Are you looking to create an app? But have you thought about the most basic question: whether to create an Android or iOS app. Android vs iOS is not an easy choice to make. Why?
Firstly, Android and iOS app users’ behaviour is very different. So, if you choose the wrong platform to launch your app, you won’t be able to reach your target audience.
Moreover, the iOS and Android app development process is also different. You can’t use the same code for both iOS and Android platforms.
In case you want to build an app for both Android and iOS stores, you’ll need to develop two sets of code from scratch for each. This is a long and costly process.
This blog will help you in making an informed decision about your first operating system.
Before diving into that, first, let’s take a look at the factors to consider before you choose between iOS and Android apps. By the end of this, you will also get to know how to launch an app for both the Android and iOS platforms.
ANDROID VS IOS DEVELOPMENT: FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE DEVELOPING AN APP
1) Target Audience: User behavior Android vs iOS apps
The very first step in choosing between Android vs. iOS app development is identifying the target audience of your app and the also its overall goal before actually starting with the development process.
The average price for in-app purchases on App Store has increased over 40% in the last year, as per a TechCrunch report, while the Google Play Store prices only saw a 9% spike. Any business trying to increase its profits while developing mobile apps must think about such trends. They can use such data to analyze whether they want to launch an app that their potential users will purchase (paid iOS apps) or prefer free apps (Android users).
You should also closely analyze the demographic data and the market share of Android and iOS apps. You just don’t have to look at which platform has more users, rather people on which platform are more likely to use your app.
For example, think about people who may find your app interesting (a social media app like TikTok may attract more teens than older people)
SOURCE: STATCOUNTER
2) The Cost and Time of Android vs. iOS app development
First, let’s discuss the time of app development in Android vs. iOS app building. iOS app development is faster and simpler than the Android app development. The reason is the coding languages that the iOS and Android platforms require to build an app.
Android app development generally requires Java and involves writing more lengthy codes increasing the app development time. Moreover, Android is an open-source platform, which means that it is subject to more changes due to its lack of standardization.
On the other hand, the iOS app development uses Apple’s native programming language: Swift. Swift is more user-friendly and customized to the needs of iOS app developers. Hence, it takes less time in coding an iOS app, which lowers the time of development.
However, iOS development is generally more costly as compared to Android app development.
For iOS app development, the cost of developing an app becomes more expensive as purchasing a Mac computer is a must.
Additionally, iOS app development also requires a developer license from Apple, which is around $99/year.
Also, app testing during iOS app development requires multiple versions of the iPhone or iPad, which further increases the app development cost.
On the other hand, Android app development is comparatively less expensive due to the availability of inexpensive & open-source app development tools and it charges only a one-time $25 Google app developer fee.
3) App launching process on the Android vs. iOS platform
Launching your app on the Google Play Store is a comparatively simpler and less rigorous process as compared to the iOS App Store. You can quickly launch your app to the Google Play store after the app approval, your app might be available for download even on the same day of app approval!
On the other hand, the App Store approval procedure is more stringent and takes more time. There are high-quality requirements in the Apple App Store from apps looking for approval which results in a longer review process. With millions of apps existing on the App Store, the process to launch your app on the App Store requires detailed planning before app submission, so that it doesn’t get rejected. While the review process may take a few days generally, some users have complained about being stuck “in review” for months.
Apple experts and their editorial team review your application before giving it approval. They might simply reject your app even if you have made a silly mistake. They surely offer you advice to correct your mistake and then you have to upload it as per their guidelines. So, the App Store publishing process generally takes more time than Android.
Further read: How to publish your app on these App stores.
4) App Monetization in Android vs. iOS apps
Another factor to consider when choosing between Android vs iOS app development is the methods of app monetization. The 3 main ways of app monetization are: In-app purchases, premium applications, and in-app ads that help businesses earn money from their app.
SOURCE: AYESTUDIOS
iOS vs. Android app development app monetization comparative analysis:
In-app purchases: iOS users spend more than double on in-app purchases than Android users. So, you may earn more with in-app purchases in the iOS apps.
Paid Apps: iOS paid apps the are way ahead of the Android paid apps. For example, 11% of iOS apps in the gaming section are paid apps, whereas only 7% are paid apps on the Android platform.
In-app ads monetization: Most of the iOS apps are generally ad-free apps (or purchased via in-app purchase), whereas the Android apps have too many ads (especially in free apps). If you want to target in-app ad revenue then building an Android app is a better choice for you.
5) Android vs iOS apps Tablet usage
If you think about building mobile apps, then usually a picture of people using your app on their smartphones comes into your mind. Right?
However, tablets are also mobile (portable), so you need to consider tablet apps too.
A number of people owning a tablet is on the rise, in the US alone 40% rise in tablet ownership was seen. So, you must consider tablets when you’re thinking about building an app.
While talking about tablets, people generally prefer iPads because they are more intuitive, user friendly, and come with a sleek design.
iPads are a popular choice among all generations almost. People often use Apple tablets to watch movies (Netflix), play games(PUBG), or do other fun activities.
On the other hand, Android tablet users tend to be more technical. They generally use tablets to work on a project as it is lighter and easier to carry than a PC.
