YOUR DIGITAL PARTNER
Innovative mobile application development
We are a mobile app development agency you can rely on. Our experienced, UK-based in-house team delivers complex and innovative app projects quickly and efficiently. We help you choose the best approach for your needs, blending aesthetics and technical skills to create polished, innovate apps.
With Hybrid, Native and Web app expertise we develop for all major mobile platforms, we’re the perfect partner for your new app idea. Our clients include Tesco, Rotary, Autoline Insurance, and CoverBox, and we’ve worked in industries such as gaming, automotive, leisure, insurance, and luxury brands.
Mobile app development services
iOS apps
iOS apps provide a premium user experience, leveraging Apple’s cutting-edge hardware for enhanced security, smooth performance, and intuitive design. Reach millions of loyal Apple users and benefit from the App Store’s trusted marketplace.
Android apps
With an unrivalled market share, Google’s Android platform is the most popular mobile operating system in the world. We design and deliver for all Android devices including Tablet, Phones and watches.
React native apps
React Native app development leverages Facebook’s open-source framework to build mobile apps with native performance and appearance using a single codebase.
Hybrid app development
Hybrid app development combines the advantages of native web applications. This approach allows the creation of apps with a single codebase that runs on both iOS and Android. By using technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, hybrid apps ensure faster development cycles scalability.
PWA app development
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) blend the best of web and mobile applications, offering an app-like experience through a web browser. PWAs are designed to work offline, load quickly, and provide a smooth, responsive user interface. They are cost-effective and easy to maintain.
Ionic app development
The Ionic framework enables efficient cross-platform app development, leveraging web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for iOS and Android deployment. It offers robust performance and native-like user experiences.
APIs and Backend
Apps facilitate communication. They get information for us or send information for us. This is achieved via a service, usually a server or cloud service. Apps communicate to servers using APIs. We develop the backend architecture and APIs to power apps.
Wearable app development
Tap into the potential of wearable technology with apps tailored for smartwatches, fitness trackers, and other connected devices. We create intuitive, lightweight apps that integrate with your existing systems to offer extended functionality on wearables.
Custom app prototyping
Test your app concept with a fully interactive prototype before development. We create detailed prototypes to validate functionality, UI/UX, and gather feedback early in the process.
Mobile app development solutions
Our solutions
01
App consultancy
02
App design
03
App development
04
Services integration
05
Backend development for apps
06
Databases for apps
07
App maintenance
08
App modernisation
01 /
App consultancy
Before any code is written, our priority is understanding your vision. Whether you have a fully formed idea or just a problem that needs solving, we offer expert consultancy to guide your app’s journey.
We begin with in-depth discovery sessions to understand your business goals, audience, and competitors. From there, we refine your concept and shape the app’s value. Not sure which platform to target? We’ll advise on whether iOS, Android, or cross-platform solutions suit you best. We also determine the tech stack, project scope, and timelines based on your requirements.
02 /
App design
Great apps start with great design. Our design process creates user experiences that are both visually appealing and easy to use. We combine creative design thinking with user-focused methodologies to build an interface that’s practical and engaging.
Our designs are clean, with intuitive layouts and smooth navigation to ensure users can easily move through your app. Whether for consumers or enterprises, we make sure the interface is aligned with your brand.
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App development
Our development team brings your vision to life with robust coding and the latest technology. From consumer-facing apps to enterprise-grade solutions, we ensure your app is stable, secure, and scalable.
We offer full-stack development with experience across both native and cross-platform frameworks. Following agile development principles, we deliver apps that meet your business needs and delight your users.
04 /
Services integration
Modern apps often rely on third-party services for core functionality. We integrate services like payments, location, and social media to boost the functionality and reach of your app.
From in-app payments and analytics to API integration, we implement these services efficiently and securely. Our aim is to enhance your app’s functionality while maintaining top performance.
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Backend development for apps
A reliable backend is crucial to the success of any app. We design and build scalable backend systems that ensure your app runs smoothly. Whether cloud-based or on-premises, our backends are secure, scalable, and optimised for performance.
