When it comes to crafting seamless, high-performing mobile experiences, few approaches rival native app development – and few professionals are better positioned to speak on the topic than Stefka Vacheva . With a strong technical background and hands-on experience delivering native solutions for major clients, she brings a practical, informed perspective to the conversation around mobile development today.
In this interview, Stefka Vacheva shares her journey into native app development, the advantages she’s seen compared to hybrid and web alternatives, and the challenges and triumphs that have shaped her work. Whether you’re a business leader considering a mobile solution or a developer curious about the latest trends, her insights offer a valuable window into the evolving world of mobile technology.
Can you tell us about your journey into Native App Development & what drew you to it?
My journey into native app development started over a decade ago when I built my first iOS application. I was drawn to the seamless user experience, performance capabilities, and the creativity the platform allows. Over the years, I’ve worked across a wide range of industries – entertainment and e-commerce to fintech – each time learning how to craft solutions that feel intuitive, responsive, and truly native to the user. There’s something deeply satisfying about building something that lives in the palm of someone’s hand and becomes part of their daily routine.
What are some of the biggest advantages you’ve seen when building apps natively compared to other approaches like hybrid or web apps?
“Native development offers superior performance, smoother UI/UX, and more stable integration with device-specific features such as biometrics, sensors, and accessibility APIs. For clients, this translates to better customer satisfaction and retention.“
In my experience – especially in high-demand sectors like betting and fintech where milliseconds matter – native apps can meet the performance and reliability benchmarks that hybrid solutions struggle to achieve.
Which platforms do you primarily focus on, and what are some key differences you keep in mind when developing for each?
I specialise in iOS development, though I’ve worked closely with Android teams as well. One key difference is design philosophy: iOS tends to favour minimalism and smooth user experiences, while Android allows for more customisation. On the engineering side, each platform has its own conventions – whether it’s how layouts are structured, how system resources are managed, or how app lifecycles are handled. It’s important to embrace each platform’s strengths rather than trying to force a one-size-fits-all approach.
Could you share an example of a challenging project you’ve worked on & how native deployment helped you deliver a better solution?
One of the most challenging projects I’ve worked on involved a highly modularised banking app, with dozens of modules and multiple white-label brands. We had to ensure top-tier performance and security while also maintaining design consistency across brands. Native development was critical here – it allowed us to create shared UI components while leveraging native frameworks for secure data handling and smooth performance. Without native-level optimisation, it would’ve been very difficult to meet the strict performance and compliance requirements.
What trends do you see shaping the future of native app development?
I’m particularly excited about the rise of SwiftUI and Jetpack Compose, which are modernising how we build UIs. There’s also a growing emphasis on privacy, offline-first capabilities, and accessibility – areas where native development continues to lead. Another big trend is the adoption of passkeys and secure credentials, pushing mobile platforms to become even more central in digital identity.
When working with clients or product teams, what do you think makes for a successful native app development project?
“Clear goals, open communication, and mutual trust are essential.”
From a technical perspective, involving engineers early in the product lifecycle helps avoid surprises and makes sure the ideas can be built in a practical way. I’ve found that setting strong foundations – modular code, automated testing, and clear coding standards – ensures the product can scale without accumulating technical debt.
What excites you most about the future of mobile technology?
I’m excited by how mobile devices are becoming even more integral to our lives – not just as tools for communication, but as secure wallets, health trackers, and identity hubs. The convergence of AI, AR, and native performance will unlock new possibilities for personalisation and richer user experiences. As developers, we’re in a position to build the next generation of trusted, intelligent, and delightful experiences – and that’s incredibly motivating.
