A mobile app development framework is a platform or software that is especially designed to support app building. Such frameworks are essentially a software library that offer a structure and environment for building applications for specific platforms.
Such frameworks and tools simplify iOS and Android app development and put your projects on a faster track. If you are looking for framework options for app development or you are just curious about what is trending this year, then you are at the right place.
Stay tuned and learn about the latest technologies and frameworks that are enabling all kinds of app development including Android, iOS, no-code, cross-platform, and more. Go with the tech that suits you the best and launch your own app.
In this blog
Best mobile app development frameworks and tools for 2024
Here is a list of top mobile app development frameworks and tools that are being used for development and will continue to remain a popular choice this year:
Flutter
Flutter is an open-source UI software development kit created by Google that has evolved tremendously over the years. It is one of the best frameworks for cross-platform app development as it enables developers to create native-like apps for multiple platforms with a single code base.
The platform uses the programming language Dart. Developers can use widgets to create and modify apps with ease. It also has a rendering engine and testing tools that enable flawless app development. Moreover, it comes with Google assurance and is powered by a large community of people across the globe.
React Native
React Native was released by Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook) in 2015. The open-source UI software framework has evolved a lot since then and is now used to create apps for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, and more. Just like Flutter, React Native also supports cross-platform development with one code base.
However, the apps maintain the native look and feel. It is an affordable yet powerful option for creating feature-rich apps. The notable features of the platform include reusability of components, integration with third-party plugins, and more. Powered by the powerful Meta community, it is a powerful choice of developers around the world.
Ionic
Ionic is a complete open-source SDK (Software Development Kit) built on top of Angular JS and Apache Cordova. If you are aiming for fast web, cross-platform, and hybrid app development, then it is one of the best frameworks to work with. Despite the process not being native, the apps fare and perform well in native environments.
One of the best features of Ionic is that it offers over 100 UI elements like list views, forms, filters, floating action buttons, navigation menus, and more, that developers can integrate for a smooth end-user experience. The platform also offers a native runtime named ‘Capacitor’ for those who want to develop true native and feature-rich apps.
Xamarin
Xamarin is yet another open-source cross-platform framework. Owned by Microsoft, the platform has all one needs to develop high-performing apps. Based on programming languages like .Net and C#, it has libraries for building all kinds of apps including Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and more.
From the latest technologies like IoT and machine learning to the development of gaming apps, Xamarin powers developers to achieve any goal. The platform also released a component store to integrate backend systems, third party libraries, cloud services and UI controls into the apps directly, making the experience richer and more efficient.
Swiftic
Swiftic was once an iOS-only platform. However, the framework now supports native app development for both Android and iOS. When compared to other frameworks, Swiftic is easier to use and work with. It enables developers to create native apps for all kinds of businesses and organizations.
The platform is suitable for those who want a simple and straightforward solution for developing feature-loaded and easily navigable apps. It is best for creating apps specific to industries like eCommerce and retail, food delivery, and more. However, the platform is not essentially open source, and this may be limiting for some developers.
NativeScript
NativeScript is an open-source framework that enables development of Android and iOS mobile apps with JavaScript, CSS, and Native UI markup. It is especially suitable for developers who are already familiar with Angular as its lightweight nature makes it easier to code high-performing apps faster.
The platform ensures features like backend support, access to Android and iOS APIs, native user interface without webviews, and more. In fact, NativeScript is best suited for true native app development and is a top choice among developers that love JavaScript. The platform offers robust backend support and makes maintenance easy.
Onsen UI (2)
Onsen UI is yet another open-source UI framework for HTML5 mobile web app development. With the launch of Version 2, the platform has become JavaScript framework-agnostic, enabling developers to create apps with or without the framework. It has a rich directory of APIs and components that power all kinds of development goals.
The platform requires very less time to set up and is also easier to use and learn. While it facilitates hybrid app development, the apps exhibit native-like qualities as the platform offers a variety of rich UI components to choose from. All in all, it is a simple and straightforward tool that can fast-track development.
Sencha Ext JS
Formerly known as Sencha, the platform became Sencha Ext JS after combining with the JavaScript application framework Ext JS. It enables developers to create web and mobile applications in a comprehensive and fast-track environment. In fact, it is a dedicated platform for developing data intensive HTML5 apps using JavaScript.
The platform offers 140+ UI components that enable development of enterprise-grade apps. This includes grids, layouts, charts, pivot grids, and more. Sencha’s designing components like Architect and Stencils make app designing easier with drag and drop features. From data analytics to graphical representations, the platform enables it all.
Appian
Appian is not typically an app development framework but a low-code platform that enables native app development and deployment. Here, developers can streamline the end-to-end process of app development. While it is not truly code-free, it definitely makes the process simpler when compared to traditional frameworks.
Appian has a list of features to offer including collaboration tools, visual process models, automation capabilities, and more. Integration with powerful tools and optimization of workflows becomes easy with the rich pool of resources available on the platform. If you are looking to build apps with some amount of coding, then Appian can be a suitable choice.
AppMySite
Just like Appian, AppMySite also goes beyond the traditional frameworks of app development. In fact, it is a mobile app development tool that enables anyone to create enterprise-grade, premium, and feature-rich apps without coding. Suitable for citizen development, AppMySite makes app building a breeze.
It enables customers to build apps for all kinds of websites, businesses, and industries. The powerful tech stack lets creators point and add features and make design changes with ease. If you want to break-free from the long and lethargic coding cycle and create Android and iOS apps instantly without coding then AppMySite is the way to go.
Wrapping up
These were some of the best and most popular frameworks, technologies, and tools that will remain trending in 2024 and beyond. Jot down your goals and vision or create a detailed plan and choose a framework that aligns with the same. Develop and deploy your app on your preferred platforms and go mobile.
If you need help, you can refer to our complete guide on mobile app development and proceed with an informed approach. You can also drop your queries and feedback in the comment section below and we will get back to you in no time. Do not forget to explore our other blogs and learn more about mobile app development and marketing.
