Creating a mobile app from scratch is daunting, but through APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), developers can embed powerful functionalities without starting from scratch. APIs are an intermediary that enables various applications to talk and coexist effortlessly.
Whether you require payment processing, real-time chat, geolocation services, or AI-based insights, the right APIs can enable your app to be more functional, scalable, and user-friendly.
Consider an API as a waiter at a restaurant—it accepts your order (request), passes it to the kitchen (another system), and returns your food (data or service). This allows apps to leverage existing services rather than recreate everything from the ground up.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the 10 best app APIs for mobile app development that can save you time, improve user experience, and enable you to create feature-packed apps easily.
Why Does One Need APIs for Mobile Application Development?
APIs are crucial when it comes to mobile app creation since they streamline the process, save time, and improve functionality. Here’s why you must have them:
- Quicker Development – Use already-built features such as payments, maps, or authentication rather than creating from ground up.
- Efficient Cost-Reducing – Saves development money by avoiding using complicated backend services.
- Improved User Experience – Offers smooth social login, real-time chat, and AI-driven suggestions.
- Scalability – It is easy to scale app features without significant rewrites of code.
- Third-Party In
- tegrations – Integrates apps with other services such as Google Maps, PayPal, and cloud storage.
- Improved Security – Most APIs contain inherent security elements for secure data transmission.
List of Top App APIs for Mobile Application Development
1. Kinvey
Kinvey’s REST API is a backend-as-a-service (BaaS) offering that streamlines mobile app development by offering cloud-based infrastructure for authentication, data management, business logic, and push notifications.
Developers can interact with its services using RESTful endpoints, facilitating smooth user authentication, secure data storage, file operations, and server-side function execution using Kinvey FlexServices.
With native support for social logins, OAuth, and real-time communication, the API is platform-independent, allowing it to be used in iOS, Android, and web apps. By abstracting backend complexity, Kinvey’s REST API enables developers to concentrate on developing high-performance, user-oriented applications with ease.
Features:
- User Authentication
- Cloud Data Storage & Management
- File Handling & Cloud Storage
- Business Logic with Kinvey FlexServices
- Push Notifications & Real-time Communication
- RESTful API for Cross-Platform Integration
- Built-in Security & Access Control
- Scalability & Performance Optimization
Pricing: Custom pricing
Website: https://devcenter.kinvey.com/rest/guides
2. Firebase
Firebase is a cross-platform app development platform developed by Google that includes backend services, app APIs for mobile application development, analytics, and tools for the development of high-quality mobile and web apps.
It features several features, such as authentication, real-time and cloud databases, cloud storage, push notifications, serverless functions, and machine learning. Firebase makes backend development easy with fully managed infrastructure so that developers can concentrate on crafting engaging user experiences.
With ease of use across Android, iOS, and web platforms, Firebase offers support for scaling applications, performance management, and user engagement using powerful analytics and A/B testing features.
Features:
- Firebase Authentication
- Cloud Firestore & Realtime Database
- Cloud Storage
- Cloud Functions
- Firebase Hosting
- Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM)
- Google Analytics for Firebase
- Performance Monitoring
- Crashlytics for App Stability
- Remote Config & A/B Testing
- App Check & Security
- ML Kit for Machine Learning
Pricing:
- Spark Plan (No-cost) – Free tier with limited features for small projects.
- Blaze Plan (Pay as you go) – Scalable pricing based on usage.
Website: https://firebase.google.com/
3. Foursquare Places API
Foursquare Places API is rich in features and location-based API that is well-suited for mobile app development, with access to a rich database of global points of interest (POI).
It supports apps in implementing venue search, autocomplete, geolocation, check-ins, and real-time place updates to improve user experiences. Its geofencing functionality, rich POI metadata, and category-based search allow developers to create navigation, local discovery, and context-aware apps.
With precise and up-to-date location information, Foursquare Places API assists mobile applications to provide personalized tips, location-related services, and intuitive user experience.
Features:
- Global Point-of-Interest (POI) Database
- Venue Search & Autocomplete
- Real-Time Place Updates
- Geolocation & Geofencing
- Category-Based Search & Filters
- Check-ins & User-generated Content
- Rich POI Metadata (Ratings, Photos, Reviews)
- Personalized Recommendations
- Seamless API Integration for Mobile Apps
Pricing: Custom pricing
Website: https://location.foursquare.com/products/places/
4. Amazon AWS API Gateway
Amazon AWS API Gateway is a completely manageable service that provides developers with the capability to create, deploy, and manage secure APIs for mobile and web applications.
