What about native apps?

jQuery Mobile does not create native applications. You'll see later in the book how you can combine jQuery Mobile with hybrid mobile technologies, such as Apache Cordova, to create native apps; but in general, jQuery Mobile is for building websites. The question on whether to develop a website or a mobile app is not something this book can answer. You need to look at your business needs and see what will satisfy them. Because we are not building mobile apps themselves, you do not have to worry about setting up any accounts with Google or Apple, or paying any fees for the marketplace. Any user with a mobile device that includes a browser will be able to view your mobile-optimized websites.

Again, if you want to develop true mobile apps with jQuery Mobile, it's definitely an option.