Ios Vs Android App Development: Pros and Cons

• By Olivia Eve
• 28-01-2024
• Mobile App Development

Which platform should you consider for your app development project – Android or iOS? If you are struggling with the same. Then, this guide is for you.

Of course, there is no definitive answer as to which platform is best for your startup or enterprise. By studying the pros and cons, you can surely make a better business decision.

Additionally, countless factors play a significant role in choosing between Android and iOS. Some of these include monetization strategy, design of an app, development cost, target audience etc.

Let’s dive right in.

What are Android apps?

Android apps refer to the software applications that users can download and install from the Google Play Store. Google developed and maintained this operating system.

There are tons of Android apps available on the Play Store that cater to various domains such as entertainment, productivity, communication, and gaming.

Developing Android apps is a game changer for your business as it is considered the leading operating system having a market share of more than 85%.

It means if your goal is to get a greater number of app downloads and capture a large market share, then Android app development is a profitable option for you.

Advantages of Android app development

Here are a few advantages of developing Android apps-

1. Cost-effective

Developing Android apps is cost-effective as developers get access to the Android technology stack for free.

Developers are required to pay a time registration fee ($25) for creating a developer account on the Google play store.

So, businesses can tap into a larger user base with minimal development costs.

In the case of iOS, apple developers are required to pay $99 per year as a one-time registration fee.

2. Offers customization options

Developers get access to various customization options, be it related to adding simple features or complex functionalities to the app.

Because Android applications use ROM, it makes it easier for you to develop a tailor-made app that aligns with business requirements and goals.

One of the exciting features that Android offers is accessing the device file system. Here, users can get access to the device file system where apps can interact with other parts of the device such as the camera and CPU.

3. Expand your business reach

With android apps, startups and enterprises can expand their business reach and tap into vast user bases.

Android is considered the leading player among mobile operating systems and enjoys a prominent position in the market with a market share of more than 85%.

Moreover, Android has widened its reach because people living in developing nations can afford Android devices.

So, picking Android for your app development project is an effective choice for you as it gives 3x more exposure to your business.

4. Open source

One of the significant advantages of Android is that it is an open-source operating system meaning developers and device manufacturers can see and access the source code.

Additionally, Android gives freedom to developers to contribute their suggestions so that the Android team can work on those improvements to create more innovative apps.

Disadvantages of Android app development

Here are a few pitfalls involved in developing Android apps-

1. Long development process

When developing Android apps, you need to write huge chunks of code which increases the app development time.

The development process for iOS apps is simpler because Apple releases a limited range of devices.
Moreover, developers have to adjust graphics for various devices and then test the app on various simulators to ensure that the app looks the same on all devices.

All this increases complexity in the development process and makes it challenging for Android developers to handle this.

2. Security concerns

Although the source code of Android is open source in nature, it creates trouble for Android users.

Cyber attackers find an opportunity to attack millions of Android users and redirect them to other URLs resulting in all sorts of security threats.

Hence, developers should take prime responsibility for protecting the app and user data from malicious attacks.

They should employ robust security measures and powerful encryption technologies to make the apps more secure.

3. Fragmentation

One of the challenging jobs for Android developers is to create a responsive app design that works flawlessly across all devices.

Because there are a range of Android devices that come with different screen dimensions, resolutions and software versions, it becomes a cumbersome task for software developers to invest hours in doing extensive testing to provide a consistent user experience.

What are iOS apps?

iOS apps refer to applications that are developed for Apple devices including iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. iOS developers use Swift programming language for developing modernized iOS apps.

These apps have become a revenue generation source for developers as iOS users tend to spend more money on in-app purchases.

Advantages of iOS app development

Here are a few benefits of investing in iOS apps-

1. Faster development time

Developing iOS apps takes less time than Android because of reduced device fragmentation.
Unlike android, Apple hardly has 20 devices, so it makes it easy for developers to test the app early and launch it in the market.

In the case of Android apps, developers have to test the apps on various versions and devices which slows down the app development process.

Another reason that fastens the iOS app development process is its programming language (Swift). Swift language is easy to learn as it has a concise and simple syntax that enhances the code readability.

Hence, developers need not worry about spending hours understanding what the code is.

2. Improved data security

iOS employs strong security measures to make your apps more secure. It reduces other security risks by protecting your app from data theft, data duplication, and encryption.

Also, users can freely enjoy the functionalities of the app without thinking that there is a bigger risk to data security.

3. Gives you higher ROI

As compared to Android users, iOS users tend to have high disposable income which means they are more likely to spend on in-app purchases and subscriptions resulting in more revenue. Thus, it provides a lucrative option for businesses to get a higher return on investment.

So, if your business is looking for revenue generation options, collaborating with an iOS app development company is something you should aim for.

