Mobile application development, or mobile app development, is the process of designing and building mobile apps for internal or external use that perform a specific function or functions beneficial to the user. Mobile app development firms offer services all along the production lifecycle. These developers are typically hired by businesses to assist with projects that the internal development team cannot complete on its own. Businesses launch mobile apps for a variety of reasons, and applications can provide a helpful service to users or simply serve as an extension of a website or software.
Mobile applications can be built specifically for certain smartphone operating systems, such as iOS or Android, or built with equal functionality across multiple platforms. A growing number of development firms are also offering services for wearable apps and the internet of things (IoT). To build or maintain mobile applications in house, businesses can utilize mobile development software.