iOS Vs Android: Choosing The Best Platform For Your Mobile App

Mobile apps have become more of a necessity than a novelty lately. Business who don’t have an app are losing out on valuable business. Mobile applications make life easier and more interesting so it’s not surprising that the competition between iOS and Android is rife.

Choosing the right platform to design for first can be challenging, not only for yourself but for mobile app developers too. While you want your application to be available for everyone, it isn’t possible to develop a one size fits all app. Different platforms require different development software. But, you have to start somewhere, so it would be worth it to look at your target audience – which platform they tend to use – and the pros and cons of each platform.  This way, you’ll be able to make an informed decision.

IOS PROS

1. Shorter development time. Because iOS apps are developed on Swift and only operate on iPads and iPhones, the development time is pretty short.
2. More affordable to develop. Shorter development times mean more affordable costs.
3. Higher paid users. Developed countries have more iPhone users who are willing to spend on paid applications.

IOS CONS

1. Development limited to Mac. If you are an app developer who wants to develop for all platforms, you’ll need to invest in a Mac.
2. High app rejection rate. Only the best will do for Apple which is why they use humans for performance testing, resulting in a high rejection rate.
3. Launching an app is expensive. Apple charges a once-off rate as well as an annual fee of $99 compared to Androids once-off $25.

ANDROID PROS

1. More users. Android has the advantage of affordability which means they have more users worldwide.
2. You don’t need a Mac to develop an app. Android can be developed on all computers.
3. Low app rejection rate. Due to automated performance testing, the rejection rate is much higher.
4. It’s more affordable to launch an app in the Play Store. As we’ve mentioned before, it will cost you $25 once off.

ANDROID CONS

1. Takes longer to develop. Because Android is available on a variety of tablets and smartphones, development times are longer.
2. More expensive to develop. The average Android app costs 30% more to develop than an iOS app.

There isn’t a wrong or a right platform to choose first. It all comes down to preference and which platform your target audience is more likely to use. Whichever one you choose, speak to the team at Netgen for expert app development service.