Can you afford not to consider losing out from choosing the wrong platform for your next big mobile app development project? When it comes to all things mobile, iOS vs Android is the only initial question. 
As a mobile app development company, one should always consider the pros and cons of choosing the right launch platform. Once successful, you can always expand to the other platforms.
So how do you choose the right platform?
iOS vs Android
Let’s start with some comparisons as users see it – some obvious and some not-so-obvious differences.
|
iOS
|
Android
|
|
| Types of devices |
iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch, Apple TV |
Android Phone, Android Tablets, Android Watch, Custom gear and devices |
| Market share (USA) |
43.5% |
55.3% |
| Market Share (Worldwide) |
12.5% |
86.8% |
| Customer Loyalty |
Very high customer loyalty. Customer do not switch easily. |
No specific loyalty to manufacturer, many customers switch depending on availability and price. |
| Capabilities |
All devices are standard with front/back camera, microphone, speakers, bluetooth, gyro, magnetometer, accelerometer. |
All devices are standard with front/back camera, microphone, speakers, bluetooth, gyro, magnetometer, accelerometer. |
| Screen Sizes |
iPhone: 4in to 5.5in. iPad: 7.9in to 12.9in. |
Manufacturer dependent. Several options available including standard sizes. |
| Native APIs |
Native APIs are extensive and good. |
Native APIs are extensive and good. |
| Third-party APIs |
Third party APIs available but need Apple approval. |
Third parties are encourage to provide APIs including by device manufacturers and third party providers. |
| External Hardware |
Most Apple accessories are expensive. |
Typically, Android accessories are inexpensive. You can also fined similar items from multiple vendors. |
| Ease of programming |
Objective C is very powerful and Swift is easier. Both Objective-C and Swift can co-exist. |
Java is mainstream and easier to learn. Android Java is customized for Android OS. |
| Release to Store |
Apps have to be reviewed by Apple and can take up to two or three days. |
Apps are simply uploaded and published. No need for Google approval. |
| App store promotion |
Store promotion can be setup via ASO (App Store Optimization) including sponsored placements. |
Store promotion can be setup via ASO (App Store Optimization) including sponsored placements. |
Both iOS and Android are so similar functionally, yet different in so many ways when it comes to individual character, performance, usability and affordability. This unity in diversity makes it harder to decide which direction to go when developing a mobile app.
Two most important considerations are:
Market share of your immediate target market
Your immediate market is your core group of users. although most US markets are iOS heavy while rest of the world is Android, this core group may be tilted towards iOS vs Android unevenly. iOS also gives you an advantage by making sure you are addressing a clear target market as opposed to Android.
Our advice is to go choose iOS for your mobile app development project if you are looking to target the US.
Programming, implementation & testing
Developing mobile apps is always tricky. One never knows if your app will succeed or fail. You can minimize risks by reduce time and cost of development, testing and release. If you consider iOS vs Android development environments, iOS offers a good eco-system to accomplish all the three. iOS environments allow a tighter control on development allowing you to quickly setup a good XCODE development environment.
You can also ensure full range of testing with iPhone, iPod and iPad devices. Android on the other hand is slightly harder to test because of hundreds of devices including custom device manufacturer builds.
Conclusion
If you are considering iOS vs Android, there is no escaping with a single device rollout. Choosing the right first platform will lower your cost of development, reduce development time thus allowing you to go-to-market quickly with less headaches.
For help with deciding between “iOS vs Android – Which is better?”, reach out to us at 1 949 284-6300 or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can Schedule a free consultation.
