Choosing between Android vs iOS is one of the biggest decisions to be made when developing a mobile app. Each of the platforms has its advantages, target audience, and way of development. While app development languages for both Android and iOS may differ, the difference between Android and iOS app development goes further than that. As an Android app developer using Android Studio for Android or an iOS developer using Swift, it is important to identify the best and worst concerning both platforms.
What is iOS App Development?
iOS app development means you are developing applications for Apple devices such as the iPhone and iPad, and the programming languages that are used for creating these applications are Swift and Objective-C. Apple’s official IDE, Xcode, is used by developers to write, test, and debug applications. The process can be streamlined by hiring an iOS developer.
There are strict guidelines for the iPhone app development that are imposed by Apple to guarantee the security and quality of any application. Before the apps are available on the App Store, they are required to pass Apple’s review. This makes the iOS application development more controlled as well as more reliable for users. An iOS app development company helps many businesses in developing professional-grade apps.
What is Android App Development?
Android app development is creating an app for Android devices such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. The official IDE used by developers for writing, testing and debugging apps is Android Studio software. The applications are developed in Java or Kotlin, and Android Studio for Android development provides an excellent environment for coding and designing the user interface. Android is an open-source operating system which gives it the flexibility and freedom of customization.
Android apps are distributed from the primary platform, which is Google Play Store. In contrast to iOS, third-party sources can be used to install an Android app. It provides developers with increased power over distribution. An Android app development company or an Android app development agency helps businesses create high quality applications. With many billions of users around the world, Android is still a top platform for mobile innovation.
Android App Development vs iOS App Development: Major Differences
The difference between iOS and Android extends beyond just software. Here’s a detailed comparison: 
1. Programming Language
Swift and Objective-C are used in iOS development to make coding easier and more efficient. Kotlin and Java are used in Android app dev, which enables it to be flexible and compatible while iOS application development is faster in Swift because of its concise syntax.
2. Development Tools (IDE)
For iOS mobile app development, Apple developers use Xcode. It supports UI design and debugging out of the box. Android Studio software, which is the one that Android developers use, gives better customization and emulator support to test the app on different devices.
3. App Store Fees
For the distribution of apps on the App Store, iOS app development companies need to pay $99 annually. A one time payment of $25 on Google Play is paid by Android app developers. As a result, making apps for Android is cheaper for startups and freelancers.
4. Customization & Flexibility
Customization is quite different in the case of Android development vs iOS. Android dev has the ability to deeply modify the user interface and integrate third-party applications. Creating iOS apps is highly regulated, and there is not much room for customization. Making an iOS app guarantees that the users will have a coherent and professional experience.
5. Market Reach & User Base
The target users are affected by the difference between Android & iPhone. Comparing iPhone users and Android users, it can be seen that Android has a wider reach across the globe, especially in developing countries.
6. Security & Privacy
Apple’s strict security policies are a boon to iOS mobile app development companies, which make the iPhone application developers build applications with advanced encryption and data protection. Due to the fact that Android is open-source and has a third party app store, Android mobile application development company experts face security challenges.
7. Revenue Generation
Why iOS better than Android? iOS apps generate more revenue through in-app purchases and subscriptions. Why Android is better than iPhone? Android apps get more downloads due to a larger audience. iOS app development is often more profitable for businesses.
Read More: 3rd Party App Stores Alternative for Android & iOS Users
Pros and Cons of Android App Development
Pros of Android App Development
- Wider Audience: According to Android users vs iPhone users statistics, Android is leading the global market. Businesses are able to access a diverse and larger user base by creating apps to run on an Android device.
- Customization: UI/UX design has greater flexibility on Android dev. It allows developers to integrate unique features and develop highly customized applications as against iOS mobile app development.
- Easier App Approval: The approval process on Google Play Store is faster and more flexible. Developers have much fewer restrictions to publish apps.
Cons of Android App Development
- Fragmentation Issues: Android app developers must make their applications compatible with different screens and different versions of the operating system. This can result in longer testing and debugging times, which is not the case with iOS mobile application development.
- Security Concerns: Security risks are higher in Android development vs iOS. Android being open-source, it is more susceptible to malware and unauthorized changes.
Pros and Cons of iOS App Development
Pros of iOS App Development
- Higher Revenue Potential: The reason iPhone app development makes more profit than Android app development is because iPhone users are more ready to spend money on in-app purchases compared to Android users.
- Better Security: Security measures in iOS mobile app development are strict. Apple’s closed system minimizes the risk of malware, thus making the transactions secure and the user information safe.
- Consistent UI/UX: Apple has set rules that must be followed to maintain consistency across devices. iOS application development has strict design guidelines that make the applications look better and are easier to use.
Cons of iOS App Development
- Limited Customization: Making an iOS app has a set of strict UI/UX rules. Because of Apple’s limitations, developers and businesses have limited design flexibility.
- Higher Development Costs: iPhone app developers need Mac devices and paid developer accounts. iOS app dev can be expensive due to premium tools and resources.
Android vs iOS App Development: Which Platform Should You Consider First?
Choosing between Android vs iOS depends on budget, target users, and business goals. Android mobile app development company professionals often suggest Android for broader reach. Android users vs iPhone users show different spending habits. iPhone users spend more, making iOS mobile application development ideal for revenue-driven apps.
Making apps for Android is easier due to faster approvals. Creating apps for iPhone ensures better security and user experience. If you want faster growth, start with Android. If you prefer higher profits, start with iOS application development. Many businesses eventually develop for both platforms.
FAQs
Q1. Which platform has more customization options?
Ans. Android development vs iOS shows that Android provides far more customization options, from UI design to background processes, due to its open-source nature.
Q2. Can I use one codebase for both iOS and Android development?
Ans. Yes, you can use frameworks like Flutter or React Native for cross-platform development. However, native Android Studio for Android and Xcode for iOS still provide better performance.
Q3. How do I decide whether to build an Android or iOS app first?
Ans. If your target audience consists of premium users and high spenders, build an iPhone app first. If you want broader reach and lower costs, build Android app first.
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Jitendra Jain
Jitendra Jain is the CEO and Co-founder of Inventcolabs. He is among the most endeavoring leaders in the space of advanced computing and information technology. He has been at the forefront of the tech innovation taking place at Inventcolabs, and his domain insights, ideas, and viewpoints on the latest IT trends and traits impact change through his words and works in motion.
