Understanding app cloning – an overview

App clones refer to developers taking inspiration from other apps, web apps or websites (and even app themes) to make their app. Usually, the sources aren’t very unique but they help give the much needed start to help lay the foundations for a unique idea. 

Cloning here does not mean copying each thing exactly as it is because here it means taking ideas from the targeted app, and adding them in a unique manner to the app being made, to make a new app which isn’t an exact copy but is its clone in one way or another.

App cloning is quite popular and companies these days are doing it by cloning scripts of popular apps namely Uber, Lyft, and the like. The apps are not just made with new aesthetics and colors, but also new and unique features that help them stand out.

Such an app cloning technique is quite useful and beneficial for entrepreneurs who wish to start their own business through an app. Designing an app from scratch takes quite some time and investment which isn’t affordable. Clone is a word which is sued so that clients can understand better.

As a matter of  fact, successful apps are those that were inspired, were copy of another app, or both. Yet they manage to add in new and unique features for the app to make it unique in a way that others would be inspired to do so.

Is app cloning legally possible?

Yes, it is legally possible t conduct app cloning, unless and until any company breaches the existing business’s copyright, patents or trademarks for intellectual property.

The terms cloning and app cloning in theory are misunderstood by many. It should be understood that no one is referring to copying a whole app over here. Rather the term means taking ideas from different apps combining them together to creat a different app.

rcloning has been successfully worked upon in more than a hundred countries by numerous technology companies who have been able to make it count. Professionals from a mobile app development company in Dubai have been able to do the same with a wide client base.

They have created apps that resembled many other apps (Uber in particular). Cloned apps have similarities with other original apps. Yet, they are unique and have more differentiating features which do not resemble with other apps.

In what way does app cloning help?

For those who are not aware, app cloning is basically made from a readymade clone script which can be easily customized and white labelled. Using the latter helps trademark the app and save a lot of developmental time.

Also, the overall expenses required to develop such an app from ground zero is quite high. App cloning helps save the company that much amount in costs with the aid of a ready made base which can be easily modified to make both the minimum viable product (MVP) and the final app product.

The solution created is hence tested for bugs. Once all bugs are removed, and preapproved for launch on both iOS and Android platforms respectively, the app is hence cleared for launch.

The advantages of a readymade app via app cloning are far and many. It helps remove the need for planning for business from ground up (as well as market research), which leads to easy creation of the app’s user interface (UI). Subsequently, the app’s user experience (UX) is made seamless too.

Cloned apps are designed and developed after taking inspiration from other worthwhile apps. It makes sure that such apps are in demand.

What points should be kept in mind when making cloned apps?

Experienced developers from the MENA region who have worked on app cloning and cloned apps have stressed working upon the following areas when making such apps:

• Set of key features and modules for development.
• Design factors of both user Interface and user experience.
• Architecture of the database.
• The console of the admin panel.
• The proposed framework and technology.
• The proposed architecture for software development as well as methodology.
• The API integration, development or both processes.
• Key features of the targeted app.
• Any module based on Software as a Service (SaaS).
• GPS tracking features, if needed.
• And social sharing or connected communications modus operandi.
• Details of users.