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Ship Next.js Apps to iOS and Android with Capacitor

Package Next.js web applications into native iOS and Android apps using Capacitor

From the Xiry library · Updated 11 October 2026

A practical workflow shared by Marc Lou for packaging existing Next.js web apps into native mobile wrappers using Capacitor. It allows web developers to publish to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store without knowing Swift, Kotlin, or React Native. This approach significantly cuts down development time when launching mobile versions of existing web products.

How it works

Marc Lou: 'You can ship an iOS + Android app without writing a single line of native code. I used @capacitorjs to push @HabitsGarden to the app stores in 14 days. I have no clue how Swift, Java, or even React Native works. My app is a NextJS project. Capacitor wraps it in a native container for iOS/Android. It just works.' Follow-up credits @martindonadieu with helping set everything up in person.

What it's for

  • Turn an existing Next.js web application into mobile apps for iOS and Android
  • Publish to mobile app stores without learning Swift, Java, or React Native
  • Rapidly launch a cross-platform MVP from a single web codebase

Key points

  • Uses Capacitor to bundle web code inside native platform web views
  • Maintains a single Next.js codebase across web, iOS, and Android
  • Bypasses the need for native language skills like Swift or Kotlin
  • Enables rapid store submissions for indie hackers and solo founders

Pricing

Free

Details

Type
Tip
Category
Development
Topic
Mobile Development
Platforms
iOS, Android, Web
For
Web developers, indie hackers, and Next.js builders wanting mobile apps
Alternative to
React Native, Flutter, Cordova
Tags
nextjs, capacitor, mobile, ios, android, webdev

Why it was saved

  • @marclou, 17 September 2024: Marc Lou shipped Habits Garden (a Next.js project) to the app stores in 14 days without knowing Swift, Java or React Native; Capacitor (@capacitorjs) wraps the web app in a native container for iOS/Android.

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