Do you want to develop a mobile app to expand your business? Not sure which platform is best for your mobile app development? It is a crucial decision indeed. iOS or Android, which one to choose to improve the efficiency of your services? What are the differences between Android and iOS? Let’s know more to take the best decision.
iOS vs Android app: OS Market Share
Before you invest in any wrong platform let’s take more insight into iOS vs Android apps in aspect of the OS market share. What the statistics of 2023 Q1 are saying? Get a look here.
• China: iOS 20% /Android 78%
• India : iOS 6% /Android 90%
• America : iOS 52% /Android 48%
Source: [Counterpoint]
What is iOS Mobile Platform?
iOS or iPhone operating System is a mobile operating system from Apple Inc. Several Apple products run on this operating system, including iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, and iPod touch. The iOS system was derived primarily from Mac OS X and Unix-like systems.
What is an Android app?
Android is a mobile operating system from Google. In the beginning, it was developed by Google, but later legacy has passed on to the Open Handset Alliance (OHA). It’s a basically Linux-based software package. The Android code is written Java language. The reason behind this popularity is its consistent commitment to delivering the best mobile experience to its users.
iOS vs Android App: What Are The Differences?
iOS vs Android App Target customers
While deciding between iOS and Android, you have to consider your target audience. Hence, knowing your customers’ behaviour patterns is the key to mobile app development success. So, research to get insights on your customer’s preferred app store and apps. It will also help you implement customization to your brand’s mobile applications.
The target audience of both platforms differs based on demography, income, and lifestyle. So what are the core behavioural factors to consider deciding between iOS app development and Android? Check the below factors:
- Users’ Personality
- Approach to Technology
- Users’ acceptance of push notifications
- Users’ engagement
- In-app retention
- Spending behaviour on mobile commerce
- Degree of locality
- User adoption
iOS Development vs Android Development
Timeline
Before you start the development process, setting a project timeline is a crucial step to lead the project in the right direction. So, concerning the timeline, Android or iOS which one keeps you ahead? As Android development process is at least 30 % longer than the iOS development process due to its complex coding. On the other hand, the application review and acceptance process on the App store demands more time than Google Play.
Development Budget
iOS & Anroid mobile app development, what fits your budget? Which one is cost-effective and returns a higher ROI? Well, it depends on many factors.
Android development is a complex process that demands resources and a longer timeline. The more time it takes, costs increase. On the contrary, developing an iOS app is simple, and it demands less development time. Hence, developing an iOS is more budget-friendly than Androids.
App monetization strategy and Return On Investment
App revenue models or app monetization models play a critical role in differential iOS and Android apps. These different types of app monetization models are available. However, in-app purchases, Ad based models, and paid applications are the most relevant ones for mobile applications.
Android apps earn revenue on the in-app ads revenue model while iOS apps earn revenue on the app purchases model. That’s why, android based mobile applications earn maximum revenue on in-app ads. These make a big difference in global consumer spending on mobile applications. Let’s check it from the survey reports.
First half (H1) 2023 worldwide app consumer spend
• Android: $ 43.5B(+4%}
• iOS: $ 24B [+ 6%}
[Source: data ai]
App Development Process
Programming Language
Developers of Android apps use primarily Java, Kotlin programming languages. Developers build the Xcode of iOS apps mostly using Swift and Objective-C. However, Swift is now getting more attention from Apple’s IDE.
Also Read: How Custom Mobile App Helps Business Growth?
Development Environment
The Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for Android is Android Studio. Hence, the developers can access an extensive set of features and tools from Android Studio. While for Apple, things are a little different, the IDE for Apple is Xcode. Starting from source editor to Asset catalog, vision editor to complete documentation, and simulator to XCTest API-nit offers a range of resources and tools.
Device Fragmentation
Android app development is more complex than iOS app development when it comes to devoicing fragmentation. It is compatible with numerous devices. That means app optimization for several screens and app testing demands a longer time. While, for iOS, things are simple and streamlined as Apple does not manufacture an extensive range of devices.
Differences in Design and UX
User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) are two core points of difference between iOS Development vs Android Development. That’s why the design guidelines and app engagement in both apps offer distinguished experiences to users. In which points the design strategy differ, let’s see:
- Screen navigation ( primary, secondary and back)
- Icon sizes
- Call to action buttons
- App icons and screen resolution
- Search functionality
- Selection control
- Typography
- Tabs
- Alerts
- Action menu
App Distribution
Android apps are available on the Google play store as well as on third party app stores. On the other hand, Apple has strict control over its distribution. As we told before the the review process here is extensive and manual.
Key takeaways: iOS or Android Developer Which is Best?
Deciding on Android vs iOS does not include a single thing. There are several factors to consider, including budget, timeline, app distribution, complexity of development, and return on investment.
In short, choose between Android and iOS based on your business model, target customers’ demography, and goal. Choose Android when you want flexible and greater reach. Otherwise, if earning t revenue is only your goal, then choose iOS.
Develop Mobile Apps With The TechClouds
Are you still in doubt about choosing the best app development platform for your business? Feel free to connect with our custom app developers to leverage the growth potential power of mobile applications with our expert mobile app developers.
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