Developing a Mobile App with Claude Code

Developing a Mobile App with Claude Code

Mobile-app (iOS / Android) development has a high entry barrier due to native-language knowledge and build-system complexity. With Claude Code, even non-mobile developers can build a prototype in 1-2 days.

3 Approaches

1. React Native

• Write in JavaScript / TypeScript
• Both iOS / Android
• Approachable for web developers
• Compatibility with Claude Code: ★★★★★

2. Flutter (Dart)

• By Google, own language Dart
• iOS / Android / Web / Desktop
• High UI flexibility
• Compatibility with Claude Code: ★★★★☆

3. Native (Swift / Kotlin)

• Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android
• Best performance and OS integration
• High learning cost
• Compatibility with Claude Code: ★★★☆☆

React Native + Claude Code Setup

1. Dev Environment

# Node.js, Expo CLI
npm install -g expo-cli

# New project
npx create-expo-app my-app --template
cd my-app

# Launch Claude Code
claude

2. Have AI Grasp the Project Structure

> Tell me this project's structure
> What screens/features do you recommend building from?
> I want to start with a simple todo app

3. Implement Step by Step

> First make the Todo type and save logic.
> Persist with AsyncStorage, write tests too

> It works, so the screen implementation.
> List screen and add screen, using React Navigation

> I want to check on the iOS simulator. How to launch?

Simulator / Real-Device Testing

iOS Simulator (Mac only)

• Install Xcode
• npx expo start --ios
• Simulator launch + hot reload

Android Emulator

• Install Android Studio
• Create an emulator in AVD Manager
• npx expo start --android

Real Device (Expo Go App)

• Install Expo Go on iPhone / Android
• Run the app on a real device via QR code
• Shortest path to real-device check

Typical Tasks

• "Make a login screen with email/password input"
• "A button to launch the camera and take a photo"
• "Get location info and show a map"
• "Implement push notifications with Expo Notifications"
• "Integrate Firebase auth"

Easy Sticking Points

• Permissions: camera/location/notifications need OS permission, instruct Claude Code "the permission-request code too"
• iOS vs Android difference: per-platform branching needed
• Native modules: if Expo doesn't support it, switch to Bare Workflow
• Build/publish: create iOS / Android packages with EAS Build

Publishing Flow

iOS (App Store)

1. Join the Apple Developer Program (USD 99/year)
2. Create .ipa with EAS Build
3. Upload in App Store Connect
4. Review (1-3 days)

Android (Google Play)

1. Register Google Play Developer (USD 25 one-time)
2. Create .aab with EAS Build
3. Upload in Play Console
4. Review (a few hours - 1 day)

Tips When Using Claude Code

• Leverage web knowledge: React knowledge applies directly
• Implement one screen at a time: "login → home → detail" in stages
• Use UI libraries: "use Tailwind / NativeWind," "with Tamagui"
• State management: "keep it simple with Zustand / Jotai"

Sample-Project Ideas

• Budgeting app
• Habit-tracking app
• Parenting-memo app
• QR code scanner
• Voice-memo app

Next Step

"Sub-agent Use" to further raise Claude Code's autonomy is in the next article.