Battle of The Mobile App Platforms: iOS and Android

This article throws some light on the pros and cons of the two chief app development platforms, iOS and Android to help aspiring app entrepreneurs to decide between the two.

Android or iOS? It is a never-ending dilemma for the owners in apps business and deciding one of the two is the toughest thing. However, four factors are there, considering which can help you through this process. Your target users, desirable features, a budget and timeline for completion. The market scenario reveals Android holds a major global share with iOS concentrated in the regions of North America, Western Europe and Australia. On the other hand, Android market mainly comprises of countries in Asia, Latin America and Africa. While taking the decision is pretty easier if you consider the markets/regions you want to target, you can’t just overlook the technical or budgetary factors.

The below sections explains the main decisive factors to help apps businesses make a prudent choice of platform for their new app development.

#1 Features each offer

If one looks at the features of Android and iOS overall, both have lots of features to offer. But, if they go for deeper research, it doesn’t seem so. Apple’s iOS is an extensively closed operating system, while Android offers developers with full access to its OS and its internal parts, so they go for deep coding. Thus, Android gives more flexibility, meaning that you could get developed unique and out-of-the-box applications.

#2 OS Release Cycle

Both iOS and Android have definite release cycle with each having a new version release every year. However, for Android, there is more number of versions floating all around because takes the most time to update their phones. This means owners have to get their app updated to help it run seamlessly on the new version and also keep them flexible for the older versions too. On the contrary, that’s not an issue in iOS because adoption to latest iOS version release is higher.


#3 Revenue plan

Whether you want to make real money out of your app or just want it to boost your business presence in the online market? Settling on a particular revenue model is essential! If you want to make bucks with your app, then choosing iOS will be a right choice. For the latter option, go for Android platform as it has a free or freemium policy, supported by ads.

#4 Time taken for development

Every business starts with some investment with a predefined timeline. If you have lesser time for your app development and want to reach the market faster, iOS is the better choice. Due to too many “fragmentation” layers in the Android, it takes about 20 percent more time than iOS. Also, having too many devices with different screen sizes and features, Android app development is too complex during testing/responsive check that takes up a lot of time.

Launching an app in the wrong platform means you are just ignorant of your target audience. Both the platforms have their own set of fringes and challenges. But, which will serve your business interest, rests on your evaluation of the above factors.

Johan Smith is an expert Android app developer who has been working at GetAProgrammer for over 6 years and has an immeasurable hold on mobile application development technologies. GetAProgrammer is one of the time-worn and successful companies in Australia with exceptional in-house expertise in app development.


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