The Difference Between iOS App Development vs. Android App Development

Regarding app development, there are two choices in terms of operating systems. Referring to a broader market, separation exists among app users. On the one hand, millions of people use Android as their primary choice. On the other hand, some people prefer iOS as the core operating system. Keeping that in mind, software development companies, as well as firms engaging in mobile app development, always have a two-fold choice, either iOS or Android. 

While understanding which choice is better, there are different points of comparison. The more evidence you have on both frameworks, the more accurate the decision one can make. Here, we’ve collected all the data needed to understand the difference between iOS app development and Android app development. Equipped with the knowledge, you’ll be able to make the correct decision when choosing your app development project.  

iOS vs. Android: Market Comparison

As a starting point of comparison between iOS and Android, it is crucial to offer more insights into each system. It will grant a broader perspective on what companies get a chance to work from.

What is an Android app? What framework is behind Android apps? Answering these questions depends on understanding several key insights into the Android operating system. It is considered to be the largest installed base among different mobile platforms. Hundreds of millions of mobile devices are powered by Android, and people from more than 190 nations use them. Following the evidence, Android has conquered about 71% of the global market share. The features that differentiate Android from other operating systems revolve around user-friendliness, flexibility, customization, and compatibility. 

What is iOS app development software? What is the iOS operating system, and why is it so popular? It is an operating system developed by Apple. Such prominent products like iPhone and iPad use the iOS operating system. While Android dominates the market and creates appeal through customization and compatibility, iOS emphasizes a closed-sourced system, exclusivity, and high quality. Essentially, products using iOS are usually more expensive than those using other operating systems. Yet, they offer a better design and often a higher production quality. 

After establishing the initial understanding of iOS and Android, it is time to explore various factors determining the market comparison between the two elements. Respectively, the guide list includes aspects like market share, cost of development, and some additional means to consider. 

Market Share

The numbers indicate that Android fully dominates the market, with iOS holding only 16% of smartphone users globally. The most staggering difference in market share is visible in Europe. For instance, in the United States, the market is divided almost equally between iOS and Android, with the former having a slighter dominance. In turn, in Europe and Asia, most people, 72% and 83% respectively, prefer Android to iOS. From such a perspective, one can offer the first important insight - if you focus on European and Asian markets, it is always better to develop products running on Android is always better.

Going further, when it comes to user demographics, the evidence shows that iOS users have higher incomes than Android users. Besides, most women users prefer iOS, while Android is more appealing to male demographics. Keeping all that in mind, understanding users and the existing market shares provides tremendous insights into which platform development system to use. 

Cost of Development

Another factor differentiating iOS and Android is development cost. The common opinion illustrates iOS app design software is generally more expensive than developing Android apps. 

When understanding the total cost of app development in both instances, one should suggest that the basic app requires about 300 hours of action, while the complex app can reach about 800 hours. Considering the average developer rates working with iOS and Android, the total cost for an iOS app is approximately $40,000 for a basic app and about $120,000 for a complex app. 

For Android, the numbers are $52,000 for a basic app and $145,000 for a complex app. As a result, the numbers do not support the common opinion. 

However, while you pay more for Android development, this operating system is compatible with a larger pool of devices and can be used across various third-party platforms. Respectively, development cost alone should not be the factor pointing toward iOS. There are some additional elements worth considering.
 

Other Factors

When it comes to understanding what aspects impact the cost of development in iOS and Android, it is crucial to explore elements that represent a different approach to the development process. In such a case, iOS and Android apps often differ in terms of the following:

• Testing. The general perception suggests that testing the iOS environment is faster than testing the Android. However, the latter has more realistic representations. 
• Updating. In terms of updating, for iOS and Android app development, there is different time to introduce updates. For iOS, it takes about two weeks; for Android, it can be a matter of hours.
• Engagement. Regarding engagement with a target audience, Android has a broader user base in general, while iOS experiences more engaged users.
• Revenue. iOS vs. Android apps depend on different revenue models. For instance, Android has a higher reliance on ad-supported apps. In turn, iOS focuses on purchases first and foremost.

Considering these factors shows the nature of the market perspective of each development platform. There are particular pros and cons for both Apple apps and Android apps. 

iOS App Development: Pros and Cons

When writing Apple applications, the ones running on iOS, developers expect particular benefits. In general, developing various apps is a good investment. Yet, to understand the difference between iOS app development and Android app development, it is crucial to explore the pros and cons of each approach. 

