The age-old question pervades about which platform a developer should build a new app in. iOS vs. Android is one of the most common debates going on, but have you ever wondered about what factors influence your decision? Whether you’re looking to create a mobile app that will reach millions or develop a niche product, understanding these key differences can help you decide which platform to choose for mobile app development.
In this article, we're going to explore the pros and cons of each platform for both developers and users alike by exploring factors such as the size of the audience, ease of development, apps vs. websites, and revenue potentials.
- Introduction
- Android vs. iOS
- What sets each platform apart?
- Which platform to build first?
- Conclusion
Introduction:
A casual Google search will tell you that Android is the more popular smartphone operating system globally, while IOS is the smaller but more popular one. However, these numbers have been changing in recent times.
Android will be the most popular mobile OS in 2021. Android users vs. iOS users are respectively 75% and 25% of all smartphone users.
Android vs. iOS: What sets each platform apart?
It’s no surprise that these platforms have a lot in common with each other. Let’s explore what makes them different in terms of functionality and pricing. Both iOS and Android existed in the market, similarly, around a decade ago. Android has been dominant when it comes to smartphones since its launch in 2008. iOS, on the other hand, is more popular when it comes to tablets and computers.
What sets them apart?
User Interface: Android and iOS use a touch screen interface that requires a tap or swipe (or even a specific gesture) to complete an action, depending on how many times you tap. The only real difference between these two giants is the flexibility of each operating system.
Android allows you to customize your phone by installing third-party apps and making minor changes and tweaks wherever and whenever you want. This might be a deal-breaker for some users! On the other hand, IOS users can’t modify their phones in this way. Any changes made to the IOS system won’t be integrated into the operating system.
Ease of Access: Another thing that sets them apart is the ease of access to certain features. While Android users have access to more features, IOS is easier to use for basic tasks. Generally speaking, if you’re opting for an IOS device, they tend to be more user-friendly with less complicated navigation styles and menus, whereas Android devices are more complex. You can also compare internal hardware specs between these two platforms.
Which platform to build first?
According to experts at Groovy, a mobile app development company, the two most important factors are the platform’s number of users and its earnings potential. This is why it makes sense to choose one of the two platforms first, based on these factors. The experts at Groovy Web feel that, for a consumer-facing app, the first thing you should consider is your audience.
This means you should base your decision on the number of users and their demographics. That way, you can determine which platform to pursue. If this is your first time developing an app, make sure you choose an app compatible with the platform most used by potential users.
iOS vs. Android: Size of audience
According to a report by VentureBeat, over 90% of all global smartphone users run either iOS or Android.In 2021, Android accounted for 46% of smartphone usage in the United States, whereas iOS was 53%.
In addition to this, according to a report, over 70% of all mobile devices worldwide were running Android as of July 2021.
iOS is more prevalent in the US, whereas Android is more popular globally.
iOS devices are more expensive than Android.
On the contrary, Google generated over half of its revenue via Android.
Hence, based on the above factors, it becomes clear that both platforms have their advantages. As a mobile app development company, we think you should build your app according to your area's demographic statistics and audience. If you wish to get started with app development, focus on the audience size.
Conclusion:
In a nutshell, Android is more popular because it has the highest number of users. Android can be a better choice if your app is consumer-facing because you have a greater audience to target. On the other hand, an iOS app may be a better choice if you want to work with businesses. The critical thing to consider here is your app’s target market and generate revenue from its users.
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