In recent years, the demand for mobile applications has skyrocketed driven by an increasingly digital world and the need for seamless, on-the-go solutions. As technology advances, developers have a growing array of frameworks to choose from to create dynamic, efficient, and user-friendly mobile apps. In 2024 and looking into 2025, certain mobile app development frameworks stand out for their performance, flexibility, and developer support.
What Is a Mobile App Development Framework
Currently, the development of mobile applications has become much of an easier task, due to mobile app frameworks that include:
- programming interfaces
- compilers
- debugging tools
- component management tools and more within one comprehensive software.
Compared to what we had even a decade ago, when most of the back code was written from scratch, simplest tasks required a ton of resources and time.
Now, an app framework is an ultimate solution for developers, allowing them to build mobile apps, saving time and resources while enabling smoother, more functional app development processes. With the rise of decentralized finance, native mobile app development frameworks like React Native and Flutter are becoming increasingly popular for building DeFi applications and DeFi wallet solutions. These frameworks enable developers to create secure, cross-platform apps that facilitate seamless financial transactions, wallet management, and access to decentralized platforms, all while ensuring high performance and scalability.
What Are The Three Types of Mobile App Development Frameworks
Depending on business objectives, budgets, time and human resources and other factors, developers choose between 3 main types of mobile development frameworks:
Native Frameworks
Native frameworks are platform-specific, and are used to develop applications for iOS or Android with a native code. Native ones (e.g. Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android, etc.) are known for their ability to gain the highest level of app performance and optimization.
Here are few benefits that Native Frameworks offer:
- Provide direct access to platform-specific features.
- Offer the best performance due to being written in native code (e.g., Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android).
- Provide smooth UI/UX and high-level responsiveness due to being designed specifically for a single platform.
- Provide quick access to new platform features.
However, a Native mobile app framework requires writing a lot of code from scratch, and may be both expensive and time consuming.
Cross-Platform Frameworks
Such an app framework allows to carry out cross-platform development. Web Apps are actually mobile-optimized websites that do not require any downloads or installations. Using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc., developers provide cross-platform compatibility, which is simply the compatibility of the app for various platforms with the use of a single codebase.
Cross-Platforms ease the development processes due to the following benefits:
- Allow development for different platforms (e.g., iOS, Android) using a single codebase.
- Reduce development time and expenses by eliminating the need for separate codebases.
- Provide compatibility for various platforms through technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc.
- Allow faster updates and maintenance across platforms.
Cross-platform frameworks, such as React Native and Flutter, have some limitations in optimization capabilities and performance, compared to native frameworks.
Hybrid Frameworks
This type of app development framework allows developers to blend the elements of native and web kinds. The final products – developed by, for instance, Ionic or Cordova – are used within a native container, while providing the advantages and features of its web component. Just as native apps, hybrid apps require installation on a smartphone or other platforms; on the other hand, similar to cross-platform apps, these applications are compatible with various platforms due to a single codebase.
- Combine the advantages of both native and web components for a more versatile app.
- Maintain a single codebase that can be used on different platforms, similar to cross-platform apps.
- Optimize deployment costs by using shared code, while still offering some level of native experience.
- Support offline functionality with local storage.
Due to its optimized cross-platform deployment and cost efficiency, hybrid apps maintain the perfect balance of advantages of the previous 2 types.
Best Mobile App Development Frameworks in 2024
In 2024, mobile app development continues to evolve, with frameworks that offer more powerful, efficient, and flexible tools than ever before. These frameworks empower developers to build high-performance apps for both iOS and Android.
React Native: Pioneer In Mobile
One of the leading technologies in mobile app development is React Native. Built by Facebook, this app development framework is a free, open tool that’s really popular for building Android and iOS apps. It’s perfect for building mobile apps quickly and smoothly, and big brands like Tesla, Airbnb, Skype, and Amazon Prime use it. Developers love React Native because it speeds up their work. It also offers parts they can reuse, works well with other plugins, and has an easy structure for creating front-end designs.