Advantages of iOS App Development

Starting with the benefits of mobile app development for iOS, there are the following aspects to consider:

• Enhanced security. Before iOS apps are available to a user, it proceeds with verification via App Store. Apple ensured high-grade security for its development products. It offers protection against data theft and data duplication. The system utilizes cloud data protection features to ensure iOS users have their sensitive information secure. The common inclination is that hacking an iOS-based app is much harder than hacking any other application, including Android. Enhanced security is one of the key aspects of large companies choosing iOS app development. 
• Improved user experience. Apple is well-known for its rich user experience. The company offers many iOS capabilities to meet user requests with software and hardware. Customer support is another major factor in ensuring a great user experience through iOS. The company offers various types of support throughout the entire application’s lifecycle, which results in iOS applications providing almost flawless performance. 
• Fewer updates are required. Unlike other platforms and operating systems, iOS does not need too many updates and versions to offer good performance. In such a case, for iOS, the saying “less is more” is what encapsulates its essence. Apple releases updates only once a year, with every further application meeting all the requirements of the current iOS version. Respectively, fewer updates mean less testing time required. As a result, considering updates and testing, marketers release iOS applications much faster. 
• Access to markets. One of the biggest advantages presented by iOS is its broad presence across various global markets. The evidence shows iOS have massive perspectives in the United States, Australia, and United Kingdom. The primary reason Apple with its iOS has access to wider markets stems from the fact that the company focuses on high quality. Almost all Apple apps are proven to have high quality. Factors like scalability and flexibility ensure iOS-based apps can quickly adapt to markets and environments with rapidly changing conditions. Respectively, using iOS allows companies to keep a competitive advantage. 
• Loyal users. Loyalty is often perceived to be a synonym for Apple users. It is no secret that people using Apple products are extremely dedicated to the brand. One can say that people who are used to iOS-running products will not be satisfied with any other operating system. As was shown above, iOS users are the ones with a higher income in comparison to people using Android. As a result, Apple users can afford to purchase Apple’s more expensive products than its competitors. 
• Rapid development process. Developing iOS apps takes less time than developing Android applications. Besides, it translates into fewer resources required and faster time-to-market. In such a case, iOS apps are the ones companies need to consider when looking for an immediate development process.
• Unified programming approach. Swift is the foundational programming language used in iOS app development. Using one particular language simplifies the entire process of coding. In contrast to Android, which uses Java, Swift is easier to handle. 
• Closed ecosystem. When dealing with iOS apps, one does not need the involvement of third-party resources. Apple uses standardized devices and operating systems. Users appealing to iOS often prefer the latest operating system version. It makes the process of app development much easier. In a closed ecosystem, every app should be adapted to the latest version and be ready for the next updates, the ones coming every year. 

These benefits serve as a primary reason many companies consider iOS the operating system to work with. In the age of diminishing security and protection of personal data, one can expect iOS to be an appealing option due to its enhanced security measures.

Disadvantages of iOS App Development

Regardless of all the benefits offered by iOS, there are particular issues to consider:

• Expensive support. Implementation and development of iOS in-app updates with further support is an expensive endeavor.
• Lack of broader compatibility. Developing iOS-based apps means being a part of a closed source, which presupposes the impossibility of using such apps in other operating systems.
• Problems with App Store reviews. When offering reviews on App Store, users might face a time-consuming process, which is entirely different from Google Play Store. 
• Limitations in configurations. iOS app development software has particular limitations, making it difficult to properly and timely configure it. 
• Authorization and approval process. After offering an iOS-based application, there is no guarantee that it will be authorized and approved in the App Store. With complex verification rules, it can be a massive challenge for app developers to get a product into the store.
• Shortening of the market. The Android-based market is booming, and Apple’s market share is falling. It means that demand-wise, developing iOS products is not a promising investment.

iOS app development is not a one-fits-all solution. Some particular pros and cons must be considered. Yet, developing an iOS-based app will offer particular advantages when done correctly. 

Android App Development: Pros and Cons

Pondering upon Android app development, there are certain moments to take into consideration. Even though Android market is booming, there are certain downsides to this type of app development experts need to know about. 

Upsides of Android App Development

When it comes to aspects many app development companies find appealing in Android, there are the following to consider:

