Building a mobile app usually requires two things: $15,000 and 3 months of time. Or, if you are a developer, 300 hours of wrestling with Xcode.
Rork claims to be the "Midjourney for Apps." You type a prompt, and it builds a real, working React Native app in minutes. But can AI really handle complex logic, or is this just a toy for prototypes? In this Rork review, we built a custom "Prompt Generator" tool to test its code quality.
Quick Summary
From Text to Phone in 5 Minutes
Rork is shockingly fast. It eliminates the "Configuration Hell" of mobile dev. You type a prompt, scan a QR code, and the app is running natively on your iPhone. While it struggles with complex backend logic, it is unbeatable for MVPs.
Generate Your App Now →
What Rork Actually Does
Rork uses a Large Language Model (like GPT-4/Claude) specially trained on React Native code.
Unlike website builders (Wix/Squarespace), Rork outputs native code. This means the app feels smooth, uses native gestures, and can be published to the Apple App Store and Google Play. It uses the Expo framework to let you preview the app instantly on your physical device without compiling code.
Core Features
How to Use Rork — Workflow
We built a mobile version of our "AI Prompt Generator" tool to test Rork.
- The Prompt: We typed: "Create an app with two text inputs: 'Topic' and 'Platform'. When the user clicks 'Generate', show a formatted AI prompt in a card below with a 'Copy' button."
- The Generation: In about 60 seconds, Rork built the UI.
- The Test: We scanned the QR code. The app opened on our iPhone. The buttons worked, the layout was clean.
- The Iteration: We asked: "Add a dark mode toggle." Rork rewrote the styling code automatically.
Example Use Cases
Who Rork Is Best For
- Solo Founders: Who need an MVP fast but don't know Swift/Kotlin.
- React Developers: Who want to skip the boilerplate setup and jump straight to logic.
- Agencies: Who want to mock up concepts for clients in real-time.
Who Should Avoid Rork
- Game Developers: Rork makes UI apps (lists, forms). It cannot build 3D games (Unity/Unreal).
- Complex Backend Needs: If you need real-time chat with encrypted databases, you will still need a developer to wire that up.
Pricing & Plans
- 100 Messages / month
- Unlimited Projects
- Code Export
- Ideal for testing
- 250 Messages / month
- Faster Generation
- Priority Support
- Enough for 1-2 full apps
How Rork Compares
| Feature | Rork AI | FlutterFlow | Bubble |
|---|---|---|---|
| Input Method | Chat (AI) | Drag & Drop | Drag & Drop |
| Learning Curve | Zero | High | Very High |
| Output | Native App | Native App | Web Wrapper |
| Code Export | Yes | Paid Only | No |
Limitations & Reality Check
- Message Limits: The pricing is based on "Messages." Every time you ask Rork to change a color, it costs a message. 100 messages go very fast if you are picky.
- No Visual Editor: You cannot drag a button to the left. You have to ask the AI to move it. This can be frustrating for pixel-perfect design.
Best Practices: "The Prompt Structure"
Vague prompts get vague apps. Be specific.
Pros & Cons
- Generates React Native code in minutes.
- Instant QR code preview on real devices.
- Code export prevents vendor lock-in.
- No coding knowledge required to start.
- Message credits run out quickly.
- No drag-and-drop visual editor.
- Complex backend logic (databases) is tricky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I publish to the App Store?
Yes. Rork generates standard Expo/React Native code. You can use Expo Application Services (EAS) to build and submit the binary to Apple and Google.
Do I own the code?
Yes. Unlike Bubble, where you are stuck on their platform, Rork lets you download the source code. You can hire a developer to continue working on it manually later.
Is there a free trial?
Rork generally requires a paid plan to export code or do serious work, but they sometimes offer a limited trial to generate a preview. Check their site for the latest offer.
Does it work for Android?
Yes. Because it uses React Native, the code it generates works on both iOS and Android from a single codebase.
What happens if I run out of messages?
You will have to wait for the next billing cycle or upgrade your plan. This is why it's important to bundle your requests (e.g., ask for 3 changes in 1 prompt) to save credits.
Final Verdict
If you have an app idea but "don't know where to start," Rork is the answer.
It bridges the gap between a sketch on a napkin and a real app on your phone. It isn't perfect for complex enterprise apps yet, but for MVPs, tools, and prototypes, it is the best $20 you will spend on development.
Start Building with Rork →
