Enter your contact details and one of our friendly team member will be in touch soon!.
With 90% of a smartphone user's time spent on mobile apps, businesses have a tremendous opportunity to grab some of that attention with great apps.
However, choosing the right platform to launch your app isn't always straightforward, especially if you're short on budget and resources.
To narrow down your options, we will take a closer look at the two most popular operating systems for mobile apps: iOS and Android.
You will find the differences between Android and iOS app development, along with their pros and cons, so you can make a swift decision.
Here's a breakdown of technical distinctions that will impact your app development process:
Both platforms have awesome toolkits, but Android offers ease of use with a simpler setup and a super user-friendly interface.
Meanwhile, iOS development tools require a deeper understanding of the Apple development environment. If you don't possess the technical know-how, consider hiring an experienced iPhone app development agency.
Android's official IDE, Android Studio, is a feature-packed development and debugging tool that works across different platforms. Plus, the toolkit is notable for generating app variations for multiple devices in a flash.
On the other hand, XCode, Apple's official IDE, has a comprehensive zone for coding, testing, and debugging iOS apps. It's well integrated with the whole Apple ecosystem, letting developers utilise the cool iOS features.
This parameter can vary depending on your project's complexity and team expertise.
Simple apps with basic features are naturally faster to develop compared to complex ones on either platform.
But the overall timeline is also impacted by factors like coding languages and application architecture.
For Android, Kotlin's conciseness likely leads to faster development compared to the old reliable Java.
However, many developers have already mastered Java, so the Android app development timeline can be quicker.
In contrast, fragment complexity can also prolong development time, with developers having to manage numerous activities.
Meanwhile, the primary language for iOS development is Swift. It requires less coding, making it a developer's dream for speedy development.
Additionally, iOS uses view controllers, which keep things streamlined compared to Android's split-up architecture. That said, complex apps with tons of screens and features can still take a while on iOS.
In the following section, we will compare the pros and cons to help you choose between the two mobile operating systems.
Massive reach: Android holds 72.2% share of the global mobile operating system market. Plus, its popularity among budget-concise Asian users makes it an even more attractive choice.
Exceptional device compatibility: Unlike iOS, Android supports a diverse ecosystem of smartphones and tablets from various manufacturers. Furthermore, you can create apps that adapt to different screen sizes and resolutions easier with Android Studio.
Cost-effective: Developing an Android app is often more affordable, because it has a larger pool of developers offering competitive rates. Many tools for Android are also free or open-source.
Multiple distribution channels: Google Play Store and alternative marketplaces like Amazon Appstore for Android offer extensive distribution options, unlike the more restricted iOS App Store.
Customisability: Android allows for greater customisation with custom ROMs. These can alter the look and feel of your app to specific preferences or regional needs.
| If Android apps sound like the perfect option, consider teaming up with a reliable Android app development company like Intelivita to streamline the process. |
Security concerns: iOS is well-known for its closed, secure system. On the other hand, Android's open-source nature offers more customisation, but it also requires extra vigilance regarding security.
Testing across devices: While Android's diversity is great for reaching a broad audience, it also means more testing is required. There is a wider range of screen sizes, resolutions, and versions from many brands compared to iOS.
User spending habits: On average, Android users spend less than iOS users. However, this doesn't imply a lower Return on Investment (ROI). The key is to focus on creating a valuable app that users love and will keep coming back to. Plus, monetisation strategies can be effective with a well-designed Android app.
Faster development: iOS development is typically much faster due to fewer devices and standardised hardware. Swift's streamlined nature and iOS's controlled environment also contribute to a quicker learning curve.
Strong security features: All iOS devices have robust built-in security, extending to apps. Moreover, the closed nature of iOS and Apple's strict App Store review process enhance app security by limiting malware and malicious apps.
Fewer tests: With a limited number of devices and a slower update cycle compared to Android, iOS development requires less testing on various configurations. This frees up developer time to focus on building an exceptional app.
Loyal fan base: Apple has a massive user base in developed nations, including the UK. They're also known to be loyal spenders, making them a lucrative market for developers.
Higher entry costs: Publishing apps on the App Store requires an annual developer fee from Apple, and hardware investment is generally higher compared to Android development.
Development limitations: iOS's closed nature restricts access to certain hardware features compared to Android's more open approach.
App Store tightrope: Apple's review process is known to be lengthy and iterative. In addition, their strict guidelines can limit creativity and hinder some features.
iOS and Android app development have their own advantages and drawbacks, so it boils down to your personal preferences.
If you're still not sure whether to launch a mobile app on Android or iOS, contact us today and we'll explain the pros and cons in more detail.
We'll also give you the estimated timeline and cost for each project type, so you can decide better.
Request a Call Back
