A native mobile app is essentially an application for smartphones which is coded in a specific language and is installed onto the device. Native apps are written for specific operating systems, for example, iOS, Android or Windows. Users who download native apps can then run them on the smartphone in order to make use of them.

Native mobile phone apps can be more difficult to create than other types of app due to the fact that they need to be written in a different language for each different operating system. Individual developers will probably be required to complete each one, as they will all have their own personal specialisms. Native apps could also become more difficult to maintain, as you will have to keep track of all the different apps tailored to all the different operating systems which you want to cover.

However, there are also a number of advantages associated with native mobile apps. They are very user-friendly, and because each one is individually written for a specific operating system, they will feel more instinctive for users. The performance speed is good, and a native app tends to do well in terms of reliability. It will also have access to phone features such as cameras, address books and other applications, giving it more functionality for users.