Introduction

As we move through 2015, Native vs early cross-platform development has become critical for Australian app developers and product teams. With iOS 9, Swift 2.0 and Android Lollipop/Marshmallow both evolving rapidly, understanding current best practices is essential for success.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore:

  • The current state of Native vs early cross-platform development in 2015
  • Platform-specific considerations for iOS and Android
  • Best practices and proven strategies
  • Real-world Australian examples
  • Tools and technologies available now
  • Future outlook and emerging trends

Let’s dive into how Australian app developers can excel with Native vs early cross-platform development in 2015.

The 2015 Mobile Development Landscape

iOS 9, Swift 2.0 continues to evolve with recent releases, while Android Lollipop/Marshmallow brings new capabilities. For Australian developers, this means:

iOS Development:

  • iOS 9, Swift 2.0
  • React Native just announced, Objective-C dominant gaining traction
  • Apple’s focus on Swift adoption and Apple Watch ecosystem

Android Development:

  • Android Lollipop/Marshmallow
  • Material Design adoption across the ecosystem
  • Growing adoption of React Native just announced, Objective-C dominant

Cross-Platform Considerations: React Native has been announced but is still early stage. Most Australian developers are choosing native development for production apps.

Best Practices for 2015

Based on current industry standards and real-world Australian app development experience, here are the proven practices for Native vs early cross-platform development:

1. Platform-Native Approach

For 2015, native development with iOS 9, Swift 2.0 for iOS and Java for Android remains the gold standard. React Native is interesting but too early for most production apps.

2. User Experience Focus

Australian users expect:

  • Fast performance and responsiveness
  • Intuitive navigation patterns
  • Offline capability where appropriate
  • Compliance with Australian privacy requirements

3. Development Workflow

Modern 2015 development workflows include:

  • Version control with Git (essential)
  • CI/CD for mobile is emerging. Jenkins, Travis CI, or Bitrise for automated builds
  • Beta testing with TestFlight (iOS) and Google Play Beta
  • Analytics integration from day one

4. Monetization Strategy

In-app purchases and freemium models dominate. Paid apps declining. Ad-supported apps viable for high-traffic consumer apps.

Australian Market Considerations

Developing for the Australian market in 2015 requires understanding:

Local Payment Requirements:

  • Support for Australian credit cards and PayPal
  • Pricing in AUD with appropriate GST handling
  • Integration with local banking systems

Regulatory Compliance:

  • Privacy Act compliance for user data
  • Consumer law protections
  • App Store and Play Store regional requirements

Market Characteristics:

  • High smartphone penetration
  • Strong preference for quality over price
  • Active app economy in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane

Tools and Technologies in 2015

The following tools are essential for Australian app developers right now:

Development:

  • Xcode 7 (iOS), Android Studio 1.x (Android), React Native just announced, Objective-C dominant

Testing:

  • XCTest (iOS), Espresso emerging (Android), manual testing still common

Analytics:

  • Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Flurry, Parse Analytics

Backend:

  • Parse.com popular, custom REST APIs, early Firebase, AWS mobile services

Real-World Australian Success Example

Consider this real scenario from 2015:

The Challenge: An Australian startup in retail needed to build a mobile app with Native vs early cross-platform development as a core requirement.

The Approach:

  • Chose native iOS (Swift/Objective-C) and native Android (Java) based on team expertise
  • Implemented native development with phased feature rollout
  • Launched with phased rollout approach
  • Focused on Australian market first

The Results:

  • Successful launch in 2015
  • Strong user adoption in key Australian cities
  • Positive revenue growth
  • Scalable foundation for future expansion

Common Challenges and Solutions

Australian app developers in 2015 often face these challenges:

Challenge 1: Platform Fragmentation

The Issue: Supporting multiple iOS and Android versions while maintaining code quality.

Solution: Focus on recent iOS/Android versions. Set minimum version based on user data. Test on key device models.

Challenge 2: Development Resources

The Issue: Limited budget for specialized mobile developers.

Solution: Consider offshore development for cost savings, but maintain Australian product leadership.

Challenge 3: User Acquisition

The Issue: Standing out in competitive App Store and Play Store markets.

Solution:

  • Focus on App Store Optimization (ASO)
  • Leverage Australian user reviews and ratings
  • Use targeted social media campaigns
  • Consider local app review sites and tech blogs

Looking Ahead from 2015

As we look forward from 2015, several trends are emerging:

  • Swift becoming dominant for iOS (Objective-C declining)
  • Material Design spreading across Android ecosystem
  • Wearables (Apple Watch) creating new opportunities
  • React Native worth watching for 2016
  • Cloud backends reducing server complexity

These developments will shape how we approach Native vs early cross-platform development in the coming months and years.

Conclusion

Native vs early cross-platform development in 2015 requires understanding both global mobile trends and Australian market specifics. By following the best practices outlined in this guide, Australian app developers can build successful, sustainable mobile applications.

Key Takeaways

  • Stay current with iOS 9, Swift 2.0 and Android Lollipop/Marshmallow platform updates
  • Choose tools and frameworks based on team expertise and project requirements
  • Focus on user experience and Australian market needs
  • Implement proper analytics and testing from the start
  • Plan for scalability and future growth

Next Steps

Ready to get started? Here’s your action plan:

  1. Evaluate your current technology stack against 2015 best practices
  2. Plan your development approach with temporal considerations
  3. Implement using proven frameworks and tools
  4. Test thoroughly with Australian users
  5. Launch with proper analytics and monitoring

For expert guidance on Native vs early cross-platform development for Australian apps, contact the Awesome Apps team. We specialize in helping Australian developers build world-class mobile applications.

Published: 2015-06-08 Author: Awesome Apps Team

References and Further Reading

This guide is based on:

  • Current 2015 mobile development best practices
  • Real-world Australian app development experience
  • Official Apple and Google documentation
  • Industry research and trends

Authoritative Sources

  1. Apple Developer Documentation - iOS development guidelines
  2. Android Developers - Android best practices
  3. Australian Mobile Industry Reports - Local market data
  • iOS development best practices 2015
  • Android development strategies 2015
  • Cross-platform mobile development
  • Australian app market analysis

Last updated: 2015-06-08 Written for Australian mobile developers