Decide what the first version must do, choose web app or phone app on purpose, build it in a no-code or AI app builder, and publish it the way your users will actually open it.
For anyone asking: How do I make an app without knowing how to code?
Each one's way of doing it, and the point where it stops.
A prompt creates an Expo mobile app you can test in Expo Go by QR code; the Launch tool compiles the iOS build in the cloud and sends it to App Store Connect, TestFlight first. Where it stops: Google Play publishing is not supported yet; needs your own Apple Developer Program membership; the bundle ID is permanent after the first build.
Build the web app and native iOS and Android views in one project that shares the database and users; Bubble builds and submits to the stores from the editor, no Mac or Xcode. Where it stops: Native mobile is labeled beta (November 2026) and has no offline mode; you pay Apple and Google directly; no code export.
Ask for a mobile app in the first prompt and Bolt.new builds native iOS and Android apps through Expo from one codebase, testable in Expo Go by QR code. Where it stops: Store publishing happens outside Bolt: download the code, build with Expo's tools under your own developer accounts, and rebuild for every update.
Describe the app in chat and Base44 builds data, sign-in, logic and hosting; for the stores it generates a wrapper that runs the published web app, signed and ready to submit. Where it stops: The store app is a wrapper submitted through your own Apple and Google accounts and cannot sell digital goods through in-app purchase.
Describe the app and Lovable builds a web app; ask the agent in Build mode to make it an installable PWA, and Lovable Cloud adds the database, user accounts and file storage together. Where it stops: Web apps only, no App Store or Google Play packages; one credit balance pays for building and the live backend, which pauses at zero until someone clicks Wake up.
Build a portal or internal tool on Softr Databases, Google Sheets or Notion with the AI Co-Builder, the visual editor or a template; users, permissions and hosting come included. Where it stops: Apps are PWAs only, with no App Store or Google Play, and do not work offline; no code export.
In GlideOS, describe the app or connect a Google Sheet and publish with a QR code for the home screen; Glide Classic builds the same kind of PWA in its visual Data, Layout and Workflow Editors. Where it stops: Neither Free plan publishes apps, and neither GlideOS nor Glide Classic publishes to the App Store or Google Play.
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