part of their attraction because it allows consumers to pick and choose what their devices can do.

The simplest kind of mobile app is one that transfers data from a computer to a mobile device. This strategy is progressively less viable considering the increasing sophistication of mobile apps. One must consider the mobile environment's pros and downs when designing for it. Apps that use location-based features, for instance, are naturally mobile-friendly because the user is not confined to a single location as they would be on a PC.

There are essentially two kinds of apps: web-based and native. In contrast to hybrid apps, which may run on iOS and Android, native apps are designed from the ground up for one mobile OS. Native applications are more popular because they perform better and have a better user interface (UI). More thorough testing and quality assurance are needed before releasing these programmes to the public.

Web applications created in HTML5 or CSS consume the least amount of device memory because they are executed in a web browser. The user's data is saved on a remote server after being submitted on an external web page. A web app can only be used if you have access to a reliable network connection.

Here's a closer look at the most important features of technology considerations that business owners must address before constructing an app to assist you in better understanding the process of building a mobile application.

So, read on to learn about the mobile app categories and various sorts of mobile apps!

Native Applications

Native applications can provide a more enjoyable and satisfying experience for the user. Native UI devices are used by the designers who create them. Access to a wide variety of APIs also aids in speeding up the development process and expanding the application's capabilities. It is necessary to get native apps from app stores and install them directly on smartphones. Because of this, they must first go through a rigorous distribution process.

Apple's iOS, Google's Android, and Microsoft's Windows Phone are examples of mobile platforms on which native apps can be found as "native." An advantage of using a native platform is enhancing the overall user experience. It is faster and more intuitive because it was created exclusively for the platform. Facebook is another example of a popular native mobile app.

You can play the game offline if you've already downloaded the game's visuals, soundtrack, and playable levels. Some games, however, call on an online connection, either because they are online or because they demand registration or in-game purchases.

Web Applications

When browsed via a mobile device, responsive websites transform into a new design. On the other hand, adaptive web apps adapt to the various screen sizes of mobile devices.

Web applications are similar to native mobile applications and may be used on smartphones and tablets. However, native applications and online applications have essential differences.

As a general rule, web applications are written in CSS, HTML5, or JavaScript and run on browsers. These apps take the user to a URL and then give them the option of installing the app. So online apps make it mandatory for users to save the page for future reference. Because of this, they use the least amount of memory.

Unlike native apps, web applications have the same organisational structure but are accessed through a mobile device's web browser. When it comes to downloading and installing code, they are not two separate apps. They are mobile-friendly websites that adapt their user interface to the device being used by the visitor. In reality, when you select the option to "install" an online program, you're just bookmarking the URL of the site on your computer.

The look and feel of these apps will not be altered. The most popular programming languages are used to create web apps. However, these apps cannot utilise mobile device hardware or be sold in an app store.

Hybrid Applications

These apps operate through web browsers but may be downloaded and installed on devices precisely like native ones. The HTML5 programming language is used to create any hybrid apps. Although hybrid apps aren't as quick or dependable as native apps, they have a more vital ability to streamline the development process than native apps.

Hybrid apps can be built in a fraction of the time and cost of a native app. This hybrid mobile app aims to show that it is possible to create an app that performs similarly to a native app. They load quickly, are great for countries with slow web speeds, and provide a consistent user experience for customers.

Companies can save time and money by not having to develop and maintain apps for many platforms. It's perfect for primarily content-based apps.

They may feature a home screen app icon, responsive design, fast performance, and even the possibility to function unplugged. Still, they are genuinely web applications designed to look native on a device's interface.

Finally, the amount of code that needs to be maintained is significantly reduced thanks to a single code base.

Cordova, Phonegap, and Ionic are all cross-platform frameworks that can use to create hybrid apps. We will use Javascript to call the mobile's functions through the API provided by this framework. You only need to write once; these frameworks will automatically create Android and iOS installation files for you. This is the preferred development technique for applications that don't require a lot of computing power but need to use the device's capabilities.

Following our discussion on mobile applications development technology, we can now turn our attention to the most common types of mobile apps currently accessible.

Business or Productivity Apps

These apps are the second most popular among users and are taking over the market as people increasingly use smartphones and tablets to perform various tasks while on the road. These tools make it easier to send emails, keep tabs on project status, and make hotel reservations, to name a few and can be used for B2B or B2C transactions. The primary goal of these apps is to boost a business' productivity while reducing costs.

As an example, applications might help them book tickets or send emails. Business apps allow users to execute various tasks, from purchasing new cartridges for workplace printers to hiring a new office manager, while increasing efficiency and reducing costs.