• Seamless app acceptance process. As it was mentioned above, there are issues with the authorization and verification of apps trying to enter the App Store. The platform is very selective to new entrants. In turn, Google has a different method of quality assurance and app acceptance. There are main policies that app developers should not violate. If such policies are maintained Google’s review systems favor any new apps trying to enter Google Play Store. The approach used for Android apps allows companies with limited resources to offer their product to users, receive feedback, and update the product accordingly. One can say that Android and Google Play Store are more appealing to small companies and new users in comparison to Apple and its iOS.
• Independent hardware. When it comes to developing iOS apps, hardware is one of the key factors to consider. In contrast, Android apps do not need to be concerned about hardware at all. Developing Android apps relies on Java programming language, which presupposes it to be cross-platform. Besides, there are Android development tools one can apply to Linux, Windows, and even Mac OS.
• Core programming languages. Along with Java, Android app development depends on Kotlin. Java have existed for two decades and is considered to be in the top ten list of programming languages. It is cross-platform and object-oriented and is often broadly applied in FinTech and data analytics. There is a number of platforms and tools using Java, including desktop, Web, mobile, and IoT. Android developers use Java to offer software that can be used on a vast number of devices. In addition, Kotlin is an innovative coding approach on the foundation of Java. It is simple to use and requires short training to be adopted. 
• Integrated learning resources. One of the key advantages of Android app development is the fact Google offers its Android development training for people of different levels of expertise. Essentially, it means that you do not necessarily need to hire Android developers. You can have your developers learn new skills through the platform Google offers. It grants a more experienced developer as well as helps decrease the budget for app development. In addition, people who pass different levels of Android development receive Google Developers Certification. It is a viable way to check one’s expertise and credibility. 
• Flutter. This is Google’s latest SDK allowing developers to write native apps for both Android and iOS with a single codebase. With Flutter, Google creates a new programming style, one that does not need people to invest too much time in every given application. With the tool, you can develop several Android-based apps at the same time. 
• Android programmer. Android app development does not stop at developing phone apps only. Essentially, Android developers can use instruments to work in areas like the following:
  • Android TV.
  • Wear OS.
  • Android Auto.
  • Android Things.
  • Chrome OS Devices.

All the domains mentioned above appeal to a broad pool of customers. Besides, developers can design and customize apps that meet the criteria of various devices. With such an approach, Google uses Android as an operating system that can cover many consumer bases. 

The upsides of Android show the outreach of the system and paint the general direction in which Google moves with its software. It is all about getting as many users as possible and allowing new apps to enter the market as seamlessly as possible. 

Downsides of Android App Development

Similarly to iOS app development, Android app development does not have a recipe ensuring 100 percent success of an app development process. In such a context, there are particular downsides of the approach to consider:

• User’s purchasing patterns. Regardless of Android dominance in terms of users, there is a clear indication showing that spending on Google Play Store lags behind the purchases in App Store. The evidence shows that 60 percent of all mobile spending goes to App Store. It concerns both in-app purchases and app downloads. The reason for such a discrepancy lies in the fact that most paid apps in Google Play Store have free-of-charge alternatives. Besides, iOS users are the ones preferring to purchase in-app features and pay for apps in contrast to people who use Android. Here is where different demographics come to play with Apple users having higher income paying off.  
• Security problems. Often, Android’s open-source nature is a blessing for developers. There are almost no obstacles for new apps to emerge and hit the market. However, the downside to that is all about security concerns. There are millions of hacks targeting Android users on a weekly basis. Even though Google manage to rapidly address them and issue new patches, the problem is that Android users do not update their app regularly. It creates additional problems for developers, meaning they need to introduce complex encryption, which takes additional time to develop. 
• Adoption fragmentation. One of the key issues for Android is all about testing and updating. The report offered by Google suggests that most devices with Android still use the version of the operating system from 2014 and 2015. It creates additional performance and security issues. 
• Copyright issues. As it was mentioned before, Google accepts almost every new app to its Google Store. It means a company developing an app can design and release its Minimum Viable Product (MVP) much easier and faster compared to the App store. The problem with such an approach is that Google does not conduct good copyright checks. It means an app you offer might have content or features already used in a different application, which is a foundation for litigation. 

Weighting the pros and cons of Android, there are some definite points in favor of the operating system in the context of app development. However, one should not forget about the particular issues to consider in the process. 

App Store vs. Google Play Store

Much was said about Android and iOS. Besides, we’ve covered the surface of the topic of Google Play Store vs. App Store. Yet, plunging further into the topic, there are several more points to consider when determining which operating system to choose with the further inclination toward a particular platform to post a product on. 