We develop the APIs, databases, and infrastructure that power your app, ensuring everything behind the scenes works seamlessly. Our back-end systems are built to scale, handling growing traffic and data with ease.
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Databases for apps
Your app is only as powerful as the data it manages. We design and implement database solutions optimised for performance, scalability, and security. Whether your app requires real-time data processing or long-term storage, we ensure the best technology is selected for your needs.
From relational databases like MySQL to NoSQL options like MongoDB, we make sure your app delivers a seamless data experience for users.
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App maintenance
Launching an app is just the beginning. Apps need regular updates to stay secure and relevant. We offer ongoing maintenance services, covering everything from performance monitoring to security updates and feature enhancements.
Our team ensures your app stays optimised for the latest operating systems and device updates. We take care of bug fixes and improvements so that your app stays competitive and up-to-date.
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App modernisation
If you already have an app but it’s outdated, our modernisation services can help. We enhance older apps by improving design, user experience, and updating the underlying codebase. We’ll modernise your app, making it compatible with the latest devices and upgrading its performance.
Whether it’s a visual overhaul or backend improvements, we transform your legacy app into a modern, competitive solution.
Benefit from our mobile app development experience
User-centred mobile app design
Our approach to mobile app design is centred around the user. We prioritise creating intuitive and engaging interfaces that provide seamless experiences for your target audience.
App store optimisation experts
Navigating the complexities of app store optimisation (ASO) is crucial for the visibility and success of your mobile app. Our team of ASO experts understands the latest trends and techniques to ensure your app stands out from the crowd.
Experienced app development team
Our experienced app development team comprises skilled developers, designers, and strategists who work collaboratively to deliver high-quality mobile apps.
Cost effective app development
We understand the importance of delivering value while managing costs. Our cost-effective approach to mobile app development ensures that you receive a high-quality product within your budget.
Accelerated mobile app delivery
Time-to-market is crucial in the fast-paced world of mobile apps. Our accelerated mobile app delivery process is designed to bring your app to market quickly and efficiently.
Comprehensive support and maintenance
Ensuring the ongoing success of your mobile app requires continuous support and maintenance. Our comprehensive support services include regular updates, performance monitoring, and prompt issue resolution to keep your app running smoothly.
Types of mobile apps
Insurance
We help insurance companies streamline policy management, improve customer experience, and automate claims processes with customised digital solutions, increasing operational efficiency.
Finance
Our tailored financial software enhances security, compliance, and transaction processing, helping finance firms deliver seamless digital experiences to their clients while optimising backend operations.
Healthcare
We develop healthcare applications that improve patient engagement, streamline clinical workflows, and ensure compliance with industry standards like GDPR, empowering healthcare providers to deliver better care.
Construction
From project management platforms to cost-tracking tools, we create digital solutions that enhance collaboration, improve efficiency, and drive growth for construction firms of all sizes.
Membership & loyalty
We create reliable platforms for membership organisations that simplify renewals, manage communication, and support overall member management through straightforward, easy-to-use systems.
Discovery process solutions
Features
Geolocation management
Payments
Messaging and voice/video calling
Multi-device synchronization
Voice recognition and recording
Chatbots
Immersive experience
Scheduling and booking
User experience personalization
Image recognition
QR code scanning
Push notifications
Integration with wearables and smart TV
Interaction with IoT-enabled mobile devices devices
Interaction with IoT-enabled mobile devices devices
Mobile business intelligence
Your trusted digital partner
We excel at marketing websites, innovative web apps and mobile applications, and have helped several funded startups achieve success, building their digital products, as well as many established businesses.
200+
Products launched
16
Years in business
17+
Team members
30+
successful rebrands
10+
Awards
What we’ve been up to.
What we’ve been up to.
What we’ve been up to.
What we’ve been up to.
Let’s work together
Do you have a project in mind? Or do you need some further information about our services? Feel free to get in touch below.
Enquiry Form
Why Lightflows for your app project
We have delivered projects to companies in many sectors.In this section you’ll find details of this experience, that may be relevant to you.
