Choosing the right mobile app technology stack is key to setting your app up for success. In today’s competitive mobile app landscape in Spain, starting with the right tech can save you money down the line and help you get to market faster.
In 2024, mobile developers can pick from a range of options, from traditional development frameworks to no-code tools that simplify everything into one solution. But, by 2025, the tech stack competition will only get fiercer.
If you plan to develop your mobile app soon, research the best tech stack for 2025 today. This guide will help you understand the top tech stack trends to keep an eye on.
Let’s dive in!
What is a tech stack for mobile apps?
A technology stack refers to the combination of technologies a company uses to build and run an application. It’s often abbreviated to tech stack or called a solutions stack. Development teams create a stack when one layer of an application is built atop others.
Typically, mobile app tech stacks consist of two components: client-side and server-side. While the client-side is responsible for everything users see and interact with, the server-side handles all logic and data processing.
Importance of choosing the right mobile app technology stack
Similar to baking a cake, if you mix the right ingredients in the correct proportions, you’ll end up with a tasty treat. The same applies to building a mobile app – picking the right tech stack will impact how well your app performs, how quickly it can be developed, and how easy it is to maintain in the future.
So, in the early stages of development, take some time to think about what you want your app to do, your budget, the kind of user experience you’re aiming for, and the tech stack options that can help you meet those goals.
Remember, every programming language comes with its own strengths and weaknesses, and the tech stack you choose can shape the final strengths and weaknesses of your app.
4 Components of a Mobile App Tech Stack
There are four main components of the tech stack:
- Frontend
The front end allows users to interact with your software and supports the code running your app. Common front-end technologies include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, and Angular. No-code tools offer a simpler alternative, using visual editors to create UI and run your app without coding.
- Backend
The backend manages database systems, server programming languages, and web frameworks necessary for functionality. Common backend technologies include Java, Python, Ruby, MySQL, and Apache. If your frontend is built with a no-code tool, you can also manage backend technologies on the same platform, streamlining your tech layers.
- Platform
The platform includes the operating system and tools to run your app, such as the iOS or Android software development kit (SDK).
- Hosting
Hosting is the technology that houses your app (server-side code) and makes it accessible to users. Popular options include Linux, Apache, and Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Factors to consider when choosing a tech stack
With all the tech stack options out there for mobile apps, even the most seasoned developers can feel a bit overwhelmed when trying to make the right choice. So, where do you start when figuring out the best tech stack to power your app?
To help you out, here are some key factors to keep in mind as you make your decision:
Project Requirements
Firstly, what do you want your app to do? Figuring out your app’s functionality is key to picking the right tech stack. For example, if you’re looking to create a gaming app, you’ll want to focus on front-end technologies that handle graphics and animations well.
When it comes to features and complexity, it’s important to evaluate what you really need. If you’re aiming for advanced functionalities like real-time updates, augmented reality, or heavy hardware integration, you might need to dive into more specialized technologies.
User base
Are you thinking about creating an app for a specific group, like a native iOS app just for iPhone users? Or an Android app for the Android audience?
But you can also get the best of both worlds. You can create an app that will be accessible to a wider audience regardless of the platform or type of device. In this case, you will have to use web technologies that are more versatile than native mobile apps. They work in a browser or on mobile with an app wrapper. As a result, you can easily reach both iOS and Android users.
Native app vs. hybrid vs. cross-platform app development
Importantly, you need to consider the type of app you want to develop. This is a key factor that will be the driver of your tech stack decision.
Native apps
A native app is a software application built specifically for one platform, like Android or iOS. These apps are usually faster and more efficient as they work closely with the platform’s hardware and operating system.
Hybrid apps
Hybrid apps are developed using a combination of web and native app technologies. They allow developers to use a single codebase for multiple platforms, making development faster and more cost-effective.
Cross-platform apps
Similar to hybrid apps, cross-platform apps use a single codebase for multiple platforms. They are known for their ability to provide a native-like experience on different devices.
No matter which route you take, no-code tools can help you quickly whip up an MVP and scale it for launch and user growth way faster than traditional stacks. Plus, cross-platform app development lets you build and launch your app on multiple platforms to reach more users quickly!
Your Budget
Let’s talk about your budget. It’s definitely a key factor, but often, it’s not looked at from start to finish. Traditional tech stacks, like LAMP or MEAN, can be quite resource-heavy. They usually need a lot of development resources with specific skills in certain programming languages. The same goes for iOS or Android app development, which typically means you need a specialized team and the right tools for each app.
[Read more: App Development Cost: How Much Do You Need to Launch an App?]
Time to Market
Some tech stacks definitely let you produce faster than others. In today’s fast-paced market, speed is your friend.
When you have a great idea and want to get it out there quickly, the last thing you want is to be bogged down with endless development. So, unless you have enough resources and in-house developers, you might want to consider investing in mobile app development services.
With that said, some languages are easier to learn than others. For example, JavaScript is more straightforward than Java or Objective-C. And remember, if your current language isn’t fast enough, you can always switch to a different one.
Best mobile app tech stack in 2025
Change is constant in the world of technology, so there is no definitive answer to the best mobile app tech stack in 2025. But, as long as your app is updated with the latest technologies, it will have a better chance of keeping up with the competition.
