In 2025, selecting between native and cross-platform is about finding the right balance between speed, quality, and future expansion.
Founders are asking, “What works best for us at this stage?”
We saw this work out in a UPSC Prep App that began with cross-platform to validate features and user flow.
As it expanded, the native parts were merged for smoother video playback and offline support, proving that the right choice often changes with growth.
In 2025, both are offering distinct advantages and coexisting. Here’s how leading firms recommend choosing the right path in 2025.
1. Seven Square
They believe tech choices should always support the product’s real purpose, not trends. That’s why they start with core principles and then shift to tools.
Choose native when top performance is your priority, like AR apps, high animations or secure payments. Swift or Kotlin provides you with that level of control.
Choose Cross‑Platform when speed and budget matter for you. Flutter or React Native are great for MVPs, startups, and fast delivery.
Their in-house system helps teams to choose the right tech for the product’s goal and build agile teams from the start. This strategy cuts down waste, speeds up delivery, and gets your app ready to grow.
2. 7BE
In their Feb 2025 blog, 7BE shows how long-term app success matters just as much as fast delivery.
They explain that modern cross-platform tools like Flutter and Kotlin Multi Platform are growing fast, and options like Xamarin are fading away.
In contrast, native SDKs remain relevant due to consistent support from Apple and Google. Makes them a good choice for long-term development.
3. Engro.io
In their 2025 breakdown, they explain how your tech choices impact growth and ROI.
They share that native apps built with Swift or Kotlin lead the charts, making up 60% of the top-grossing mobile apps.
Meanwhile, cross-platform tools like Flutter and React Native support about 42% of all apps because they offer 30–40% cost savings and launch faster.
4. Cygnis
Cygnis explains that cross-platform development has evolved significantly, with tools like Flutter and React Native being widely adopted across startups and enterprises.
Suppose your app involves heavy native features, OS updates, and high-performance use cases. Native development becomes an ideal choice.
They note that real growth depends on a team’s clarity of long-term goals. It’s not just about building fast, it’s about building Apps that last.
5. Specno
Specno takes a thoughtful approach by focusing on real cost and performance.
In their 2025 report, they say cross-platform tools like Flutter and React Native can reduce initial development costs by 30–40%.
Native development is better suited for features like biometric logins, AR/VR, or custom hardware. Ultimately, it’s not about picking a side; it’s about what your app really needs to succeed in the long term.
What This Means for You
- Speed vs Quality – If you want to validate ideas quickly, then go cross-platform; if you need refined UX or hardware accuracy, then Native is your path.
- Planning for Long Term – Cross-platform is great for saving time and money. Native wins on stability, performance, and long-term growth.
- Hybrid – The Hybrid model means you build most of the app using cross-platform tools and add native modules only where needed.
Smart Choices Outlast Fast Trends
In 2025, the mobile development world is about choosing what fits your product’s journey. Cross-platform tools are fast and budget-friendly, but they’re not the perfect fit for every app.
Native tools give you better performance, stability, and room to grow, mainly if your app needs to work closely with device features or balance demanding users.
Lastly, don’t follow trends; focus on what your users need, how your app will grow, and how you’ll scale over time. The best apps aren’t just built fast, they’re built to last.