It provides support for both RESTful and WebSocket APIs, providing easy communication between front-end applications and backend services such as AWS Lambda, EC2, and DynamoDB.
With functionality like authentication, rate limiting, caching, and monitoring, API Gateway enables developers to build high-performance, scalable, and secure APIs.
It also works with AWS security services such as IAM and AWS WAF, providing strong access control and threat protection for mobile app development.
Features:
- Fully Managed API Hosting
- Supports RESTful & WebSocket APIs
- Seamless Integration with AWS Services
- Authentication & Authorization (IAM, Cognito, Lambda Authorizers)
- Rate Limiting & Throttling
- Built-in Caching for Performance Optimization
- Monitoring & Logging with CloudWatch
- DDoS Protection with AWS WAF
- Custom Domain & API Versioning
- Scalability & High Availability
Pricing: Pay-as-you-go model
Website: https://aws.amazon.com/api-gateway/
5. Gmail API
The Gmail API allows developers to embed Gmail’s features in mobile and web apps, providing app APIs for mobile application development.
It lets apps send, read, and manage emails, read message threads, labels, and attachments, and execute sophisticated operations such as searching emails, filtering spam, and automating email workflows.
With OAuth authentication support, the API provides secure access to user accounts while offering features such as push notifications, batch processing, and email tracking.
Built for speed, the Gmail API is perfect for developing email clients, automation software, CRM integrations, and productivity programs.
Features:
- Send, Read, and Manage Emails
- Access and Modify Message Threads, Labels, and Attachments
- Advanced Email Search and Filtering
- Spam Detection and Management
- OAuth 2.0 Authentication for Secure Access
- Push Notifications for Real-time Email Updates
- Batch Processing for Efficient Email Handling
- Email Drafting, Scheduling, and Sending
- Automated Email Workflows and Rules
- Integration with Third-party Apps, CRMs, and Productivity Tools
Pricing: Custom pricing as per Google Cloud pricing
Website: https://developers.google.com/gmail/api/guides
6. Oxford Dictionaries API
Oxford Dictionaries API gives developers access to a vast linguistic database, allowing integration of word meanings, translations, synonyms, antonyms, and pronunciation information into mobile and web applications.
It has support for multiple languages and includes features like advanced search, word usage examples, and lexical category analysis to augment language-based applications.
Developers can create dictionary apps, language learning applications, AI-based chatbots, and content analysis systems using strong RESTful API endpoints.
Features:
- Word Definitions & Meanings
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Translations Across Multiple Languages
- Pronunciations with Audio Support
- Example Sentences & Usage
- Lexical Category & Grammar Information
- Word Inflections & Variations
- Advanced Search & Filtering
- RESTful API for Easy Integration
- Support for Language Learning & NLP Applications
Pricing:
- Sandbox (Free Trial) – 500 calls, limited to the first letter of each endpoint.
- API Lite (£50/mo) – 5,000 calls/month, full language access, £0.05 per extra call.
- Growing (£200/mo) – 50,000 calls/month per language/endpoint, £0.01 per extra call.
- Enterprise (£415/mo) – High-volume usage, 92% per-call discount, bespoke language options.
Website: https://developer.oxforddictionaries.com/
7. Google Maps API
Google Maps API offers location-based APIs for embedding maps, geolocation, and navigation services into web and mobile applications.
It supports dynamic maps, geocoding, route optimization, places data, and real-time traffic updates, allowing businesses to enrich user experiences with location intelligence.
Developers can create applications for travel, logistics, ride-hailing, and local search solutions with customizable map styles, street view, and real-time location tracking.
Features:
- Maps SDK (Static & Dynamic Maps)
- Geocoding & Reverse Geocoding
- Places API (POI Data, Reviews, Photos)
- Routes API (Directions & Traffic Data)
- Distance Matrix API (Optimized Travel Times)
- Street View & 3D Mapping
- Real-time Location Tracking
- Customizable Map Styles
- Geolocation & Geofencing
- Elevation & Time Zone APIs
Pricing: Pay-as-you-go pricing
Website: https://developers.google.com/maps
8. Facebook Graph API
Facebook Graph API is the primary API for reaching Facebook’s social graph, allowing developers to embed social media capabilities, user login, and data sharing into web and mobile apps, as well as integrate app APIs for mobile application development.
