We all know that that you can’t have a conversation about iPhones and not mention iPhone applications but we can’t help but wonder if there is a benefit to native application vs. web applications.  Our view is that there are benefits to both native and web apps  and we have listed them below:

Native Application benefits:

• Distribution channel through the iPhone application store
• The application can run faster
• Richer animation and games can better be done with native apps
• There is access to GPS unit and accelerometer which are pretty cool features
• Loading time is not as long

Web application benefits:

• Cross platform as you can support multiple browsers so your handset reach can be much greater
• Build process may be less challenging as experience in web development is much greater than iPhone development
• Barrier to entry is much lower as there is no need to download the application
• No need for the users to upgrade the applications as there is no downloading

The best way to determine which suits your needs is to really focus on understanding your target audience the use of the application.  If your application is a game and you really need the rich graphics and downloading is not a barrier as most gamers are accustomed to downloading then a native application is probably best.  If you are a news agency and your users are vast, your target audience does not have a narrow age range or a specific technical capability level, it would probably be best to go with mobile web.  Your biggest challenge with the web app would be your distribution model as there is not a specific location to find your application.  You would need to put forth a great effort to drive people to your web app through online, print and other such forms of marketing.

We, Plastic Mobile Agency,  often find that an analysis of the desired application against the business requirements and target audience is the best way to determine which path to follow.