Quick answer
A native app is an app built for one platform using that platform's own tools. Swift is for iOS. Kotlin is for Android.
What it is
A native app is built for one phone platform using that platform's own tools. Swift builds iOS apps. Kotlin builds Android apps. Native apps run using the platform's own interface system.
Why it matters
Native apps feel fastest and most natural on their platform. They can use the camera, storage and sensors better than other types of apps.
How to use it
- Choose native when speed, feel or device features matter most.
- Follow Apple's design guide on iOS. Use Google's guide on Android.
- Test on real phones, not only emulators.
- Submit to the App Store for iOS and the Play Store for Android.
Examples
- Spotify and WhatsApp are native apps.
- A high-performance camera app should be native.