Bubble Native Mobile vs Wrappers: What's the best way to launch your Bubble app on iOS and Android?

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Introduction

You’ve built your MVP in Bubble. Now you want to launch it as a real mobile app, something your users can download from the App Store or Google Play. One popular approach is to convert your Bubble web app into a bubble mobile app, which can be created using various methods such as WebView wrapping, Bubble’s native solutions, or hybrid frameworks. But what’s the best way to do it?

Until recently, the standard approach was to wrap your Bubble web app using tools like BDK or Natively. Now, there’s a new option: Bubble Native Mobile, the official Bubble mobile builder that entered public beta in 2024 and is launching publicly in 2025. Many businesses and entrepreneurs have created successful apps using Bubble, demonstrating how app development has become more accessible and democratized beyond traditional development teams.

As an agency, we’ve been working with Native Mobile for over a year through early access, and we’ve also used wrappers extensively. Bubble is a no code platform that empowers anyone to start building mobile apps without writing traditional code, making it a key player in the no code movement. In this article, we’ll break down exactly how each method works, compare the pros and cons, and share our honest recommendation based on what we’ve seen work best for founders launching mobile MVPs.

The truth is: both approaches have their place, but understanding the technical trade-offs is crucial before you commit to either path.

1. What is Bubble Native Mobile?

Bubble Native Mobile is Bubble’s official way to build native mobile apps directly inside the Bubble editor. It’s designed for founders who want their product to feel like a true mobile app, not just a responsive web page inside a wrapper.

With Native Mobile, you can:

• Build screens using a new mobile-first layout system with native stacking animations
• Add native navigation (tab bars, modals, gestures)
• Access device-specific features like the keyboard or screen size
• Package your app for the App Store and Google Play

This feature entered public beta in 2024, with official pricing announced for October 2025. It’s powerful, but also new — and that means documentation is limited, and some bugs are still being worked out.

Important caveat: There is no automated conversion process from web applications to native mobile apps in Bubble. If you have an existing Bubble app, you’ll need to rebuild all screens and workflows from scratch — they don’t convert or transfer to the mobile builder. Bubble web applications are built using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which differ from the native mobile components used in Bubble Native Mobile. This is a complete rebuild using mobile-specific components and navigation patterns.

2. What are mobile wrappers?

Mobile wrappers are third-party tools that let you turn your existing Bubble web app into something that can be published on the App Store or Google Play, without rebuilding it. For example, you can create a bubble mobile app by wrapping your web application using these tools, making it accessible as a mobile app.

Popular options include:

• Natively — Most feature-rich wrapper with excellent support and extensive native integrations
• BDK (The Bubble Developer Kit) — Popular choice with solid plugin ecosystem
• Thunkable — More customization options
• Progressier — Progressive Web App approach

For backend options for Bubble, see this guide.

Some of these wrappers use a hybrid app approach, allowing you to deploy your app across multiple platforms with a single codebase.

These tools work by wrapping your web app in a native shell, essentially a fullscreen mobile browser without the address bar, and adding mobile-specific features like push notifications, face ID, or native alerts.

How it works:

1. You build a fully responsive web app in Bubble
2. You sign up with a wrapper service
3. You tweak your app to meet mobile requirements (remove hover effects, optimize for touch)
4. The wrapper service helps you export as native packages (APK/IPA) for app stores

Note: Since wrapped apps are still web applications at their core, most features require internet access to function properly.

Unlike Native Mobile, your existing app stays intact — you’re just adding a native layer on top. Wrappers leverage web technologies to deliver the app experience on mobile devices.

3. Pros and cons of Bubble Native Mobile

Bubble Native Mobile represents a fundamental shift in how you build mobile applications with Bubble, allowing you to create apps optimized for each mobile device. Let’s dig into the real advantages and current limitations.

Pros:
Bubble Native Mobile enables you to build a native app or native mobile app that can access device hardware, such as sensors and cameras, and supports intuitive designs to enhance user experience.

Cons:
Some native applications features, such as the ability to work offline, are still limited or under development.

✅ Pros

True mobile experience Native navigation with smooth stacking animations, proper tab bars, and mobile gestures create an experience that genuinely feels native. The difference is immediately noticeable — transitions are fluid, screens stack properly, and the overall feel matches what users expect from App Store apps.

