The State of Low-Code/No-Code Mobile Development in 2024

Low-code / No-code app development: the democratization of mobile development

It is said that low-code and no-code development platforms can cut app development by 90%. So, it makes sense that more and more professionals and citizen developers are jumping on the bandwagon and turning towards this type of mobile development.

When it comes to mobile app development, low-code and no-code platforms are true time savers thanks to an array of features that range from AI integration to streamlined app store deployment.

No-code / low-code app development has gone a long way since the early 2000s when first introduced. In 2024, it can not only save developers time and resources, but it has completely democratized mobile development, allowing non-professionals to build robust and easily scalable mobile (and web apps) in a much more intuitive way.

Key trends and features

Several key trends are driving the rise of low-code / no-code app development. Let’s have a look at the main ones.

Cross-platform development dominates

The times when you had to tackle iOS and Android app development separately are long gone. Cross-platform development is now the norm and low-code and no-code platforms have made it easy to create apps that work seamlessly on both operating systems from a single codebase.

Tools like FlutterFlow and Thunkable have set the standard by offering two main features. On one hand, responsive design ensures that apps adapt and look great across various screen sizes and resolutions. On the other hand, access to native APIs allows the apps to feel like they were made specifically for each system.

For custom software companies like Miyagami, these cross-platform development capabilities are synonymous with faster delivery times and reduced costs, especially for clients who want to be on both iOS and Android without compromising on quality

Enhanced UI/UX Design Capabilities

User experience remains at the forefront of mobile app development. This is why many advanced design tools specifically tailored for mobile development are now available across low-code/no-code platforms.

• Mobile-first design: Simple drag-and-drop interfaces that enhance the mobile user experience, ensuring layouts are both intuitive and visually appealing.

• Native UI components: Access to a variety of pre-built, customizable components, including tab bars and navigation drawers, that help users build sleek, professional apps.

• Dynamic theming: Support for modern design features, like dark mode and adaptive themes to match the user's device settings.

These enhancements allow developers to deliver pixel-perfect mobile apps that meet today’s high UX standards without requiring extensive manual coding.

AI integration

Low-code platforms and no-code app creators are increasingly incorporating AI and machine learning capabilities. This includes AI tools for adding features like natural language processing, image recognition, and predictive analytics.

Enhancing automation and code generation, this AI integration makes mobile app development faster and easier.

Mobile-specific features and integration with Mobile Backend as a Service (MBaaS)

The evolution of low-code and no-code platforms has led to improved support for mobile-specific functionalities, allowing developers to build more intricate applications. Key features include:

• Offline functionality: Solutions like AppGyver and OutSystems include built-in offline access and data synchronization, which are crucial for mobile applications that need to work without a reliable internet connection.

• Push notifications: They offer smooth integration with notification services like Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) for Android and Apple Push Notification Service (APNs) for iOS, enabling real-time communication with users.

• Geolocation and mapping: These platforms support easy integration with location services and mapping APIs, making it possible to implement geofencing, real-time location tracking, and route mapping.

Additionally, platforms like Backendless, Firebase and Supabase are now often integrated into low-code/no-code mobile development environments to handle backend services, such as user authentication, cloud storage, and support for real-time databases.

Streamlined App Store Deployment

Low-code and no-code platforms have made publishing apps to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store much easier for developers. They simplified the process by now offering the automatic creation and deployment of app bundles in just one click, by featuring App Store Optimization tools, which are built right in to help you enhance your app's metadata for better discoverability, and by enabling over-the-air updates that allow your app to receive new updates without the hassle of app store approval every time.

Customization and collaboration: needed and enabled

While low and no-code app development platforms are amazing, powerful tools, they cannot meet every single mobile app need and some extra customization might be required. Recognizing that, low-code/no-code platforms have introduced various ways to extend functionality.

Custom code injection allows developers to insert custom JavaScript, Dart, or other code snippets to handle complex logic, highly custom animations, or very specific use cases. On top of that, open APIs and SDKs enable mobile apps to connect with outside services, giving them the flexibility to work with enterprise systems, IoT devices, or custom backends.

A new era for custom mobile development: let’s build your next no-code app with Miyagami Studio

In 2024, low-code and no-code platforms have really stepped up their game for mobile development. They now come packed with powerful features, better performance, and smooth integration with mobile tech. Although there are still a few drawbacks, the differences between low-code and traditional mobile development are shrinking, making these platforms a solid choice for various mobile app projects, especially when paired with the knowledge of a team of skilled full-stack developers.

This is exactly what Miyagami Studio offers. We leverage the power and ease of a no-code app creator like Webflow and offer the expertise of our talented full-stack developers. In other words, teaming up with Miyagami Studio means you get the ultimate combo. So, reach out to us today, and let’s chat about your next mobile development project!