I’m thinking of creating my idea, but I can’t decide whether to make it a mobile App (probably iOS) or a HTML5 web app (which will also display fine on mobile). Any thoughts on which is better?
If you are uploading on app store or google play... Mobile app. Otherwise, you can just go responsive which is basically just a typical website. Check out my site Dizkover.com, it's responsive which is html5 and looks nice on all devices.
It depends on the type of application. There are many factors that make an app more suitable for mobile or HTML5 site. For example: - Security or privacy. Users might choose mobile app over HTML5 website that hasn't gained trust yet. - Complex UI. Games for example is easier to make as mobile apps (I think ) - Availability of network connection. With web app you don't have to worry about that.
If you go mobile over HTML, use a third party SDK - one code base, multiple supported platforms. Depending on what you're looking for, Titanium Studio allows you to build for web and mobile. It's javascript, though I've also used Lua and C++ engines. Edit: I feel like as a "peon" on this site, I should mention I'm not promoting any particular SDK, that's just the one that came to mind. I've written several applications and could likely recommend something more specific if you gave an idea of what you're building.
I actually thought some apps do support HTML 5 -- opening like a browser shortcut to a web page. That might be useful if you want to reach both mobile and "landline" customers.
The key point is your idea, you can check your idea with apple or google store is there any similar app is available or not. If similar app is not availale then you must need to go with app. In terms of regular expense like hosting of APP or HTML5 you need to pay for both. HTML5 website design and development cost is cheaper then Mobile App.