Top Mobile App Development Frameworks in 2024

Jul 2, 2024 Kiran Beladiya

In the technology-driven world, we all are surrounded by mobile devices and mobile applications. Our morning starts with a mobile alarm app and contacts our friends and colleagues using mobile apps like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and more. We travel to other places using mobile apps like Uber & Lyft. Moreover, we order food from Zomato & Swiggy or explore new places using apps like Google Maps & Apple Maps. In a nutshell, we have become dependent on mobile apps for every activity we do in our daily routine.

There are apps for everything. And they make our lifestyle much easier and more convenient. Also, there are apps for businesses that help them boost sales and connect with customers most easily.

But have you ever wondered how these mobile apps are developed?

What types of tools and mobile app frameworks are being used to develop apps?

Well, as far as we get our apps on mobile, we never bother to ask such questions.

But the question remains as to how we can develop an app. Of course, a reliable and the best mobile app development company looks after these things very well.

When we talk about mobile app development frameworks, you will find thousands of them that are striving to give you the best user experience at your fingertips. The market for mobile app development is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.9% between 2024 and 2032, from an estimated USD 94.4 billion in 2024 to USD 399.8 billion by 2032.

Types of Mobile App Frameworks

There are many mobile platforms available, such as Android, iOS, and Windows. There are different forms of apps as well.

Mobile apps can be categorized into three categories.

1. Native Apps

Native apps are developed for specific platforms like iOS, Android, and Windows. These apps use device features like camera, RAM, GPS, etc.

2. Web Apps

Web apps function via browser interfaces.

3. Hybrid Apps

Hybrid apps are a combination of both native and web apps.

These apps are generally created using the following frameworks:

Native app framework
Hybrid app framework

Native apps offer the best quality to users in terms of their aesthetic and functional aspects.

But native app development services cost you more. And the diversity of devices and platforms can be challenging in ensuring maximum user penetration.

So, if you are walking with a limited budget and the maximum number of users, then as a mobile app development company, you can go with hybrid app development services or cross-platform app development services.

So, keeping all of these in mind, let’s see the top 10 mobile app development frameworks for 2024.

Top 10 Mobile App Development Frameworks

1) React Native

React Native is one of the popular frameworks which is used to develop both Android and iOS apps. Using this framework, developers can build high-performance apps in less time with faster deployment times. However, it’s a budget-friendly option.

React Native has turned out to be the best solution in JavaScript-based mobile app frameworks. Developed by Facebook, it’s an open-source, cross-platform app development framework.

One one the major advantages of using this framework is that it lets you develop truly native apps but doesn’t compromise on user experience. It comes up with many components like Views, Text, and Images all mapped to a platform’s native UI building block.

Some famous apps built with React Native:

Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
Airbnb
Skype

Features of React Native:

Low-code
Compatible third-party plugins
Declarative API for predictive UI
Supports iOS and Android

2) Flutter

Flutter is a UI toolkit backed by Google, that helps in developing native apps for the web, mobile, and desktop using a single codebase. It offers a wide range of customizable widgets to build native interfaces in a short time.

Flutter offers a native experience to both the developer and end-user with many features such as navigation, icons, fonts, and scrolling. Its intuitive widgets, material designs, and amazing animations allow developers to develop expressive UI for applications.

Unlike many other mobile app frameworks, developers have to write codes in Dart language. So, they can reuse these codes for upcoming tasks as well.

However, the backing of Google itself gives Flutter an extra edge of credibility.

Some famous apps built with React Native:

Alibaba
Google Ads
Reflectly
Cryptograph
Dream11

Features of Flutter:

Faster development
Cross-platform
Attractive and Interactive visuals
Native like performance
Built-in material design
High-performance app
Rich motion APIs

3) Xamarin

Xamarin is also on the list of one of the top mobile app development frameworks. It’s an open-source platform used to develop hybrid mobile apps using .NET and C#.

Since Xamarin leverages C#, it requires less coding. So, a developer can code for the app in a faster way. Xamarin comes up with .NET development platforms with many tools and libraries for developing Android, iOS, tvOS, watchOS, macOS, and Windows apps.

Being a cross-platform and open-source platform, it offers a development ecosystem with a backend, API, components, etc. Since it offers an excellent native user interface, developers can develop natively while offering an amazing user experience. The apps developed on Xamarin provide seamless native performance in terms of both quality and performance.

