Ionic development for mobile apps built with web technology
Ionic is a framework for building mobile apps with HTML, CSS and JavaScript, using Angular, React or Vue. Apps run in a native container through Capacitor, which gives access to device features, and the same code can ship as a progressive web app.
Ionic lets web teams build mobile apps without learning a new language, and much of the code can be shared with an existing web application. It works well for internal tools, forms, content and data-driven apps. Because the interface runs in a web view, heavy animation or very complex interactions may not feel as smooth as native, React Native or Flutter. For consumer apps where polish is critical, we would usually suggest one of those instead.
What we build with Ionic
- Internal and enterprise mobile apps
- Progressive web apps
- Mobile versions of existing web apps
- Data capture and inspection apps
- Content and catalogue apps
Ionic questions
What is Capacitor?
Capacitor is the native runtime Ionic uses to package web code as an iOS or Android app and to call device features such as the camera, storage and notifications.
Is Ionic slower than native apps?
For typical business apps the difference is small. Graphics-heavy or highly animated apps benefit from native or other cross-platform frameworks.
Will Apple accept an Ionic app on the App Store?
Yes, provided the app offers genuine app-like value rather than simply wrapping a website. We make sure it uses native features and navigation that meet Apple's guidelines.
Can an Ionic app work offline?
Yes. We cache the app assets locally and store data with SQLite or secure storage through Capacitor, syncing changes when the device reconnects.
How are push notifications added to an Ionic app?
Capacitor's push notification plugin connects to Apple Push Notification service and Firebase Cloud Messaging, so notifications behave like those in native apps.
Can Ionic use device features such as the camera and GPS?
Yes. Capacitor plugins cover the camera, location, files, biometrics and more, and custom native plugins can be written in Swift or Kotlin when needed.
What is the benefit of also shipping a progressive web app?
The same code can run in the browser for users who do not want to install an app, which widens reach and gives you a quick way to share features without store review.
Can we update an Ionic app without a store release?
Web code can be updated live using a live update service, within store rules. Changes to native plugins or permissions still require a new store build.
How do you test Ionic apps?
Much of the testing runs in the browser with standard web tools, and we add end-to-end tests on real iOS and Android devices to check native behaviour.
Can we turn our existing Angular, React or Vue app into an Ionic app?
Often a large part of the logic and components can be reused. We review the current code and adapt layouts and navigation for touch and small screens.
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Have a project in mind? Let’s talk.
Tell us what you are building. We reply within one business day with next steps — and we are happy to sign an NDA first.