Be it Android App Development or iOS App Development, selecting which platform to develop your mobile application is an important part of your mobile app development journey.
In this article, we will take you through the different operating systems with an overview of each so you as an app builder, can make an informed decision.
We will also cover pros and cons of cross-platform app development if you decide to develop your app to operate across both platforms (iOS or Android).
During the second quarter of 2024, around 1.54 million mobile apps were available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store hosted around 1.66 million mobile applications.
Despite having similar numbers in terms of apps available to download when it comes to the number of devices, Android leads the way with 71.85% (3.3 billion) of the market share in 2024 as and when compared to 27.6% (1.56 billion) iOS devices.
So does this mean your choice of operating system is a no brainer and that you should proceed with Android? — This is not the case and as an app creator you can learn more below.
Market Share and Audience Demographics
The iOS Operating System is dominant in highly developed markets such as the Americas and Western Europe. The iOS platform and product offering is more appealing to users with higher income levels given their pricing structure.
As a consequence this also means that iOS users are more likely to spend on premium apps and services. If your particular mobile app concept is targeted at professionals or high-income users in these regions, then developing on the iOS platform makes sense.
The Android Operating System is extremely popular in emerging markets like India, Southeast Asia, and Africa. The diverse number of Android devices and the platform’s affordability, makes it the natural choice for those developing mobile applications targeting a large and diverse user base.
Key Factors to Consider – location, income level, and device preference of your target audience.
Android OS devices come in a wide range of brands, models, and price points, making them accessible to a more diverse and fragmented user base.
Development Costs and Timeframes
Given the limited range of iOS devices, iOS app development is generally faster and streamlined due to being less complex, however there might be higher initial costs in terms of meeting Apple’s strict development guidelines, especially in terms of design standards. iOS App development is typically undertaken using Swift or Objective-C and implemented via Apple’s integrated development environment (IDE), Xcode.
Although Android development has to cater to a wide range of devices with varying screen sizes and OS versions (means more testing), overall initial costs would be lower, given the flexibility of Android design requirements. However, you would be required to ensure consistent UX across diverse devices and this may have a bearing on your time to market. Android app development most commonly uses Java or Kotlin languages complemented by the Android Studio IDE.
Key Factors to Consider – If you’re looking at a rapid entry to market then iOS is key, especially when you take into account the standardisation of Apple devices. If you have budget considerations, then Android’s flexibility will make it more suitable for your needs, but testing by app development companies will take longer.
Opportunities for Monetisation
Generating revenue is a critical element of putting time and effort in developing a mobile application.
iOS users are more likely to spend on premium mobiles apps, especially those related to dating, fitness, productivity and finance. Traditionally iOS users will spend on in-app purchases, subscriptions, and pay to download apps.
The extremely large user base of Android makes it the ideal platform if you are thinking of generating ad-based revenue and if you hope to follow a freemium revenue model with volumes based downloads then Android will be the platform for you.
Key Factors to Consider – iOS is the best for premium services and Android for its wide reach and ad-based revenue potential.
Design and User Experience (UX)
When it comes to the design and user experience of your mobile app, iOS apps have to feature a high quality user experience and meet Apple’s stringent design guidelines.
Android app development provides you with greater flexibility to implement unique designs however standardisation is tough given the variety of Android devices in the market.
Key Factors to Consider – Depending on the chosen platform, the opportunity to offer a truly unique and exceptional user and design experience will differ. Best practice would be to balance your creative vision with practical usability in terms of your chosen target audience.
App Store Policies and Publishing Guidelines
It is a well known fact that the Apple App Store follows a very rigorous and strict review process before an app is listed.
The Google Play Store in this regard is much more flexible and lenient when it comes to listing apps on their platform by app developers in Australia.
The listing fees for both platforms also widely differ with iOS commanding a premium.
Key Factors to Consider – If you have to stick to a defined timeline, then Android might be the answer as Apple App Store listings might take longer, therefore delaying the launch of your app or other planned promotional activities.
Maintenance, Support and Updates
Apple users are known to regularly update their devices, which makes iOS app maintenance simple and smooth. In addition, iOS is a closed ecosystem that offers superior security features and protocols as and when compared with Android.
The fragmentation of open-source Android devices means that much more effort is required, as you will have to ensure all maintenance and update activities work across different devices and OS versions.
Mobile apps that run on Android must follow Google’s guidelines to protect user data. Apple on the other hand has a big focus on protecting user privacy and data.
Key Factors to Consider – Maintaining your app and updating it is an essential part of the long term success of your mobile app. You should consider the long-term implications outlined above when deciding your operating system and obtain the inputs of your mobile app developer as well.
Android devices are presented across varying screen sizes, resolutions, and with numerous hardware specifications. This can make it more complex to ensure your app works seamlessly across all devices.
Cross-Platform App Development
With modern development tools such as React Native or flutter it would be possible to develop a single application that runs on both iOS and Android. This is possible by creating a single codebase that works for both platforms, reducing costs and time, but this in turn means you might have to sacrifice some native functionality and performance.
There are many advantages in developing cross-platform mobile applications, however both development time and costs would have to be compared and contrasted.
Conclusion
Whilst each platform has its own sets of benefits and drawbacks, the most suitable platform firmly revolves around your mobile app idea, target market, timeline and budget.
The above-mentioned factors are the most important considerations to take into account when evaluating: Android vs. iOS App Development: Which Platform is Right for You?
Success Checklist
- Ensure you mobile app idea/concept is clear cut ✅
- Obtain a deeper understanding about your target audience’s demographics, behaviours and preferences to make an informed decision ✅
- iOS ensures quality and credibility, while Android offers speed and flexibility ✅
- Android has a broader audience whereas iOS has more user engagement ✅
- Making the right choice can significantly impact your app’s success ✅
- Always work with a trusted & experienced, mobile application development specialist ✅