Recommended If:
- The company wants a widely-used tool with a large community
- Quick development and deployment are priorities
- The app needs to work well on both iOS and Android
- The project can benefit from reusable components and third-party plugins
Not Recommended If:
- The app requires complex animations or high-performance graphics
- The project needs full access to all native platform features
- The company wants high customization at the native level
Flutter: The Rising Star
Flutter, made by Google, is an open tool for building native-like apps for both Android and iOS from one set of code. It’s known for making apps that look and feel high-quality without much extra effort. Flutter includes ready-made parts, a way to draw designs, testing tools, and APIs, all of which help developers create attractive apps faster. Companies like Google, Alibaba, and Abbey Road Studios have used Flutter for their apps.
Recommended If:
- The company lacks workforce for mobile development
- There is a need for open-sources
- The company is building cross-platform mobile apps for iOS and Android.
- The budgets and deadlines are tight
Not Recommended If:
- The company needs API integrations
- There’s a need for high level of optimization like native ones provide
Kotlin Multiplatform: The Android Tamer
Kotlin Multiplatform is an innovative app framework aimed at making Android development easier. This framework is a modern programming language with static typing that operates on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). It’s made to work easily with Java, so that developers can use Java libraries, frameworks, and tools that already exist, while enjoying Kotlin’s simpler syntax and extra features.
Recommended If:
- The team is already using Java and wants a smoother, more concise language
- The project requires interoperability with existing Java libraries and tools
- Developers want modern features that simplify code without sacrificing performance
- Productivity and reduced boilerplate code are priorities
Not Recommended If:
- The team lacks experience with JVM-based languages
- The project is highly dependent on frameworks not fully compatible with Kotlin
- Long-term support is a priority, but the company prefers languages with broader enterprise adoption than Kotlin
Apache Cordova: Easy For Hardware
Apache Cordova, which used to be called PhoneGap, is a flexible tool for building apps using HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. It has plugins that let developers use phone features like GPS and cameras, giving apps a more native feel. Cordova is popular for speeding up app development and has tools that make managing and releasing apps easier.
Recommended If:
- The app needs to be built with web technologies like HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript
- Cross-platform compatibility is needed with quick time-to-market
- Developers want to use plugins to access device hardware features like GPS and cameras
- The project has tight budgets and doesn’t need high-end graphics
Not Recommended If:
- The app requires heavy optimization and native-level performance
- The team prefers not to rely on third-party plugins for native functionalities
- There’s a need for high security and reliability at the native level
Swiftic: Simple As That
Swiftic is an app-making tool for iOS with a simple setup that is great for small businesses of hospitality, e-commerce and retail. It has a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 6-month success guarantee, which gives developers peace of mind. Swiftic’s easy-to-use features make it perfect for creating simple iOS apps.
Recommended If:
- The app is only targeting iOS users
- The focus is on a specific business sector (e.g., restaurants, retail, health & beauty)
- Simple, straightforward app creation is required without a long development time
- A low-risk option is needed, with refund and success guarantees
Not Recommended If:
- Cross-platform support (e.g., Android) is required
- The project requires complex features or a highly customized interface
- The team needs advanced coding flexibility and customization
Xamarin: The Bridge To Cross To Platforms
Xamarin is an open-source tool from Microsoft for creating apps that feel native on Android, iOS, macOS, and more, using .NET and C#. It’s great for businesses that want fast, native-like apps. Xamarin lets developers share code across platforms with an organized setup, giving them tools, libraries, and support from a helpful community.
Recommended If:
- .NET and C# are used as the core technologies
- The company prefers a single codebase for multiple platforms (Android, iOS, macOS, etc.)
- Native-like performance is a priority
- Long-term support and a stable framework from a known vendor are needed
Not Recommended If:
- The app needs support for complex graphics or custom animations
- The company prefers an open-source community not tied to Microsoft
- Smaller budgets are a priority (Xamarin can have higher maintenance costs)
Ionic: Less Is More
Ionic uses web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build hybrid apps. One of the biggest strengths of Ionic is that it gives developers access to a wide range of UI components for designing applications, including filters, forms, views, navigation menus, and action sheets. As a full-featured app development framework, Ionic supports the development of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), as well as both hybrid and cross-platform mobile apps.
