iOS vs. Android Development for Your Mobile App: Which is Better?

There is no denying the importance of the mobile application market, with 36.9 billion global app downloads in the first quarter of 2022 alone. Yes, it is already massive, but it is also still growing and has a lot of potential. It’s no surprise that businesses all over the world want a piece of the action.

However, developing a successful mobile app necessitates new ideas, meticulous planning, and bold decisions. With Android holding 71.85% of the mobile operating system (OS) market and iOS holding 27.5% in July 2022, you may be tempted to choose Android development solely to reduce costs and time to market. However, there are some factors to consider. For some projects, it may make sense to develop only an iOS app or to develop for both platforms concurrently.

Android vs. iOS app development

Google’s Android is an open-source operating system. Its various versions are found in thousands of different devices, ranging from smartphones to smart home appliances. Its open-source nature allows it to be used for free. Android is routinely used by companies such as LG, Sony, Samsung, Xiaomi, and Huawei for their smart electronics. Previously, Android mobile apps had to be developed in Java, but that has changed since 2019 when Google announced that Kotlin, a modern programming language designed by JetBrains to fully interoperate with Java, is now a preferred language for Android app development. Apple’s mobile devices are outfitted with the iOS operating system, which is exclusive to Apple products. This system is much more closed-off than Android, with a standardised UI and fewer customization options. On the other hand, adhering to Apple’s design principles ensures aesthetically pleasing visuals. Swift is the programming language used to create all modern iOS apps. Swift was released in 2014 and quickly replaced, at least for mobile purposes, Apple’s previous programming language of choice, Objective-C. Swift includes all of the modern solutions that developers care about, while also being able to interoperate with Objective-C code written by Apple since the company’s inception in the early 1980s.

How is Android better than iOS?

 

#1 Global, diverse audience

Android is the operating system of choice for the vast majority of mobile users worldwide, with over 3 billion active devices. With literally thousands of different device models – big and small, derivative and innovative, cheap and expensive – almost anyone can find an Android device that works for them. Google’s operating system is extremely popular in developing regions such as Africa (82% of the continent’s Android market share), Asia (83%), and South America (89%). It is also the most popular mobile operating system in the majority of Europe, though not as prevalent as in poorer regions.

#2 Flexibility and customization

Since it is open-source and has somewhat lax rules about how apps should look and feel, the Android system provides far more flexibility and customization options. Experienced developers could fully unleash their creativity in this type of environment. However, giving developers complete creative freedom isn’t always desirable, especially if your project has tight deadlines. More possibilities imply more time spent brainstorming and more chances for something to go wrong.

Android development cons

As you might expect, Google’s mobile operating system isn’t perfect. Testing and adapting your Android app to a wide range of devices can be costly. Your app’s performance may differ in unexpected ways between seemingly comparable device models.

How is iOS better than Android?

#1 Monetization opportunities

The majority of iOS users prefer to pay for apps and make in-app purchases, whereas the majority of Android users expect apps to be free. Android developers who are aware of these preferences are more likely to monetize their apps by incorporating advertisements. Although it may appear to be the only reliable way to make money from an Android app at times, the disadvantages of including ads are obvious: they slow down the app’s performance and degrade the user experience. Meanwhile, on iOS, where users are more accustomed to paid mobile apps, your app’s crisp design and slick UI can remain uncompromised, and even serve as additional incentives for purchasing.

#2 Development costs

When it comes to keeping your app development on time and on budget, iOS outperforms Android. As of May 2021, Android supported over 24 000 distinct device models, including smartphones, tablets, TVs, refrigerators, and microwaves. Although developers can prevent your app from being installed on devices that do not meet hardware requirements, testing your app on every device that it will be installed on can be difficult. When developing an iOS app, you should only make it work on a few recent iPhones and iPads.

#3 Streamlined work

Some developers see Apple’s strict rules as limitations, while others see them as a form of deliverance. They laud Apple’s approach for its clarity and precision because it greatly simplifies their work. However, they are not only saving time. When a developer isn’t required to make decisions on every minor detail, they can concentrate on making the app’s unique and interesting features stand out.

iOS development cons

iOS, like any other piece of software, has limitations and flaws.The iOS app release process is more difficult than the Android app release process. An app’s approval usually takes some time, and it can also be rejected if it’s deemed irrelevant or impractical. Apple expects app developers to adhere to their interface guidelines, which result in all iOS apps looking sleek and clean, but also somewhat similar to one another. Meanwhile, Google allows for greater creativity in interface design.

Should you create an Android app, an iOS app, or both?

In simple terms, when creating a mobile app, you have two options: create a native app or a hybrid app. Both methods have distinct advantages. Going native allows you to take advantage of a device’s unique features. You can also create resource-intensive apps that are still perfectly performant. If you want to go completely native, you’ll need Kotlin developers for Android and Swift developers for iOS. However, you should keep in mind that 90% of apps do not require you to use highly advanced and specialised native development. In most cases, React Native would be a better choice because this framework offers excellent responsiveness and efficiency on both iOS and Android, and has a large development community with a plethora of ready-made features and libraries.

Android vs. iOS: which is better?

As you may have guessed by now, the simple answer is: it depends on the specific needs of your project. Before beginning the mobile application development process, as with any other project, you should thoroughly consider your business goals, target audience expectations, development costs, timing and deadlines, mobile app development company, mobile app developer Malaysia and potential roadblocks. Working with expert mobile developers will undoubtedly increase your app’s chances of success, regardless of your personal choice in this Android vs iOS app development debate.

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