Server-Driven UI Architecture for Mobile Apps

Daniel Tome from Qantas explores how Server-Driven UI lets you update your mobile app's interface without waiting for App Store approval. It's basically bringing HTML's flexibility to native apps.

Traditional mobile apps bake UI logic into the client code, requiring full releases for interface changes. Server-Driven UI flips this by having the backend send both data and rendering instructions, letting teams ship UI updates as fast as backend deployments.

Key Takeaways

• App Store reviews and user adoption delays mean mobile releases can't be rolled back instantly
• Backend controls what renders and how, treating UI as reusable components like cards
• Teams ship features faster without iOS/Android updates, but upfront component investment is significant
• Response times suffer under load since servers handle more logic than native apps
• Frontend complexity drops as domain knowledge moves server-side with automated component tests

The article reveals why this architecture mirrors something you use every day on the web, and when the tradeoffs actually make sense for your app.