Android vs IOS: Which is a better platform for Mobile App Development
After cracking a good app idea, the next step would be to select a platform that stands upto your expectations. App developers like Nick D’Aloisio, Brian Won, and Chad Mureta are earning millions just because they had acknowledged the problems of their targeted audience and chose an app store that gave them the maximum profits. The mobile app development market is growing exponentially, and it is expected to reach $693Million by the end of 2021.
Android and IOS are prominent mobile app development platform that serves the same purpose but varies on multiple parameters. The following article will throw light on some of the factors that you should consider before choosing an app store.
1. Target audience
It is vital that you pre-define your target audience. Both Android and iOS focuses on two different types of groups. According to a report posted by Statista, in the second last quarter of 2020, 28.3 Billion apps were downloaded from the Google play store whereas Apple’s download stood still at 8.2 Million. Android captures a vast market share of 88% which might increase in the coming future. Most of the users using Android lie between a salary base of small ($50k)- medium (100k) while users with Apple devices possess a premium income package.
You need to know your target audience very well before choosing any platform. Android might have larger downloads but Apple leads in higher user engagement. iOS is mostly used in Canada, United States, Japan, Western Europe, and Australia. On the contrary, Android dominates India, Africa, China, Russia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.
2. Programming Language
Both the platforms work on different technology stacks. Android is built using open-source codes, specifically programmed in Kotlin, Java, or C++. The developers also use Android Jetpack that contains all the pre-defined Android components along with Android SDK and Firebase to build extra features.
Whereas, the iOS has closed codes which make them run only on the Apple platform. For developing any iOS app, you need to have prior knowledge of Objective-C or Swift. Other tools like iOS SDK, Swift Playgrounds, and XCode also play a vital role in building the applications.
If we compare both languages, it will be easier for you to develop an iOS app rather than an Android.
3. App-Development complexity
This point is a cumulative remark to the total time taken to build an application and the multiple specifications integrated while working on the platform. Stats show that Android takes 30–40% more time in developing as compared to iOS. One of the biggest reasons for this is its language. Android apps need to be written in Java which is a time-consuming programming language as compared to Swift.
Along with this, Android lacks standardization which makes the development process more complex. The market is filled with smartphones and tablets that run on Android OS and all of them possess different screen sizes with other specific standardizations. This forces a developer to make an app that is suitable for most of the devices whereas iOS has fixed guidelines, making the developing process quite easier.
4. Development Cost
Even in this regard, Android out-pass IOS. The development time of Android is much more than iOS. Your app needs to be accessible in all kinds of android devices that have different aspect ratios. On the contrary, Apple has a fixed set of gadgets that runs on iOS.
The development cost might range from 15k-50k according to the duration and specification included in the app. The minimum quoted would be for an app with basic features whereas the highest is directed towards complex specifications.
5. App profitability
It is one of the most important topics to consider before choosing any of the platforms. The Apple store generates 80% more revenue as compared to the Android play store. This can be because of two reasons; first apple users earn premium packages every year and secondly the engagement rate of their users is 4x than Android users.
The Apple store mostly promotes paid applications which allow developers to earn good money whereas the Android platform mostly contains free apps. These applications majorly earn through advertising and third-party promotions.
Final thought
Both iOS and Android platforms have their pros and cons. As a developer, you can consider these points before making any final decisions. Apart from a bigger audience, iOS beats Android in almost all the parameters. You can also broader your reach by building a version of the app that is suitable for both Apple and Android.