However, iPads seem to dominate Android tablets. People may own an Android phone but would prefer an iPad to an Android tablet. On the other hand, iPhone users are loyal to Apple products in general, so they tend to buy iPads. Seeing an iPhone user with an Android tablet is very less likely, hence Apple iPads tend to dominate the market.
ANDROID VS. IOS DEVELOPMENT: WHICH SHOULD BE LAUNCHED FIRST?
The two prominent mobile operating systems in the market are i.e. Android and iOS.
Earlier, the iOS App Store had more apps available than its Android counterpart. As the App Store provided huge lucrative market, many app developers preferred to develop iOS apps than Android apps.
However, now Google Play store provides even wider access to potential customers. Android apps simply surpass the iOS apps when it comes to overall market share for mobile operating systems.
But as discussed above, depending on your target audience, demography, monetization strategy development time & cost, and the publishing process, and many other factors one may select the one between Android vs. iOS app development.
WHEN TO DEVELOP ANDROID APP FIRST?
You should build an Android app first if your goal is the increase the reach of your app across the globe; want a quick review and app approval process on the Google Play Store, and monetize your app through in-app ads.
If you build an Android app you will be able to reach a much wider audience and may even get more app downloads. Moreover, if your target audience is from high-population countries like India and China, you can easily attract more people and can expect huge revenue from your Android app.
If you want to use in-app ads for app monetization your app, building an Android app may be more profitable due to the huge market of Android users. However, you must build an app according to your target audience’s preferences only then you can expect a good response.
WHEN TO DEVELOP THE iOS APP FIRST?
On the other hand, building an iOS app should be your first choice if you want your app to reach a group of users with higher income levels and greater spending capacity; offer a more secure app experience, and want to use paid apps or subscription model for app monetization.
iOS app should be your first choice if you are looking to build a minimum viable product. At the same time, if your target audience lives in the high-income level countries like the USA and UK- building an iOS app might be a better choice.
Also, iOS apps prove to be a better choice if you don’t want to include any ads in your app and want to use app monetization models: paid apps or in-app purchases and premium subscriptions of your app because iOS users are more likely to spend money on apps.
Thus, what type of app you want build, your app goals and the target audience will determine the platform you choose: Android vs. iOS app development.
DO YOU NEED A CROSS-PLATFORM APP/ HYBRID APP?
Whether you choose Android, iOS, or Cross-platform apps, it ultimately boils down to your business needs and goals. As a business you must first identify your needs and goals, Exactly why do you want to build an app? Once you know the purpose of your app then it will get easier to choose Android vs. iOS or both (hybrid app).
However, if still can’t choose between iOS vs. Android app development, or end up wanting both, then building a cross-platform app/ hybrid app is the solution.
Building a hybrid app/ cross-platform app development allows you to build an app for both iOS and Android operating systems at the same time.
And the best part of a hybrid app/ cross-platform app is: it doesn’t require complex coding skills. Anyone without any coding experience can build cross-platform apps easily.
The next best thing is that it cuts down app development costs. You may ask how.
Since you can build hybrid apps/ cross-platform apps without any coding knowledge, there is no need to hire an app developer or a freelancer to build your app. Moreover, you can build apps for both the iOS & Android platform at the cost of one. Double cost savings!
Moreover, it also saves app development time, as hybrid apps don’t need 2 separate codes for iOS & Android platforms like in native app development.
In the end, It comes down to choosing the right app builder platform to build your hybrid app/ cross-platform app without any coding.
This may seem biased, but we highly encourage you to try Swing2App’s no-code app builder to build a hybrid app without any coding, that works perfectly fine on both Android and iOS platforms.
Check out affordable the Swing2App no-code app builder price policy. If you compare these prices with what app developers or agencies charge to build even a simple app, you will surely save a lot of money.
What you pay for a yearly subscription for using Swing2App no-code app builder is much less than the huge app development fees charged by developers.
Cross-platform apps/ hybrid apps are the best for people who don’t want to choose between iOS vs Android but rather want to build apps for both platforms.
With Swing2App no-code app builder you can quickly launch your app on both Android & iOS operating systems at the same time without having to code them separately.
It’s also the best alternative for businesses who can’t reasonably afford costly native app development and want to build quick-to-launch apps available for both iOS & Android platforms.
Cross-Platform App/ Hybrid app is the Best Choice When:
1. You want to launch your an in the market as soon as possible
2. Reaching out to a broader audience is your priority
3. You are tight on budget and have less time and staff
4. You already have a website and want to convert it into an app
5. You want to build a simple, not-so-complex app
6. Native App is the Best Choice When:
7. You need the best performance
8. You need secured apps
9. You need better customization and UX
10. To make the most of device hardware
USE SWING2APP NO-CODE APP BUILDER FOR CROSS-PLATFORM DEVELOPMENT
Wouldn’t it be great if you didn’t have to choose between Android and iOS platforms and could develop both without increasing your expenses or app development time? By using an app builder, you can easily build a no-code hybrid app/ cross-platform development in less time and cost. You can build your application using a no-code platform instead of a traditional development process to build an app more quickly and efficiently. Why build for one, when you can create a single app for both platforms with Swing2App?
The Swing2App platform makes it easy for you to build your applications without writing any code. To ensure your app works perfectly, we offer a variety of built-in tools for development, testing, debugging, and deployment.
The platform is easy to use, so you can start developing your app right away.