Built inside Bubble For experienced Bubble developers, the learning curve is manageable. You're working with familiar concepts — workflows, data types, and logic remain the same. It's the UI layer that's completely reimagined for mobile. Plus, exploring the new mobile builder feels like discovering what else Bubble can do — it's genuinely exciting for developers who enjoy pushing the platform's boundaries.

Future-proof architecture Since it's built by Bubble, this is clearly the platform's future direction. Native Mobile gets priority support, regular updates, and will likely see the deepest integration with future Bubble features.

❌ Cons

Significant technical limitations Based on our hands-on experience, several critical features are missing or unreliable:

• No customizable map plugins (only basic native maps without custom markers)
• No searchbox element or fuzzy search plugins
• Custom HTML/CSS isn't supported
• Some operators like :merge lists don't work
• Many web plugins aren't available for mobile yet

Inconsistent preview experience What you see in the editor often differs from Bubble Go (mobile preview) and TestFlight. This makes development frustrating — you might build something that looks perfect in the editor only to find it broken on actual devices.

Complete rebuild required You can't convert existing web pages to mobile. Every screen, workflow, and UI element must be recreated from scratch. For complex apps, this means weeks or months of additional development.

Still maturing File uploads don't show progress indicators, some features work inconsistently, and documentation remains sparse. While tab bars can only be used for navigation, not for triggering custom workflows, which limits design flexibility.

4. Pros and cons of using wrappers

Wrappers have been the go-to solution for Bubble mobile apps for years. By using wrappers, Bubble apps can be packaged and distributed as software that can be downloaded from app stores, just like traditional mobile applications. Here’s what we’ve learned from extensive real-world usage.

When it comes to predictability, wrapped apps on mobile devices can behave differently compared to using the same app on personal computers. This is due to differences in hardware, input methods, and the way mobile software interacts with device features.

✅ Pros

Immediate deployment If your Bubble app is already responsive, you can literally be in app stores within days. No rebuilding, no learning curve — just configure the wrapper and submit.

Predictable behavior Your mobile app works exactly like your web app. What works on desktop works on mobile. This predictability is invaluable — you know exactly what you're getting, with no surprises during testing.

Rich native features Modern wrappers offer extensive native functionality:

• QR code scanning
• Push notifications with deep linking
• Biometric authentication (Face ID/Touch ID)
• In-app purchases and ad integration
• Camera and photo library access
• Offline mode capabilities

Lower technical barrier Your existing Bubble skills translate directly. No need to learn new navigation patterns or mobile-specific layouts.

❌ Cons

WebView performance Your app runs inside a browser wrapper, which means:

• Slower load times compared to native
• Occasional jank during scrolling
• Less responsive to touch inputs
• Higher battery usage

App Store rejection risk Apple and Google increasingly scrutinize WebView apps. If your app feels too much like a website, it may be rejected. Common rejection reasons include:

• Lack of native UI elements
• Poor offline handling
• Website-like navigation

Limited native feel Despite improvements, wrapped apps often feel slightly "off" to users accustomed to native apps. Animations aren't quite as smooth, transitions feel web-like, and the overall experience lacks the polish of true native apps.

5. When to use Bubble Native Mobile

Based on our experience building dozens of mobile apps, Native Mobile makes sense in specific scenarios:

You’re starting fresh or doing a major redesign Without legacy code to port, you can build mobile-first from day one. This is ideal for new products where mobile is the primary experience.

Mobile-specific UX is critical If your app relies on swipe gestures, complex navigation patterns, or needs that polished native feel to compete with established apps, Native Mobile delivers.

You have development time and budget Plan for 2-3x longer development compared to responsive web. But if you’re building for the long term, this investment pays off in user satisfaction.

You’re committed to the Bubble ecosystem If you’re planning to stay on Bubble for years, aligning with their native mobile strategy makes sense.

For example, we’ve seen startups use Bubble Native Mobile to launch MVPs with custom navigation and offline features, and established businesses convert their web apps into native apps using hybrid approaches. These examples show how different methods can be applied successfully depending on the project’s needs.

