Service · Companion Apps
Companion App Development — Extend Your Website to Mobile
An app that mirrors and extends your existing website — client portals, booking flows, service info, and push notifications. iOS + Android, starting at $4,500.
Why a website alone isn't enough for every business
- Your website does the job on desktop, but mobile users want a native app experience — faster navigation, push notifications, and offline access without loading a browser.
- A full custom app from scratch takes months and significant budget.
- Generic no-code app builders can't replicate your website's branding, data model, or back-end logic without turning into an unmaintainable mess.
What a companion app includes
- Mobile app connected to your existing website via REST API — same data, same content, one source of truth.
- iOS and Android built together from one codebase — one price, both stores.
- Push notifications for bookings, promotions, order updates, or staff alerts.
- Client portal functionality: login, order history, account details, messaging.
- Your website's design language translated to mobile-native UI patterns.
- Full source code delivered — app and website back-end both owned by you.
How it works
1
API mapping
Identify which website data the app needs, define or build the API contract.
2
Design
Wireframes then UI mockups — mobile-first, native patterns.
3
Build
App connects to live API, TestFlight + internal Play track for review.
4
Launch
Both store submissions, App Review communication, go-live.
Frequently asked questions
Does my website need to be built by ArdinGate for this to work?
No — the app connects to your website via a REST API. As long as your current website can expose data via an API (or we can add API endpoints to it), the companion app works with any existing site. Sites already built by ArdinGate are easiest since ArdinGate knows the codebase, but external sites with reasonable back-end access work fine.
What's the difference between a companion app and just making my website mobile-friendly?
A mobile-friendly website and a native app serve different purposes. A responsive website works in a browser on any device. A native companion app installs to the home screen, works offline, sends push notifications, and integrates with device features like the camera, contacts, and GPS. For businesses where re-engagement (push notifications), offline access, or device integrations matter, the app does things a website can't.
Can users log in to the app?
Yes — user authentication (login, account creation, password reset) is included in companion apps that need it. Session management, secure token storage, and role-based access (customer vs. staff, for example) are all in scope.
Starting at $4,500 — what does that include?
The $4,500 entry tier covers a focused companion app: up to 5 screens, REST API integration with your existing site, iOS + Android, App Store + Play Store submission, and 60-day post-launch support. Apps with user auth, push notifications, offline sync, or more than 5 screens are scoped and quoted individually — typically $7,000–$15,000.