Some famous apps built with Xamarin:

Microsoft Reel
The World Bank
UPS mobile app
Alaska Airlines
Microsoft News app
Novarum DX

Features of Xamarin:

Rapid Development
Native look and feel
Versatile backend infrastructure
Diagnostic tools
Application loader
Google emulator manager

4) Ionic

Ionic is an open-source and cross-platform mobile UI toolkit that is used to develop native apps such as Android, iOS, and web applications.

However, Ionic has become a favorite framework among app developers in a short time. It’s a free app development platform using a combination of CSS3, HTML, and JavaScript technologies.

Ionic is an ideal choice to develop hybrid apps and Progressive Web Applications by using HTML5. It offers uniform designs, performance boosts, support for all devices, and so on.

Ionic-enabled apps can be distributed across multiple app stores and installed on any device using Cordova or Capacitor. Besides, Ionic Studio is the lightweight version of Ionic and it’s quite powerful.

Some famous apps built with Ionic:

IBM
Southwest
MarketWatch
Sworkit
Instant Pot

Features of Ionic:

Cross-platform app development
Uniform UI
Optimized Performance
User adaptability
Powerful & stable development platform
Complete control over app development

5) Sencha Ext JS

Sencha Ext JS is a JavaScript framework used to develop both mobile and web applications. It’s an open-source and cross-platform framework.

A mobile app development company can use this framework to develop enterprise applications.

The latest version of Sencha Ext JS combines the power of Ext JS and Sencha Touch. Hence, developers can quickly and easily develop Hybrid apps. Moreover, they can develop apps for different platforms using a single codebase.

Sencha Ext JS has more than 115 pre-integrated and high-performing UI components. Some of the components it offers are HTML5, D3, calendar, pivot grids, charts, design, adapters, lists, menus, toolbars, windows, panels, etc. And Sencha has hundreds of user extensions.

Features of Sencha EXT JS:

Build to work with a large amount of data
Hundreds of user extensions
Excellent visual component support
Manage millions of data
Powerful analytics
Flexible layout system
Visual data representation

6) Onsen UI

Onesen UI.png

When it comes to creating intricate mobile applications, Onsen UI is acknowledged as the most effective instrument. It uses HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create amazing HTML apps. Additionally, it supports libraries like Vue, React, Angular JS1, and Angular 2+. This platform deserves praise for its ability to adapt the appearance of the app to different platforms. For example, it makes use of the automatic style on the UI components if we want a natural look for iOS and Android. Among its many UI elements are lists, forms, stack navigation, tabs, and more.

Some of its significant features are:

Zero time set up
Simple to use and easy to learn
Time-effective and cost-effective development

7) JQuery Mobile

JQuery Mobile is a touch-based mobile app development framework based on HTML5. It allows developers to code less and build more in less time. It’s known for its user-friendly and interactive interface.

JQuery comes up with a ready-to-use JavaScript library with many plugins like Image Slider, Content Slider, Pop-Up Boxes, and many more. Using JQuery, developers can create responsive websites or apps for mobile devices, tablets, and desktops.

Moreover, developers can also use PhoneGap with JQuery to develop the apps.

The framework is touch-optimized and runs on a single codebase, enabling developers to create highly customizable apps or websites.

It has a powerful theming framework and supports various plugins like image-slider, pop-up, boxes, content slider, etc.

Some famous apps built with JQuery Framework:

OpenTable
Ikea Sweden
Dodge
Disney World
Slideshare
Stanford

Features of JQuery:

Compatible with PhoneGap framework
Lightweight size
Simple and extensive API support
Built on JQuery core
Configured with HTML5
Automatic initialization

8) Swiftic

Swiftic has taken its spot in the top mobile app development frameworks for the iOS platform. However, Swiftic requires no or minimal code to develop an app as it’s a DIY app maker. So, an iPhone app development company doesn’t need to dive into coding while using this framework.

Since it offers many read-made components and features, developers can make the best use of it. Its user-friendly interface is a plus point, along with smooth navigation. Moreover, a developer can develop this in less time.

Swiftic offers various tools like advanced analytics, social and media feeds, expert help, and app promotions for one-stop solutions for developers.

Some famous apps built with Swiftic Framework:

Mount Royal Bagel
Clubhouse
Spa Café
Lakeside Fitness Center

Features of Swiftic:

30-day money-back guarantee plans
Easy communication and navigation
Excellent third-party integration
Interesting push notification
In-app coupons
App Publication Assistance

9) NativeScript

NativeScripts is an open-source, cross-platform framework to develop native mobile applications for Android and iOS platforms using Angular, TypeScript, JavaScript, CSS, and Vue.js.