6. When to use a wrapper

Wrappers remain the pragmatic choice for many scenarios:

You have a working responsive app Why rebuild what’s already working? If users are happy with your web app, a wrapper gets you into app stores quickly.

You’re validating an idea or MVP For testing market demand or showing to investors, wrappers provide the fastest path to a downloadable app. You can always rebuild native later.

Your app is content-focused Forms, dashboards, booking systems, content readers — these work perfectly fine in wrappers. Users won’t notice or care about the technical implementation.

You need specific native features now Ironically, wrappers currently offer more native features than Bubble’s Native Mobile. If you need QR scanning, ad integration, or other specific device features today, wrappers are your only option.

For example, many startups have used wrappers to quickly launch MVPs for booking platforms and internal dashboards. Other successful examples include converting responsive web apps for event management or e-learning into mobile apps using WebView wrappers, allowing rapid deployment without a full native rebuild.

7. Technical deep-dive: Key differences

Development approach

Native Mobile:

• Requires learning new layout system (native containers, stacks)
• Mobile-specific elements (no traditional repeating groups)
• Different navigation paradigm (screens vs pages)
• No URL parameters — use custom states instead

Wrappers:

• Use your existing responsive design
• Same elements and plugins as web
• URL-based navigation works normally
• All your current workflows transfer directly

Performance characteristics

Native Mobile:

• True native rendering for UI elements
• Smoother animations and transitions
• Better memory management
• Still relies on WebView for some content

Wrappers:

• Entire app runs in WebView
• Performance depends on web app optimization
• Can feel sluggish with complex UIs
• Battery usage typically higher

Maintenance and updates

Native Mobile:

• Updates through Bubble editor
• Must rebuild and resubmit to app stores for major changes
• Two separate codebases (web + mobile)

Wrappers:

• Updates deploy instantly (just like web)
• Only need app store updates for wrapper changes
• Single codebase for all platforms

8. App Stores and Distribution

App stores are the primary gateways for users to discover, download, and install mobile apps on their devices. The Apple App Store and Google Play Store are the two dominant platforms, each serving millions of users searching for new mobile apps every day. Whether you’re building native mobile apps, hybrid apps, or web apps packaged for mobile, getting your app into these app stores is essential for reaching a broad audience and driving user engagement.

For app developers, the distribution process starts with creating a developer account on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. From there, you’ll need to prepare your mobile app for submission, ensuring it meets each platform’s guidelines for design, security, and functionality. This includes optimizing your app’s listing with compelling descriptions, screenshots, and keywords to help users discover your app among thousands of others.

App stores offer a range of services to support your mobile app’s success. For example, both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store provide analytics dashboards, marketing tools, and monetization options like in-app purchases and subscriptions. Features such as push notifications can be enabled to keep users engaged and informed, driving repeat usage and increasing the lifetime value of your app.

Distribution through app stores also means your mobile app must pass a review process, which can be more stringent for web apps and hybrid apps compared to native mobile apps. Ensuring your app delivers a seamless, mobile-optimized experience is key to avoiding rejection and maximizing your chances of success.

Ultimately, understanding how to navigate app stores and optimize your app’s presence is critical for any business looking to create, launch, and grow a mobile app. By leveraging the tools and services provided by platforms like the Apple App Store and Google Play, developers can boost visibility, drive downloads, and achieve their business goals.

9. Mobile App Security

Mobile app security is a cornerstone of successful mobile app development, especially as users increasingly rely on mobile devices for sensitive tasks like mobile banking, shopping, and communication. Native mobile apps, in particular, often access powerful device features such as location services, camera access, and personal data—making robust security measures essential.

To protect users and their data, developers should implement industry-standard security practices from the start. This includes encrypting sensitive data both in transit and at rest, using secure authentication methods (like biometrics or two-factor authentication), and regularly updating the app to patch vulnerabilities. For apps that access device features such as GPS or camera, it’s crucial to request permissions transparently and only when necessary, building trust with users.

Compliance with regulations like GDPR and CCPA is also vital, especially for apps handling personal or location data. Developers must ensure their mobile apps provide clear privacy policies and allow users to control their data.

Security isn’t just about protecting against external threats—developers should also guard against common web vulnerabilities such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS), which can affect both web and mobile apps. Adopting secure coding practices, conducting regular penetration testing, and leveraging security frameworks can help identify and mitigate risks before they impact users.

