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Cross-platform app development

For startups and businesses that need an iOS and Android app from one shared codebase. Plan the scope, framework and launch with a clear written plan.

Get a cross-platform app planSee our app development process
  • Shared codebase for iOS and Android
  • UX, UI and backend integration included in scope
  • Monthly reporting and device-based QA

Quick answer

Cross-platform app development is a way of building one mobile app from a single shared codebase and publishing it to both iOS and Android. Pugmarks Media designs, builds and tests these apps, including backend and API integration. Cost and timeline depend on scope, features and the framework chosen.

01Overview

What is cross-platform app development?

Cross-platform app development is the practice of writing one mobile app once and running it on both iOS and Android. Instead of two separate projects in two programming languages, a team maintains a single shared codebase that is packaged for each app store.

A simple example: a restaurant group wants customers to browse a menu, book a table and get a confirmation on their phone. With a cross-platform build, designers draw the screens once and developers build the booking flow once. The same app then goes to the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Cross-platform frameworks are the mobile app development tools that make this possible. They provide ready-made interface components and a way to reach device features such as the camera, location and push notifications. The framework you pick affects speed, appearance and which features are easy to add.

The main trade-off is depth. Apps that rely heavily on platform-specific features, or on demanding graphics, can be better served by native development. If you want to compare, see our pages on iOS app development and Android app development.

For many business apps, such as booking, ordering, catalogs and customer accounts, one shared codebase covers the need. It also means fixes and new features reach both platforms together, which keeps the two versions consistent.

02Fit

Who cross-platform app development is for

Startups building a first version

Founders who need an iOS and Android app to test an idea with limited budget. You get one shared codebase and a prioritized launch scope, so later features wait for later releases.

Restaurants, retailers and service businesses

Owners whose customers use both iPhones and Android phones for ordering, booking or loyalty. You get one booking or ordering flow built once and published to both app stores.

Companies with existing software

Teams that already run a CRM, inventory system or payment gateway and want it on mobile. You get API and backend integration, so current data appears inside the app.

Internal tools for staff

Operations managers who need field staff, drivers or sales teams on one app regardless of personal phone. You get a single build to maintain instead of two.

Owners of an app on only one platform

Businesses with an iOS-only or Android-only app whose customers keep asking for the other. We compare frameworks against your features and recommend whether to extend or rebuild.

Teams unsure between native and cross-platform

Buyers weighing build approaches before committing. You get a short written framework recommendation that explains trade-offs for features such as camera, maps or offline use.

03Scope

What's included

  1. Shared iOS and Android codebaseWe build one app codebase that is packaged for the Apple App Store and Google Play. Suited to startups and small businesses that want one build instead of two.
  2. Framework selectionWe compare cross-platform frameworks against your needs, such as camera, maps or offline use, and give a written recommendation with trade-offs, so you know why a framework was chosen.
  3. UX and UI designDesigners produce wireframes and visual design files with shared components for both platforms. Product owners review screens before development begins, which helps avoid rework.
  4. Backend and API integrationWe connect the app to your existing CRM, inventory system, payment gateway or a new backend. Built for companies that want their current software available on mobile.
  5. Device-based QAWe test builds on real iOS and Android devices every sprint and record bugs, fixes and device checks in a QA report you can read and review.
  6. Monthly reportingWe send a monthly report on progress, completed work and next steps, so owners and product managers can see what shipped and what is planned.

04Process

How our cross-platform app development works

6 steps. You always know what's next.

The same path for every engagement.

  1. 1Week 1 (estimate)

    Hold a discovery call

    We discuss your goals, user types, core features and any systems the app must connect to. You provide business context and examples of apps you like. You receive a written discovery brief.

  2. 2Weeks 1-2 (estimate)

    Define scope and framework

    We split features into launch and later releases, then compare cross-platform frameworks against needs such as camera, maps or offline use. You approve priorities and receive a scope document with a written framework recommendation.

  3. 3Weeks 2-4 (estimate)

    Design wireframes and UI

    Designers draw screen-by-screen wireframes, then visual files with shared components for iOS and Android. You review each screen and give feedback. You receive approved design files before any development starts.

  4. 4Sprint-based, from week 4 (estimate)

    Build the shared codebase

    Developers build the app in sprints, including backend and API integration. You provide API access, content and brand assets. You receive working builds at the end of each sprint.

  5. 5Every sprint, plus final round (estimate)

    Test on real devices

    We check each build on real iOS and Android devices and record bugs and fixes. You test the builds we share and report issues. You receive a QA report before release.

  6. 61-2 weeks, then monthly (estimate)

    Launch and report monthly

    We prepare store listings and submit the app to the Apple App Store and Google Play. You provide developer account access and approve the release. After launch, you receive monthly reporting.

