React Native development for connected mobile apps

A shared codebase still needs a plan for each platform

React Native can let a team share substantial parts of an iOS and Android application. The practical benefit depends on the product: device capabilities, native dependencies, background behaviour and distribution requirements still need attention on each platform.

We help you assess that fit before committing to an implementation. If the platform decision is still open, start with our mobile app development service. This service focuses on building and maintaining an agreed React Native approach.

Connect the app to the wider service

A mobile interface rarely operates on its own. We define the APIs, identity, permissions and data flows it needs, working with your backend team or developing the supporting application ourselves.

The scope can include authentication, content delivery, local storage, synchronisation and interfaces that make loading or failed requests understandable. We agree what a user can do when a connection is unavailable and how the app returns to a consistent state afterwards.

Where a feature requires a native module or a third-party library, we assess compatibility and ongoing maintenance as well as its immediate functionality. We test the important user journeys on agreed devices rather than assuming that shared code produces identical behaviour everywhere.

React Native in practice: Bridges Self-Management

For Bridges Self-Management, we used React Native for mobile applications and React for the web service, sharing a significant portion of the code across platforms.

The product needed to support people accessing health information in settings with limited connectivity. We developed custom React Native modules for downloading, storing and playing content, and connected the applications to a headless content management API. User research and accessibility testing informed the interfaces.

This is experience of delivering a connected service with particular constraints, rather than a promise that every application can use the same architecture.

Improving or taking over an existing application

We review the React Native version, dependencies, native components, test coverage and build process before estimating upgrade or feature work. Backend compatibility, distribution credentials and release ownership can be as important as the mobile code itself.

We then agree a sequence of changes, the devices and workflows to test, and the release responsibilities. Documentation should leave your team able to understand how the app is built and what remains to be maintained.

How does support work after release?

Operating-system updates, dependency changes and backend releases can all affect an app. We agree the maintenance scope and responsibilities before handover, whether your team will operate it or needs ongoing support.

Bring an outline of the product, the current codebase if one exists and the next important milestone. We can establish what needs assessment before proposing delivery.