Swift or Electron: which should you use?
Compare Mac features, Windows and Linux support, team skills, speed, security, and long-term cost.
Choose Swift for a true Mac app
Swift with SwiftUI or AppKit can use Apple tools and Mac features directly. Start here when Mac windows, menus, or system services are central. It also fits apps that need low battery use, accessibility, or new macOS features.
Choose Electron when one web team supports three systems
Electron includes Chromium and Node.js. Your team can use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for Windows, macOS, and Linux in one main codebase. You still must protect each process and preload script. You also must ship updates, connect system features, control memory, and test installers.
Score what your product needs
Compare Mac feature depth, supported systems, offline use, security, and speed. Also compare team skills, release pace, and long-term polish. Before deciding, test the hardest system feature with a small prototype.