Differences Between Android and iOS: What You Need to Know

Annual sales of mobile devices have reached almost 17 billion units worldwide. Each year, the cost of purchasing a mobile device, especially a smartphone, is decreasing, making it available to everyone, not just those with wealth.

Samsung and Apple have historically possessed large shares of global smartphone production, but Chinese brands are now offering alternatives that are proving popular around the world.

So what are the outcomes?

In this article, we will delve into the latest statistics to assess whether the mobile world is leaning towards Android and explore the considerations for iOS vs Android development.

Brief Overview of the Mobile Development Landscape

You can obtain some valuable information from statistical data by looking at the users’ smartphone choices.

iOS users, for example, are more likely to have a higher income than Android users. This data can impact your decisions about the product’s monetization strategy.

An iOS app may be the most profitable platform if your monetization strategy highly depends on in-app purchases. However, if you intend to monetize through ad placements, Android may be a better option.

Android has the largest global market share in low-income regions and developing countries due to its broad price range and low entry-level price point. It has a competitive advantage over Apple in developing markets such as Asia and Africa.

With both Android and iOS accounting for over 99% of the global mobile market share, companies looking to build an app will have to consider both operating systems, but in most cases, due to project constraints such as time and budget, they will have to choose only one.

Another critical factor is the number of developers building apps for each platform. According to a global app developer report, the majority of mobile software developers were working on Android and iOS in 2022.

However, if we take into consideration the number of applications developed for each of the two operating systems, we can see that there are nearly 4.8 million apps available in the Apple App Store and 2.6 million apps in Google Play.

Android vs iPhone Development Comparison Country Wise

If we make a brief overview of how Android and iOS platforms are used continent-wise, we will notice the following tendencies. The biggest amount of programming on Android (over 55% of the total number of developers) is located in Eastern European countries, South Asia, and South America.

As you see, iOS is prevalent in North America and Oceania, while the rest of the world mostly uses Android-based devices.

Another figure to mention is the breakdown of market share by average consumer age. Apple devices are chosen by 67% of 18 to 29-year-olds, while the distribution of operating systems among 55-65-year-olds is nearly even: Android is favored by 49%, while iOS is used by 47%, and 4% use neither of the two.

On top of that, before developing a mobile app, it’s useful to know what financial opportunities each operating system provides.

According to Statista, during the second quarter of 2022, the App Store alone raised $21.2 billion, while Google Play Store earned $10.4.

Despite the difference in profit figures, in 2022, Android held over 70% of the smartphone operating system market. This success is also due to the prices of Android devices, which are usually cheaper than Apple’s.

Benefits of Each Platform

As you can see, there’s no clear winner when it comes to comparing whether Android or iOS is a better platform. The majority of iOS and Android, mobile app development companies, believe that the choice of a platform depends on the audience you want to reach.

Let’s look at some of the advantages that Android and iPhone app development provide to business owners:

Android

• Flexibility. The open-source environment allows customizing apps with no limitations.
• Worldwide audience. The platform has an increasing presence in developing regions such as Africa, Asia, and South America, as well as a larger overall market share.
• Tech-savvy users. In terms of the number of technically-savvy users and niche applications, Android is the clear winner (fintech, IT, and others)
• Design guidelines. Developers can easily create an elegant user interface using Google design guidelines.
• Shorter approval time. It usually takes no longer than two days for Google Play to approve an app.

iOS

• Ability to penetrate developed countries. When you release an iOS app, you’re mainly targeting first-world countries like North America, Western Europe, or Oceania, which means you’ll have more monetization opportunities.
• Easier development process. As a result, your app can grow more quickly and at a lower cost.
• Financially lucrative market. According to statistics, iOS users spend almost three times more money than Android users, so you’ll have a better chance of launching a popular e-commerce app on iOS.
• Tools for entertainment or creativity. iOS is a popular gaming, social media, and innovation platform.
• High security. iOS provides a comprehensive system for protecting user data for developers and business owners.

Considerations for Choosing Between iOS and Android

The choice between iOS and Android should be driven by a comprehensive understanding of both platforms and how they align with the specific requirements of the mobile app being developed.

Here are some key things developers and businesses should keep in mind when deciding between the two platforms:

Target Audience

Understand the demographics of your target audience. Different regions and demographics may have varying preferences for iOS or Android.

For example, iOS is more popular in wealthier countries, while Android is dominant in developing markets.

Also, analyze the behavior of your target audience. Consider factors such as device preferences, app usage patterns, and spending habits. This information can guide you toward the platform that aligns better with your users’ preferences.

Monetization Strategy

Evaluate your app’s monetization strategy. If your primary revenue source is in-app purchases or app purchases, consider the spending behavior of users on each platform.

iOS users, on average, are known to spend more on subscriptions and in-app purchases compared to Android users.

Moreover, explore the advertising opportunities on each platform. Android’s larger user base may provide more visibility, but iOS users are often considered more lucrative for certain types of advertisements.

Costs of Mobile App Development for iOS and Android

Consider the development tools and resources required for each platform. Android developers typically work with Java or Kotlin, while iOS developers use Swift or Objective-C. Evaluate the proficiency of your development team and the availability of resources for each platform.

Apart from development tools, consider device fragmentation. The multitude of Android device manufacturers and screen sizes can lead to extra development and testing efforts.

Getting started with iOS development is easier. With its limited range of devices, it offers a more standardized environment.

App Approval Process

Understand the app approval processes for each platform. Apple’s App Store has a stringent consideration process that provides a certain level of quality and reliability. This process can delay app releases but contributes to a higher standard of apps available to users.

The submission process for the Google Play Store is generally more lenient, leading to quicker app releases. Yet, the platform’s openness also increases the chances of encountering apps of lower quality.

User Experience and Design Guidelines

iOS provides a more even user experience due to the limited number of device models. Apple’s design guidelines are strict, ensuring a unified and polished look for iOS apps.

Android offers more flexibility in terms of customization but requires developers to adapt to different design guidelines based on the manufacturer and device.

Global Presence

Consider the regional market share of each platform. If your target audience is global, it’s important to be aware of the dominant platform in different regions.

Long-Term Support and Updates

Assess the long-term support and update policies of each platform. iOS devices typically receive updates simultaneously, ensuring a consistent user experience. The diverse ecosystem of Android may result in varying timeframes for updates to reach all devices.

Bottom Line

There is no clear answer to the question of which OS is better for app development. If you want to make an app for iOS and Android, you should take into account various factors such as target audience, monetization goals, and development costs.

Ultimately, the decision should align with the specific objectives and priorities of the app and its intended users.

As both platforms continue to grow and mature, staying informed about the latest trends and statistics is essential for making well-informed decisions in the dynamic landscape of mobile development.

At SCAND, we develop both custom iOS and custom Android app development services. To discuss your project, leave a request – we look forward to bringing your innovative ideas to life!