The process of evolution that technology as a whole has undergone has truly been outstanding. A clear example is in mobile app development, which is advancing at a speed very few people were able to predict.
Nowadays, mobile app developers are making good use of modern web techniques on mobiles and other smart devices. An excellent example of these techniques is the React Native technology, which has powered many of our favorite apps.
The notion that developing mobile applications by means of only one paradigm for all platforms seemed impossible, but just as the React Native technology was developed, more and more popular apps were created in this manner.
Today, we will take a good look at the most popular React Native apps of 2021, but first, let’s dive into what they actually are!
How did React Native Apps begin?
Despite starting off in 2013 as part of Facebook’s internal Hackathon project, React Native as such was finally released in 2015.
Based on Facebook’s React framework, React Native is a mobile app framework based on a best-in-class JavaScript framework, bringing its power from websites to native mobile app development.
React Native has been adopted by hundreds of businesses worldwide, mainly due to its top advantages:
- The fact that it was built on a JavaScript library means that React Native is extremely straightforward and simple to use
- By using React Native, companies can create code and make use of it for both iOS and Android apps
- The framework allowed frontend developers who up to that point were only able to work with web-based technologies to create production-ready apps for mobile platforms
Now, let’s take a good look at the most popular React Native apps of 2021!
1. Facebook
Coming in strong, and for the third year in a row, Facebook is at the top of our list! This is by far the most popular social networking app to date and was launched as a website in 2004.
From very early on, Facebook was set on not only staying a website but progressing on to becoming a cross-platform app. This idea seemed unimaginable at that moment in time but has eventually become a reality.
With the notion that a new framework needed to be created in order to meet certain mobile app needs, React Native was born, and with it, the current Facebook app.
According to recent statistics, Facebook-owned apps have a combined 16 billion downloads and Facebook itself has had an impressive 4.6 billion downloads on the App Store and Google Play over the last ten years- not too shabby!
2. Instagram
Similar to Facebook, Instagram is arguably one of the most popular applications in existence.
The app was launched in 2010 and its growth was almost instantaneous. In its first week, Instagram had already racked up a total of 100,000 users. In 2012, by the time Instagram already had 27 million users, Facebook purchased the platform for $1 billion in cash and stock.
Currently, Instagram has 1 billion active users and more than 500 million who use the application every single day.
Source: App Store
More to the point, in 2016, Instagram decided to integrate React Native into their native app. This decision encompassed all kinds of benefits for Instagram. Examples of these benefits were:
- React Native powering many of Instagram’s features
- Product teams were able to ship features faster to both their iOS and Android apps
- Development cost lowered dramatically, as 85-99% of code was shared between the iOS and Android apps
As is obvious, the adoption of the React Native framework was a brilliant decision made by Instagram. This React Native app has maintained its impressive position as #2 in Photos and Video apps on App Store.
3. Facebook Ads Manager
As previously discussed, Facebook is considered the creator of React Native. Logically, several components for Facebook were subsequently built with React Native, such as its first, Facebook Ads Manager, an ideal tool for promotional purposes.
Aspects worth highlighting of this app are:
- Clean interface
- Intuitive user experience (UX)
- Simple navigation
Source: App Store
4. Microsoft OneDrive
Microsoft OneDrive is a platform developed by Microsoft that allows you to keep your photos and files:
- Accessible
- Backed up
- Protected
- Synced
This React Native app was designed mainly for businesses and it has specifically been set up with the objective of being accessible from anywhere.
The platform works with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Thus allowing the user to combine, back up, and save their documents.
Source: App Store
A successful example of a React Native app, Microsoft OneDrive has become one of the most popular platforms for businesses worldwide.
5. Tesla
Conceivably one of the largest and most relevant electric car producers, Tesla, has also joined the React Native app group. The Tesla app allows owners to communicate directly with their vehicles and Powerwalls at any time.
Through this app, some of the features on offer for customers are:
- The ability to lock or unlock from afar
- Track their vehicle’s location
- Heat or cool their car before driving
Source: App Store
Currently, the React Native app is gaining popularity among Tesla owners. Despite this being a slightly smaller market to cater to, it has become blatantly obvious that customers are more than satisfied with the app itself.
6. Gyroscope
This year has seen a surge in interest in monitoring personal health like never before. Like any other health app, the basics are covered in terms of step tracking, heart rate or workout planning.
But where Gyroscope differs from the rest is with its extra features:
- Tracking online productivity
- Sleep-pattern monitoring
- Eating habit review
Source: App Store
Thanks to React Native’s framework, the data on Gyroscope is exhibited in two visually appealing well-designed views: Simple and Cards mode.
All your data is stored in the app, and you can use it to help you achieve your fitness goals and share your results!
7. Vogue Magazine
A renowned name in the world of entertainment, Vogue Magazine app is another great example of a React Native based app.
Unlike many of the other apps at the global mass media company Condé Nast, the Vogue Magazine developers decided to make use of the React Native platform.
Vogue immerses itself in the culture we live in, using this context to focus its articles on:
- The fashion we as consumers choose to promote
- Where we live and how we socialize
- Who leads and inspires us
Source: App Store
One of the most elegant and thought-provoking apps available, Vogue Magazine continues to be exceptionally popular and relevant.
8. Salesforce
An app that enables businesses to sell, service, and market like no other, Salesforce will help make that connection with clients as successfully as possible.
Not only will you be able to run your business from your phone, but you will also be offered intelligent views and insights into the decisions you will be making.
Source: App Store
Examples of the reasons Salesforce decided to go with a React Native app were:
- The comfortable and widely-known technologies (such as JavaScript)
- The ability to use your browser’s developer tools to debug
- The fact that all views are rendered natively
All in all, this React Native app has been extremely triumphant within business apps!
9. Shine
Featured as Best of 2020 by the App Store and 2019 Webby Award Winner for the Best Lifestyle App, Shine has been one of the most popular React Native apps this year.
In a time where life has seemed tough, this app provided users with a daily self-care ritual to help them meditate, connect, and reflect.
This feel-good app was successfully launched in 2017, and all members of the founding team had previously worked together at the non-profit DoSomething.org.
Shine decided to opt for a React Native app platform to quickly provide users with an Android version of the app once the iOS version was successful.
This was without a doubt a superb idea!
10. KFC
But of course, we had to include a fast-food app! One of the most famous franchises in the world, Kentucky Fried Chicken (or KFC for short), saw a surge in popularity this year.
Despite the fact that people conscientiously decided to take their health more seriously over this year, a little indulgence here and there was never out of the question.
The KFC app drew its basic development from React Native, and is now readily available for users who decide to have a chicken takeout!
Conclusion
The popularity of the React Native platform speaks for itself, as app developers all over the world are deciding to make good use of it.
One thing that should not be overlooked is what enormous potential this framework really has, with an increasing number of apps being developed into it.
With our top 10 most popular React Native Apps of 2021, we hope you have seen just how exciting these apps can be.
If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at Wiredelta!