4. Enhances consumer experience

Customers prefer to choose iPhone apps over Android because of their great performance and exceptional customer support. All this increases customer satisfaction.

Moreover, iPhone users already know that all the apps they download from the app store will work smoothly but this isn’t the case with Android apps.

iOS apps deliver a fluid experience to users because Apple’s focus is not just to make an appealing user interface, but creating apps that should be easy to use.

5. Strong presence in developed nations

If you want to create your business presence in developed countries such as US and UK, then iPhone app development is an effective option for you.
As the iPhone has massive popularity in the global nation, it becomes an opportunity for you to expand your business roots.

Although Android holds most of the market share, apple caters to the premium segment of users who are always satisfied with its quality and performance.

It is often said that once a mobile app user shifts to iOS, they will never be satisfied with any other OS.

6. Low Fragmentation

When it comes to developing an Android app, you will find thousands of Android versions in the market. From the developers' perspective, it’s time-consuming to create apps for separate versions of the operating system.

In the case of iOS app development, apple comes with new updates once every year and has fewer devices. Thus, iOS devices have less device fragmentation than android.

Disadvantages of iOS app development

1. App release is time-consuming

App stores have strict app store guidelines, so it becomes a challenging job for developers to meet those standards. Most apps get rejected because of such stringent assessment processes leading to delays in app approvals.

Such app store application reviews often frustrate entrepreneurs who are looking to roll out their products quickly.

2. Less customization options

When compared to Android apps, iOS apps do not offer an array of customization options because of their closed system.

It is a big drawback for businesses who are looking to develop a customized app that meets their expectations.

Limited customization option in iOS app development affects the user experience as well.

3. Higher app development costs

The cost of developing iOS apps is more expensive than Android apps because fewer libraries available in the apple ecosystem are open source.

Also, iOS developers demand higher rates for their expertise because only a few developers have expertise in Swift programming language. As we know iOS app development costs are higher which makes it important to know how to improve your iOS app performance, so you can provide a great user experience.

Moreover, to publish an app in the App Store, you need to pay a one-time registration fee annually that costs around $99 which is 2x higher than the cost of publishing apps on the Play Store.

4. Limited user base

iOS holds less market share as Android dominates the majority of the global smartphone market. By developing iOS Apps, business owners can cater to a small segment of users which means only a few people can use your app.

Therefore, if you aim to target people who belong to the US, European nations, and other developed countries, then choosing iOS app development is a safer option for you.

Android vs iOS development: Which is better for your business?

After studying the pros and cons of iOS and Android, you are probably wondering as to which is the better platform for your business. There are various factors involved that affect your choice of app development-

1. Monetization strategy

Choosing iOS vs Android development is a challenging part for you. Don’t worry. It all depends on your app monetization strategy aka your revenue goal.

For Instance- If your objective is to monetize your app in the future, then Android users are mostly inclined towards free alternatives because they have less disposable income.

On the contrary, if you aim to do an app monetization through in-app purchase or subscription model, then iOS is perfect for your app development needs.

2. Target audience

Undoubtedly, Android and iOS are considered the kings of operating systems. According to Statista, Android holds nearly 80% of the market share while iOS captures 20% of the market share.

You need to understand your target audience first, analyze their preferences, and study user behavior before choosing Android or iOS apps.

3. Cost of developing apps

Usually, it is seen that entrepreneurs and startups are worried about the development cost of apps.
iOS apps are more expensive than Android because the development setup and Appstore accounts are expensive.

On the contrary, developing Android apps requires cheaper development tools.

Moreover, iOS development costs more bucks because the registration fee required for publishing an iOS app on the app store costs $99 annually.

For Android apps, the publishing fee costs around $25 annually which is much cheaper than Android.

So, you should create an app after identifying your target audience and their preferences first.

4. Design of an app

The design of Android and iOS apps creates different experiences for customers.

iOS apps are known for user-friendly interfaces that allow users to interact with the app. It provides a modern look and feel to your app.

The app store follows strict design rules and developers are required to adhere to those rules.

In the case of Android apps, developers can use their creative juices all the time as there are no design restrictions.

Google gives complete flexibility to Android app developers, and they can fully customize the app that provides unique experiences to users.

End Notes

We know how difficult it is for you to choose from Android or iOS app development.

The choice of app development is influenced by various factors such as design, development complexity, development time, etc.

To give you a quick snapshot of which is the better choice for your startup – Android or iOS.

Here are a few cases that tell you when to choose Android

• When you want to do product rollout quickly
• You may want to do extensive customizations in an app
• You want to cater to a broader range of audience

Here are a few scenarios that tell you when to choose iOS

• You want to serve a premium segment of users living in developed nations such as North America, northern Europe, and Australia
• You want to monetize your app in the long term through in-app purchases or subscription