Android vs iOS Mobile App Development: What to focus on?

Consumer spend on mobile apps has experienced a constant increase between 2019 and 2021. In 2022 alone, the total consumer spend on mobile apps was approximated at $167 Billion. According to the latest estimate by Statista, the total value of global consumer spend on mobile apps in the most recent quarter of 2023, amounted to $33.8 Billion. This value is up by two percent compared to the corresponding quarter in 2022.
This upward trend in the mobile apps spend directly indicates the rising potency of the app development market, irrespective of the platform used. In the third quarter of 2022, there were equal to 3.55 Million apps available on the Google Play Store, whereas close to 1.6 Million apps were available for download on the Apple App Store. Therefore, it is easy to deduce that Android has been holding the top spot in terms of mobile OS globally. Backing the argument is another study by Statista, which revealed that Android devices enjoy a wider appeal and has the most number of users worldwide (60% Male and 54% Female), compared to 31% female and 28% male users opting for iOS devices.
This data is enough for businesses to speculate which platform to invest in; Android or iOS mobile app development? If you are approaching your first mobile app launch, it becomes even critical to figure out which platform to go for. This article will present a detailed app development comparison to help you make a sound choice.

When it comes to mobile app development, understanding the differences between Android and iOS is crucial. Both platforms have distinct characteristics that can greatly impact your app’s performance and success.

Android, developed by Google, is an open-source platform that offers a wide range of customization options. It powers numerous devices from various manufacturers, making it the dominant player in terms of market share. On the other hand, iOS, developed by Apple, is a closed ecosystem that exclusively runs on Apple devices such as iPhones and iPads.

While Android has a larger market share globally, iOS users tend to spend more on apps and in-app purchases. 

As clear from the chart, in-app spending on iOS was expected to reach $83 Billion while the same for Android was expected to cross $46 Billion.

Total spend is an important factor to consider if monetization is a priority for your app. Additionally, Android devices come in various screen sizes and resolutions, making it crucial to ensure your app is compatible across multiple devices. In contrast, iOS devices have a more standardized ecosystem, simplifying the testing and development process.

Market share and user demographics play a significant role in determining the reach and potential audience for your mobile app. Understanding the user base of each platform can help you tailor your app to meet their specific needs and preferences.

Android dominates the global market with a higher market share compared to iOS. According to recent statistics, Android holds around 85% of the market share, making it the most widely used mobile operating system worldwide. This presents a massive opportunity to reach a larger audience with your app. Moreover, Android’s popularity is particularly strong in developing countries where affordability and accessibility are key factors.

On the other hand, iOS has a more affluent user base, with users who are generally willing to spend more on apps and in-app purchases. This can be attributed to the higher price point of Apple devices, which appeals to a more financially capable demographic. If your app targets a niche market or relies heavily on generating revenue through app purchases, iOS might be the preferred platform for you.

Recommended: A Guide to Android Application Development Process

There are several factors that play a crucial role in deciding which platform is the most profitable for you. Below is an overview of the things you can consider:

Target Audience

Before you begin, it is crucial for you to identify who your target audience is. Also, you should spend a considerable amount of time on finalizing the overall goals of your app development process.

According to a study, the average price for in-app purchases on the App Store climbed 40% from July 2021 to July 2022, and till July 2023 the value increased to 65%. Businesses looking to maximize their RoI need to know this information as it can help them make data-driven decisions. The same can also be used to determine if they want to promote to an audience that’s more likely to purchase it or prefer to use it for free.

Pay special attention to the demographics and consider who’s going to find your idea the most appealing. Also, figure out how much time they spend on mobile phones and apps, how they can benefit from the app and most importantly, your unique value proposition. 

Time & Cost of Development

For a quick comparison, iOS development is quick, simple and less expensive than Android development. The coding language used by both these platforms plays a key role in defining the cost.

While Android relies on Java and includes writing more codes, it helps boost the development time. Moreover, since Android is open-source and less-standardized, there are more devices, components and software changes to account for.

In comparison, iOS uses Swift which is Apple’s native programming language. It is more user-friendly and can be tailored to the needs of iOS developers. As a result, less time is needed for coding which helps lower the expenses and development times. Contrary to Android, iOS is not open-source and encourages software standardization. This guarantees smooth app functionality, and results in less time spent on bug-fixes and related expenses.

Development Budget

Developing an app requires monetary investment in addition to careful planning and development strategy. It is crucial to keep your budget in mind and strategically allocate it to the various phases during app development. You will need investments in terms of technology used for app development, features and functionalities you wish to add, maintenance and marketing.

The final budget for app development will depend on your niche, the kind of app you are looking to build and the functionalities you wish to add in it.

Recommended: What is PhoneGap & Why You Should Use It For App Development

App Store Optimization (ASO)

ASO is crucial for increasing your app’s visibility and attracting more downloads. Both Google Play Store (Android) and Apple App Store (iOS) have different algorithms and requirements for app store optimization. Understanding these differences and tailoring your app’s metadata, keywords, and screenshots can significantly impact your app’s discoverability.

