Mobile Apps

A mobile app is a computer program designed to run on a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet computer. Mobile apps are a fast-growing segment of the software market.

1. Types of Mobile Apps

There are three main types of mobile apps:

  • Native Apps: Native apps are developed for a specific mobile operating system, such as iOS or Android. They are installed directly on the device and can take full advantage of the device’s features, such as the camera and GPS.
  • Web Apps: Web apps are not real applications; they are websites that, in many ways, look and feel like native applications. They are accessed through a web browser on the mobile device.
  • Hybrid Apps: Hybrid apps are a combination of native and web apps. They are installed on the device like native apps, but they are written in web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

2. App Stores

Mobile App Landscape in Nepal

The mobile app market in Nepal is growing rapidly. With the increasing penetration of smartphones, more and more Nepalis are using mobile apps for a variety of purposes, including communication, entertainment, and e-commerce. For more on this, see our note on mobile marketing.

Some of the most popular mobile apps in Nepal include:

  • Hamro Patro: A popular app that provides a variety of services, including a Nepali calendar, news, and horoscopes.
  • eSewa: A leading digital wallet in Nepal that allows users to make online payments, transfer money, and pay bills.
  • Daraz: The largest e-commerce platform in Nepal, with a popular mobile app for online shopping.
  • Tootle and Pathao: Ride-sharing apps that are popular in major cities.
  • Foodmandu: A food delivery app that is popular in Kathmandu.

There are a number of challenges to app development in Nepal, including a lack of skilled developers and a lack of access to funding. However, there are also a number of opportunities for app developers in Nepal. These opportunities include a large and growing market for mobile apps, and a government that is supportive of the tech industry.