It is a commonly known fact that a smartphone user desperately needs a better connection. Despite billions of dollars in infrastructure investment and never-ending technical progress, a short drive reveals an essential aspect of the connected era: you can’t always count on a network connection to be accessible when you need it. It’s a truth that’s easy to overlook as mobile developers. Even if you are a top custom mobile app development service provider with a 24/7 server, having a solid offline app development foundation is crucial. According to Localities, 21% of users abandon an app after just one use. Users are more likely to stick around if the app has an offline mode, in-app messaging, and push notifications.
This article will look at the advantages of offline apps and the architecture of offline app software development. However, before we get into the specifics, let’s look at what an offline app is and the different types of offline apps.
WHAT IS A MOBILE APP THAT CAN BE USED OFFLINE?
Mobile networks, especially in rural locations, can be shaky. Because consumers use mobile and web apps on the go, if your mobile app offline data synchronization doesn’t work well, you’ll get a lot of bad feedback.
Offline mode is a feature of mobile apps that allows users to use some of the app’s functionality without connecting to the internet. When a person’s internet connection is disrupted or sporadic, it prevents them from going into a “hyper-active” condition.
No, this does not imply that you will always have access to all of the functions in offline mode. To support mobile app offline data synchronization, the app would need to connect to the internet at some time.
Offline mobile apps are programs that work even if your internet connection is lost, and you can resume them from the point where your connection was lost.
An offline mobile app can be classified into three types:
- Offline data storage method with no editing capabilities. For example, the on-demand Uber — X app.
- Data can be edited but not synced while offline. For example, a note-taking app.
- One user can edit the data of another user — similar to editing a Google doc offline.
When there is a weak network zone, a connectivity issue, or a significant loading time problem, offline mobile solutions can help reduce customer turnover. The following are the major options for making the app software development work offline:
- Database/local storage
- Data synchronization is a must
Based on these answers, it can be concluded that while custom mobile app development cost is more expensive than just producing an app, it provides several advantages in the long term.
THE ADVANTAGES OF DEVELOPING AN OFFLINE APP
Users may seek alternatives if an app lacks offline capabilities, even if they appreciate it. They do not need an app that assists them in locations with poor networks, connectivity challenges, and lengthy loading times.
High latencies and network failure rates should not be a problem for modern apps.
We’ll go through a few advantages of offline mobile app development that will encourage you to take advantage of the functionality and maximize your profits:
ESTABLISH A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
What do you think is the driving force behind the success of offline messaging apps like WhatsApp, Uber, and Facebook? Their functionality, performance, user interface, user experience, and everything else outperforms the competition.
However, in addition to improved performance and stunning design, customers expect their apps to work offline as well. What is the point of having custom mobile app development costs that can be used offline? As previously stated, online-only apps can have a domino effect in rural regions where the internet is limited or unstable. Offline mode allows you to continue working while you’re not connected to the internet. You also have a better chance of beating out your competition if you incorporate such a function in your app.
INCREASED CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
Users want programs that run smoothly and without errors. They will be more tempted to use your app if they see that it is reliable in locations with bad connectivity, regardless of an internet connection.
LOADING TIME IS REDUCED
Because it is not dependent on a network or Internet connection, an offline messaging app load faster. Users will be able to use your mobile service whenever they want.
SAVES BATTERY LIFE ON MOBILE DEVICES
This is one of the most beneficial aspects of developing an offline mobile app. Users frequently experience battery drain, which is exacerbated by prolonged network connectivity.
This saves the phone’s battery because apps with offline mode promote faster loading speeds and efficient data storage management.
THERE AREN’T ANY ROAMING FEES INVOLVED.
For accessing the extensive data network, several of the apps require additional data/internet. Furthermore, if you are travelling internationally, a roaming data storage method might be rather costly.
Incorporating offline mode into your software might also provide users with free access to data storage method. This saves both money and data.
Now that you have these advantages let’s look at how you may create an offline app.
HOW TO CREATE AN OFFLINE APP?
Building an app offline-first is developing an app that can operate and execute the required features even if there is no network connectivity.
Keep up with us to learn everything there is to know about developing offline mobile applications.
BUT FIRST AND FOREMOST! HOW DO YOU CHOOSE YOUR APP’S OFFLINE FEATURES?
There is no magic recipe for creating a perfect offline mode for your software. However, here are some pointers to help you decide:
- Examine your workflow, narrow down your business needs, and translate them into app features.
- Align these features to your requirements because they become essential as soon as they become crucial to your business.
- Determine the goal you want to achieve with your application. Please share this information with your developers to better understand your business objectives and recommend the best mobile app development technology for a tailored solution.
The ‘Eisenhower Decision Matrix’ can best assist you in becoming assured of your approach and deciding on offline functions.
You’ll be able to determine what matters and what doesn’t. As a result, this matrix will assist you in identifying a variety of offline features and determining how to apply them.
You must also choose the technology for offline mode, which differs between iOS and Android. The following features must also be considered while designing an offline app:
- How can I save data for web and mobile offline?
- Different offline storage options for iOS and Android
- Web and mobile app data synchronization
When you consider all of these elements, you’ll be able to create an app that works both online and offline.
CONCLUSION
Let’s review everything that’s been discussed in this article. We live in a “high-tech” era, where mobile consumers expect not just good but excellent performance and user experience from their mobile apps. Offline support is now a necessary aspect of these expectations and cannot be overlooked. You will significantly improve the custom mobile app development user experience and boost your team’s productivity by integrating support for most offline scenarios.
Valere is an award-winning software development agency that has built over 300 top-rated applications for startups and Fortune 500 companies in all verticals like healthcare, finance, sports, fitness, education, and more. Their apps have been featured by the New York Times, and have been consistently recognized as Apple App Store’s top featured apps, TechRadar, and Google Play Store’s top featured apps! Schedule a call with us today to learn how we can help your team create the perfect software or application that can Accelerate Your Business Goals!
