iOS vs Android App Development | Which is Right for Your Audience

Personal preference is one major factor in mobile app development, especially when it comes to choosing the right framework/technology. Besides the rivalry between iOS vs Android, business have to make the critical decision for launching their mobile app which directly target’s the audience.

In either case, businesses in the USA have to take a strategic approach to mobile app development to target their desired audience. To help you make the right decision, we have written this detailed article on iOS vs Android App development based on some micro and macro factors that will help you decide which one is right for your audience.

Brief Overview of Android

Android is popularly known as the mobile operating system that was developed by Google and now it is used in most of the popular smartphones like Samsung, Motorola, Huawei, OnePlus, and dozens of other brands. 

Due to being an open-source operating system, Android offers a lot of customizability for the developers without much restrictions. The prime platforms for downloading Android apps are Google Play Store and Amazon App Store, but you can also download APKs without needing third-party software.

Brief Overview of iOS

iOS operating system was developed by Apple, and it is only used for Apple devices like iPhones and iPads. The iOS operating system stands as the competitor of Android in mobile operating systems and it is popular for offering sleek and seamless interface. Since iOS is only used by Apple devices, you have launched your app on the Apple App Store.

Android VS iOS: Brief Comparison

	Android	iOS
Market Share	More than 70%	Approximately 30%
User Demographics	Users spend less money	Users spend more money
Geography	Popular in Asia, China, Brazil, India and South American	Popular in the USA, UK and Japan
Flexibility	Offers more flexibility	Developers have to follow strict guidelines
Development Costs	Costs more for updates and performance maintenance	Costs less in the long run in terms of updates

Now that we have understood the brief difference between Android and iOS development, let’s move towards the major factors that define how Android and iOS differ from each other.

Android VS iOS: Which One is Better for Business

Below we have discussed the major factors that differentiate Android vs iOS mobile app development for both developers and businesses.

1. Market Share

Market share is the most important factor when businesses are considering about targeting their audience through mobile app development. As for Android’s market share, Android controls more than 70% of the handheld devices in the market while iOS controls about 30% of the rest. These analytics have surged from the past when Android held a market share of 77% in 2018 while iOS only had about 20% of the smartphones in the industry.

With such a huge market share, Android is the clear winner with more than 3 billion active users around the globe. So if you are planning to launch a mobile app for your business, then you should go for Android first. If you are a startup, then it’s recommended to go with cross-platform app development services.

2. User Demographics

Next up we have the user demographics which define how the targeted audience interacts with the mobile apps. This is where the Android and iOS users differ majorly. Based on extensive research, iOS users earn 40% more in terms of income as compared to Android users. These stats define that iOS users are more inclined towards making in-app purchases as compared to Android users, which is good for business.

In addition to the income stats, iOS users tend to spend more screen time on their devices as compared to Android users, which means that audiences with iOS devices have a higher engagement rate. So, if your aim is to gain more customer engagements per hour while spending more on in-app purchases, then you should go with the iOS app development.

3. Geography

Android and iOS users majorly differ in terms of spreading the influence as well. For most smartphone device users, it is all about the ecosystem of technology around them which makes everything unique for them, which varies from country to country. iOS has a strong user base in the USA, UK, and Japan, which are countries that have probably the strongest economy.

On the other hand, Android is more popular in South American and Asian countries like China, India, Pakistan, and Brazil for being an affordable device. If you are running your business in a particular country, then it is vital to understand which app you should develop to target the right audience.

4. Flexibility

Both Android and iOS devices have a different design philosophy and development frameworks. This is the point where everything is dependent on the mobile developer.

Android is an open-source operating system that provides more flexibility and customization options for app developers. With Android app development, developers get the freedom to control the behavior of a mobile app while adding features and functionalities.

On the other hand, iOS is more structured with a standard approach in mobile app development. The iOS app developers have to follow a strict code of guidelines based on the framework of their choice, which pretty much limits the flexibility and customization factor.

So whichever app development you choose for your business, make sure to consider the potential of customization you require. If you require highly customized mobile app, then go with Android. Otherwise, it is the iOS app for you.

5. Development Costs

Last but not least factor to consider in iOS vs Android app development is the cost. Although costs for developing a mobile app depend on the type of features of functionalities you add to them, there is still a slight difference between the general costs of both platforms.

As for Android, you have to develop, design, and optimize your app for a range of devices since this operating system is used on a number of smartphone models. As a result, the development costs increase naturally. On the other hand, iOS app development only requires you to develop an app for a single type of device, which substantially cuts the development costs.

Hence, it’s up to you to decide which platform would be the most suitable one for your business based on your budget and requirement preferences.

Choose the Right App Development Platform with iTitans

iTitans stands as the leading mobile app development company in the USA with more than 10 years of experience serving small to large scale businesses. Here is how iTitans can help you choose the right mobile app development platform:

Native and Cross cross-platform app Development

iTitans has an experienced team of developers who can build native and cross-platform mobile apps for your business. As a result, your business can remain dominant over every operating system.

Agile Development Approach

At iTitans, we keep our clients updated with the latest development process by providing them with regular updates through our agile development process. Hence, we gather feedback and make changes according to requirements for delivering quality digital products.

Post Launch Support

To keep your mobile app up and running, iTitans provide post-launch support for businesses of all scale. From bug fixes to maintenance updates, we ensure that your audience gets the best mobile app experience.

FAQs

Is a Native mobile app better for my business or Cross Platform?

Cross platform mobile app gives you dominance over multiple platforms. However, the Native mobile app delivers high performance and better integrations. So it depends on your personal preference.

Can I Hire a single Android developer from iTitans?

At iTitans, you can hire a team or a single Android developer for your project via our staff augmentation services.

Can iTitans build a mobile app same as my business website?

Certainly! Our designers and developers work collaboratively to build mobile apps that present as the same version of your business website.

How long does it take to develop a mobile app?

The duration of mobile app development depends on the scope of the project and the complexity of the features. For a basic mobile app like an eCommerce platform, it can only take a couple of months. However, an enterprise-based mobile app like a warehouse management system can take over a year.

Conclusion

Android vs iOS mobile app development for your business is based on the personal preference of a firm. If your company wants to acquire a better customer base, then it’s better to go with Android mobile app development since it has a higher market share. However, if you want to keep your audience hooked with the mobile app, then go for iOS app development. With the factors mentioned in this article, you can easily make the right choice in a timely manner.

Not sure which platform would be the right for your business? Book your free consultation with iTitans now and get your well-optimized mobile app that defines your business in an interactive manner.