High-Level Overview
Apportable is a technology company that provides a platform enabling developers to cross-compile iOS apps written in Objective-C to run natively on Android devices without rewriting the codebase in Java. This solution primarily serves mobile app developers, especially game developers, who want to efficiently deploy their iOS apps on Android platforms, saving significant development time and resources. Apportable’s technology addresses the challenge of maintaining separate codebases for iOS and Android, accelerating app availability across platforms and expanding market reach.
The company has been used by top-rated iOS games such as *Kingdom Rush* and *Osmos*, demonstrating its ability to maintain app quality and performance on Android. Apportable’s solution has contributed to the startup ecosystem by lowering barriers for iOS developers to enter the Android market, fostering cross-platform innovation and reducing fragmentation in mobile app development[1][2][4].
Origin Story
Apportable was founded around 2011 by Collin Jackson, a Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) assistant research professor, inspired by a personal experience watching his housemate play *Angry Birds* on an iPad while he was unable to access the game on his Android phone. Recognizing the complexity and cost of porting high-quality iOS games to Android, Jackson aimed to automate this process to make apps accessible across platforms without the need for extensive rewriting or testing on numerous Android devices.
The company grew with support from Y Combinator’s Winter 2011 batch, leveraging advice and connections to scale its engineering team and launch successful ports like *Osmos HD* on Android. Early partnerships, such as with Humble Bundle, helped raise significant charitable funds and demonstrated Apportable’s practical impact in the gaming community. CMU’s entrepreneurial culture and resources played a crucial role in Apportable’s founding and growth[1][3].
Core Differentiators
- Cross-Compilation Technology: Apportable’s core innovation is its ability to automatically convert Objective-C iOS apps into native Android APKs, eliminating the need for manual code rewriting in Java.
- Developer Experience: The platform simplifies the porting process, allowing developers to use their existing iOS codebase and tools, reducing development time and complexity.
- Quality and Performance: Apportable maintains high app quality and performance on Android, as evidenced by successful ports of popular games.
- Integration with Existing Ecosystems: Supports popular iOS frameworks and libraries, enabling seamless app functionality post-porting.
- Community and Partnerships: Collaborations with notable startups and gaming platforms have expanded its reach and credibility within the developer community[1][2][4].
Role in the Broader Tech Landscape
Apportable rides the trend of cross-platform mobile development, addressing the fragmentation between iOS and Android ecosystems. The timing was crucial as mobile gaming and app markets expanded rapidly, with developers seeking efficient ways to reach both major platforms without doubling development efforts. Market forces such as the dominance of Android globally and the high cost of maintaining separate codebases favored Apportable’s solution.
By enabling iOS apps to run on Android, Apportable influences the broader ecosystem by promoting app availability and consistency across platforms, enhancing user access, and encouraging developers to innovate without platform constraints. This also supports the growing demand for tools that streamline mobile development workflows and reduce time-to-market[1][2][3].
Quick Take & Future Outlook
Although Apportable has been acquired and is no longer independently active, its technology and approach highlight the ongoing importance of cross-platform development tools in mobile software. Future trends shaping this space include increasing adoption of unified development frameworks (e.g., Flutter, React Native) and continued demand for automated porting solutions to reduce fragmentation.
The legacy of Apportable’s innovation lies in demonstrating the feasibility and value of automated cross-compilation, which may influence future tools aiming to bridge platform divides. For investors and developers, the company’s story underscores the potential in solving platform compatibility challenges to unlock broader market access and developer productivity[1][3].
