React Native vs native iOS/Android — which is better?

React Native wins for most apps: native performance, lower cost, faster to ship. Go pure native only when you push the hardware — complex AR, custom graphics engines, deep OS integration.

How long does App Store approval take?

Apple reviews in 1–3 days. Google Play is usually 24–48 hours. Rejections happen, almost always for fixable policy reasons, and we handle the response and resubmission.

Can you add features to an existing app?

Yes. On an existing React Native or Expo app we add features, fix bugs and redesign screens. Native Swift or Kotlin apps we assess case by case.

What about the backend?

Most mobile apps need one. If you don't have it, we build it in Node.js as part of the project. If you do, we integrate. Either way the cost sits in your quote.

Do you handle in-app purchases and subscriptions?

Yes. We integrate RevenueCat, which handles App Store and Google Play billing from one SDK and gives you revenue analytics out of the box.

Can the app work offline?

Yes, if we scope it in. React Query's cache and local storage keep your key features working without a connection, then sync automatically when it returns.

Services→MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT

MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT

Mobile app development for iOS and Android. One codebase.

Two separate native apps double your cost and your timeline. React Native gives users a native feel on both platforms from one codebase.

Live in 5–6 weeks

Start Your Mobile App See how we work →

THE PROBLEM

Why mobile app development goes wrong

Two separate native builds double everything. A $20,000 app becomes $80,000; six weeks becomes six months. Budgets run out before Android ever ships.

React Native builds both from one codebase, with real native performance. Shopify, Discord and Instagram ship that way. Users can't tell the difference — at the rendering level there isn't one.

HOW WE BUILD

From wireframe to App Store in 5–6 weeks

Scoping & architecture

Days 1–3

Mobile brings constraints the web doesn't — offline behaviour, push notifications, device permissions, App Store review. We scope for it all on day one, so submission holds no surprises.

UI/UX design

Week 1

We follow iOS Human Interface Guidelines and Android Material Design, so the app feels native on both. Every screen, gesture and transition is designed before we build.

Development

Weeks 2–4

We build with React Native, Expo and TypeScript — state, navigation, offline support, push notifications, device features. You get a fresh build to review every week.

Testing

Week 5

We test on real devices, not simulators — iOS and Android, several screen sizes and OS versions, plus edge cases and poor network conditions.

Submission & launch

Week 6

We handle App Store and Google Play submission end to end — screenshots, descriptions, privacy policies, review responses. Approval rarely lands on day one, so we manage the wait.

TECH STACK

React Native — the professional choice for cross-platform

We use React Native with Expo for almost every mobile project.

React Native + Expo

Why: Truly native components, not WebViews. Expo handles the native complexity and App Store submission.

TypeScript

Why: Catches bugs before production — which matters more on devices than in a browser.

React Navigation

Why: The standard, with native stack navigation matching platform conventions on iOS and Android.

Zustand or React Query

Why: Zustand for client state, React Query for server state and caching. Both lightweight.

Node.js API

Why: Same stack as our web apps. We build one if you need it, or integrate yours.

Expo Notifications

Why: One API for both APNs and FCM — no per-platform configuration.

TIMELINES

What can you ship in 5–6 weeks?

5 weeks — Standard mobile app

Consumer app, business tool, companion app for a web product

·Up to 12 screens
·Authentication
·Push notifications
·API integration
·App Store ready

6 weeks — Feature-rich mobile app

Two-sided marketplace app, social app, on-demand service app

·12–20 screens
·Complex navigation
·Real-time features
·Payment integration
·Offline support

What extends the timeline

Live chat, video calling, heavy SDK integrations, custom native modules and App Store delays. We flag these in scoping.

WHAT TO EXPECT

What a typical mobile app build looks like

TYPICAL PROJECTOn-demand service app (iOS + Android)

Week 1Architecture decisions made, designs completed for all 14 screens

Weeks 2–4React Native build — weekly TestFlight builds shared for review

Week 5Testing on 6 physical devices, App Store assets prepared

Week 6Submitted to App Store and Google Play, both approved within 48 hours

Outcome: Live on both platforms, 200 active users in first month

App Store review times vary. Week 6 carries slack for that.

OUR COMMITMENTS

What we promise on every mobile app

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We handle App Store and Google Play submission entirely — screenshots, descriptions, privacy policies, review responses. You never have to learn it.

Our submission promise

Dev Empire guarantee

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We test your app on real devices before submission — iOS and Android, multiple screen sizes and OS versions. What you submit is what works.

Our testing promise

Dev Empire guarantee

We're looking for our first mobile app clients

Founding rate, plus a direct line to the founders once you're on both stores.

FAQ

Common questions

Ready to ship your mobile app?

We'll review your app concept, recommend the right approach, and send a fixed-price quote within 24 hours.

Start Your Mobile App View all services →

iOS + Android · Fixed price · App Store submission included