It has support for profile information, posts, comments, likes, messaging, and analytics, which businesses can use to increase engagement and create seamless social experiences.
Using tools such as Facebook Login, Webhooks, Marketing API, and Messenger API, developers can build apps for social interaction, advertising, customer service, and community management.
Features:
- Facebook Graph API for Social Data Access
- Facebook Login for User Authentication
- Pages API for Managing Facebook Pages
- Messenger API for Chatbots & Messaging
- Marketing API for Ads & Campaign Management
- Webhooks for Real-time Updates
- Instagram Graph API for Instagram Integration
- Video & Live API for Media Uploads & Streaming
- Groups API for Community Engagement
- Insights API for Analytics & Performance Tracking
Pricing: The Facebook Graph API and associated APIs are free to access, but some services will cost based on usage:
- Free Access – The majority of APIs, such as Graph API, Facebook Login, Pages API, and Messenger API, are free with rate limits.
- Marketing API – Advertising charges are applied based on ad spend for campaigns.
- Messenger API for Business – Free for average use, but paid for specific message types, like business-initiated conversations past the free-tier thresholds.
- Enterprise Solutions – More advanced tools such as Workplace API or premium partner integrations can incur extra charges
Website: https://developers.facebook.com/docs/
9. OpenWeatherMap API
OpenWeatherMap API offers weather forecasts and current weather data for mobile and web apps. It includes current weather, hourly forecasts, daily forecasts, historical weather, air quality levels, and severe weather warnings.
Developers can merge real-time meteorological data with geolocation capability, unit support (metric, imperial), and map visualizations. OpenWeatherMap API is extensively applied in weather applications, travel bookings, agriculture, and IoT use cases.
Features:
- Current Weather Data
- Hourly & Daily Forecasts
- Historical Weather Data
- Air Pollution & UV Index
- Severe Weather Alerts
- Geolocation-Based Weather Reports
- Multiple Units (Metric, Imperial, Kelvin)
- Weather Maps with Layers (Radar, Satellite, etc.)
- Marine & Agricultural Weather Data
- Bulk Data for Analytics & Research
Pricing
- Free Plan – Limited API calls with basic weather data.
- Startup Plan ($14.99/month) – 1,000,000 calls per month, extended forecasts, and history.
- Developer Plan ($49/month) – 3,000,000 calls per month, advanced weather insights.
- Professional Plan ($149/month) – 10,000,000 calls per month, premium support, and historical data.
- Enterprise Plan (Custom Pricing) – High-volume access, dedicated support, and tailored solutions.
Website: https://openweathermap.org/api
10. Appery.io
Appery.io is a low-code mobile app development platform that allows users to develop cross-platform apps for iOS, Android, and web with a drag-and-drop builder, app APIs for mobile application development, and cloud-based backend services.
It offers REST API integration, database management, push notifications, and AI-powered tools, making it suitable for businesses, startups, and developers seeking a quick and scalable app development solution.
With its visual UI designer, developers can build apps without requiring deep coding skills, and expert developers can add extra functionality through custom JavaScript.
Appery.io provides team collaboration, automated updates, and deployment options as well, making the entire app development process easy.
Features:
- Low-Code Drag-and-Drop App Builder
- Cross-Platform Development (iOS, Android, Web)
- Cloud-Based Backend Services
- REST API Integration & Custom API Creation
- Built-in Database & Data Storage
- Push Notifications & Real-Time Updates
- AI-Powered App Development Tools
- Team Collaboration & Version Control
- Pre-Built UI Components & Templates
- One-Click App Deployment & Testing
Pricing
- Starter Plan ($25/month) – 1 developer, 2 apps, 50K platform API calls, and 1GB database.
- Standard Plan ($70/month) – 1 developer, 7 apps, 200K API calls, and 5GB database.
- Premium Plan ($135/month) – 6 developers, 15 apps, 400K API calls, and 10GB database.
- Enterprise Plan (Custom Pricing) – Unlimited developers, apps, and API calls with dedicated support.
Website: https://appery.io/
How to Choose the Right App API for Mobile Application Development?
