Is There A Difference Between Mobile Apps And Web Apps?

We explore the difference between the two technologies, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Even though the economy in California has changed drastically over the last few years, there are still several industries in the state with in-demand jobs, such as registered nurses and retail sales associates. California has also demonstrated it still has a clear passion for technological entrepreneurship. In 2020, there were over 400,000 new business licenses filed in the state of California, and many of which were directly related to the technology industry.

Starting a technology business is an admirable venture, but it is naive to assume it is going to be a straightforward journey for everyone. Questions come up, and best practices have to be introduced and implemented. One hurdle that tends to come up in the early stages of starting a tech business is whether a platform should create a mobile app or a web app. In this article, we are going to explore the difference between the two technologies, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Mobile Apps vs. Web Apps

It is a common misconception that web applications are the same as mobile applications, but they are vastly different, not just in terms of the user interface but also in how they are developed and deployed. Mobile apps are built for specific platforms, and individuals can download and install them via app stores. They have access to system resources like GPS and live and run on an individual’s device. On the other hand, web apps are accessed through the internet, and they do not need to be downloaded or installed.

Web apps adapt to the device you are using to view them, but they are not native to particular system resources. One of the main differences between web apps and mobile apps is the need for an active internet connection. While the design of the two technologies is similar, which creates confusion, web apps need an active connection to the internet while some mobile apps work offline, such as Spotify. Another difference between the two technologies is that web apps will update themselves, while mobile apps require users to regularly download updates.

The Web vs. Mobile Debate In Real Life

It is not that one app is better than the other, but rather, each presents unique advantages that depend on the experience a platform is trying to create for its customers. For example, in the world of mobile online casinos, such as BetMGM and Unibet, there is a consensus that if platforms are trying to provide players with the optimal gaming experience from mobile play, then apps are the favored route compared to browser applications. That is because apps have special offers and time-limited perks, and they are more optimized for different screen sizes.

Apps also get full use of a phone’s power. One thing these platforms have to consider, however, is how mobile apps require storage space while browsers do not.

The technology industry is constantly attracting new entrepreneurs, especially in California, but unless you go to university in the state for business, it can be difficult to learn the ins and outs of the industry. For these reasons, many startups spend too much time debating which technologies to use, such as web apps vs. mobile apps. In particular, the gaming industry, which has grown online steadily over the last few years (mobile game revenue in the US hit $10.73 billion in 2020), is very susceptible to this. That said, recent months have demonstrated there is more preference for apps over browser play in the industry. At the end of the day, it is about choosing to build the app that provides users with the most valuable experience possible.