Other types of business apps are Personal planners, calendars, notepads, to-do lists, keyboards, calculators, document editors, audio/video meetings, file managers, Internal business apps, business management, business mapping and reviews, sales tools, remote employee access apps, business planning, document editors, business news.

Educational Apps

Also known as informative apps, these apps assist users in learning new skills and information. Language study apps like Duolingo, for example, have grown extremely popular due to their ability to offer users the flexibility they desire in their study plans. Kids can benefit greatly from using educational game apps. In addition to students, teachers often resort to educational applications to help them better organise their classrooms or advance their knowledge and skillsets.

Other types of educational apps are Online learning, online college courses, exam prep, answering questions, study help, educational games, and language learning.

Entertainment Apps

Users worldwide flock to streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, which allow users to stream video material, find events, chat, and view online. These apps usually increase user involvement by informing users about product upgrades and additions.

Other types of entertainment apps are Movies, TV, streaming video, theatre apps, time-wasters, and colouring books.

Gaming Apps

Apps that resemble computer games are among the most popular. One-third of all app downloads and three-quarters of all consumer spending attributes to these two groups.

You'd be pleasantly surprised to find how many individuals kill time by playing games on their mobile phones and smartphones. Developing new games and mobile versions of well-known stationary games is increasingly time and resource-intensive because of this profitable market.  Candy Crush Saga and Angry Birds are the two world’s most popular mobile games.

Other types of game apps are Puzzles, action, adventure, fighter, sci-fi, arcade, board, card, casino, dice, racing, simulation, strategy, and trivia.

Lifestyle Apps

Apps for shopping, fashion, virtual fitting rooms, working out, meeting new people, and dieting are all included in this broad area. These apps focus on various parts of a person's daily life.

Other types of lifestyle apps are Party planning, wedding planning, style guides, self-improvement, religious lifestyles, DIY guides, and wellness trackers.

M-Commerce (mobile commerce) Apps

Popular shopping apps like Amazon and eBay let you shop just like you would on a desktop computer. Customers benefit from mobile commerce applications by having quick and easy access to products and secure payment options.

Other types of M-commerce apps are Rewards, coupons and savings, price comparison, online shopping, auctions, grocery lists, menu planning, mobile gift cards, and product reviews.

Travel Apps

The primary goal of this category is to make it easier for people to get around. Users can utilise travel applications to turn their smartphones and tablets into travel journals and guides that help them learn about the places they're going. Travellers to this destination tend to be tech-savvy and adept at making the most of their time spent on their smartphones. Travelling without Google Maps, Airbnb, or Uber is hard to fathom.

Other types of travel apps are Trip management, local guides, taxis, travel reviews, business information and reviews, and tours.

Utility Apps

Utility applications have the shortest average session length of any app kind. Barcode scanners, trackers, and healthcare apps are often the most popular utility apps for smartphones and tablets. We primarily use these apps on a daily basis to get things done fast and early.

Other types of utility apps are Mobile security, virus cleaners, privacy, flashlights, calculators, screen locks and app locks.

If you've ever wanted to make an application but weren't sure where to begin, this short guide is for you. The duration of effort and attention that you invest in your application during the process of its preparation will lead to a significant extent, defining how successful it is.

• Choose your application name: Customers will see you and your business through the application's name. If you already have a successful business, it is appropriate to continue with the same or similar name so your present customers can easily find you and put their trust in your application.
• Select a colour scheme: As soon as you have decided on a name for your application and selected the appropriate industry categorisation, you will be one step closer to answering your original question: "How do I build an application?" At this point, you need to decide on which type of shading will work best for your specific situation.
• Customise your application design: There are various options for personalising your application's look and feel in the plan customisation section.
• Choose the correct test device: As a developer, it's natural to wonder how to make an app that looks well on your favourite gadget and how it will look to your app customers. Because at this point in the cycle, you can see the fruits of your labour. It’s the most thrilling stage of the cycle.
• Install the application on your device: This is undoubtedly the most exciting part of the interaction because you can witness the results of all of your efforts. You will actually wish to introduce your preferred app on a device with the help of the QR code or the connection.
• Add the highlights you need (Key Section): Highlights that perform effectively for your application and allow you to service your clients in an ideal manner are critical for an ideal application. In most cases, this is determined by the application's design.
• Publish your application: It's a given that your customers will be able to download your Android and iOS apps from these stores once they've been made available.
• Promote your application: When developing an application to solve a current problem, you need to be prepared that people may already be using a specific configuration. You’d have to devise a strategy to convince them to implement that upgrade.

We hope this article helps you better comprehend the current landscape of mobile app development. More cutting-edge technologies like the Internet of Things, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and many others will be used in mobile applications.