Well over 70% of internet traffic is coming from mobile phones. Both major operating systems have millions of apps and very capable web browsers. So what are the differences between apps and websites when using a service?
It depends on the product. In some cases, the differences are minimal and for some industries having an app is an absolute must-have.
What is the main difference between the mobile app and mobile website?
For a long time, websites have used responsive technologies and can adapt to various platforms. So the same page will look different yet similar on a big desktop screen, mobile phone, and tablet. Web developers use HTML, Python, C, and JavaScript programming languages. Also, custom platforms have pre-built infrastructures like WordPress, Wix, Joomla, and others.
Mobile apps are pieces of software uniquely made for each operating system. For example, android developers will use JavaScript and iOS Swift in most cases to create native apps. Creating a dedicated mobile app can bring numerous benefits like customization, but there are great examples where the mobile website can handle complex tasks.
iGaming paradox
Availability is the best ability, and nothing is more accurate for iGaming websites. In addition, online casinos have incredibly versatile and complex portals with thousands of games, custom offers, payment protocols, and other demanding chores for software developers.
Simultaneously, most online gambling websites don’t have a designated mobile app. However, thanks to responsive design, and advanced functionalities available with HTML 5, users can visit the newest online casino sites on all devices without noticing a substantial difference in performance.
Hosted Games are designed with a mobile-first mentality and offer a seamless experience on mobile platforms, and navigation through the user interface is similar to the desktop experience. Most industries have responsive websites, but they also have apps to take advantage of unique capabilities. The most pronounced niche that utilizes mobile apps is retail.
Retail mobile apps
There are numerous advantages of mobile apps compared to mobile websites. The speed and focus on unique options are essential. In addition, you can create a more personalized environment with a mobile app, where each user will have a different layout or things in focus.
In the last couple of years, retailers and e-commerce companies launched the most apps. After the user reaches a certain level of engagement through a mobile website, there is a logical transition to a mobile application. For companies, apps provide much better conversions, and users utilize unique features like push notifications about new sales or products.
Once you give your data, apps hold it and make buying a service or product more accessible and faster. In addition, the app icon plays a crucial role in company branding because it is always on the app list on your phone.
Beyond e-commerce
Mobile apps provide a different set of capabilities beyond shopping. Apps can use other phone resources like cameras, GPS, voice recording, and others to create new functionalities. A great example is AR apps that reveal nearby places of interest on the camera view.
Most apps can work offline, and all the things you do will be saved and synced as soon as you go online again. That is something websites can’t compete with. Safety is another crucial aspect of trusted mobile apps having an advantage over mobile websites.
What is better?
If the user experience is good, most users won’t care whether they use mobile websites or mobile apps. However, apps’ convenience and possible unique features have some clear advantages. On the other hand, mobile apps are more expensive to build. Moreover, if you have too many apps, the phone homepage can feel cluttered, and eventually, you will probably use only a few.
Mobile websites don’t need installation or downloads. They can have comparable or even the same user experience and are much easier to build. On the other hand, you can’t get the same level of personalization and customization for each user. Websites can host fewer advanced features and be slower than mobile apps.
Another essential advantage is that mobile apps have approval. Both iOS and, to a lesser degree Android have strict rules for authorizing mobile apps, which ensures a level of quality and security for users. This is something the website doesn’t have to comply with. However, mobile websites must have basic encryption through SSL certificates.
Depending on the product or the service, mobile apps provide a different user experience. For example, you can get customized offers, a unique layout, and important push notifications if you use shopping apps. For gaming enthusiasts, apps can give you additional features, but mobile websites already have incredibly competent engines capable of displaying new and advanced games within the browser.
