What is a mobile app builder?
A mobile app builder is a development platform that enables users to build and deploy mobile applications quickly, often using visual tools, drag-and-drop components, and minimal coding.
While some are built for non-technical users (no-code), others combine visual tools with the power of full-code extensibility (low-code). The best platforms give both business and technical teams the tools they need to collaborate, govern, and ship.
Key mobile app building approaches
As of 2025, organizations can choose from several approaches depending on their goals, resources, and use cases:
No-Code / Low-Code Platforms
By the end of 2025, Gartner predicts that 70% of new mobile apps will be built using low-code or no-code technologies. These platforms simplify app creation with visual editors, reusable components, and built-in connectors, making them ideal for rapid development, even with limited technical resources.
Cross-Platform Development
Cross-platform frameworks let teams build a single app that runs on multiple operating systems (like iOS and Android) using a unified codebase. This accelerates delivery and reduces maintenance compared to native development for each OS.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
PWAs combine the reach of the web with the experience of mobile. They’re browser-based, installable, and capable of offline functionality. In 2025, PWAs continue to thrive as a lightweight, cost-effective option for many use cases.
Each approach has trade-offs, and many enterprise-grade mobile app builders support multiple models in one platform.
Business impact of mobile apps
In 2025, mobile apps are no longer optional. With global smartphone usage averaging over four hours a day and mobile sales projected to account for 75% of e-commerce transactions, mobile is where engagement happens.
Businesses use mobile apps to:
- Connect directly with customers
- Empower remote and field workers
- Streamline internal operations
- Deliver personalized, responsive digital experiences
A well-built mobile app doesn’t just support business—it accelerates it.
Mobile app builders: Pros and cons
Mobile app builders can speed up delivery and simplify development, but they’re not one-size-fits-all. Here are the key benefits and challenges to consider.
Benefits
- Faster development: Cut time-to-market with visual tools and prebuilt logic.
- Cost-effective: Reduce reliance on large dev teams or costly custom builds.
- User-friendly: Enable business teams to participate in delivery.
- Scalable templates: Reuse proven patterns across departments and apps.
- Integration-ready: Connect to systems like Salesforce, SAP, and custom APIs.
- White-label options: Customize apps while leveraging prebuilt functionality.
Drawbacks
- Limited advanced UI design: Some platforms struggle with animations or deep customization.
- Customization ceilings: Certain use cases may still require full-code development.
- Overhead with drag-and-drop: For complex apps, visual tools can sometimes slow experienced devs down.
- Vendor lock-in: Switching platforms may require redevelopment if portability isn’t built in.
The key is choosing a builder that balances usability with enterprise readiness and grows with your needs.
Mobile app vs. web app: What’s the difference?
A mobile application is installed on a device (like a smartphone or tablet) and often built natively or cross-platform. On the other hand, a web app is accessed via a browser and doesn’t require installation.
Mobile App Advantages:
- Native access to device features like GPS, camera, and biometrics
- Offline functionality
- Push notification support
- Stronger user engagement and retention
Web App Advantages:
- Lower upfront development costs
- Easier updates and centralized deployment
- Runs on any browser or device without installation
- Ideal for lightweight use cases and internal tools
Which should you choose?
Many organizations use both. Mobile apps are ideal for high-engagement experiences and field enablement, while web apps are great for quick access, cross-platform content, and internal workflows.
Mobile app integrations: The foundation for functionality
A mobile app is only as powerful as the systems it connects to. Whether you're pulling data from a CRM, pushing updates to an ERP, or embedding AI services, integrations are the lifeblood of enterprise-ready apps.
What to look for in integration capabilities
Prebuilt connectors
Save development time with out-of-the-box support for common platforms like Salesforce, SAP, ServiceNow, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and more.
Custom API support
Look for full REST and SOAP support, along with easy handling of authentication, pagination, and error management. Bonus: Webhooks and event-based integration options.
Third-party service orchestration
Integrate with payment gateways, mapping APIs, notification services, identity providers, and analytics tools without writing from scratch.
Data synchronization
Your app should be able to read from and write to cloud databases, on-prem systems, or hybrid environments, with built-in controls for data validation and conflict resolution.
Secure, governed integration flows
Whether you're exposing or consuming APIs, your app builder should support encrypted communication, role-based access, logging, and integration monitoring.
Example use cases
- Sync customer data from your CRM into a sales enablement app
- Trigger supply chain updates in SAP from a mobile field app
- Display AI-generated insights in real time via API
- Push mobile form data into enterprise data lakes for analytics
Integration isn’t a "nice to have". It's how mobile apps earn their keep inside the business.
Future trends shaping mobile app development
Mobile app development in 2025 is being shaped by several major trends:
- 5G Connectivity: Faster speeds and reduced latency enable richer app experiences
- AI Integration: Smart assistants, predictive UX, and autonomous workflows are becoming standard
- AR/VR and Metaverse-ready Design: Immersive mobile experiences are expanding across sectors
- Composable Architecture: Apps are being built from modular services for easier scaling and reuse
- No-Code/Low-Code Maturity: More powerful tools are unlocking serious productivity gains for hybrid teams
The future is fast, connected, and increasingly visual. Your app builder should keep up.
Why OutSystems for building mobile apps?
OutSystems is a full-stack application development platform that combines the speed of low-code with the control of enterprise architecture. Build once, deploy anywhere—mobile, web, or even integrated desktop workflows.
- Visual tools with full-code flexibility
- Scalable app experiences for customers and employees
- Governance, observability, and DevOps baked in
- Built-in support for AI integration, cross-platform delivery, and modern mobile UX
From business agility to enterprise resilience, OutSystems gives you the power to build mobile apps that don’t just work—they win.
FAQs about mobile app builders
A mobile app builder is a platform that helps teams design and launch mobile applications using visual tools, reusable logic, and integrated development capabilities.
Not necessarily. Some platforms are fully no-code. Others offer low-code tools for fast development and full-code extensibility when needed.
Enterprise-grade builders include security features such as access control, audit logs, encryption, and compliance-ready deployment.
Mobile apps run natively on a device and can use its hardware (camera, GPS), while web apps run in a browser. Mobile apps are better for engagement; web apps are faster to update.
With the right use case and data, apps can be piloted in as little as two to four weeks, compared to months with traditional development.