End-to-end expertise
We offer a complete service, from initial consultancy and app design to development, backend infrastructure, and ongoing maintenance. Whether you’re a startup or an enterprise, we handle every phase of app creation to ensure your vision becomes a reality.
Bespoke solutions
At Lightflows, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. We take the time to understand your business goals and users’ needs to create a bespoke mobile app that delivers real value and stands out in the market
Proven track record
Our team has successfully delivered mobile apps across multiple industries, including fintech, proptech, and more. With a portfolio of award-winning apps, you can trust us to build high-performance, scalable solutions that achieve measurable success.
Technology innovation
We stay ahead of the curve by leveraging the modern technologies, frameworks, and integrations. Whether it’s building native apps or cross-platform solutions, we ensure your app is built using the most efficient and future-proof technology.
Ongoing support & maintenance
Our relationship doesn’t end at launch. We offer continuous support, from regular updates and security patches to feature enhancements, ensuring your app stays relevant and performs optimally as your business grows.
Ready to start the
conversation?
FAQ about mobile apps
The easiest way to answer most of these questions is to have an initial consultation to establish the size and shape of your app.
This is usually the first question we get asked, and it’s the hardest to answer. The honest answer is, it depends on the specification of the app, it’s features and functionality. Rest assured, we have a tried and tested process for helping working out the details with you to arrive at a budget.
Related to the first question – the amount of time to develop an app is determined by a number of factors. The size of the project, the number of platforms, iOS Apple, Android, device format, phone or tablet and what the app needs to do.
Rest assured, we have built many apps, in many cases to tight deadlines. With an initial consultancy and a discovery phase, we can understand your requirements and provide an accurate timeline.
All of our app development takes place in-house, in the UK at our iether offices in Guildford or London. We’re very particular and only want to deliver at the highest level, for this reason, we keep everything in-house and don’t outsource a single thing. We are registered Apple Developers and Android Developer and can launch your app into both the Apple App Store or Google Play store.
A native app is a software application built in a specific programming language, for the specific device platform, either iOS or Android. Native apps are installed directly onto the device and can take full advantage of all the device features – they can use the camera, the GPS, the accelerometer, the compass, the list of contacts, and so on.
A hybrid app is a software application that combines elements of both native apps and web applications. Hybrid apps are essentially web apps that have been put in a native app shell. Once they are downloaded from an app store and installed locally, the shell is able to connect to whatever capabilities the mobile platform provides through a browser that’s embedded in the app.
Native apps are faster, more reliable, and more responsive. They offer better support for gestures and can tap into the wider functionality of the device including push notifications. Hybrid apps, however, are typically easier and faster to develop for multiple platforms, as they don’t need separate coding for each platform.
The answer depends on your app needs, budget, and time to market. If performance and user experience are top priorities, native apps might be the way to go. But if you need to quickly get an app out on both iOS and Android, and you’re constrained by budget and resources, a hybrid app could be a better choice.
Yes, there are several popular hybrid apps including Instagram, Uber, Gmail, and Twitter. These apps need to be on both iOS and Android platforms, and need to be updated frequently, so the ease and speed of development that hybrid solutions offer can be a big advantage.
Yes, you can, but it involves rewriting your app in the native language for the platform (Swift for iOS, Java/Kotlin for Android). This can be a time-consuming and costly process.
For native apps, Swift and Objective-C are used for iOS development, and Java or Kotlin for Android development. For hybrid apps, technologies like React Native, Ionic, or Flutter are often used, which allow for JavaScript, TypeScript, or Dart programming respectively.
Hybrid apps can be easier to maintain because you have a single codebase for multiple platforms. However, native apps have the advantage when you want to incorporate the latest platform-specific features quickly after they are released.
Yes, hybrid apps can have performance issues. Because they run through a kind of “middle man” (the web view), they can be slower than native apps. However, technologies are always improving, and hybrid app performance is constantly getting better.
Both native and hybrid apps can be built to be secure, but native apps have a slight advantage due to their direct access and control to the underlying operating system features. However, hybrid apps can still be made secure with the right precautions and strategies.