Monetization Strategy

Consider how you plan to monetize your app. Android offers more flexibility in terms of monetization strategies, such as displaying ads and in-app purchases. iOS, on the other hand, has a higher average revenue per user, making it more suitable for paid apps or apps that rely on in-app purchases.

Development Tools and Resources

Android and iOS offer different development tools and resources. Android developers primarily use Java or Kotlin programming languages, while iOS developers use Swift or Objective-C. Consider your team’s expertise and the availability of resources, such as libraries and frameworks, when choosing a platform.

Android

Android app development offers a wide range of tools and resources to help developers create robust and feature-rich applications. Some of the key tools and resources for Android development include:

1. Android Studio: Android Studio is the official Integrated Development Environment(IDE) for Android app development. It provides a comprehensive set of tools, including a code editor, emulator, and debugging features, to streamline the development process.
2. Kotlin: Kotlin is a modern programming language for Android development that offers enhanced productivity and readability compared to traditional Java. It is fully interoperable with Java, allowing developers to leverage existing codebases while taking advantage of Kotlin’s features.
3. Android Jetpack: Android Jetpack is a set of libraries, tools, and architectural guidance provided by Google to simplify Android app development. It includes components for handling tasks such as UI design, data storage, and navigation, making development more efficient and maintainable.
4. Firebase: Firebase is a comprehensive mobile development platform offered by Google. It provides a wide range of services, including real-time database, authentication, cloud storage, and push notifications, to enhance the functionality and performance of Android apps.

iOS

iOS app development offers a unique set of tools and resources that cater to the Apple ecosystem. Familiarizing yourself with these tools and resources can greatly enhance your iOS app development experience. Some of the key tools and resources for iOS development include:

1. Xcode: Xcode is the official IDE for iOS app development. It provides a complete set of tools, including a code editor, interface builder, and debugging features, to streamline the development process. Xcode also includes the iOS Simulator, which allows developers to test their apps on virtual iOS devices.
2. Swift: Swift is Apple’s modern programming language for iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS development. It offers a concise and expressive syntax, making it easier to write and read code. Swift is also designed to work seamlessly with Objective-C, allowing developers to leverage existing codebases.
3. Cocoa Touch: Cocoa Touch is a framework provided by Apple that encompasses the essential building blocks for iOS app development. It includes libraries for handling user interfaces, multimedia, networking, and more. Cocoa Touch provides a solid foundation for creating intuitive and responsive iOS apps.
5. TestFlight: TestFlight is Apple’s beta testing platform that allows developers to distribute pre-release versions of their apps to a select group of testers. It provides valuable feedback and helps identify any bugs or issues before releasing the app to the public.

Developing for Android comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these pros and cons can help you make an informed decision when choosing the platform for your mobile app development.

Pros of developing for Android

1. Larger market share: Android has a significantly larger market share globally, allowing you to reach a wider audience with your app.
2. Customization options: Android offers extensive customization options, allowing you to tailor your app’s design and functionality to meet specific user needs.
3. Flexible monetization options: Android provides flexibility in terms of monetization strategies, such as displaying ads, offering in-app purchases, or charging for app downloads.

Cons of developing for Android

1. Fragmentation: Android’s fragmented ecosystem presents challenges in terms of testing and ensuring compatibility across multiple devices with varying screen sizes and resolutions.
2. Device compatibility: Due to the wide range of Android devices, it can be challenging to optimize your app’s performance and user experience across all devices.
3. Security concerns: Android’s open-source nature makes it more susceptible to security vulnerabilities and malware attacks compared to iOS.

Also Read: The Pros and the Cons of Android App Development

Developing for iOS also has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these pros and cons is essential in making an informed decision for your mobile app development.

Pros of developing for iOS

1. Higher average revenue per user: iOS users tend to spend more on apps and in-app purchases, making it a lucrative platform for monetization.
2. Streamlined development process: iOS development offers a more streamlined process due to the limited number of Apple devices, simplifying testing and optimization.
3. Quality control: Apple’s strict App Store review process ensures higher quality apps and a more secure user experience.

Cons of developing for iOS

1. Limited customization: The closed ecosystem of iOS limits customization options, making it more challenging to tailor your app to specific user preferences.
2. Smaller market share: iOS has a smaller market share compared to Android, potentially limiting your app’s reach to a narrower audience.
3. Stringent app guidelines: Apple enforces strict guidelines for app submission, which can lead to longer approval times and more stringent requirements.

Choosing the right platform for mobile app development is a critical decision that can greatly impact your app’s success. Both Android and iOS offer unique opportunities and challenges, and it’s important to consider various factors such as target audience, development tools, monetization strategies, and market share.

If you’re looking to reach a wider audience and prioritize customization options, Android might be the preferred platform. On the other hand, if you’re targeting a more affluent user base and prioritize higher average revenue per user, iOS might be a better option.

Ultimately, understanding your app’s goals, target audience, and resources will help guide your decision. Consider conducting thorough market research, analyzing user demographics, and consulting with experienced developers to make an informed choice. By choosing the right app platform, you can maximize your app’s potential and ensure its success in the competitive mobile app marketplace.