By prioritizing mobile app security, developers not only protect their users but also enhance their app’s reputation and long-term viability. In today’s competitive landscape, a secure mobile app is a key differentiator that can drive user trust and business growth.

10. Measuring Success and Analytics

Launching your mobile app is just the beginning—measuring its success and understanding user engagement are critical for ongoing growth and improvement. Mobile app analytics provide valuable insights into how users interact with your app, which features drive the most engagement, and where there may be friction in the user journey.

Key metrics to track include user acquisition, retention rates, conversion rates, and overall user engagement. Tools like Google Analytics and Firebase make it easy for developers to monitor user interactions, analyze app performance, and gather feedback directly from users. For native mobile apps, analytics can also reveal how users interact with device features, helping you optimize for better performance and a more intuitive experience.

Push notifications are a powerful tool for boosting user engagement and retention. By sending timely, relevant notifications, you can encourage users to return to your app, complete key actions, or discover new features. A/B testing and in-app messaging further allow you to experiment with different approaches and refine your app based on real user data.

Optimizing your mobile app based on analytics isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing process. By continuously tracking key metrics and making data-driven decisions, developers can enhance user satisfaction, increase revenue, and ensure their app remains competitive in the crowded app stores.

In summary, leveraging mobile app analytics and user feedback is essential for any developer aiming to create high-performing, user-centric mobile apps. With the right tools and strategies, you can turn insights into action and drive the long-term success of your app.

8. Our honest recommendation

After building and launching apps using both approaches, here's our nuanced take:

For most founders starting out: Use a wrapper

The math is simple: wrappers get you to market 5-10x faster with 90% of the functionality. For MVPs, early-stage startups, or anyone testing product-market fit, this speed advantage is crucial. Tools like BDK or Natively are mature, well-documented, and battle-tested.

For funded startups or established products: Consider Native Mobile (with caution)

If you have the resources and mobile experience is core to your value proposition, Native Mobile is worth considering. But go in with eyes open — budget extra time for the learning curve and working around current limitations.

Critical warning: Native Mobile is still in beta and not fully mature. You may hit roadblocks where certain features simply aren't possible yet. Before committing, prototype your most complex features to ensure they can actually be built. We've seen projects stall because critical functionality (like custom maps or advanced search) wasn't available.

Our hybrid approach at Minimum Code:

We often recommend starting with a wrapper to validate the mobile opportunity, then rebuilding with Native Mobile once you have proven traction and user feedback. This approach minimizes risk for app developers while keeping the door open for a superior mobile experience later.

Critical factors to consider:

1. Timeline pressure: Need to launch this month? Wrapper. Have 3-6 months? Native Mobile becomes viable.
2. Technical requirements: Need custom maps, advanced search, or specific plugins? Check compatibility first — many aren't available in Native Mobile yet.
3. Team expertise: Experienced Bubble developers will find Native Mobile exciting but still time-consuming. New developers should start with wrappers.
4. User expectations: B2B SaaS users tolerate wrapped apps. Consumer apps competing with native alternatives need Native Mobile's polish.

Conclusion: Start simple, scale smart

The choice between Native Mobile and wrappers isn't just technical — it's strategic. Both can deliver successful mobile apps, but they serve different stages of your product journey.

Start with a wrapper if:

• You need market validation fast
• Your app is already built and responsive
• You want predictable results
• Mobile is a secondary channel

Choose Native Mobile if:

• You're building mobile-first
• User experience is your differentiator
• You have time to invest upfront
• You want to align with Bubble's future

Remember: your first mobile version doesn't have to be your last. Many successful apps started as wrapped web apps and evolved into native experiences as they grew.

The best mobile strategy is the one that gets you in front of users quickly while leaving room to improve based on what you learn.

Want to discuss your mobile strategy?

We've helped founders across Europe ship mobile apps using both methods, from quick MVPs to polished native experiences. Each project taught us something new about what works and what doesn't.

If you're weighing your options or need honest advice about the technical trade-offs: book a call with us!

We'll assess your specific situation and recommend the approach that makes sense for where you are and where you want to go. No cookie-cutter answers, just practical guidance based on real experience building and launching Bubble mobile apps.

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