Mobile has become a vital part of our lives. From social media to gaming, we cannot imagine life without mobile apps. The use of mobile apps has increased in recent years with the introduction of new technology and the Covid-19 pandemic. If you are on your way to developing a mobile app, you have to consider several aspects, like how to hire an iOS dev or Android dev, how much budget you need for your app development project. Another thing that you must consider for building a mobile app is which platform to choose first for mobile app development.
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There are two major platforms for developing mobile apps, Android and iOS. When deciding which platform you should build your app for first: Android or iOS? In this blog post, I will compare these two platforms and analyze which one is best for building a mobile app.
Take a Look at Your Target Audience
The first thing that you need to consider is the market share of Android and iOS. According to the latest data, Android has a market share of 73%, while iOS has 26% of the total global market share. It means that if your target audience is not restricted to a specific country or region, then you should develop your app for Android.
However, if your target audience is in the US or Europe, you should develop your app for iOS because these regions have a higher market share of iOS devices. In countries like China, and India, the market share of Android is broad than iOS.
Android app users are not restricted to a specific age group or region. Android users are more likely to be tech-savvy compared to iOS users. They are usually low-paid, which means that they are more value-conscious. If you aim to target the high-class, you should develop your app for iOS as these groups usually have access to Apple devices.
Time Required for App Development
The time required for developing an iOS app is less when compared to Android. The code of iOS apps is usually written on Swift, which is known for its simplicity. An iOS developer has to account for lesser screen parameters than Android. It is because Apple has limited, which means that you can develop the app quickly.
On the other hand, Android app development requires extensive knowledge in Java and C++, which are known for their complex nature and difficult learning curve. Comprehensive knowledge of Java and C++ is an important aspect that you should keep in mind to create a job description for Android dev. An Android app developer has to consider many devices with different screen sizes and resolutions. It makes the development process for Android apps more complicated and time-consuming.
Cost of App Development
If you are on a tight budget, iOS app development is the best option for you. It costs less when compared to Android dev. You can choose a team of iOS app developers that fits your budget and provide quality services.
On the other hand, Android development is comparatively more expensive than iOS dev. You need to invest in a team of Android developers who have expertise in app development for various devices. Moreover, you need to consider the cost of hardware and software required for testing your app on different devices, which is more expensive than iOS.
Publishing The Newly Developed App
Publishing a newly developed app on Android takes a longer time than on iOS. It is because you need to go through a lengthy process of submitting your app on the Google Play Store. However, the uploading rules are not strict on Google Play Store compared to Apple’s App Store. You have to upload the app on Google Play Store, and it will be available for users to download. Publishing apps for Android is accessible as there are no restrictions or limits when it comes to releasing a new version of the app.
On the other hand, publishing an app on iOS is a quick and straightforward process. You can submit your app on the Apple App Store within a short period. You can even get it published in just 2 to 5 days. However, if your app fails to pass App Store regulations, you have to make the required changes before resubmitting. Publishing an app on iOS has its limitations, as you cannot upload a new version without getting it approved. Also, if you make any changes to the app without obtaining prior approval from Apple, your app will be removed from the App Store.
Security Level of Platforms
Security-wise, iOS is considered the safer platform compared with Android. Apple has a tight security policy that checks every app before it is published on the App Store.
On the other hand, Android is known for its lack of security as it allows easy access to malware and viruses that can cause severe damage. Moreover, hackers find the Android platform more attractive when compared with iOS for its open-source nature.
Monetizing Your Mobile App
It is easier to monetize your app on iOS. Apple provides you with various ways of making money from an app like in-app purchases, subscriptions, etc. Apple also gives you the freedom of setting up in-app ads anywhere within your app. Also, Apple users are more likely to make in-app purchases than Android users.
On the other hand, monetizing an app on Android is a complicated process compared to iOS. Android users are unlikely to make in-app purchases. In addition, you need to create a separate website and landing page for marketing your Android app. However, you can include in-app ads in your Android app.