Commerce mobile app development guide 2026
Commerce mobile app development with React Native and a headless API (Medusa or NestJS) is GMI standard from Gdansk: MVP EUR 35,000 - 55,000, 4-6 months to stores, one backend for web and app. SFD case: 100k+ downloads, 4.9★ App Store, Mobile Trends Awards (Commerce) nomination.
Commerce mobile architecture in 2026
Frontend: React Native + Expo (EAS Build, OTA for UI hotfixes). Backend: MedusaJS Admin API, NestJS or existing store API. Payments: Stripe/Adyen native SDK or hosted checkout in WebView - choice depends on PCI scope and UX.
One headless backend removes catalog drift between web and app - same price, same stock, same cart logic (sync after login). GMI pairs mobile apps with headless e-commerce as one delivery programme.
Analytics: Firebase + custom events (view_item, add_to_cart, begin_checkout, purchase) tied to GA4 or Mixpanel. Without this, app conversion optimisation is guessing.
MVP scope vs full store app
MVP (EUR 35,000 - 55,000, 4-6 months): catalog, search, cart, checkout, login, order push, basic loyalty. Enough to validate the mobile channel and run conversion A/B tests.
Full app (EUR 55,000 - 90,000+): wishlist, recommendations, barcode scanner, offline cache, campaign deep linking, advanced loyalty, POS or B2B quick reorder integration.
Separate native iOS+Android only fits extreme GPU/AR needs or corporate policy blocking RN. For commerce GMI recommends React Native - the SFD case proves production scale.
Checkout, payments and store compliance
Apple requires IAP only for digital goods and digital subscriptions - physical e-commerce can use Stripe/Adyen without Apple 30% commission. Google Play has similar exceptions for physical goods.
WebView checkout shortens time-to-market, but native SDK gives better UX and lower payment drop-off. In discovery we set PCI scope: provider-side tokenisation vs own card handling.
App Store review: avoid hidden payments, describe loyalty clearly, prepare a demo account for reviewers. GMI has a submission procedure and rejection support under post-launch retainer.
SFD case and what to learn from it
SFD app (React Native + headless backend): 100k+ downloads, 4.9★ App Store, Mobile Trends Awards Commerce nomination. Production reference for large catalog, checkout and loyalty - not a PoC.
Key architecture choices: one API for web and app, analytics events from sprint one, post-launch retainer for iOS/Android updates. Details: SFD loyalty mobile app case study.
We describe the stack pillar on our React Native technology page - including Expo, EAS and commerce integrations.
Delivery model and pricing
Typical GMI flow: DDT (1-2 weeks) → fixed price → 2-week sprints with demos → App Store and Google Play submission → 6-12 month retainer. Clutch 4.9★, English delivery, EUR/USD invoicing.
Before RFP prepare: link to web/API, mockups of key flows (home, PDP, cart, checkout), integration list (ERP, loyalty, payments) and KPIs (conversion, AOV, retention). Without that, ranges are too wide.
Next step: commerce app estimate
Have a headless backend or planning Medusa + app? Contact GMI - initial MVP scope and ranges within 48h. Full fixed-price offer after DDT.
Mobile apps: https://gmi.software/services/mobile-apps | Commerce mobile analytics: https://gmi.software/services/ecommerce-mobile-analytics
Sources and references
GMI commerce mobile analytics: https://gmi.software/services/ecommerce-mobile-analytics
SFD loyalty mobile app case: https://gmi.software/case-study/sfd-loyalty-mobile-app
GMI mobile apps service: https://gmi.software/services/mobile-apps
React Native at GMI: https://gmi.software/technologies/react-native
Frequently asked questions
- Native or React Native for a store app?
- React Native wins with one team aligned to web, faster MVP and lower 3-year TCO. Native (separate Swift/Kotlin) only for extreme GPU/AR needs or corporate policy. SFD case: 100k+ downloads on RN.
- How much does an e-commerce app MVP cost?
- At GMI: EUR 35,000 - 55,000 fixed price after DDT, 4-6 months to stores. Scope: catalog, cart, checkout, login, push. Full app with loyalty and advanced features: EUR 55,000 - 90,000+.
- Do I need a separate backend for the app?
- No - a headless API (Medusa, NestJS, existing REST/GraphQL) serves web and app. Separate backend only with legacy monolith without API - then a BFF layer or headless migration.
- How to measure conversion in a store app?
- Custom events from sprint one: view_item, add_to_cart, begin_checkout, purchase. Tie to GA4/Mixpanel and a dashboard comparing app vs web. GMI offers ecommerce mobile analytics for this.
Content updated: July 2, 2026