Choosing the appropriate API for your mobile application is important in order to have smooth functionality, scalability, and security. Here’s a guide to assist you in making the most appropriate choice:
Define Your Requirements
Begin by defining the specific features your app will require. Do you need payment processing, real-time chat, geolocation services, cloud storage, or AI-driven capabilities? Knowing what you need enables you to screen out unnecessary APIs and concentrate on the most pertinent ones.
Verify Documentation and Integration Ease
A good API document makes integration easy and reduces development time. Ensure that APIs supply clear guidelines, sample code, SDKs, and developer-friendly documentation. The absence of proper documentation in APIs can create integration problems and wasted effort.
Assess Performance and Reliability
API performance will have a direct impact on your app’s speed and responsiveness. Verify:
- Response Time – Faster APIs give a better user experience.
- Uptime – Make sure the API provider promises high availability (e.g., 99.9% uptime).
- Latency – Low-latency APIs provide real-time updates and seamless interactions.
You can verify these facts in API status reports, service level agreements (SLAs), or by testing them in a development environment.
Security and Compliance
Security is paramount, particularly for APIs processing sensitive user information (e.g., payments, authentication, healthcare). Check for:
- Encryption – APIs must employ HTTPS and encryption standards to secure data.
- OAuth & Authentication Mechanisms – Secure authentication mechanisms (e.g., OAuth, JWT) block unauthorized access.
- Regulatory Compliance – Make sure the API is compliant with industry standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS, based on your app’s requirements.
Scalability and Future Growth
Select an API that can scale up with growing user demand without affecting performance. Select APIs with:
- Auto-scaling capabilities
- Cloud-based infrastructure for high availability
- Support for world access and multi-region deployment
This keeps your app responsive while it scales.
Pricing, Limits, and Hidden Fees
APIs usually have varied pricing schemes, such as free tiers, pay-as-you-go, or subscription plans. Think about:
- Rate Limits – Verify how many API calls you are allowed to make per second/minute before getting throttled.
- Overage Charges – Certain APIs charge additional fees if you pass usage limits.
- Free vs. Paid Plans – Make sure the free plan suffices or decide whether the paid plan is affordable.
Knowing the cost structure avoids surprise expenses.
Community Support and Customer Service
A good developer community and prompt customer support can be saviors when things go wrong. Seek APIs with:
- Active developer forums and GitHub repositories
- Thorough FAQs and troubleshooting documents
- Dedicated customer support with quick response times
APIs with active forums tend to have more resources, tutorials, and solutions at your fingertips.
Customization and Flexibility
Certain APIs provide a wide range of customization features, which enable developers to modify features as per the app’s requirements. Verify if the API supports:
- Custom filtering and query options on data
- Tailored user experiences settings
- Webhook and event-based integrations
This way, your app can customize the API to accommodate specific business needs.
Conclusion
APIs are the cornerstone of contemporary mobile application development, facilitating the smooth integration of key features such as payments, authentication, app APIs for mobile application development, geolocation, and AI.
The selection of an appropriate API ensures your application is scalable, efficient, and secure with lower development time and expenditure.
Developers can make well-informed decisions and create applications offering a seamless and interactive experience by taking into consideration aspects like performance, security, scalability, cost, and support.
The correct set of APIs can make a great app out of a good one, adding functionality without reinventing the wheel. Whether you are building a startup app or an enterprise application, using strong APIs will keep you ahead in the rapidly changing mobile environment.
FAQs
1. How do APIs affect app security?
APIs facilitate data exchange between services, so security features such as encryption, OAuth authentication, and regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) are essential to avoid data breaches.
2. What are API rate limits, and why are they important?
Rate limits specify how many API requests you can make in a given time frame. Going over these limits can lead to throttling (slower responses) or extra charges on paid plans.
3. How do I test an API prior to integrating it into my app?
Test its functionality using Postman, API documentation, or sandbox environments offered by the API service before complete integration to ensure it is what you need.
4. What if an API provider shuts down its service?
If an API is deprecated, your app will lose functionality. To avoid this, select APIs from trusted providers, keep track of API policies, and have alternative options ready.
5. What is GraphQL, and how does it differ from REST API?
GraphQL is a query language that enables apps to query for specific data rather than loading a whole dataset like REST APIs. It minimizes unnecessary data transfer, making it more performant.
