Custom hybrid app development
With a hybrid app you reach both iOS and Android users from the same codebase. We build high-performance, maintainable cross-platform apps with Flutter and React Native that look and feel native on every platform.
One codebase, two platforms
With hybrid app development, we write the application logic, interface and navigation once. That single codebase is then compiled into both an iOS and an Android app. The result: an app available on both platforms, without maintaining two separate codebases. For organisations looking to build an app, this is one of the most important strategic considerations.
How does it work?
Hybrid frameworks such as Flutter and React Native translate your code into platform-specific instructions. Flutter compiles to native ARM code via the Dart compiler. React Native uses a JavaScript bridge that communicates with native platform components. In both cases the app does not run in a webview (as was the case with older hybrid methods), but drives genuine native UI elements.
This means the end user notices no difference from an app written entirely natively. Animations are smooth, navigation patterns follow platform conventions, and the app feels familiar to both iPhone and Android users. Meanwhile, the development team works on just one project instead of two.
When is hybrid the right choice?
A hybrid approach is particularly suitable when you want to serve iOS and Android at the same time, when speed of delivery matters, or when the budget does not allow for funding two entirely separate development tracks. Think of business apps, customer portals, ordering platforms, internal tools and apps that primarily retrieve and present data.
The choice depends on your specific situation. Are there heavy hardware integrations involving Bluetooth, AR or advanced camera features? Then native development may be a better fit. But for the vast majority of business applications, hybrid development offers the best balance between investment, quality and time to market.
Frameworks and technologies
The choice of framework partly determines how your app looks, how quickly it is built and how easily it is maintained. We work with the two most proven cross-platform frameworks on the market and choose the most suitable tool for each project.
Flutter
Flutter was developed by Google and compiles to native ARM code. The framework uses its own rendering engine (Skia/Impeller), giving complete control over every pixel on the screen. This makes Flutter particularly well suited to apps where a unique, pixel-perfect design is central. The programming language is Dart, which is specifically designed for client-side development. Looking for a specialist? See our page on hiring a Flutter developer.
- Compiles to native ARM code
- Own rendering engine for pixel-perfect UI
- Hot reload for rapid iteration
- Suitable for iOS, Android, web and desktop
- Growing ecosystem of packages
React Native
React Native is built on Meta's React ecosystem and is widely used by organisations worldwide. The framework drives actual native UI components through a JavaScript bridge. This means buttons, lists and navigation look identical to what the operating system provides by default. Ideal for teams already experienced with React or JavaScript.
- Uses native platform components
- Broad JavaScript/React ecosystem
- New architecture (Fabric) improves performance
- Large community and package availability
- Proven at scale by companies including Meta and Microsoft
Supporting tools
Alongside the chosen framework, we deploy a range of tools to ensure the quality and speed of development. CI/CD pipelines for automated builds, testing frameworks for automated testing on real devices, and monitoring tools for insight into crashes and performance after going live.
- Firebase for analytics, Crashlytics and push notifications
- Fastlane for automated App Store deployment
- GitHub Actions or GitLab CI for continuous integration
- Sentry or Crashlytics for error monitoring
- Figma-to-code workflows for design handoff
When hybrid, when native?
The choice between hybrid and native development is not a matter of better or worse. It depends on the requirements of your project, your budget and your long-term strategy. We advise honestly based on what best suits your situation, even if that means recommending a native approach.
Hybrid is suitable when...
- You want to serve both iOS and Android
- Time to market is an important factor
- The app mainly presents data, contains forms or serves as a portal
- The budget needs to be spent more efficiently than with two separate tracks
- One team needs to be able to maintain both platforms
- The app does not require extremely heavy graphics processing
Native is better when...
- The app makes heavy use of platform-specific hardware (AR, Bluetooth LE, NFC)
- Maximum graphics performance is required (3D rendering, games)
- You are only active on a single platform and want maximum OS integration
- The app involves highly complex background processes
- The app needs to integrate deeply with OS-specific features such as HealthKit or Wear OS
In practice, most business apps fall within the hybrid spectrum. Developing apps for iOS and Android at the same time doesn't have to mean compromising on quality. Modern cross-platform frameworks perform at a level that is indistinguishable from native for the end user. Only for niche cases with heavy hardware dependencies is pure native the better route.
Our approach to hybrid projects
Every project starts with a thorough understanding of your objectives, your users and the technical constraints. From there, we work in short sprints towards a working product, with continuous feedback and transparent communication. No surprises at the end, but visible progress from week one.
Our approach is built on transparency and collaboration. You have insight into progress at all times, can look along in the code repository and can test builds on your phone yourself. Curious how we approach web applications and custom software too? The process is similar, but the technical stack differs per project type.
Integrations
An app rarely stands alone. In most cases, your hybrid app needs to communicate with existing systems: a CRM, ERP, payment provider, database or other API integrations. We make sure your app connects seamlessly with your existing digital infrastructure.
REST and GraphQL APIs
Both Flutter and React Native support HTTP communication with REST APIs and GraphQL endpoints. We build a service layer that handles error handling, caching, retry logic and offline functionality. Data is stored locally when there is no connection and synchronised automatically once the connection is restored.
For more complex integrations, we implement state management patterns (such as BLoC in Flutter or Redux/Zustand in React Native) that ensure the UI always stays in sync with the underlying data, regardless of how complex the data flow is.
Platform-specific integrations
Although most of the code is shared, both Flutter and React Native allow you to write platform-specific code where needed. Think of access to the camera, GPS, biometric authentication (Face ID, fingerprint), push notifications via APNs and FCM, or in-app payments via Apple Pay and Google Pay.
These so-called platform channels (Flutter) or native modules (React Native) make it possible to tap into any OS feature without giving up the hybrid approach. You get the best of both worlds: shared logic for what is common, and platform-specific code only where it is truly necessary.
Security and compliance
An app often processes personal data, login credentials or confidential business information. We don't treat security as an afterthought, but as an integral part of the development process, from the very first line of code through to publication on the App Store and Google Play.
GDPR compliance
Personal data is processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation. We implement data minimisation and consent mechanisms, and ensure that users can easily exercise their rights (access, deletion, export) within the app.
Secure data storage
Sensitive data is stored encrypted using platform-specific solutions: Keychain on iOS and EncryptedSharedPreferences on Android. Tokens, passwords and personal data are never stored in plaintext on the device.
App Store requirements
Both Apple and Google set strict requirements for apps that appear in their stores. We are familiar with the review guidelines of both platforms and ensure that your app meets all technical and content requirements, so that the publication process runs smoothly.
Network and authentication
All communication takes place over HTTPS, with certificate pinning where appropriate. For authentication, we use proven protocols such as OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect, with support for biometric verification as a second factor.
Want to learn more about how we handle information security? Read our information security policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to discuss your hybrid app?
Tell us about your project and discover how we can use Flutter or React Native to build a high-performing, maintainable app for iOS and Android. Get in touch for a no-obligation conversation, or take a look at our services and our previous work.