It might be difficult to decide between Android and iOS when creating a mobile application because each platform has advantages and disadvantages. It’s frequently not practical to use two platforms at once because you’re developing an MVP and have few resources, or it just doesn’t fit with your current business strategy or scaling plans.
However, you could gain a lot from it if you already have an app for one of the OSs and choose to develop another for iOS or Android. Nearly 73% of all mobile users, according to Statista’s data, utilize Android-based devices, and 26% of users are iOS.
This blog outlines the reasons, procedures and challenges you face when you convert iOS to android apps.
Understanding the Portability of Mobile Apps
The applications for iOS and Android have several differences. An Android version must first be created for an iOS app to be sold to owners of both iPhone and Android phones. It is impossible to run Android or iOS applications on a device. Additionally, keep in mind that the operating systems on the two platforms are different.
Creating a native mobile app for Android or iOS development has specific requirements. It covers programming languages, interface design, and navigation. It is a complicated process that calls for adequate time and preparation.
iOS employs compiled code, whereas Android programming systems use the Java virtual machine (JVM) known as ByteCode. Even the screen settings, life cycle, and data access strategy differ. A valid license is also required to sell your program on the Apple App Store.
Reasons to convert an iOS App to an Android App:
Before we start, let’s try to comprehend the main factors that lead to most iOS applications needing an Android conversion. Thanks to its ability to give you information about market trends, you can sell to Android users.
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☛ The following are a few concise key advantages:
✍ A broader market reach
Android users, who account for 72% of the worldwide mobile market, are a targetable demographic. Doing so may sell to a larger group of individuals and reach more people.
✍ Additional Features
To please your target demographic, use the numerous capabilities Android offers its customers above those of the iPhone. It includes the back arrow, widgets, push notifications, Android Wear, and Android Intents.
✍ Utilize fewer resources
By developing something fresh yourself, you may save money on the expense of hiring Android app development services. You may use the same fundamental structure and design by converting the iOS app to an Android version. You’ll save time, money, and effort by reusing your existing iPhone application.
✍ Earn a High ROI
You may market to both iOS and Android customers worldwide through conversion. Thanks to millions of new users, you have access to a large and quick return on your investments.
✍ Earn More Cash
You may gain large earnings by monetizing both platforms when you have apps operating on both. You might start charging customers for downloads and in-app purchases to succeed and earn more money.
Changing an iPhone app to an Android app
After considering all the relevant aspects, choosing a conversion strategy for the Android platform would be best. You can follow the instructions below to assist with the portability of mobile apps. Conversion of iPhone applications into Android is a common and tested process.
☛ Establish a Good Plan
Mark off the areas you understand, including the process, designs, features, and budget. To meet deadlines, you must carry out the strategy and execute it precisely.
Consider the issues and mistakes that might result from transferring as well. It would be best if you took care of them so that your Android app satisfies both user and corporate needs.
☛ Implementation and Assessment
Remove any coding, library, and third-party service concerns to carry out the strategy. Choose a technology stack next before you begin developing mobile apps. Pick one that works with the time and money you have available.
Porting iOS software to an Android platform typically involves building a single Android app. The procedure can take more than a month to finish. When making an application, you must be patient and set reasonable goals. The length of time also relies on the application you are developing.
It can take longer if features or material design changes are made to the user interface specifically for Android development. Putting up the application’s back end and monetization will take time.
☛ Release after App Testing
After an iOS program has been converted to an Android version, there are several techniques to verify for quality. You may use the emulation tools or an actual Android smartphone for testing.
It will enable you to iron out any bugs before making them public. It also depends on the professionals you pick to provide Android app development services. They can undergo various mobile app testing procedures, including load testing, beta testing, validation testing, and user experience testing.
You can apply to the Google Play Store after certain of its stability. Compared to the eligibility requirements for the Apple Store, this is substantially simpler. Given its laxer standards, Google may publish any app.
Porting iOS Apps to Android Apps: Challenges
Consider the following factors while converting an iPhone app to an Android version. These are a few significant variations that will aid in your comprehension of the transfer process’ complexity.
☛ Architecture Variation
Android has so many different operating system iterations that annoys me the most. A new one is released every few months. Choosing one that has all the capabilities and staying current with the updates is challenging.
A version’s features might not be present in a previous version. It covers features like file management, navigation, notifications, and app compatibility, among other things.
To fix this issue, you must distinguish between earlier and more recent OS versions. The operating system version may be chosen by the number of targets, up to ten devices.
☛ Design Elements
For successful iOS app porting to Android, this is one of the most crucial phases. Both gadgets’ user interfaces are fully unique and follow their own set of design guidelines.
It is true of the app’s design, dimensions, and idea. Apple adheres to human interface standards, but Android adheres to Material design principles. As a result, you should think about building the app on the new platform.
It will simplify the transaction and make consumers less likely to become confused when using your app. It will also reduce the likelihood of any negative Google Play reviews.
☛ Code, Frameworks, and Libraries
For developing mobile applications, there are frequently certain guidelines and frameworks. Before converting an iOS app to an Android app, you must ensure those tools are compatible.
If they are not, you must come up with appropriate substitutes. You cannot transfer code from one platform to another in such circumstances.
Only in cases when both platforms are functioning in Objective-C is it achievable. The only language that supports both the OS and aids in the migration of iOS to Android is this one. If not, you must completely redo the code. Depending on the program’s intricacy, design, architecture, etc., this might take a long time.
☛ Testing
The number of Android devices you want to support will directly impact how many tests you need to conduct. Therefore, you will need to conduct more tests on the more supported devices. Do not become anxious; the time you set aside for such chores will enhance the quality of the software and pay off in the long term.
☛ Troubleshooting and optimization
When you convert iOS software to an Android app, there is a risk of mistakes and connectivity problems. It would be best if you worked on them to ensure that users can easily switch from one platform to another. Additionally, you may use it as a chance to decrease power usage and enhance performance.
☛ Navigation
Each operating system has its distinct appearance and feel. While iOS UI components are oriented toward a more roundish form with smooth edges, Android UI components, such as toggles, buttons, and tabs, are more bent toward the square design.
Therefore, it is crucial to ensure users can browse the app’s components as rapidly as feasible because it might have a negative impact if the user needs to master the navigation all over again.
Conclusion
To summarize, you must have a solid plan before converting iOS software to an Android version. You require a systematized technique to produce a solution that is a virtual replica of its prior form. To achieve the recognition, usability, performance, and accessibility you want, you may work with a trustworthy iOS app development company.