How to convert your Lovable web app into a native app: A complete guide
If you're using Lovable to create web applications, you probably already know how efficient and intuitive the platform is.
But what if you want to elevate your Lovable web app by turning it into a native mobile app?
What is Lovable?
Lovable, also known as Lovable.dev, is an AI-powered platform that allows users to generate web applications using natural language, without the need to write code. It helps users create a wide range of web apps, including e-commerce platforms, dashboards, content management systems, and social media applications.
By simply describing what you need, Lovable handles the coding and generates a functional, real-time preview of your web app.
Key features of Lovable include:
- Conversational interface: Communicate with the platform just like you would with a developer, receiving immediate feedback and a live preview.
- Real-time code generation: As you describe your project, Lovable generates code and updates your web app instantly.
- Modern web technologies: Lovable uses React, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, Supabase, and other modern tools providing flexibility and scalability.
This conversational, AI-powered development method makes web app creation faster, more efficient, and accessible to non-programmers. But it’s limited in nature to web usage.
Now, let's talk about how to convert your Lovable web application into a native mobile app using Median.co.
Why convert your Lovable app into a native app?
It’s simple: converting your Lovable web app into a native mobile app can provide a more seamless user experience, higher engagement rates, and better performance than web apps. Looking for key reasons to make the switch? Look no further.
- Native app features: With native apps, you can access device-specific features, such as push notifications, GPS, haptic feedback, and camera integration—features that aren’t possible with web apps. These tools can significantly improve how users interact with your app, driving more engagement.
- App store presence: Native apps offer the opportunity to publish your app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, where users can easily discover, download, and engage with your product. A spot in the app store is a major advantage for brand visibility and customer acquisition.
- Offline access: One of the most significant benefits of native mobile apps is offline functionality. Unlike web apps that require a constant internet connection, native apps store data locally, allowing users to interact with the app even when offline.
- Improved user engagement and retention: Studies show that mobile apps have much higher engagement and retention rates compared to web apps. Apps can offer more personalized experiences with features like user notifications and reminders, all of which are highly effective for driving repeat usage.
How Median.co can help you convert Lovable web apps into native apps
Median.co offers a simple, efficient, and cost-effective solution to convert your Lovable web app into a native iOS and Android app. Just like Lovable itself, you don’t need to be a coding expert to produce a powerful app with Median.
Using Median’s App Studio, you can convert any website, including a Lovable web application, into a mobile app with native features such as push notifications, haptic feedback, GPS and camera access.
Here are some key benefits of using Median.co:
- Extensive plugin library: Median.co's platform includes a wide range of native plugins that allow you to easily add advanced features to your app, such as push notifications, haptics, Face ID/Biometric login, etc – including SDK integrations for leading mobile vendors.
- Real-time app building: The platform lets you see real-time updates of your app as you customize it, ensuring you get the exact look and feel you want.
- Easy publishing: With Median.co’s publishing service, our team will submit your app to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store with minimal hassle. The team assists with technical submission requirements, allowing you to focus on other business priorities.
With Median.co, the conversion process is streamlined, and you don’t need to be a developer to create a fully functional mobile app.
Want to learn more about our plugins?
Launch a full-feature native app without native development!
How to convert your Lovable web app into a native app using Median.co
Ready to convert your Lovable web app into a native mobile app? Get started with a step-by-step guide to using Median.co's App Studio.
Step 1: Build your app in the Median.co App Studio
Start by visiting https://median.co/app. Enter your Lovable web app URL (e.g. https://my-app.lovable.dev) as the "Website URL" and update your "App Name" as needed.
An email address is required for ongoing access to your app in the App Studio — you’ll then receive an email with a link to verify your account. To continue, click “Start Building my App!”.
Step 2: Preview & test your new app
Median.co offers browser-based simulators to easily preview your app on iOS and Android devices without leaving your web browser.
As a starter, test that the basic functionality within your new app is performing as expected.
Step 3: Customize your app
In the Branding tab, you can upload an app icon and splash screen image or animation, and set theme colors to fully customize your app and align with your brand.
Additionally, you can explore options for Interface Settings, Link Handling, Website Overrides, and Permissions to tailor your app user experience to meet your requirements.
Native Navigation is where you can create a natural native app experience for your users, as well as finding help to meet Apple and Google design requirements.
Finally, you can explore Median’s Native Plugins to add advanced native features and integrations like push notifications, haptics, and analytics to enhance user experience and maximize outcomes for your app.
Step 4: Test your app
Now that your app is customized, it’s crucial to test it on different devices before submitting it to the App Stores. Median.co offers:
- Browser-based simulators to help ensure everything is functioning properly.
- A convenient Public Sharing Link to provide access to stakeholders during testing.
- Functionality to easily test on physical devices (an Apple Developer account is required for iOS).
Step 5: Launch your app
Access the License tab to choose a license and annual plan that suits your needs. Median.co offers various tiers based on the functionality needed for your app.
Additionally, Median offers a service whereby our team will manage the publishing process to ensure your app is approved by the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Why native apps offer better business results
Converting your web app into a native mobile app is not just about better features—it's also about driving tangible business results. Here's how.
- Easier user acquisition: Having your app in the app stores gives your business more credibility. Customers are more likely to download an app that is easily accessible from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Plus, depending on your expected user base you can serve app install ads to acquire new user app installations, leading to increased downloads and conversions.
- Engagement and retention: Native mobile apps have a higher retention rate than web apps. They provide a more personal and interactive experience through personalized push notifications powered by analytics that can be used to increase user retention, alongside offline access, and native device features such as your app icon being present on user’s home screens providing easy access to your app — ensuring users stay engaged longer.
- Better user experience: Native apps offer faster load times and smoother transitions compared to web apps, which can lead to higher customer satisfaction and improved reviews on app stores. They also offer an improved app navigation experience, improving user satisfaction.
- Revenue generation: With access to in-app purchases, advertisements, and subscriptions, native apps provide more opportunities for monetization compared to traditional web apps.
Conclusion
Converting your Lovable web app into a native mobile app is both a natural next step and a smart move. It’ll get you on your way to unlocking higher engagement, improved user retention, and access to a wide range of native app features.
With Median.co’s App Studio, the process is simple, fast, and affordable—allowing you to focus on growing your business.
Ready to convert your Lovable web application into a mobile app? Start your journey with Median.co and experience the benefits of native app development today.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lovable.dev?
Lovable.dev is an innovative platform that allows users to build web applications through natural language commands, simplifying the process for individuals without development experience. It’s ideal for quickly turning web app concepts into reality.
Why should I convert my Lovable web app into a native app?
Converting your Lovable web app into a native app boosts user engagement, improves customer retention, and leverages device-specific features like push notifications and GPS. Native apps also provide offline access, ensuring a seamless user experience.
to top
Related articles
