If you want to develop an app for your brand, the next hurdle that comes is probably choosing which smartphone platform to focus on.

There are 2.71 billion people in the world today who use smartphones, and Android and iOS own 96% of the total market share globally, so Mobile App Services for both platforms are increasing to cater to the wide range of audiences.

Therefore, the best approach to developing mobile apps is to create and release apps for both platforms.

However, it is not always achievable-limitations like resources, time and budget can stop you from creating for both operating systems at once.

You might be considering launching first on one platform, and then expanding on to a second platform later.

Both iOS and Android have distinguished advantages, so it is critical to do sufficient research to learn which operating system (OS) correctly follows with accomplishing your product objectives.

A Brief Introduction to iOS and Android:

What is iOS?

Every Apple device—iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad-runs on iOS, which is the mobile OS developed by Apple.

Formerly called the iPhone OS, the change of the name occurred during the launch of the iPad. Some of its features include:

  • It utilizes a multi-touch interface where easy movements operate the device, such as using your finger to swipe and move to the next page
  • The multi-touch is also used to pinch and zoom in or out
  • Each new version of the OS comes with additional features, so putting them all on this list may fill the whole article, so if you want to learn what Apple is adding to their OS, check this article

Currently, the Apple App Store has over 2 million apps available to install and it is the most popular mobile device app store. iOS had an interesting journey from 2007 to now, and with the new iOS 13 to be launched soon, every iOS App Development Company has their attention drawn to it.

☛ Advantages of iOS as a mobile app development platform:

  • Apps are manageable and ready to operate as opposed to other OS and application models, such as including cross-platform and web applications
  • Native apps on iOS make extensive usage of a device’s internal and hardware functions
  • Native apps receive complete support from the App Store, as quickly as they have acquired
  • Assistance from the App Store provides full security to its consumers
  • It is easy for customers to find apps on the App Store once they are licensed and starred
  • Developers of native app developers have more freedom due to the availability of iOS novel software development kits (SDKs) and tools for development
  • The iOS apps are close-sourced
  • App Store can manage your purchases on your account

☛ Disadvantages of iOS:

  • Native iOS plans are considerably more costly for developers, as opposed to web and cross-platform applications
  • If the application maintains a range of iOS devices, the costs of updating and preservation are more expensive for the developer
  • Being close-sourced, Mac OS X is required to produce applications; they can’t be installed on other OS
  • The method of making an app licensed by the App Store is lengthy and arduous; updates further demand to be App Store approved in order to be added there
  • There is no confirmation of getting approved and included in the database of the App Store
  • There is additionally no guarantee of a lasting reputation of the app amongst users of iOS
  • The global market percentage for Apple has decreased to a modest 11%.
  • Due to the diversity in iOS device models, variants, and app versions, it is difficult for a developer to implement adequate support to every app user
  • The App Store takes 30% of the expenses an app generates, inclusive of all purchases in-app

What is Android?

Android is the OS based on Linux and the software package provided to mobile gadgets such as smartphones and tablet computers.

It was developed by Google and was next managed by Open Handset Alliance (OHA). To write code in Android, Java language is primarily used.

The objective of an Android project is to develop a thriving real-world product that enhances the mobile experience for users.

Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Icecream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, KitKat, and Lollipop are some of the Android code names.

☛ Android’s features include:

  • Android is open-source
  • Customization is simple on this platform
  • There are plenty of mobile apps that can be collected by the user
  • It renders many exciting features such as live RSS feeds, weather details, etc.
  • It offers assistance for messaging services (SMS and MMS), storage, media, connectivity (CDMA, Bluetooth, GMS, Wi-FI, etc.), web browser, etc.

☛ Advantages of Android as a mobile app development platform:

  • Low investment and high return on investment make developing on this platform a dream for any Android App Development Company
  • Android is open-source
  • Easy integration-the whole platform is set for customization
  • Easy adoption
  • Multi-sales channels-you don’t have to depend on a particular market to share your apps; you can employ a third-party app marketplace (particularly in Google Android Market), but you can likewise make your personal sales and distribution channel

iPhone Vs. Android

As a developer, you know better than everyone that the most important basis for choosing any platform comes to down what features it provides.

Here, we give you a comparison between Android and iPhone on five determinants that will possibly play into your decision.

☛ Cost and Return on Investment (ROI)

The project’s size is the determining factor in its expenditure as long as the programming service rates and the time are inclusive.

By size, it is implied the business logic and functional complexities. The development could further include animated designs, prototyping, customized solutions that demand technical analysis, unanticipated changes and outcomes along the process.

