Mobile apps have quickly become popular due to the increasing need to control everyday life right from the comfort of your home through a single click.

With apps, it has become easier to shop, pay bills, book conveyance, order food, and even learn. The possibilities are endless.

Nearly 6 billion people use Android smartphones today, and this is estimated to grow by 100 million in the coming years.

Due to this, companies all across the globe are looking forward to creating apps for their business. The rise in mobile app development has put quite a lot of pressure on software companies. They need to create applications that stand out and are truly engaging.

The Google Play Store had over 3.48 billion apps in 2021, while the Apple Store had around 2.22 million. These statistics alone are enough to indicate the intense competition. Thus, mobile app development companies must follow a suitable style to create the app architecture.

So, what is mobile app architecture? And how can one be built in 2022? Let’s find out below!

What Is Mobile App Architecture?

A mobile app architecture consists of structural components. Each one has a set of unique interfaces and dedicated framework behavior. These combined form a structural base.

Mobile application architecture is a set of rules to develop fully functioning software. The app industry allows adjustments to techniques and patterns to customize an application to a client’s needs.

A Breakdown Of Mobile App Architecture

Mobile app architecture that is independent of external resources is deemed the truest. Independence indicates effective consistency, which is not dependent on the mobile OS platform.

Modern requirements divide mobile app architecture into three main types:

• Enterprise App Architecture

  Mobile applications for enterprises aid in ease of communication between employees and clients. Solid mobile app architecture is, therefore, essential for strong work relationships.

  A balance of IT and business requirements allows the creation of a suitable enterprise app. This also makes the application sustainable and rules out problems like poor speed, scalability problems, maintenance issues, etc.

• Android App Architecture

  Modern-day Android app architecture has clearly defined multiple important concepts developers must follow. This helps build a suitable app with proper safety protocols.

  A solid application separates concerns and drives the software through a UI model.

  This means that any code that does not interact with the UI is kept out of the Fragment/Activity. This cleaning process prevents future lifecycle problems. The system can decide what Fragments/Activities to keep and which ones to destroy.

  Data is also managed through models that operate separately from the user interface to produce quality results and eradicate lifecycle issues.

• iOS App Architecture

  iOS app architecture consists of 4 main parts:

  • Interface Level: The interface level is also known as the Cocoa Touch. This level consists of several components that are used to generate interfaces. It also delivers information generated by users to each layer.
  • Core Services: This provides direct database access and controls for the files.
  • Core OS: Also known as the Kernel level, it works directly with the file system to ensure app certificate validity. This level is fully responsible for system security.
  • Media Level: Offers tools required to process different media formats.

Apple suggests the MVC (Model-View-Controller) to ensure superior quality iOS mobile app architecture. MVC is so embedded into the view life cycle that it may get difficult to distinguish.

Its main role is to carry actions to a controller directly. A view controller is a source of data that iOS developers need to know of to start/stop server requests.

What Are The Different Layers Of Mobile App Architecture?

An architecture with several layers is essential for software development. All these separate layers also need to be integrated seamlessly once they are built. They help eradicate issues without causing the entire mobile application to malfunction.

A basic mobile app architecture consists of 4 important layers:

The Data Layer

A data access layer is the base for all mobile app requirements. It provides data that is secure and effective. The data layer is responsible for binding components like service agents, utilities, helpers, and access components.

It is also important to pick the correct data format and have a suitable validation process. After all, the entire security and maintenance of the app depend on this layer.

The final layer design should be easy to adapt and should meet the requirements of the business it is being used for.

The Business Logic Layer

This layer takes care of all the business aspects and determines how a company is presented to end-users.

Several business components and workflow are all part of this layer. Plus, it contains two sublayer hoods as well:

• The service layer defines and distinguishes an end-user-accessible common application function set.
• A domain layer distinguishes what expertise is required to address specific problem areas.

The Presentation Layer

This layer consists of UI components and processes. It is associated with controllers and views.

What the application looks like to end-users is established by this layer. A developer must identify the client type to do this.

Proper data format and validation processes also protect the software from invalid entries.

The Persistence And Network Layer

3 elements of app architecture are divided into two basic layers. This includes the persistence layer that aids data access at the backend and the network layer needed for networking calls.

How Is Mobile App Architecture Designed?

Let us now look at how a good mobile app architecture can be designed:

Pick A Device

Various gadgets such as tablets, watches, smartphones, and laptops are divided into 3 categories based on their OS. These include Windows, iOS, and Android.

Features you must consider:

• CPU characteristics
• Storage space
• RAM
• Screen Resolution (DPI)
• Screen size
• Development Environment Availability

Knowing what devices will be able to support your mobile app is essential before you get on with creating the software architecture. This will ensure you meet hardware and software requirements.

UI (User Interface)

The user interface is what the end-user interacts with when they use a mobile app. This interface should be unique and simple to aid navigation. A complicated user interface causes users to lose interest and downrate the app.

Bandwidth

Network compatibility is not always present, so an app needs to be designed keeping this in mind. Whether or not your app will be functional without an internet connection will decide your target audience.

Bandwidth considerations include:

• Design access mechanism
• Speed
• Secure protocol
• Account power consumption
• Best hardware options

Poor connectivity issues will lead a developer to change all the above settings.

Navigation

Navigation methods dictate how a user will interact with the app. Good navigation is of utmost importance for a good customer experience.

Simple and perspective features are the best way to aid and ease navigation/control. Most consumers choose the following options:

• Tab controller
• Search based
• Stacked navigation bar
• Scroll views
• Single view
• Model controller
• Gesture driven

What Are The Different Options Available For Mobile Architecture Development?

• Custom app development
• Native application
• Web application
• Cross-platform app

Conclusion

Mobile app architecture is the backbone that supports an app’s features, user experience, and functionality. Good architecture is crucial for success, and the kind of end-users dictates the mobile platforms to be used and the elements that should be included.

If done correctly, it can help you scale your business and attain several potential new leads.