Newbie’s Dilemma- Android or iOS for Custom Mobile App Development

So you are all set to take a first move in the mobile app development domain. But, here lies a question: Which platform is better for you to build the first customized mobile application? The ongoing debate about usefulness and superiority between Android and iOS platforms is a major reason for the dilemma of every new entrant to the world of application development. Let’s understand this question through comparing both the platforms in various aspects before finding its answer.

Demographical Presence

Android remains a popular platform for lower income areas across developing nations while affluent people prefer iOS-powered devices. Obviously, such people spend more on the app. But then, we cannot consider that Android users do not wish to spend much.
Outcome: If you opt for an Android platform, you can get benefits from a larger audience, and if you choose an iOS platform, you can have an advantage of the ‘ready-to-spend’ audience.

Revenue

The revenue models of Android and iOS platforms are like representatives of Google and Apple’s approaches respectively. Though many of the apps are free on Android, you can monetize your app with a higher number of ads. In contrast, iOS apps are mostly paid and with fewer ads.
Outcome: The data shows that the iOS platform offers more revenue than Android despite there is a difference in the number of downloads.

Release Cycles

Different carriers and OEMs have restricted the pace of adopting the new releases for Android. Therefore, Android lags behind its Apple counterpart regarding the adoption rate of its latest OS version on a regular basis.
Outcome: You need to focus on supporting the newest versions when it comes to iOS applications. It enables you to build against the newer APIs thereby reducing testing and development cycle timing.

App Features

As an open source OS, Android offers deeper access to the developers. It also facilitates developers to build a platform-specific application.
Outcome:  Android offers more freedom to the developers as compared to iOS. It is easier to utilize all the features offered by Android platform than that of iOS.

Enterprise Apps

With enhanced security features and continuous focus on data safety, the iOS platform has penetrated deep into the industries. However, Android has coped with iOS through enterprise-focused newer versions. Still, Android has to cover a long way to strengthen its presence in the workplace.
Outcome: The iOS platform has still upper hand when it comes to enterprise apps. You can start developing a customized business app for this locked-down platform.

When to select iOS for custom mobile app development

If you consider demographics, revenue, and speed to market, then you should bet on iOS. Most of the developers initiate their career with iOS for these reasons. The iOS platform can give you fame earlier than Android as your iOS app can be covered way fast in the press. Extending this further, you can raise the fund readily for a unique iOS app.

When to select Android for building apps

If you want to focus on audiences of developing nations, then Android is the best option for you. Further, if you want freedom while developing the first app, then nothing works like Android. You can get the full control over hardware and software elements. However, Android is more challenging than the iOS in terms of development cost and duration, and developers tend to select it in the later stage of their career.

When to opt for both platforms

Learning element has a critical role to play during the initial phases of a developer’s career. Therefore, unless an app you want to develop is very simple, it is not advisable to start developing an app for both the platforms together. Always keep in mind that you have to pass your app through a series of iterations to make it user-friendly.

That’s it for now. Just keep developing innovative apps!