1. Free and Paid. For both Google Play Store and App Store, 70 percent of revenues go to developers with 30 percent of revenues directed at the store. However, App Store appears to generate a higher number of shares thus collecting more revenue. Here, the point goes to App Store.
2. Description. When it comes to the reading more button, in Google Play Store, users tend to tap the button twice more in comparison to App Store. It means that Google Play Store offers a more functional app description design in contrast to App Store. Here, the point goes to Google Play Store.
3. Images. While using Google Play Store, users are 25 percent less likely to scroll down through the entire gallery of images. For the iOS gallery, showing images is the most prominent part of the design. Here, the point goes to App Store.
4. Video. Visiting App Store, people are 30 percent more likely to look through the posted videos in comparison to users of the Google Play Store. It is all because of shorter videos posted by Apple. Here, the point goes to App Store. 
5. Instant Apps. Google Play Store offers an option for push app installation. Such an option is not available for people using App Store. Here, the point goes to Google Play Store. 
6. Categorization. Google Play Store uses a more advanced system of categorization in comparison to App Store. It is going so far that Apple is trying to mimic’s Google system. Here, the point goes to Google Play Store.
7. Refunds and Reviews. Aspects like searching, reviewing, and refunding are much easier in Google Play Store than App Store. It makes the entire user experience more comfortable. Here, the point goes to Google Play Store.
8. Developer-friendly. In terms of developer-friendliness, Google Play Store is more user-friendly, while App Store has greater quality assurance features. Here, a point is divided between App Store and Google Play Store.
9. Security. As was mentioned before, App Store has a higher degree of security, authorization, and verification. From a standpoint of data protection, App Store is safer. Here, the point goes to App Store.

Putting all the aspects together, it is apparent that App Store leads in terms of design and security. In turn, Google Play Store dominates in terms of performance, categorization, and user-friendliness. Depending on the features you look for in the platform, you can choose between App Store. 

What about Cross-platform Development?

As we dive deeper into the Android vs. iOS development world, we must consider another practical approach: Cross-platform Development. This method, which involves creating compatible applications for both Android and iOS platforms, offers a unique blend of advantages and challenges.

Native vs. Cross-platform Development

Regarding app development, there are two primary approaches: native and cross-platform. Native Android development and iOS native app development involve creating applications specifically designed for a single platform, using the respective programming languages and development tools provided by each platform. On the other hand, cross-platform development for iOS and Android involves creating applications that can run on multiple platforms using a single codebase.

Pros & Cons of Cross-platform Development

Cross-platform development, the process of creating apps that run on multiple operating systems, has pros and cons.

Pros of Cross-platform Development

• Code Reusability. One of the most significant advantages of cross-platform development is the ability to reuse code across multiple platforms. This means developers can write the code once and deploy it on Android and iOS, reducing the time and effort required to create separate codes for each platform.
• Faster Development Time. Because of code reusability, the development time is significantly reduced. This allows for quicker deployment and time-to-market, providing a competitive advantage.
• Cost-Effectiveness. Cross-platform development can be more cost-effective than native development. Since one codebase is used for multiple platforms, it reduces the resources needed for separate development teams and tools, lowering development costs.

Cons of Cross-platform Development

• Performance Issues. Cross-platform apps may face performance issues due to the extra abstraction layer. They may not run as smoothly or as quickly as native apps, which can affect user experience.
• Compatibility Issues. Cross-platform apps may face compatibility issues with the latest platform updates. Since these apps are designed to work on multiple platforms, they may wait to support a specific platform's newest features or updates immediately.
• Access to Native APIs and Features. Cross-platform apps may have limitations in accessing native APIs and features. While many cross-platform frameworks offer access to native features, they may not support all features or provide the same level of functionality as native development.

While cross-platform development offers several advantages, such as code reusability and cost-effectiveness, it's essential to consider potential drawbacks like performance issues and limitations in accessing native APIs and features.

When Choose Cross-platform Development

Choosing between native and cross-platform development depends on several factors. Cross-platform development could be a viable option if your goal is to reach a wider audience across different platforms with a consistent app experience and you have limited resources. However, if performance, access to the latest native features, and providing a platform-specific user experience are your top priorities, native development might be the better choice.

Cross-platform development is a compelling alternative to native development, offering the ability to reach a broader audience with fewer resources. However, weighing the pros and cons and considering your specific project requirements and long-term goals is crucial before deciding on the best approach for your app development project.

Which One to Choose?

Choosing between iOS app development and Android app development is not an easy task. Essentially, choose iOS operating system if you looking for generating higher revenues per user, an easy development process, and enhanced data security. In the iOS environment, it is all about the ability to get revenues while offering a high-quality product that does not need frequent updates and complex development tools. What is more important, if you value security and data protection, iOS is your choice.

However, if your objective is to reach a broader audience, developer an app within tight deadlines, and have full customization control of a product, Android is the option to choose. Much more people use Android devices than iOS ones. Besides, working with Android-based systems ensures a higher degree of compatibility with different hardware, which creates an even greater appeal to users.

Final Remarks

Regardless of choosing iOS app development or Android app development, always consider the pros and cons of both. What is more important, the decision you make should directly depend on the target users and the business objectives you have. If you have a limited budget and tight deadlines, there is an inclination toward Android. If you want your app to be recognizable and secure, consider iOS. The key is to investigate both approaches from various angles and understand which one meets your needs.