Along with using the latest mobile app technology in your stack, you also have to consider that your tech stack fits your app’s specific needs and goals.
With that said, here is the best technology stack for mobile development in 2025:
Android technology stack
Many teams prefer creating Android apps for native app development. Not only are they fun to work on, but they have a significantly larger user base compared to iOS apps.
Let’s have a look at the top Android tech stack that will make your app future-ready:
Programming Languages
There are two primary programming languages used for Android app development. And they will still take the stage in 2025:
- Java
Java is probably the most popular choice for Android apps. Being an object-oriented programming language, Java is great for building large-scale apps and software.
You’ll find plenty of tools and libraries at your disposal, many of them open-source. Plus, it’s pretty beginner-friendly and offers strong security features that every organization needs. It’s no wonder Java consistently ranks among the top programming languages each year.
Notable companies like Google, Netflix, and Instagram use Java for their mobile app development.
- Kotlin
Kotlin, a modern and concise programming language, has rapidly gained popularity among Android developers since its 2011 launch. Google recognizes it as the second official Android development language. It offers cleaner code and reduces code size by about 30% compared to Java.
Additionally, Kotlin is fully compatible with JVM, allowing the use of Java frameworks in app development.
Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
An IDE is an essential tool for any developer, as it provides all the necessary features and tools to create and debug apps. Here are the top IDEsfor Android app development:
- Android Studio
Google’s Android Studio features an easy-to-use visual layout editor, simple template-based wizards for common app components, and a fast emulator that supports different configurations and features. Additionally, it includes built-in profiling tools and allows you to reduce app size while creating custom versions for multiple devices—all from one project.
Frameworks and Libraries
The following are the top frameworks and libraries in 2025 for Android app development:
- Android SDK
The Android Software Development Kit comes packed with essential tools for building Android apps. It includes libraries, documentation, a debugger, sample code, tutorials, and more. You can download the components of the Android SDK separately.
- Jetpack Compose
This modern UI toolkit lets developers easily describe UI elements while it takes care of rendering them dynamically. It’s not quite production-ready yet, but there’s a developer version available.
- Android UI
Android offers pre-built templates that make it super easy for developers to whip up user interfaces quickly.
Technology stack for iOS app development
When it comes to iOS native mobile app development, here are the most popular options among the iOS tech stack.
Programming Languages
iOS mobile app development is highly reliant on two programming languages:
- Objective-C
Objective-C is an object-oriented, general-purpose programming language. It inherits syntax, primitive types, and flow control statements from C while adding syntax for defining classes and methods. The Smalltalk-style messaging makes it easy to understand, and dynamic typing enhances its potential.
- Swift
Launched in 2014, Swift quickly became one of the fastest-growing programming languages. It has a simpler syntax than Objective-C and can work alongside existing Objective-C code for Apple products. Swift is an independent language with core features like data structures, flow control, protocols, and closures.
Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
Below are the top IDEs for iOS app development:
- Xcode
Apple’s free official IDE, Xcode, is a complete package that provides tools to design and develop iOS apps. It includes everything from source code editing to debugging and profiling during testing.
The interface builder lets developers create stunning user interfaces without any coding. Additionally, it comes bundled with Swift and Objective-C compilers along with the Cocoa touch framework that helps in building UI elements.
- IntelliJ AppCode
AppCode is a paid IDE designed for iOS app development, and it really packs in all the features you need, like code refactoring, debugging, and integration with version control systems.
People love it for its powerful refactoring options, real-time code analysis, and advanced debugging tools, plus it supports various testing frameworks.
Frameworks and Libraries
Here are some of the top frameworks and libraries for iOS apps in 2025:
- UIKit
This is the go-to framework for creating user interfaces on iOS. UIKit provides all the essential components like buttons, labels, table views, and navigation controllers, ensuring a consistent and responsive UI across all iOS devices.
- SwiftUI
If you’re looking for an alternative to UIKit, SwiftUI takes a more laid-back, declarative approach to building user interfaces. It lets developers write code more quickly, making it easier to maintain and update.
Cross-platform technology stack
If you’re building iOS and Android apps, this mobile stack will save you from having different codebases.
Programming tools
Developing app for cross-platform technologies requires a tool that can handle both iOS and Android, plus provide shared codebases.
There are many options out there, but here are the most popular tools for cross-platform app development:
- React Native
React Native is a popular JavaScript framework that lets you build mobile apps for iOS and Android simultaneously. It’s similar to React, but it uses native components instead of web components to render the UI.
- Flutter (Dart)
Flutter is Google’s solution for cross-platform development. It comes with a handy ‘hot reload’ feature that saves you time on emulators and simulators, and its expressive widgets ensure a native performance.
- Xamarin (C#)
If you’re skilled in C#, Xamarin is a great pick for creating cross-platform apps. Your C# code gets cross-compiled into native programs for both Android and iOS.
Let’s Build Your Mobile App!
Although there are plenty of tools available, developing mobile apps means you need top-notch security.
At Startechup, we design and develop secure mobile applications that meet your business requirements. Our team of expert developers has a deep understanding of the latest technologies, including React Native, Flutter, and Xamarin.
We’re dedicated to delivering high-quality apps for both Android and iOS platforms with great user interfaces and fast performance.
Contact us today to get started on building your next mobile app!
