Mobile apps offer greater convenience and improve accessibility. Many consumers prefer using applications as they can use them on the go. There has been a 63% increase in mobile app downloads from 2016 (140.7 billion) to 2021 (230 billion) (Statista). The total revenue generated through this medium is estimated to reach $613 billion by 2025 (Statista).
So, if you’re building an app, ensure that it reaches your target market. For this purpose, you should develop multi-platform apps. Businesses have started developing for multiple platforms because:
- it is cost-effective
- helps accelerate app launches
- delivers better reach to the company
However, to do it successfully, testing the app across multiple platforms apps is a critical aspect. You cannot launch apps without proper quality checks on the app stores.
Here we will discuss the top cross-platform app testing services in detail.
What is Cross Platform App Testing?
When building an application for more than one operating system, it is essential to test it thoroughly. You should ensure it follows the guidelines for both platforms. Cross-platform app testing involves checking the app’s quality, performance, and speed on the different operating systems, devices, and form factors. The idea is to ensure that the same app accessed on iOS 16 and Android 13 should offer similar experiences.
You might not be able to run the applications in real user conditions; however, you might want to simulate the conditions and check how they work.
Why Do You Need Cross-Platform Testing?
With many choices available in mobile devices and operating systems, your user could be anyone. Quality checks are mandatory to ensure your app performs well on almost all popular systems. That’s why you should conduct thorough cross-platform mobile app testing. With this testing method, you can,
- identify issues that may occur on a specific browser/OS version or a particular device
- determine the interface usability
- check for consistency in performance and loading across systems
- ensure you are offering an excellent experience to the end users
If you haven’t tested the application across devices and browsers using mobile testing services, you may not be able to report issues or malfunctions. This would lead to customer loss and a reduced reputation for your business.
The Cross-Platform Frameworks for App Testing Services
Testing the mobile app across different platforms or devices can be difficult. It can become tedious over time. However, if you use the proper testing framework, it can ease your job. These tools automate the processes, help you simulate the app across devices, and ensure quick resolutions.
The right tools can help you extend seamless experiences for all users, irrespective of their mobile phone and platform. You can always partner with a suitable mobile app testing services provider to ensure timely quality checks and app launches. Here are the popular cross-platform testing tools that can help you. They are compatible with all browsers.
- Appium
- Xamarin
- Katalon
- Calabash
- Ranorex
- Frank
- Eggplant
How to Create the Test Plan?
A testing script creator can help you develop and execute the test plans. However, here are some tips on how you should create a test plan for cross-platform mobile app testing.
1. Know your Audience
Who is the mobile app user? This is equally important for building the test case. When you know the actual user, you will know what to test with the mobile app.
For example, if your user uses the landscape form app, you need not test specific functionality. You can eliminate the tests and prioritize important ones only when you know who will use them.
2. The Platforms to Test
Choosing the platforms you wish to test the app for is essential before moving ahead. Do you want to test the app for iOS and Android? Is there a third platform for which you wish to test the app? Will you be testing the app for web browsers? Before onboarding an app testing service provider, you should consider all platforms your app may be designed for.
3. Plan the Test Scenarios
This will depend on the real-world usage of the mobile app. You can test the application for different scenarios such as user inputs, clicking on the button, and others. This will help you check if these elements are functioning well. Additionally, you might need to check for offline accessibility, limited Internet connection, and other scenarios.
4. Limit the Scenarios
You might realize a new scenario while testing for a use case. Limiting the scenarios at the start is important as every application has many use cases. You should test for real-world scenarios that you believe will help enhance usability and experience. As a result, you can launch your app within the timeline.
5. Emulators for Better Testing
When you use emulators, you test your app on multiple devices and OS versions in the simulated environment. These emulators are designed to carry multiple devices within. For example, Xamarin is a testing emulator with over 2000+ devices hosted on the platform. You can check the app’s behavior across these devices and OS versions.
What do App Testing Services Check?
When you hire app testing services for cross-platform app quality checks, here is what they need to check:
- The functionality of the application should be seamless across platforms.
- The GUI should perform in the same way on different devices.
- It should be usable irrespective of the device and platform.
- Performance of the application using stress test.
- If there are any installation issues with the app.
Mobile app testing for multiple platforms requires greater simulation and requisite software development. You should check for the different devices, form factors, and even versions of operating systems. Automation can help you with rapid testing and faster launches, but choosing the right tools and mobile app testing service provider is essential to help with testing services. Research and checks can help you partner with the right company.
