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Building mobile apps

Create native iOS and Android apps with React Native.

Getting started​

Select mobile platform​

  1. Go to the prompt input
  2. Click the platform toggle
  3. Select Mobile

Write your prompt​

Build a fitness tracking app with:
- Daily workout logging
- Exercise library with categories
- Progress charts
- Profile with stats
- Clean dark theme

Testing your app​

Using Expo Go​

  1. Download Expo Go on your phone (iOS / Android)
  2. Scan the QR code shown after deployment
  3. App opens instantly on your device

What you can test​

  • Navigation and screens
  • UI components and styling
  • API calls and data
  • Most device features

Mobile-specific features​

Appifex uses Expo Router (file-based routing):

mobile/
├── app/
│   ├── (tabs)/           # Tab navigation
│   │   ├── index.tsx     # Home tab
│   │   ├── profile.tsx   # Profile tab
│   │   └── settings.tsx  # Settings tab
│   ├── workout/
│   │   └── [id].tsx      # Dynamic route
│   └── _layout.tsx       # Root layout

Request specific navigation:

"Use bottom tab navigation with Home, Search, and Profile tabs"

Native APIs​

Request device features:

"Add camera access to scan barcodes"
"Include GPS for location tracking"
"Add push notifications for reminders"

Styling​

Mobile uses React Native styling (similar to CSS):

"Use a card-based design with shadows"
"Make buttons have rounded corners (12px radius)"
"Use the system font for a native feel"

Adding mobile to existing projects​

Have a web app? Add mobile:

"Create a mobile app that connects to the existing backend.
 Use the same authentication and data."

AI will:

  1. Read your existing backend code
  2. Create React Native screens
  3. Connect to the same APIs
  4. Maintain feature parity

Publishing to app stores​

TestFlight (iOS)​

  1. Build for iOS: Appifex can generate an EAS build
  2. Upload to App Store Connect: Follow Apple's process
  3. Invite testers: Share via TestFlight

Google Play​

  1. Build for Android: Generate APK or AAB
  2. Upload to Play Console: Create app listing
  3. Release: Internal testing → Beta → Production

Requesting a build​

"Create a production build for iOS App Store submission"

Best practices​

Design for touch​

"Make buttons at least 44px tall for easy tapping"
"Add pull-to-refresh on the list screen"

Handle offline​

"Cache data locally so the app works offline"
"Show a banner when there's no internet connection"

Platform differences​

"Use native date picker for iOS and Android"
"Follow platform conventions for back navigation"

Common prompts​

Social app:

Build a social media app with:
- Photo feed with likes and comments
- User profiles with follow/unfollow
- Direct messaging
- Push notifications for new followers

E-commerce:

Create a shopping app with:
- Product catalog with categories
- Search and filters
- Shopping cart
- Checkout with Stripe

Productivity:

Build a note-taking app with:
- Rich text editor
- Folders and tags
- Search across all notes
- Sync across devices