Android vs Apple: Which Platform You Choose for App Development

When it comes to developing platform-specific native apps, two main platforms/services typically used are: Android vs Apple: app development services. Both of these are popular platforms, and it is necessary to consider the differences between them before making a decision thoroughly.

Here is a comparison between Android vs iOS App Development

Pros of Android Mobile App Development

• Open Source: Android development is empowered by open source, giving developers the accessibility to create and apply features that might be restricted by iOS.
• Flexibility. With the power of open-source software, Android developers can utilize various frameworks and plugins to enhance the features and functionality, making the platform more flexible than iOS.
• Design. Google’s developer guidelines aim to build an aesthetic layout and intuitive Android user interface.
  Release. Publishing apps is easier and quicker on Google PlayStore.

Cons of Android App Development

• Fragmentation: Android suffers from the problem of fragmentation with different screen sizes, resolutions, and versions of operating systems. These factors make Android app development challenging.
• Testing: Given the multiple Android devices and versions, QA specialists spend more time testing apps on all models thoroughly.
• Cost: Due to the fragmentation and subsequently extensive testing required, the cost of development might increase. Still, it depends on the app’s complexity.

Apple App Development Services: Pros

• Performance: iOS mobile apps perform well and are fast, reliable, and easy-to-use
• UI/UX: Apple provides iOS developers with comprehensive guidelines for creating a user interface, ensuring an exceptional user experience.

The downsides of building for Apple Apps

• Lack of Flexibility: Developers require XCode, which only runs on Mac for native app development.
• App release: The Apple App Store approval rate and requirements are far more demanding than Google Play. Apps are also rejected on account of being irrelevant or not applicable.
• Customization: iOS puts restrictions on your ability to customize the app’s interface, making it difficult to add some features with third-party software.

Android and iOS App Development Interface and Usability

When it comes to user experience and interface, iOS offers a simple interface for a consistent user experience. Interface and layout are straightforward and considered among the primary reason for Apple’s popularity. On the other hand, Android, comes with down burrowing menus, multiple home screens, and more variations. Very often, the information is overwhelming to navigate. Thanks to iOS 14, there is a high degree of customization of the iPhone screen with large, well-designed widgets, App Library to automatically group and organize/customize icons.

Android still allows more customization options than iOS. However, it results in dramatically changing the interface. Apple provides a more consistent experience grouping apps, emails, contacts and even shows apps not installed.

iOS and Android App Development Security and Privacy

Both the mobile operating systems take security very seriously. However, Android being open source, is much more vulnerable to attacks. Furthermore, apps can be downloaded from alternative app stores, completely bypassing Google Playstore, making the Android ecosystem much more prone to trouble. But times are changing; privacy is the focal point of the latest Android releases.

Both operating systems adopt stringent policies when it comes to malicious apps and spyware in a bid to make the app ecosystem secure.

Still, iOS leads the way when it comes to security and privacy.

Apps & Ecosystem

The App Store industry is growing exponentially. Here are a number of apps

• Android apps: 2.7 million
• iOS apps: 1.82 million

While Android has more apps, mere numbers are not the right metrics to gauge the popularity. iOS is a very lucrative platform for developers. There has been a tendency among developers to launch iOS apps first. The iOS-first approach is fast changing, with many developers launching new apps in Android first. Thanks to Android’s growing user base and market share.

But other significant apps have started appearing in Android first, with the recent Facebook Gaming app appearing first on Google’s mobile platform. Another key differentiator is that Android allows users to install software from non-Google app stores skipping the Playstore entirely. There is the convenience of remotely installing apps on your device via the web. With iOS, you need to go to the device to get the app installed.

Android vs Apple App Development Revenue

When there is an Apple vs Android users comparison, Android rules when it comes to market share. In-app user spending for iOS app to reach $ 60 million. There is no doubt that iOS will grant more avenues to earn revenue. However, iOS has a higher lifetime value (LTV), resulting in customers spending more money to purchase additional content, making it long-standing rather than just a one-time revenue source.

Budget for Development and Deadlines

Android relies on Java, while iOS uses Swift, Apple’s modern native programming language. Swift comes across as a convenient option, specifically to meet the needs of iOS developers. This reduces the time spent on coding, hence cutting the costs. iOS significantly pushes more standardization for the featured software to ensure the seamless functioning of the app across all devices. As a result, iOS app development is much more budget-driven within deadlines.

So which iPhone or Android platform to choose first?

When deciding between the mobile operating systems iOS or Android development, consider the following factors:

• User location
• Budget and development time requirements
• Technical expertise of your team
• How unique you want your interface to look, and target audience

Apple vs Android Apps: So which one works for your business?

Although there are several differences between Android and iOS development, we listed a few pointers for your mobile application development.

• Android has a far less restrictive environment than iOS. This makes it more flexible in developing apps. The Android platform is built on Java, an extremely versatile language that enables developers to create apps for any platform.
• However, iOS is far more lucrative when it comes to in-app purchases and overall security.

Overall, both operating systems continue to rule the market, provide new features, and appeal to huge audiences in all fields. However, everything boils down to your business objectives, technical expertise, and target audience.

Originally published at https://www.hiddenbrains.com on October 26, 2021.