Network calls can slow down your app if not handled well. Waiting for data from the internet can cause the app to freeze or lag, hurting the smooth 60 frames per second (fps) experience users expect. Also, frequent or large data downloads use more battery and memory, which can drain devices faster.
Why network calls fetch remote data in Android Kotlin - Publishing Best Practices
Use asynchronous calls to fetch data so the app stays responsive. Cache data locally to avoid repeated downloads. Compress data and request only what you need. Use background threads or Kotlin coroutines to keep the UI smooth. Also, show loading indicators so users know the app is working.
Network calls themselves don't increase app size, but libraries for networking add to the bundle. Keep libraries small and only include what you need. Fetching data at startup can delay app readiness, so load essential data first and defer others. This keeps startup fast and user-friendly.
Both platforms use asynchronous networking but with different tools: Android uses Kotlin coroutines or AsyncTask, iOS uses URLSession with Swift concurrency. Android apps often use Retrofit or OkHttp libraries. iOS apps rely on native frameworks. Both require permissions for internet access, but Android needs explicit permission in the manifest, while iOS requires network security settings.
Both Apple App Store and Google Play require apps to handle network errors gracefully and protect user data privacy. Apps must request user permission for network use and explain why. Avoid excessive data usage to prevent user complaints. Follow platform security rules like HTTPS usage and data encryption.
Your app takes 5 seconds to load this screen. What's likely wrong? You might be making network calls on the main thread, blocking the UI. Or you could be fetching too much data at once without caching. Check if you are waiting for data synchronously instead of using asynchronous calls.