Using the NativeScript framework, developers can reduce the code and time of the app loads on the system. Many software development companies use the NativeScript framework for their strong web empowerment platform.

It comes up with “Write Once - Use it Everywhere”. Therefore, it has improved and significantly changed in the last few years.

Some famous apps built with NativeScript:

Beachy
Radrat
GreekyAnts
Workbox
Navadra

Features of NativeScript:

Native User Interface
Direct access to iOS and Android APIs
Strong Backend Support
Reusability of codes
Easily adaptable
Plugins and templates

10) Corona SDK

Corona is a cross-platform and open-source development framework. It’s a suitable platform for developing mobile games and desktop applications. Developers can create 2D games with bleeding fast OpenGL graphics which gives better performance.

Using Corona SDK, a mobile app development company can develop both mobile and desktop applications. Also, it allows developers to create one application and publish it to multiple platforms or devices such as Apple’s iPhone, Android phones, iPad, tablets, Amazon Fire, macOS, Windows Desktop, and even connected to TVs such as Apple TV, Android TV, and Fire TV.

Some famous apps built with Corona SDK:

Designer City
Gunman Taco Truck
Beasts Battle 2
Zip Zap

Features of Corona SDK:

Top-notch Visuals
Wide variety of plugins
Realtime testing
Optimal performance
Strong API support to integrate with any native library
Multiple plugins for all needs

Things to Consider While Choosing The Best Framework

Platform Compatibility

Before you hire mobile app developer, you have to be clear about which platform your app is going to work on. If you are looking to develop an app that works on both Android and iOS platforms, then you must go for a platform-compatible framework.

Speed Optimization

Developers should consider the speed optimization factor from the perspective of both the users and developers. Developers have to select a framework that will speed up their development process and take less time in coding.

Also, from a user’s perspective, you need the app to function smoothly.

Development Cost

When a developer follows the mobile app development process and develops a high-quality product, they have to consider the development cost.

Therefore, while choosing the framework, you can select a preferred one that meets all the user’s expectations and falls into the budget criteria.

Adaptability

We have to select a framework that is adaptable in nature. So, whenever developers make any new changes in the coding, they must be reflected in the application.

Conclusion

In this blog, we have given you the 10 best mobile app development frameworks of 2024. By now, you must be aware of the features of each one, know their details, and have an idea of apps developed using them.

However, if you have not got the right framework yet, we suggest you choose a reliable mobile app development company that can guide you through the mobile development process. So, put the pedal to increase the reach of your business by targeting mobile app users.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are frameworks for developing mobile apps?

Pre-written software frameworks called mobile app development frameworks make it easier for developers to create mobile applications quickly by offering reusable code, libraries, and tools.

2. What benefits come with developing mobile apps with frameworks?

Frameworks make development easier, shorten the time to market, provide cross-platform functionality, give users access to ready-made libraries and plugins, and improve code maintainability.

3. Which frameworks are the best for developing mobile apps in 2024?

Flutter, React Native, Xamarin, Ionic, and NativeScript are a few of the best frameworks.

4. Describe Flutter and explain its appeal.

Google's UI toolkit, Flutter, allows developers to create natively built desktop, web, and mobile applications from a single codebase. Its quick development, creative user interface, and native performance.

5. What is the reputation of React Native?

JavaScript and React can be used by developers to create mobile apps with Facebook's React Native. Because it can produce cross-platform programs with performance close to native, it is preferred.

6. How can Xamarin assist with the creation of mobile apps?

With Xamarin, which is now a part of Microsoft, developers can use C# and .NET to create native apps for Windows, iOS, and Android while sharing code between platforms and preserving native app performance.

7. What can Ionic developers accomplish?

Using web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), Ionic is an open-source framework for creating cross-platform mobile applications. It provides simple deployment and a suite of UI components designed for mobile devices.

8. What advantages does using NativeScript offer?

Using JavaScript or TypeScript, NativeScript enables developers to create native apps for iOS and Android from a single codebase. It offers UI performance and direct access to native APIs.

9. How should I pick the best framework for my project including a mobile app?

When selecting a framework, take into account elements like the project needs (performance, features), developer experience, platform support, community support, and long-term maintenance.

10. Should we take into account any other developing frameworks in 2024?

Indeed, cross-platform development frameworks like Flutter for Web (web applications), Kotlin Multiplatform (android), and SwiftUI (iOS) are becoming more and more popular due to their creative methods.

Mobile App Development