What it can include
- One codebase, two platforms
- Most of the app's code is shared between iPhone and Android, reducing build and maintenance effort.
- Native interface components
- React Native renders the platform's own components, so lists, inputs and navigation feel at home on each device.
- Expo tooling
- Expo's build, submit and update services streamline producing store builds and shipping fixes.
- TypeScript throughout
- Typed code catches many mistakes before release and makes future changes safer for any developer.
- Native modules when needed
- Device features beyond the standard libraries can be added with native code.
- Over-the-air updates
- Eligible JavaScript-only fixes can be delivered with EAS Update without waiting for a full store release, within Apple's and Google's rules.
What React Native is
React Native is an open-source framework, originally created at Meta, for building mobile apps with JavaScript or TypeScript and the React programming model. Unlike a website inside an app shell, React Native renders the platform's own native interface components, so buttons, lists, text inputs and navigation behave as iPhone and Android users expect.
Apptavio builds every production app with React Native, Expo and TypeScript. This page explains why, and when that choice is or is not right.
Who this is for
This service is for:
- small and medium-sized businesses that want an app on both iPhone and Android without paying for two separate builds;
- businesses with an existing React Native app that needs new features, updates or a rescue;
- owners who want their app built on a mainstream technology that other developers can maintain later.
Why we use React Native, Expo and TypeScript
React Native: one codebase, two platforms
Most of an app's code — screens, business logic, data handling — is shared between iOS and Android. That usually means lower development cost, consistent behaviour across platforms and a single place to fix bugs. Platform-specific details, such as navigation patterns or permission prompts, are still handled per platform where they need to be.
Expo: reliable tooling
Expo provides well-maintained libraries for common device features (camera, notifications, location, secure storage) and services for building store builds (EAS Build), submitting them (EAS Submit) and delivering eligible updates (EAS Update). For a small business, that translates into fewer bespoke build scripts that only one developer understands.
TypeScript: safer changes
TypeScript adds types to JavaScript, which means many errors are caught while writing code rather than by your customers. It also makes the codebase easier for another developer to understand later.
React Native compared with the alternatives
| Approach | Strengths | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| React Native + Expo | One codebase, native components, large ecosystem | Very graphics-heavy or cutting-edge platform features may need native work |
| Fully native (Swift / Kotlin) | Full access to every platform feature on day one | Two codebases, usually higher cost to build and maintain |
| Website wrapper | Quick to produce | Feels like a website; Apple's guidelines discourage repackaged websites |
| Progressive web app | No app store needed, low cost | Limited device features and differing behaviour across browsers |
For booking, ordering, loyalty, customer accounts and content-led apps — the kind most small businesses need — React Native is usually the most cost-effective option.
See the concept before any code is written
Before you decide on technology or budget, we can show you a free, personalised, interactive concept built from your existing website. It runs in a browser and uses your name, colours and real services or products.
- Share your website address through our request form.
- We analyse your public content and branding.
- We design a concept suited to your type of business.
- A person reviews it.
- You receive a private link.
- If you want to proceed, we agree the scope and send a quote.
The concept is a prototype with simulated features. The production React Native app is designed and built after you decide to go ahead.
Taking over an existing React Native app
If you already have a React Native app, we start with a review:
- React Native and Expo SDK versions and how far behind they are;
- dependencies that are unmaintained or block upgrades;
- build setup and whether store builds can be reproduced;
- whether the app meets current Apple and Google requirements.
You receive a plain-language summary and options before we quote for further work.
What affects the cost
Our indicative starting price for a new app is from €1,499. The final price depends on screens, features, integrations, backend needs, customer accounts, payments, notifications, native capabilities and maintenance. For existing apps, the age of the codebase and the state of its dependencies have a large effect on effort.
Honest limitations
- Not every app suits React Native. Games or apps with heavy custom graphics may be better built natively.
- Native work is sometimes needed. New platform features can take time to reach React Native libraries.
- Over-the-air updates have limits. EAS Update is for eligible JavaScript and asset changes; native changes need a new store release, and both stores' policies apply.
- Store review still applies. Apple and Google decide on approval, regardless of framework.
- Upgrades are ongoing. React Native, Expo and the operating systems release new versions regularly, so plan for maintenance.
Next step
Request your free app preview. We will email you when your personalised concept is ready to try.
Frequently asked questions
Is React Native as good as a fully native app?
For most small-business apps — booking, ordering, loyalty, accounts and content — users will not notice a difference. Fully native development can make sense for graphics-heavy apps or deep use of the newest platform features.
What is Expo?
Expo is an open-source platform and set of tools for React Native. It provides libraries for common device features and services for building, submitting and updating apps.
Can another developer take over my React Native app later?
Yes. React Native and TypeScript are widely used, so the code can be maintained by other developers. Ownership and handover terms are agreed in writing before work starts.
Can over-the-air updates replace App Store releases?
No. They are useful for small JavaScript fixes and content changes, but new native features still need a full store release, and updates must stay within Apple's and Google's policies.
Do you take on existing React Native projects?
Often, yes. We first review the code, dependencies and build setup to tell you honestly what state it is in before quoting for changes.
Sources
Last updated 16 October 2026