We have built 40+ iOS apps. Here is exactly what each approach costs, where each fails, and which one you should choose.

By David Friedman , Founder of AppBrewers

I have shipped 40+ iOS apps using both native Swift and React Native. Founders always ask: which is cheaper? The answer is not what they expect. React Native costs less upfront but more over time. Native Swift costs more upfront but less over time. Here is the real breakdown.

The Short Answer

Factor Native Swift React Native Winner

Upfront cost 15,000-35,000 Euro 8,000-18,000 Euro React Native

Timeline 8-16 weeks 4-8 weeks React Native

Performance Native speed Near-native Native Swift

iOS-specific features Full access Limited Native Swift

Maintenance cost Lower Higher Native Swift

Long-term scalability Better Ceiling exists Native Swift

Choose React Native if: You need both iOS and Android, your budget is under 15,000 Euro, and your app is not performance-critical.

Choose Native Swift if: You need iOS-only, performance matters, or you…