Recommended If:
- The company lacks workforce for mobile development
- The teams need open-sources
- he team wants to use simple web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- There’s a need for simple interface instead of high-performance graphics
- The company is building cross-platform mobile apps for iOS and Android.
- The budgets and deadlines are tight
Not Recommended If:
- The company needs API integrations
- The app requires native-like performance or access to extensive device-specific features
- There’s a need for high level of optimization like native ones provide
Framework7: Meet The Artist
Framework7 is an open-source tool that’s easy to learn and lets developers make apps for Android, iOS, and desktop with a native look, using basic web technologies like HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS3. It also operates well with Vue.js, React, and Svelte for flexibility. Framework7 has cool design parts like pop-ups, side panels, and layout grids, making app development quick and easy.
Recommended If:
- The team prefers a simple, easy-to-learn framework for Android, iOS, or desktop
- The app requires basic web technologies like HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS3
- The goal is to create visually appealing apps without heavy coding
- Developers want added support for Vue.js, React, or Svelte
Not Recommended If:
- The app requires complex features or advanced native functionalities
- There’s a need for high-performance or resource-intensive applications
- Cross-platform development is needed beyond mobile devices
NativeScript: The Economist
NativeScript is an open-source tool that saves time and code when creating mobile apps, supporting Typescript, CSS, Vue.js, JavaScript, and Angular. It’s a favorite for companies that need to build fast, cross-platform apps with built-in access to iOS and Android features. NativeScript offers backend support and a native look with no need for web views.
Recommended If:
- The company wants the apps to run on both iOS and Android with a native-like UI
- TypeScript, JavaScript, CSS, Vue.js, or Angular are part of the tech stack
- There’s a need for quick access to native APIs without web views
- Backend support and business-oriented features are required
Not Recommended If:
- Developers lack experience with JavaScript or TypeScript-based frameworks
- The app needs heavy customization for each platform
- The project budget is limited for handling ongoing framework-specific maintenance
Progressive web sites: The New Paradigm, But a Bit Old-School!
By offering many of the same features as mobile app development frameworks, Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are increasingly used for mobile development. These are web applications that combine the look and feel of mobile apps with the accessibility of the web. These applications use modern web technologies to provide an app-like experience that includes offline access, push notifications, and home screen installation. PWAs are accessible across devices and platforms, providing a seamless user experience without requiring app store downloads.
Recommended If:
- The app needs to be available across different devices without installation
- The project has limited resources for native app development
- The target audience may be hesitant to download or install apps
- There’s a need for features like offline access and push notifications on a smaller budget
Not Recommended If:
- The app requires access to advanced device features or APIs (e.g., Bluetooth, NFC)
- High performance and native-like speed are essential for the user experience
- Distribution through app stores is critical to reach a wider audience and keep growing.
List of App Development Frameworks of 2025
While we are entering 2025, some app development frameworks are noticeably standing out, whether due to impressive upgrades, new features, or growing communities. Find some of the frameworks that show progress in the upcoming 2025, providing a few exciting improvements that developers can expect.
Flutter 4.0
Why It Stands Out: Flutter has long been a top mobile app framework, supported by Google and widely loved by developers for its nearly native performance on any platform. In 2025, Flutter 4.0 brings even more improvements in UI flexibility and desktop compatibility, which promises a smoother development experience.
What’s Coming: Faster, adaptive layouts and enhanced desktop support make it a standout among mobile app frameworks for building visually appealing and responsive apps.
React Native 2025 Edition
Why It Stands Out: Known for its versatility, React Native remains a favorite in the realm of mobile app frameworks. With updates that tackle some of its previous speed limitations, the 2025 edition integrates a new JavaScript engine and enhanced native module compatibility.
What’s Coming: Updated tools for UI and better compatibility with native code mean React Native continues to hold its place as one of the best mobile app development frameworks for those wanting a single codebase for iOS and Android.
SwiftUI 3.0
Why It Stands Out: SwiftUI is Apple’s premier mobile app framework, optimized for iOS. With SwiftUI 3.0, Apple is upping its game with deeper integration into machine learning and AR, making it ideal for developers focused on the latest iOS advancements.
