Android Vs iOS: Which Mobile Platform Is Best for App Development?

Market Growth of Android and iOS App Development

The mobile app development industry is expanding rapidly. Here, both Android and iOS are significant in shaping the current economy. With smartphones in constant use by people, both consumers and companies now expect to have easier-to-use and more amusing mobile apps.

Many people use Android and iOS for social media, online shopping, games, and getting work done. Some significant statistics indicate that the market is growing:

• Experts predict that the development of Android apps will reach a market size of USD 14.5 billion in 2024. It is projected to grow at an annual rate of 9.2% and reach USD 31.2 billion by 2033. (Source)
• In that month of April, roughly 43,000 new mobile apps were added to the Apple App Store. (Source)

Due to these impressive results, developers and companies must pay close attention to what they want to accomplish and which audience they serve before adopting a platform. So, if you are wondering, iOS and Android which is better? The best choice between iOS and Android depends on who your customers are, your budget, and your goals in the coming years. To choose the right platform, you should first learn about its strengths and the trends in its growth.

An Overview of Android App Development

Android app development is about developing applications for devices using the Android OS. Kotlin, Java, and C++ are some of the languages that developers use to create swift and simple apps. Thanks to Google, Android works on various devices like smartphones, tablets, wearables, and so on. That is why it dominates the market share with 71.42%, while iOS has only 27.93%.

Today, Android is preferred due to its ease of use and international reach. So, businesses looking to grow their online presence and stay competitive must hire an Android app development company. The expert will help you make the best app at an affordable price.

A Quick Look into iOS App Development

Apple's iPhone and iPad demand a different process from other devices. Developers rely on Swift, Objective-C, Xcode, and Apple's iOS SDK to create easy-to-use, safe, and quick apps.

It also allows users to share and mix Apple products quickly. Most companies hire a trusted iOS app development company to guide them through the ecosystem and ensure positive results.

Difference Between Android Vs iOS App Development

To clear out your question, Android vs iOS which is better? You need to check a few factors closely. You must understand the basic differences between these two platforms. Only after that can you make a judgment. Here, the mentioned comparison will make it easier for you to decide.

1. Android Vs iOS-Audience Base

The majority of smartphones around the world use Android, whereas iOS comes in lower. More than 1 billion iPhones and over 3 billion Android devices are being used right now. Since Android is popular everywhere, it is the perfect solution for reaching diverse people.

On the other hand, most iOS users are from North America and Western Europe. They tend to possess greater financial strength and are more willing to make app purchases. So, if you want to reach the most users, use Android. But, if you want to earn more, iOS is the way to go.

2. Android vs iOS – Development Cost

Depending on what you want, developing an Android app can be anywhere from $5,000 to $200,000, though an iOS app costs between $25,000 and $250,000. So, Android developers are often paid slightly lower hourly rates.

But here is a catch. Android development may require some additional costs. When you hire an Android app development company, they will need more testers. They need them to test apps for every kind of Android device and screen. Consequently, the total cost will change significantly depending on what the app needs and who will use it. So, it means you must set your budget first and decide what to choose.

3. Android vs iOS –Application Security

Because iOS has a closed system, Apple reviews apps carefully and updates them often. It tends to be more secure than Android. Because Apple controls everything, malware and unauthorized access are less likely to happen. So, we can say that in the debate of iOS and Android, which is better, regarding this category, iOS gets the upper hand.

However, due to its open-source nature, Android can be updated easily by users. It may be more vulnerable to malware attacks than iPhones. At the same time, both platforms are well protected, but users can influence security levels by how they use them.

4. Android and iOS- Complexity of Development Process

Working with Android can be more challenging due to the variety of devices people use. Since Android apps will run on different devices, screens, and operating systems, they must be tested and optimized thoroughly.

In iOS development, since Apple has sold a limited number of devices and standard software, developers can follow a more consistent process. This leads to variations in the process and time required to achieve each platform's development.

5. Android and iOS – App Testing

Since Android runs on many different devices, testing the apps is more difficult. Every Android app development company must ensure their client's projects run well on various mobile devices and operating systems.

On iOS, this task tends to be easier due to just a few devices and a regular OS. However, iOS requires app developers to meet specific requirements before their applications are accepted. So, both platforms should be thoroughly tested to prevent any issues for users.

When to Choose Which One?

When deciding whether to develop for Android or iOS, you should consider your audience, available budget, required timeframe, and business goals. When you think about Android vs. iOS, which is better, understand how the platform affects the success and growth of your app. Here are some tips to assist you in selecting between Android and iOS or even using both.

Choose Android When:

• You want to target a larger audience. For example, many people from India, Brazil, Indonesia, and parts of Africa use Android. Android has more users and is available on more devices if you have customers there.
• You are interested in developing an app that will work on various devices. So, you can use Android on many devices from a variety of manufacturers and at different costs.
• You should expect your software to adapt and be flexible. Android development offers more options for designing, using, and distributing applications.
• Your priority is making money from ads. If you aim to use advertising, Android users tend to pay more attention to ads, which helps you boost your metrics.

Pick iOS When:

• Your target market is in North America or Western Europe. The US, UK, Australia, and some European regions have a greater number of iOS users. The iOS platform has more focused and dedicated users if your audience is in these countries.
• You hope to generate more income from purchases made within the app. Although there are fewer users, iOS app owners make more revenue per person than Android app owners. This type of pricing fits well for subscriptions, purchasing online, or using top apps.
• You want to develop things as fast and efficiently as possible. The number of iOS devices is smaller, and their environment remains constant. As a result, it takes less time to test and launch your app.
• You prioritize security and privacy first. An iOS device is part of a more secure and closed environment, so it's more appropriate for sensitive services like healthcare, finance, or law.

Go for Cross-platform When:

• You aim to get as many consumers as possible and produce the highest earnings. By being available on both iOS and Android, you can reach people all over the world.
• You have a proper budget. Creating and upgrading two apps is expensive, but it offers more value if you want to build something lasting.

Conclusion

The decision of Android vs iOS, which is better, depends on a lot of factors. They include understanding your audience, your requirements, and your budget. With Android, businesses get more flexibility, reach, and wider device support. But, if you pick iOS, it guarantees high user interest, strong security and great profit.

Well, every platform is different, and usually, developing for them separately allows for better success. So, all businesses ought to evaluate all of these factors carefully to pick what fits their plans for the future. Are you excited to get your app off the ground? Achieve your mobile app goals by working with Owebest Technologies. We are one of the leading companies in developing Android and iOS apps.