Many companies today have separate teams building and maintaining one app for iOS and one for Android. Two codebases, two tech stacks, twice the work. It's a model that works, but one that costs more and moves slower than it needs to.
React Native is an alternative that more and more companies are choosing. Not because it's a trend, but because it solves a concrete problem: how to build real, high-performing mobile apps for both platforms without duplicating the entire development effort.
What is React Native?
React Native is a framework that makes it possible to build mobile apps for iOS and Android using JavaScript - the same programming language used for web development. Unlike solutions that package a website as an app (Progressive Web Apps), React Native renders to the platform's own native UI. That means the app looks and feels like a real app, because it is one.
The framework is built on React, Meta's well-known library for building user interfaces on the web. It's not exactly the same thing, there are important differences, but for a team already working with React, JavaScript, or TypeScript, the learning curve is relatively low.
Why switch the real advantages
One codebase for two platforms
The most obvious argument is that you maintain one codebase instead of two. It reduces costs, reduces the risk of iOS and Android diverging in functionality, and makes it easier to prioritise and plan.
Faster development pace
With a shared team and a shared tech stack, features can be built once and deployed on both platforms. It's faster to test ideas, iterate, and ship.
Web and app developers can collaborate
One of the biggest practical advantages is that web developers with React experience can contribute to a React Native project relatively quickly. This allows for a more flexible team structure and makes it easier to scale up or move resources when needed.
Shared code with the web
Parts of the codebase, design tokens, types, GraphQL queries, authentication, translation files, and utility libraries, can be shared between web and app. This means better consistency and less duplication overall.
Active community and ecosystem
React Native has one of the most active open source ecosystems in mobile development. There are well-maintained libraries for most needs, which reduces the need to build everything from scratch.
What to be aware of
React Native isn't the right choice in every situation, and a switch should be made with clear expectations.
It's not identical to native
Even though the end result can feel as smooth as a native app, there are differences. Advanced animations, complex camera usage, or deep integration with platform-specific APIs may require extra work or native code alongside React Native.
Third-party libraries vary in quality
The ecosystem is large but uneven. Some libraries are well-maintained, others are not. It's important to evaluate dependencies carefully, especially if they touch business-critical features like payments, maps, or ad serving.
Requires dedicated React Native developers
Even though web developers can jump in and contribute quickly, you need at least a couple of developers with deeper React Native experience on the team. They set the standard, handle architectural decisions, and solve the more complex problems.
Web and app can diverge without clear structure
If you share parts of the codebase between web and app, clear guidelines and communication are needed to keep them aligned. A change on the web doesn't automatically reflect in the app and vice versa. That's not a problem in itself but it requires intentional work.
Is React Native right for your company?
There's no universal answer, but React Native generally fits well if:
• You currently maintain separate native apps and want to reduce cost and complexity • Your team already works with React, JavaScript, or TypeScript • You want to move faster and test product ideas with fewer resources • You're building an app where standard features like navigation, lists, forms, and API integration are the core
It's a less natural fit if the app requires a lot of advanced graphics rendering, highly platform-specific functionality, or if the team has no JavaScript experience at all.
How does a switch work in practice?
Switching to React Native doesn't have to happen all at once. Most companies we work with choose a gradual transition:
1. Identify a scoped area of the app, a new feature or a separate section, and build it in React Native 2. Evaluate the result: performance, developer experience, and user experience 3. Make a decision about further investment based on real experience, not assumptions
This reduces risk and gives the organisation time to build competence and confidence in the technology before making a larger commitment.
How Redmind can help
We have experience building React Native applications and helping companies navigate the transition from native or other technologies. That means we can help with everything from technical evaluation and architecture design to actual implementation and team support.
If you're considering switching to React Native, or just want to understand whether it's the right choice for you, feel free to get in touch for a free conversation.
📧 hello@redmind.se 📞 +46 08-23 08 10
Read more about our successful projects and our services.
