Can I Build Mobile Apps with Bubble (Using the Native Editor)?

Yes, Bubble Now Supports Native Mobile App Development

Yes, you can now build real native mobile apps with Bubble using its new mobile editor. This update, launched in beta during BubbleCon 2024, is a major change from the platform’s web-only roots.

In the past, developers used workarounds like wrappers or Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) to create mobile-like experiences. But with the native editor, you can now build apps for iOS and Android directly inside Bubble, without needing extra services.

• No more wrappers or external tools
  You no longer need to rely on BDK or GoNative, which often required technical setup and added costs.
  
  
• Fully native mobile features
  Bubble now offers native navigation, swipe lists, and mobile gestures that perform like traditional apps.
  
  
• Web and mobile in one project
  You can build both versions using the same database, workflows, and logic. This saves time and keeps everything in sync.
  
  

Bubble’s mobile builder is a huge leap forward for no-code developers looking to launch real mobile apps without switching tools or learning native coding.

What Does “Native” Mean in Bubble Now?

In Bubble, native development now means building mobile apps directly within the same environment you use for your web app. But instead of adjusting web pages to look good on phones, you now design using mobile-first components and navigation tools. This approach makes the user experience feel fast, smooth, and fully native.

• Mobile views instead of pages
  Instead of Bubble's usual pages, you design using views. These load faster and support mobile navigation patterns more naturally.
  
  
• Same backend, new front-end
  You don’t need to rebuild your backend. Workflows, user data, and APIs from your web app work the same way in your mobile app.
  
  
• Mobile-specific UI components
  Bubble provides mobile list views with swipe actions, floating groups, and modal sheets built for touch interaction.
  
  

This unified system helps you maintain one source of truth for your app while giving users a true native experience on mobile devices.

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Read more | How to hire mobile app developers

Key Features of Bubble’s Native Mobile App Builder

Bubble’s native builder comes with powerful features designed specifically for mobile-first apps. These components replace traditional web elements to give users a responsive, app-like experience. Everything you need to build a high-quality mobile app is now built directly into Bubble.

• View-based architecture
  Instead of loading separate web pages, apps use views for faster transitions and better mobile flow. You can create scrollable views for long feeds or fixed views for login or settings screens.
  
  
• Flexible navigation patterns
  Bubble now supports mobile-standard navigation options like tab bars, modal windows, and stack navigation. You can build smooth user flows that feel natural on both iOS and Android.
  
  
• Mobile-optimized UI components
  Forms, buttons, inputs, and lists are now optimized for small screens and touch gestures. Swipe-to-delete, drag gestures, and floating menus are all supported.
  
  
• Reusable design elements
  Create a header, tab bar, or button once and reuse it across different screens. This speeds up development and keeps your app visually consistent.
  
  
• Web view support
  If needed, you can still load internal Bubble pages within a mobile view to blend old content with the new mobile layout.
  
  
• Location services
  Basic location access is possible today using plugins. While Bubble’s native editor is improving location support, some advanced capabilities like background tracking, geofencing, or high-precision GPS still rely on external tools.

These features make Bubble’s mobile builder strong enough to launch real mobile products that users can download and use every day.

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Read more | Mobile app development guide

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Native Device Integration (Beta)

Bubble is starting to support native mobile hardware features. While some features are still in progress, others are already available in the beta version. These tools help your app interact with mobile devices more naturally and open the door to more advanced use cases.

• Camera access
  You can now let users take photos or upload images using their phone’s camera. This is helpful for profile pictures, scanning documents, or uploading receipts.
  
  
• Offline caching
  Basic offline support lets users view content they previously loaded, even if they lose internet connection. This improves the user experience in areas with weak signals.
  
  
• Push notifications
  Real-time communication with users through system-level notifications, even when the app isn't actively in use. You can send personalized messages, promotional offers, reminders, or activity alerts.
  
  
• Planned support for sensors and biometrics
  Bubble also plans to support advanced features like fingerprint login, accelerometer use, and other mobile-specific sensors.
  
  

Even in beta, these integrations cover many real-world needs. As new features roll out, Bubble will become even more competitive with traditional mobile frameworks.

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Read more | Mobile app MVP development guide

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Previewing and Testing Your Mobile App

Testing is a vital step in the mobile app development process. Bubble gives you tools to test your mobile app on real devices and in-browser previews, making it easier to catch problems early and improve user experience.