05Deliverables

What you get

Deliverables in a cross-platform app development engagement, with how often each is delivered and when it typically starts (timings are estimates)
DeliverableWhat it isCadenceStarts in
Discovery briefWritten summary of goals, user types, core features and required integrationsOne-timeWeek 1
Scope documentLaunch features separated from later releases, with priorities you approveOne-timeWeeks 1-2
Framework recommendationWritten comparison of cross-platform frameworks with trade-offs for your needsOne-timeWeeks 1-2
Wireframes and UI filesScreen-by-screen designs with shared components for iOS and AndroidOne-time, with revision roundsWeeks 2-4
Shared app codebaseOne app build packaged for the Apple App Store and Google PlayOngoing buildsAfter design approval
Backend and API integrationServer work and connections to your CRM, inventory or payment systemsOne-time, extended per releaseAlongside app build
Device-based QATesting on real iOS and Android devices before each releaseEvery releaseDuring build
Store submission supportPreparing and submitting the app to both storesOne-time per releaseAfter QA sign-off
Progress reportSummary of work done, open issues and next prioritiesMonthlyFirst month of work

06Compare

Cross-platform app development: in-house team, agency or Pugmarks Media

Swipe to compare →

Comparison of an in-house team, a typical agency and Pugmarks Media for building a cross-platform mobile app
CriteriaIn-houseTypical agencyPugmarks
Time to startDepends on hiring and onboardingDepends on current workload and contract setupStarts with a discovery call, then a written scope
SpecialisationSkills limited to the hired rolesVaries by agency; often several platformsDesign, build, testing and backend integration in one team
ReportingInternal updates, format set by your companyVaries by agencyMonthly reporting
Cost modelSalaries, tools and overheadProject fee or retainerBased on scope; see pricing page
RiskKey-person dependency if developers leaveDepends on contract and handover termsWritten scope and framework recommendation before build
FlexibilityHigh control, slow to add skillsVaries by contract termsLaunch and later-release scope agreed with you

07Cost

What does cross-platform app development cost?

Cross-platform app development cost depends mainly on scope: the number of screens and features, the backend and third-party systems the app must connect to, and the framework chosen. Extras such as payments, maps, offline use or an admin panel add work. We quote after a discovery call and a written scope, so you see what is included before you commit. For how pricing is structured, see our pricing page, or contact us for a quote.

Package prices are published so you can compare before you call.

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11Years in business

08Proof

Results for clients like you

Only results our clients have approved for publication. No made-up logos or numbers.

Dental · Houston, TX · Example+118%Calls from the Google listing per month

Three-dentist general practice, Houston

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Still have a question?

Ask us directly. We reply with honest next steps, even if that means we're not the right fit.

Ask our team
Is cross-platform app development better than native?

Cross-platform development is often a better fit when you need iOS and Android quickly from one team and one codebase. Native development suits apps that depend heavily on platform-specific features or top graphics performance. The right choice depends on your features, budget and users. See our iOS app development and Android app development pages to compare.

How long does it take to build a cross-platform app?

Timelines depend on scope, number of screens, integrations and the framework chosen, so a fixed figure would be a guess. A simple app takes less time than one with payments, maps, offline use and an admin panel. We give a written timeline after discovery and scoping, and treat all dates as estimates.

How much does cross-platform app development cost?

Cost depends mainly on scope: screens, features, backend work, third-party integrations and the framework. Extras such as payments or offline use add effort. We quote after a discovery call and written scope, so you see what is included first. Check the pricing page or contact us to discuss your project.

Which framework should I choose for a cross-platform app?

The right framework depends on the features you need, such as camera, maps, offline use or custom animation, and on your team's long-term plans. We compare the options against your requirements and give a written recommendation with trade-offs, so you know why one was chosen before development starts.

Who owns the code when an agency builds my app?

You own the code we write for you once the project is paid in full. We use open-source libraries under their own licences. At handover you receive the source code and repository access, so you are not locked in to us for future work.

Is cross-platform development a good choice for a startup?

Cross-platform development is often a practical choice for startups, because one shared codebase can reach iPhone and Android users with a single build. It helps you test an idea with a limited budget. We usually suggest a focused launch scope, with later features held for later releases.

Can a cross-platform app connect to my existing systems?

Yes, a cross-platform app can connect to systems such as a CRM, inventory tool or payment gateway through APIs and backend work. Feasibility depends on what interfaces your current software offers. We review these during discovery and include the integration plan in the written scope.

What if I want to try an agency before a full project?

A pilot lets you see how we work before committing. It is a short, fixed-scope project, with scope, deliverables and timeline agreed in writing up front. There is no obligation to continue afterward. Results are not guaranteed, but the pilot shows our process clearly. Contact us to discuss one.

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