iOS vs Android development: Which platform should you choose?

iOS vs Android development: Which platform should you choose?

Android Vs iOS Development in e-Commerce: What to Choose First?

Each year, mobile apps generate billions of dollars in revenue globally.

If Shakespeare were alive today and embarking on an eCommerce app startup, we may well hear him lament, “to be iOS or Android, that is the question.”

“Is there a difference between choosing one over the other?

If so, what are the advantages?

With these crucial questions in mind, we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of both platforms and then discuss the differences between iOS and Android development. But, first, let’s examine the hard facts.

Global Market Share: iOS Vs Android

As of the 3rd quarter of 2023, Android claimed the top spot as the leading mobile operating system worldwide, with a market share of 70.5 percent. Meanwhile, Apple’s iOS had a market share of 28.8 percent during the same period.

So it’s settled?… develop on Android first! Well, no, it’s a little more nuanced.

Despite having such a much smaller global market share, Apple has managed to lead in a few key countries, for example, the US mobile market share looks like this:

iOS: 54.42%
Android: 45.25%

In the UK:

iOS 56.14%
Android 43.38%

Many apps seem to be released on iOS first because their audience tends to spend more money, making iOS the most popular choice for startups. So, develop on iOS first? Well, no, it’s still more complicated.

Android is used more broadly worldwide because price points are much lower, and it is commonly used in developing countries. With that said, some apps can perform exceptionally well in these areas; for example, education apps worldwide are extremely popular in India. So, your audience is a major factor to consider.

Let’s now compare both platforms head to head.

iOS:

Advantages:

Higher user spending: iOS users typically spend more on apps than Android users, making iOS a potentially more lucrative platform for e-commerce businesses.
Stringent app review process: Apple’s rigorous app review process ensures that iOS apps are high quality and offer a consistent user experience.
Strong brand loyalty: iOS users are known for their brand loyalty, providing a stable and engaged user base for e-commerce apps.

Disadvantages:

Smaller market share: Android holds a larger global market share than iOS, potentially limiting your app’s reach.

Higher development costs: iOS development is generally more expensive due to Apple’s stringent guidelines and proprietary programming language, Swift.

Limited customization: iOS offers less customization flexibility than Android, potentially restricting your app’s design and functionality.

Android:

Advantages:

Larger market share: Android holds a dominant global market share, providing access to a broader audience.
Lower development costs: Android development is generally less expensive due to its open-source nature and flexibility in programming languages.
Greater customization: Android offers more flexibility for customization, allowing you to tailor your app to specific user needs and preferences.

Disadvantages:

Lower user spending: Android users typically spend less on apps than iOS users, potentially affecting revenue generation.
Device fragmentation: Android’s open nature leads to device fragmentation, making optimizing your app for every device variation challenging.
Less stringent app review process: Android’s app review process is less stringent than iOS’s, which could lead to lower-quality apps in the Google Play Store.

The difference between iOS and Android development

Considerations for Choosing a Platform:

Target Audience: If your target audience primarily consists of iOS users, developing for iOS first might be more beneficial. Conversely, Android might be a better choice if you’re targeting a broader audience.
Budget: Android development might be more cost-effective if you have a limited budget. However, if you have more resources, iOS could provide a higher return on investment.
App’s Functionality: Android might be a better fit if your app requires extensive customization or relies on specific hardware features. If your app focuses on user experience and integration with other Apple products, iOS would be best.

Pro tip

Seek Expert Advice: Consult with experienced mobile app developers to gain insights and guidance specific to your app’s requirements.

Final thoughts

To wrap up, any features you propose, design suggestions, and platform decisions you make should be informed by research. 

Deciding whether to develop your app for iOS or Android first is a crucial step in launching your product. Both platforms offer unique advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to consider your target audience, budget, and app’s functionality before deciding.

You’ll need to thoroughly understand your market and industry, as this will inform your research at every step. 

Some businesses prefer iOS over Android as a starting point, but every situation is different. For help deciding which platform to use or discussing your idea for an app, reach out to us to connect with app developers.

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