• BubbleGo app (iOS only)
  You can preview your mobile app directly on your iPhone using the BubbleGo app. It syncs with your Bubble project and shows real-time changes without needing to submit to the App Store.
  
  
• Instant preview updates
  When you change a view or workflow in your Bubble editor, it immediately updates in the BubbleGo app. This makes testing fast and helps you iterate on designs quickly.
  
  
• Web-based previewer
  Bubble’s browser-based preview lets you simulate mobile screens for devices like iPhones or Android phones. This helps you check screen sizes and layout issues before real device testing.
  
  
• Android support coming soon
  Bubble is working on an Android version of BubbleGo. Once available, you’ll be able to test across both major platforms easily.
  
  

These tools help you build confidently and catch layout or workflow issues before your app reaches the public.

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Read more | Native mobile app development

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Known Limitations (as of July 2025)

While Bubble’s native mobile builder brings powerful new tools, it’s still in beta and has a few limitations. Knowing these helps you plan ahead and avoid unexpected issues during development.

• Debugging challenges
  There is no dedicated mobile debugger for Bubble yet, though the team is actively working on this feature. Unlike web apps where you can inspect workflows and logs, mobile debugging is currently manual. You'll need to test views one by one and use the BubbleGo app or web previewer to identify problems.
  
  
• UI and layout quirks
  Some layout components behave oddly when combined. For example, mixing horizontal and vertical lists in the same view can cause scrolling problems. Sheets may close unexpectedly or appear under modals. These bugs are being fixed, but you should test each layout carefully.
  
  
• Form and input issues
  Native form elements sometimes have missing features. Date pickers don’t enforce required fields, and keyboard behavior can be inconsistent. Tapping outside input fields may not always close the keyboard, affecting user experience.
  
  
• File uploads and tab bar limits
  File uploads may not show immediately, and there's no upload progress indicator yet. Also, tab bars can only be used for navigation, not for triggering custom workflows, which can limit design flexibility.
  
  

Despite these issues, most apps can still be built successfully. Just plan for extra testing and design workarounds if needed.

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Read more | No-code mobile app development guide

What’s Coming Next? (2025 Roadmap)

Bubble’s team is actively working to improve the mobile builder and remove current limitations. Several major updates are planned in the 2025 roadmap, aimed at making Bubble a full-featured mobile development platform.

• Two-way offline data sync
  Currently, Bubble only supports limited offline caching. Soon, users will be able to edit data offline and sync it automatically when back online—useful for field workers or remote teams.
  
  
• Android version of BubbleGo
  Testing on Android is currently limited to the web previewer. A native Android preview app will complete the testing experience across platforms.
  
  
• Dedicated mobile debugger
  Bubble plans to release a debugging tool made for native apps, helping you catch issues faster and improve reliability.
  
  
• Sensor and biometric integration
  Future updates will include access to fingerprint login, motion sensors, and device-specific features.
  
  

These updates will close the gap between Bubble and traditional mobile frameworks, giving no-code builders more power and flexibility.

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Read more | Rapid mobile app development guide

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Is Bubble the Right Choice for Your Mobile App?

Bubble’s native builder is a strong choice for many mobile app projects, but it depends on what you’re building, your timeline, and your technical needs. For the right use case, it can save months of development time.

• Great for MVPs and internal tools
  If you're building a minimum viable product or a business tool for employees, Bubble offers the speed and flexibility to launch quickly and test features with real users.
  
  
• Ideal for teams already using Bubble
  If your web app is already built in Bubble, you don’t need to start from scratch. The same backend and database power your mobile version.
  
  
• Perfect for startups and service businesses
  Client portals, scheduling apps, directories, or small e-commerce tools work well with Bubble’s current features.
  
  

However, you may want to wait or consider other tools if your app needs complex native APIs, deep sensor access, or offline-first functionality right now. Also, if your target users are mostly Android-based, it may be worth waiting for the Android BubbleGo release.

If you need advanced features today, platforms like FlutterFlow may be a better short-term fit. But for most use cases, Bubble’s native builder is powerful, fast, and evolving quickly.

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Ready to build your mobile app with Bubble's native builder? At LowCode Agency, our team understands both the potential and limitations of Bubble's native platform, ensuring your project succeeds from concept to launch. 

Book a free discovery call with us today, and let's discuss how we can transform your mobile app idea into reality.