When to Use React Native Instead of Swift for iOS App Development?

Developing successful mobile applications always requires you to make some important decisions in the long run. One of the crucial choices you need to make is between native and cross-platform development technologies. While Swift is the most common preference for iOS applications, building an iOS app with React Native can help you overcome a lot of development issues.

Wondering how? Dive down into the page because in this blog we’ll tell you why using React Native for iOS development can bring you better success.

The Problem With iOS App Development

While Apple devices are highly in demand, developing apps for the iOS platform is subject to several challenges. These challenges often make things complicated for the developers and other stakeholders, resulting in the need to review technological decisions. Here are some of the most common problems faced with native iOS app development.

Eligibility and Approval

iOS applications are powerful and well-performing but to actually be in the market they need to be approved by the App Store. For those who didn’t know, getting through this process may not be an easy task and we’ve seen companies struggling. To publish an app on the Apple App Store, developers must be 18 years or above and have to pay an annual membership fee of 99 US$. Thus when dealing with novice developers, this could be a problem despite great ideas and skills they bring to the table. (You always have the option to hire a team of more experienced iOS app developers though.)

Evolving Standards For UI/UX

Because of its high quality UX and clean design, iOS has evolved to be one of the most preferred platforms among users. Developers need to add elements with high practicality and keep these standards in mind. It’s important that UI has only those features that make the app’s functionalities more understandable for users. Including modern design elements and high quality interface is necessary to keep up with iOS standards and get through to the other side (App Store approval).

Compatibility

There are various iPhone models in the market. While the hardware and software elements of these models keep on evolving, developers need to make sure their applications are compliant to these updates. If your applications are not scalable, they might not operate well on the target devices. Apple continually releases new devices with software and hardware upgrades along with better security guidelines. Stakeholders are obligated to make their applications ready for these upgrades to combat any further issues in the development and launch of an app.

How Does React Native Solve This Problem?

No, we’re not discussing the commonly known advantages of React Native here but the ones that prove using React Native for iOS app development is actually a great decision. If you wish to know in detail about React Native and its benefits for development projects,

Read Our Blog: What is React Native and When to Choose It For Your Project?

Meanwhile, here are a few ways in which React Native helps in reliable iOs app development.

Rigorous and Reliable Testing

React Native offers various app testing techniques that span across different levels and stages of application development. It allows you to use a wide range of tools for accurate and reliable testing such as ReactTestUtils, Jest, Jasmine, RNtester, Mocha, etc. With Swift for native iOS development, these options are limited.

Leverage Third-Party Libraries and APIs

The continuously expanding realms of React Native lets developers use third-party libraries and APIs for adding high-quality elements to an app. These have made communicating with native components a lot simple, resulting in better performing applications. Additionally, it’s time saving.

Over-The-Air (OTA) Updates

While Apple does not permit OTA updates, building an iOS app with React Native will allow you to make several modifications. With careful planning and caution you can make important updates to your app without submitting it to the App Store.

Using React Native for developing iOS applications can help you combat various challenges and launch an app that’s competent, affordable and easy to manage. However, the best choice of technologies depends on a lot of factors.

Swift comes with its own set of benefits and there’s a reason people prefer native iOs app development for their projects. Based on use cases, one can make better decisions in thai regard. Therefore, comparing both technologies before you proceed is a must.

React Native vs Swift: What’s Better?

Both React Native and Swift are two of the most powerful resources for app development. However, choosing your weapon from the cross-platform and native app development options requires considering various factors. Here’s a brief comparison between React Native and Swift to help you understand how they are different and what would be a better choice for your application.

User Interface

React Native utilizes APIs and components to build applications with native-like look and feel. Swift is built exclusively for native iOS development and comes with top-notch elements for iOS applications.

Stability

React Native offers decent, native-like UI support. However, when it comes to stability, using native development language can help one explore better possibilities and build a feature-rich application. But then, this decision may vary as per use cases and priorities with regards to project goals.

Performance

Often native app development takes the lead when it comes to providing superior performance. While React Native offers cross-platform applications with reliable performance, native app development with Swift can offer you competent apps with dynamic graphic effects.

Development Speed

Development speed majorly depends on the complexity and project goals. If you’re looking into developing a native iOS app you can choose any of the two ways based on your preferences. However, if you want to build an app for both Android and iOS, developing a cross-platform application using React Native could save you a lot of time and effort. 

React Native offers various component libraries that lets developers add readymade elements to a code. These are reliable and time saving.

10 Best React Native Component Libraries You Should Know About

Development Costs

Development costs are often a concern when choosing between the best technologies. Although the difference in development cost with React Native and Swift is negligible, several other factors can affect the final costs. Using React Native for iOS and Android app development is a cheaper option. React Native delivers two applications using single code and development cycle which impacts the overall cost of development. These costs will certainly be higher when developing native iOS and Android applications.

Adaptability

It’s important to use technologies that are flexible and easily adaptable as there may be times when new developers take over your project. React Native is based on JavaScript programming. Since more than 68% of developers are well-versed with JS programming, switching teams becomes easier. However, that may not be the case with Swift. Although it’s easy to learn, there are only a few developers who know how to use this programming language to the best of its potential.

App Maintenance

While both React Native and Swift offer reliable scope for app maintenance, Swift may be the more preferable option. Swift is a statically typed language and therefore easier to upgrade and maintain than JavaScript. However, with React Native you need to make sure that the latest version of the framework is compatible with every library used for your app.

Thus, both React Native and Swift have their pros and cons considering different situations and your project goals. Let’s get back to the actual question.

When to Use React Native For iOS App Development

• You need to build a cross-platform application for both iOS and Android with a small team and limited resources. 
• Your app should look and work the same on both platforms. 
• Want flawless collaboration among developers and faster development.

When to Use Swift For iOS App Development

• You need to build a native app for the iOS platform only. 
• There are further plans of scaling and maintaining the app in future. 
• Your app will be a complex one, based on platform-specific code.

Understanding your requirements well before taking any action will help you get better results from the efforts and resources you invest. We hope this blog helps you understand when it’s suitable to use React Native for iOS app development. Moreover, you need to choose your development partner wisely. The right guidance and suggestions along with skills and expertise will pave the path to success for your apps.

If you are seeking suggestions or similar services, feel free to fill the contact form below. Well get back to you sooner than you expect!