10 Real-World Cross-Platform Apps You Use Every Day - React Native Expert
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10 Real-World Cross-Platform Apps You Use Every Day

Discover 10 real-world cross-platform apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Spotify that work seamlessly across all your devices.

Jun 12, 2025

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Cross-Platform Apps

Introduction

Have you ever used an app on your phone and then opened it on your laptop or tablet without any problems? If so, you were probably using a cross-platform apps. These are apps designed to work on different devices like Android phones, iPhones, Windows computers, and even web browsers.

In this article, you will learn what cross-platform apps are and discover ten popular examples that you probably use every day.

What Is a Cross-Platform Apps?

A cross-platform app is an app that works on multiple operating systems. This means the same app can run on Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac without being rebuilt from scratch for each platform.

Instead of creating separate apps for each device, developers use a single codebase that works across all platforms. This makes development faster, saves money, and helps ensure that users have the same experience no matter what device they are using.

To build these apps, developers use special tools or frameworks. Some of the most popular ones are:

  • React Native (created by Facebook)
  • Flutter (developed by Google)
  • Xamarin (owned by Microsoft)
  • Electron (often used for desktop apps)

Now that you know what cross-platform apps are, let us look at some real examples.

1. Instagram

Instagram is one of the most popular social media apps in the world. You can use it to share photos, watch videos, post stories, and chat with friends. Instagram works on both Android and iOS devices, and it looks and feels the same on both.

Instagram uses React Native, a cross-platform framework, to build parts of its app. This helps the company push updates faster and offer a consistent experience for all users.

2. WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a messaging app that lets people send texts, make voice and video calls, and share photos and documents. It is available on Android phones, iPhones, computers, and even on the web.

WhatsApp uses a mix of technologies to make sure it works the same across all devices. No matter where you use it, your chats are always up to date and your messages are secure.

3. Spotify

Spotify is a music streaming app that lets you listen to songs, podcasts, and playlists. It works on phones, computers, tablets, and smart speakers.

Spotify uses its own special cross-platform technology to keep everything in sync. Whether you switch from your phone to your laptop, your music keeps playing without interruption.

4. Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a communication app that is used by businesses, schools, and remote teams. You can use it to chat, make video calls, and share files.

Microsoft Teams runs on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and web browsers. It is built using React Native and Electron, which are tools that allow the same app to work on different platforms.

5. Skype

Skype is a well-known app for video calls and voice chats. People use it to stay in touch with family, friends, and coworkers around the world.

Skype is built using Xamarin, a cross-platform framework that allows the app to run on Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac. This makes it easy for people to communicate across different devices.

6. Google Maps

Google Maps helps people find directions, check traffic, and explore places. It is available on phones, tablets, and web browsers.

Google uses special cross-platform tools to make sure Google Maps works well on every device. When you save a location or search for a route, that information is available wherever you log in.

7. Slack

Slack is a popular messaging app for teams and businesses. It is used to send messages, share files, and organize work into channels.

Slack works on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and web browsers. The company uses React Native and Electron to ensure a consistent experience for users, no matter what device they are using.

8. Uber

Uber is a ride-sharing app that connects drivers with riders. It is used in cities all over the world and is available on both Android and iOS devices.

While Uber originally used separate apps for each platform, the company is now moving toward using Flutter, a cross-platform tool developed by Google. This helps improve the user experience and makes it easier to maintain the app.

9. Evernote

Evernote is an app used for taking notes, saving ideas, and organizing tasks. It lets users create notes on one device and access them on another.

Evernote uses React Native to keep the experience smooth across all platforms. Whether you use your phone or your computer, your notes are always updated and easy to find.

10. Facebook

Facebook is one of the most widely used apps in the world. While much of Facebook is still built using traditional native development, the company uses React Native to build parts of the app.

This allows Facebook to roll out features faster and make sure everything works the same for both Android and iPhone users.

Why Do Companies Use Cross-Platform Apps?

There are many reasons why companies choose to build cross-platform apps:

  1. Cost savings: Developers only need to write the code once instead of building separate apps for each platform.
  2. Faster updates: When updates are needed, they can be rolled out to all devices at the same time.
  3. Better user experience: Users get the same features and look across all their devices.
  4. Easier to maintain: Fixing bugs or adding new features is simpler when there is only one version of the app to manage.

Why It Matters to You

As a user, cross-platform apps make your life easier. You can:

  • Access your data on any device
  • Get new features and updates quickly
  • Enjoy a consistent experience whether you are using your phone, computer, or tablet

These apps save time and effort for both developers and users. They make it possible for you to do more, with less hassle.

Final Thoughts

Cross-platform apps are all around us. From messaging and music to maps and video calls, these apps help you stay connected and productive across all your devices.

Thanks to tools like React Native, Flutter, and Xamarin, companies can build powerful apps that work smoothly everywhere. Whether you are chatting with friends on WhatsApp or calling your team on Microsoft Teams, you are already using the power of cross-platform technology.

The next time you switch between your phone and computer without skipping a beat, you will know why. It is because of smart, cross-platform development working behind the scenes.

Comparing Gluestack UI with Other React Native UI Libraries

Feature Gluestack UI NativeBase React Native Paper Material UI
Performance Optimized
Customization
Prebuilt Components
Theming Support
Atomic Styling
Re-Renders Optimized
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