Mobile apps will generate over $935 billion in revenue by 2023. The choice between Android vs iOS app is a difficult one for businesses brainstorming mobile app development. While both Apple and Google offer unique conveniences when it comes to mobile operating systems. Both companies try tooth and nail to sell more devices and host wonderful apps to simplify the user’s lives.
All businesses want to build both Android apps and iOS apps, but it’s best to build one first to keep the cost of app development in check and minimize risks. While there is no clear answer to the question: ‘which is the best operating system for mobile app development?’, here is a useful breakdown of the factors that help you choose between Android app development vs iOS app development:
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The Kind of Target Audience
While iOS users dominate some geographical locations, others are hubs for Android lovers. While choosing between iOS and Android operating systems, it’s important for businesses to be mindful of both these platforms’ geographical popularity and areas that correspond.
All in all, it’s safe to say Android is more popular in emerging markets like Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Still, Apple is the go-to choice for European and American users. A business app that aims to target an audience worldwide should settle for the Android platform, but eCommerce and enterprise apps are best suited for iOS platforms.
Apart from the location, your target audience’s disposal income also defines how much money they spend on app subscriptions. Even free apps include a certain number of in-app purchases. There are gross differences between the demographics of existing Android and iOS users. While most iOS users are more financially stable and have higher education degrees, it’s not the same for Android users. Even factors like age groups matter when it comes to handset usage and the possibility of app purchases.
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Timeline
To decide between Android vs iOS for app development, one must consider the amount of time available for mobile app development. Time to market is an important determinant involved in the decision. Both android developers and iOS developers ask about business timelines if the app is to be launched with a pre-stipulated event or a deadline. More the time involved in app development, costlier it gets for the business. Time taken for mobile app development is dependent on multiple factors.
Custom app development is generally more time consuming, but at the same time, it is a bespoke solution to all the needs of the business. iOS developers build apps quickly, but Android developers take time. The limited number of iOS features and fewer devices to work with makes it an easier operating system to work. The open-source nature and multiple components, flexibilities and devices etc., make it difficult to make an app for Android.
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App Features and Functionality
Both iOS and Android operating systems come with a different set of benefits and loop points. At the same time, Android OS is incredibly scalable and amiable because its open-source nature supports endless customizations to make the UX superb. At the same time, the open-source nature of Android makes it prone to security breaches.
Compared to this, Apple brings for a more secure operating system that is safe for building apps that require monetary transactions or exchange of sensitive data. In general, Android developers find that their users do not upgrade their phones very often. Businesses should also be mindful of their app, and its features would be compatible across the list of handsets associated with the platform.
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Budget Constraints
iOS developers often cost-effectively build apps thanks to the affordability of the operating system. IOS apps can be as much as 40 times cheaper than Android apps. Android apps are coded in Java which requires more effort than Swift, the coding language for iOS.
The overall cost of app launch can also determine which operating system is a better fit for your business. Android developers pay a single time fee of USD 25 for launch on the Google play store. Still, iOS developers are expected to pay a recurring fee of USD 99 per annum when they work individually. iOS development companies pay USD 299 per annum for app publication. For businesses with more stringent budgets, iOS app development would be the right choice.
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Release Cycles
Apps with regular updates perform well. iOS is a popular choice among businesses because of the frequency of its updates. However, when it comes to the google play store, it can be not easy to update an app due to many partner devices from various brands. Comparatively, it’s more convenient for iOS developers to support the new iOS version in their apps.
In the End
If you are a business that can not decide between Android vs iOS app development, cross-platform app development is the answer to your vows. While it is a bit expensive proposition, it saves cost if you plan to build apps for both platforms in the long run.
Also read:
Why Your Startup Should Start with Android Application Development