An average project would have estimates such as:

  • A simple iOS application with fundamental functionality normally takes a couple of months to create and costs 30,000 USD
  • More complex applications that demand over two months in development can cost around 50,000 USD
  • A highly complex Android or iOS with an expansive database for a business can go on for six months and cost up to 80,000 USD

Usually, first comes the iOS app, then the Android app. With the expansion of Android and the generation of devices, the market for Android is becoming more appealing for most developers.

But any Mobile App Development Company will tell you that their clients look for an iOS app first. However, the next step usually is searching for openings on Google Play.

Apple is chosen first mostly because it brings in more money than Google Play. To be more specific, 25% of apps on the App Store collect more than 5000 USD per month, as opposed to Google’s 16% of apps.

iPhone users appear to be more prepared than Android users to spend money on apps, however, isn’t a determinant that your needs will match the platform.

The cost of development isn’t too different between iOS and Android.

The only factor that differs for them is that Android is available on more devices than Apple and the screen sizes of these devices make it harder for developers to customize the app for everyone therefore, it takes longer to create Android apps.

Winner: iOS

☛ Security

Since iOS is closed-source, it has more security. Security is a struggle when it comes to open-source platforms.

The process of app screening is also more challenging in iOS and users are restricted to only licensed apps in the App Store.

This helps in preventing users from downloading malware unintentionally.

On the other hand, Android users can access the Google Play Store and a number of third-party application distributors.

Such sources are mostly careless when it comes to screening apps for viruses and malware before allowing users to install them on their smartphones.

Efforts have been made to diminish the quantity of malware implemented by Android users and they are now much more secure than they were in the past. However, research seems to be more in favor of iOS apps.

Historically, Apple has been more regular in releasing safety fixes and updates. By fixing weaknesses quickly, iOS does a more excellent job of keeping the platform secure.

Privacy for users is the utmost concern for Apple. User data is scrambled by Apple and never traded to anyone without the user’s permission.

However, a study found out that Android smartphones interact more with data than iPhones. Location is shared with Android users even when the phone is not being used, while iPhones don’t.

Winner: iOS

☛ Customization

User experience includes a huge range of aspects. Android and iOS both offer attractive UX features; however, they have diverse priorities that could influence your decision.

Android phones are more difficult to use than iPhones. Their user interface is more automatic and the changes from one release to another haven’t been that drastic.

Once you get used to developing an iPhone, the next upgrade is a breeze for you to work on. However, Android provides so much more customization.

Users can create widgets, change keyboards, select from different lock screens, and more. Unlike iOS, you can customize Android better and change it to meet your demands.

On the user end, the UX of both is related to other aspects like cameras, storage, screen size, and battery life, which depend on the specific device.

The properties of these features rely on how much users are willing to pay for their phones. So, sometimes, creating apps can depend on what the UX demands.

Winner: Android

☛ Compatibility

As mentioned before, iPhone users have limited apps than Android users. However, due to the more thorough screening, iOS apps are safer and better in quality.

For most users, task management and communication apps are extremely useful. Despite which OS is chosen, users will miss out on a bunch of amazing apps available only to users of other OS.

For example, on the iPhone, you have access to Airmail for arranging emails and simplifying workflows.

The note-taking app Agenda, the smart calendar Moleskine Time page, and the email client Spark are also useful. On the other hand, with Android, users have access to Tasker to automate their workflow.

There is also the file manager app Solid Explorer, and Drupe for streamlined communication.

Further, Android has widgets for social media that makes accessing accounts easy without opening the apps.

When it comes down to compatibility with other devices, Apple only works best with other Apple products, and syncing other apps takes a lot of time. Android is compatible with more devices.

Winner: Android

☛ Popularity

iOS and Android users’ differences are noticeable immediately. To choose the right OS, you need to identify what your objective is and what you wish to accomplish, and which market is more important for your enterprise model.

Android has a higher market share globally, taking up almost two-thirds of the share, and also has more app downloads.

As reported by Sensor Tower, Google Play Store saw 75.7 billion approximately in app downloads globally in 2018. In comparison, the App Store only saw 29.6 billion downloads.

While Android sees more downloads, iOS shows more engagement and ROI on apps, including in-app purchases.

Lastly, Android is more popular in developing and lower-income countries while Western Europe and North America have more iOS users. Therefore, your audience matters as well before you choose the platform.

Winner: Tie

Conclusion

Determining the appropriate platform for your mobile app relies on the app content you expect to generate overall enterprise objects.

It gets down to studying your target market, as well as the demographics of core users, and determining the choice that completely suits your business.