Honest comparison
WebView wrapper vs real native — which path is right for you?
WebView / hybrid wrappers
Your website loads inside a native shell. Pros: fast, cheap, site and app stay in sync automatically, good for content sites and simple SaaS. Cons: UX feels webby, iOS review scrutiny, limited offline, JavaScript bridge for native features. Examples: Median, MobiLoud, Natively, Capacitor DIY, KW Native.
Cross-platform rebuild (React Native / Expo)
Second codebase in JavaScript that compiles to native views. Pros: one team language, large ecosystem, App Store proven. Cons: still a rewrite to maintain; not Swift/Kotlin source; bridge quirks. Examples: Vibecode, RapidNative-style agencies, DIY Expo.
Native Swift + Kotlin (Rewrite's lane)
AI-assisted generation of platform-native UI from your URL/repo evidence, verified by hosted compiles. Pros: best platform UX, you own Swift/Kotlin source, integrations wired per platform, strong 4.2 story for core flows. Cons: scoped paid delivery — not a $15/month wrapper; store submission still yours.
Quick decision matrix
Choose a wrapper if: content-heavy site, budget under ~$50/mo, web UI can stay forever, UX parity with Safari is OK. Choose React Native if: your team lives in JS and wants one mobile codebase. Choose Rewrite if: product UX matters, integrations are real, you want compile proof before paying, and you want to own native source for iOS and Android together.
Who plays in each lane (2026)
Wrappers: Median, MobiLoud, Natively, AppBuilder24, Despia. Lovable-specific wrappers: Wanilla, AppBuild.diy. Codegen to Swift: Morphkit (CLI, React→SwiftUI). AI mobile builders: Vibecode (React Native). Native URL rebuild: Choicely. Full hosted native delivery with compile proof: Rewrite.
Common questions
Is a wrapper 'native'?
The shell is native; your UI is usually web content. Stores sometimes call this 'hybrid.' Rewrite's in-scope screens are SwiftUI and Compose — native UI components.
Which is cheapest?
Wrappers — often $15–350/month. Rewrite is a scoped project quote ($299–$599 typical bands) with both platforms included.
Can I start with a wrapper and switch later?
Yes, but you'll rebuild UX twice. If you know you need native feel, skipping the wrapper saves time.