What’s Coming: A more responsive preview canvas and streamlined gesture controls enhance SwiftUI’s appeal for developers looking for a smooth, interactive user experience.
Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile (KMM)
Why It Stands Out: Kotlin’s cross-platform functionality has caught attention in the search for the best mobile app development framework, particularly for developers seeking native-level performance on both Android and iOS. KMM is gaining more tools and stability, streamlining the development process.
What’s Coming: Expanded APIs and tools in 2025 make code-sharing between iOS and Android easier than ever.
Ionic 7
Why It Stands Out: Ionic’s versatility keeps it on the list of top mobile app frameworks, with WebAssembly support in Ionic 7 that enhances load times and performance. It’s great for developers focused on building hybrid apps that work seamlessly across platforms.
What’s Coming: Enhanced support for PWAs, improved runtime, and native plug-ins make Ionic a strong choice in hybrid app development.
Jetpack Compose 2.0
Why It Stands Out: Jetpack Compose is Google’s answer to declarative UI development, making it a great mobile app framework for Android. The 2.0 version focuses on larger screens and foldable devices, keeping up with Android’s evolving hardware.
What is Coming: Better tools for animation and more flexible layouts make Jetpack Compose ideal for creative, engaging Android app designs.
Unity for Mobile AR/VR
Why It Stands Out: Unity is the best mobile app development framework for those targeting mobile AR/VR, with strong community support and continual improvements in extended reality (XR). Unity is paving the way for mobile apps that offer immersive, interactive experiences.
What’s Coming: In 2025, enhanced compatibility with advanced devices like Apple’s Vision Pro and improved asset pipelines are expected to boost Unity’s popularity in the AR/VR space.
What is the Most Used App Development Framework?
Considering the recent trends, React Native is easily considered as one of the best mobile app development platforms, if not the best one for the moment.
Developed by Facebook, Native React is widely used for cross-platform apps both for iOS and Android. It uses a single codebase that is written in JavaScript and React, which allows developers to build for both iOS and Android simultaneously, without using integrations or the support of other third-party frameworks.
Another good thing about Native React is that while it offers cross-platform development, it also provides near-native performance and quality, which increases animation smoothness, quality of transitions and the level of responsiveness of interfaces, especially with native modules.
Native React solves a vast amount of problems and makes complex and multilayered development processes easier, due to its efficiency, smooth performance through optimization and cross-platform capabilities.
Below, find a few examples and reasons these giants choose React Native for:
Facebook and Instagram
Facebook is one of the first adopters of Native React as they created the framework in the first place. It was and is used to develop and upgrade a vast number of Facebook and Instagram components. The codebase of React Native is used across platforms, which minimizes costs and accelerates development processes.
Coinbase
One of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges Coinbase writes most of its parts of mobile apps using React Native. The framework serves as a suitable environment where a highly consistent interface is being built both for iOS and Android. Also, with React Native Coinbase manages to easily roll out updates and operate real-time features without the need to separate the codebases.
Binance
Binance also uses React Native components in its app to streamline user experience for both Android and iOS. To meet the fast-moving industry demands, React Native allows Binance to deploy new features and improvements across platforms efficiently, providing the possibility for easy development of quick-updates.
Tesla
A lot of magical and futuristic creations of Tesla are managed through mobile phones that carry the back ends developed by React Native. The easy customization and cross-platform support make the app framework a perfect solution for Tesla to stay compatible for all the iOS and Android platforms.
FAQs
1. What Is The Best Framework for Mobile App Development in 2025?
- While it varies based on project requirements, React Native and Flutter are among the top choices for their versatility and community support.
2. Can I Use the Same Code for iOS and Android Apps?
- Yes, frameworks like React Native, Flutter, and Xamarin allow you to write a single codebase and deploy it across both platforms.
3. Are low-code/no-code Platforms Suitable For All Applications?
- Low-code/no-code platforms are excellent for prototypes and simple applications, but complex apps may still require traditional coding.
4. What Emerging Technologies Should Developers Focus on?
- Developers should look into AI, AR, and IoT, as these technologies promise to provide groundbreaking enhancements in mobile app capabilities.
