Android vs iOS App Development Which One Should You Choose

Mobile apps have become an important business tool today. The two platforms with the most mobile apps are Android and iOS, consequently, companies trying to enter the mobile application market often have to make a tough choice about which platform to go with first. 

Let’s compare iOS and Android app development to help you make your decision between the two.

Market Share and Audience Reach

Market size and audience reach of either platform needs to be some of the key things to look into when focusing on iOS and Android app development. As per survey analysis, developed by Google, Android dominates the worldwide mobile OS market with over 70%. Apple's iOS has a smaller foothold but is in a stronger position than others in the United States, Australia and parts of Europe.

• Android:- Android’s global supremacy can be explained to a large extent by the many different devices that are in the android system, from inexpensive phones to very large devices. These factors therefore make Android a better option for businesses that want to cater to a global audience, particularly in the growing economies like India, Brazil and South East Asia.
• iOS:- In contrast, however, ios devices have a more premium audience in developed countries, especially countries such as North America and Western Europe. Owners of iPhone and iPad devices are able and willing to spend more money when it comes to in-app purchases as well as in premium applications, which makes deploying in ios a more profitable option for businesses who are targeting creating more revenue per user.

Development Costs and Time

Another important aspect that needs to be taken into account while comparing iOS and Android app development is the cost as well as the duration for developing an application on each of the stated platforms.

• iOS: Low-Cost and Fast Development 

In general, iOS app development is not only quicker but also less expensive than Android development. Reasons why Apple provides a small number of devices (iPhones and iPads), thereby narrowing the number of screens and resolutions for which the application will need to be optimized. In addition to that, Apple’s policies and the commonality of the hardware specifications prevent problems with fragmentation and consequently make the development process more efficient.

• Android: Difficulty in Development Due to Fragmentation

On the other hand, the situation is different for Android app development. Android app development is more complicated and lengthy. This is due to the high fragmentation of the Android ecosystem which has numerous devices that have different screen sizes and hardware and even software versions. 

The apps designed and developed must function well on a variety of devices without causing any delays in the development processes which is an added challenge since several optimization and testing would still have to be conducted.

User Interface and User Experience

The UI and UX focus are key components that determine whether or not an application will be successful. With the presence of both iOS and Android operating systems, they differ in their specific UI designs which force developers to follow specific design guidelines when building an application in order to achieve user-friendliness. 

• iOS: Aesthetics Over Everything:- Apple focuses on creating simple, uniform designs and patterns. In iOS application development, the Human Interface Guidelines, or HIG for short, are followed, With the intent of helping mobile applications maintain a uniform design consistency. iOS apps are also well organized with a simple, user-friendly design which has been enhanced by great attention to detail. Therefore, for any businesses that are targeting customers who appreciate a more luxurious look or perfect experience, iOS is the ideal platform. 
• Android: Prepare to Change the Game:- With that said, Android on the other hand does not suffer from the same fate, and therefore offers its users a lot more opportunities for customization. The developer may customize the interface and the functions of the application to meet the needs of the target audience, and therefore be more creative when it comes to the design aspect.

It is true that this freedom may give rise to unique and creative apps, however, if the design is not well catered for different devices and Android versions, it may lead to disorganized user experiences.

Monetization Opportunities

Another key factor while comparing iOS and android app development is the monetization point of view. Various revenue models are available on both platforms like – paid apps, in-app purchases, subscription-based models, and advertisements.

• iOS: Spending More:- It has also been observed that iOS users are likely to spend more than Android users on apps and paid content within apps. Various researches show that while there is a bigger share of the Android market, iOS apps earn more revenue. This is because most iOS users tend to purchase premium apps and subscribe to services. So for businesses whose intention is to monetize by selling the app and through in-app purchases, iOS is the better platform.
• Android: Potential For Advertising:- There is though the potential for monetizing through app advertising as an in-app purchase monetization approach due to the high number of users, although Android users are not as high with the tendency to purchase apps themselves. Android apps also have a better potential due to the number of populations who have a higher rate of smartphone ownership than the poorer people.

When looking to monetize applications with ads, developing apps for Android platforms guarantees a wider scope for ad visibility and interaction.

App Store Publishing Guidelines

The process of getting approval for App submission in the App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android) is in fact another key differentiating aspect of the two platforms.

• iOS:- Apple is quite notorious for having strict standards during its app submission process. Abiding by Apple's strict measures is important. The app review procedure may last for days or a week. This time may be frustrating for developers.
• Android:- On the other hand, Android has a faster and more flexible app submission procedure. Google Play Store has less stringent guidelines and within a couple of hours, there are high chances that the apps can be accepted. This gives the developer an advantage of getting into the market faster. Thus, the Google Apps Store has a larger number of applications. This may make it quite difficult for recent applications and increase the competition.

Maintenance and Updates 

Any app needs to be maintained and its updates provided after the first launch to enhance smooth operation and user satisfaction.

• iOS:- Updating and supporting the iOS Application is not particularly challenging due to Apple’s limited number of devices and operating system versions. More often than not, Apple’s devices are updated to the latest version soon after its introduction which means developers will only be working on the most contemporary version of the OS.
• Android:- Android's fragmentation applies not only to hardware but also to software updates. For example, a considerable part of Android users don't upgrade their OS right after the latest version is available which determines that developers need to make their apps functional across numerous OS versions. This may make it more difficult to implement the updates and broaden the range of testing that is required.

Go for Quantum IT’s App Development Services

Whether to develop an application for iOS or Android Platforms comes down to the objectives of the business, the intended audience, and the time and budget available for development and marketing. Therefore, if your target audience consists of users from high-value economies such as the United States or Western Europe, and you intend to derive revenue from in-app purchases or selling the app, then developing the app for iOS should be considered.

At the same time, for those who want to capture an international audience, especially in developing countries, and intend to monetize through advertisements, the Android platform is relatively more beneficial because it has a larger market reach for app developers’ audiences.

If you want to go ahead with iOS and Android app development, Quantum IT is ready to help you implement your idea. Our highly qualified team of developers designs and develops functional and convenient apps for specific business requirements. We provide a full app development cycle, from the first depiction through to development, and maintenance. Contact us now for iOS and Android app development.