Everyone, from your nine-year-old nephew to your ninety-year-old grandmother, has a different opinion about which operating system is superior, iOS or Android app development services.

When creating your own app, you must set aside your personal prejudices, even if you may have preferences for certain platforms.

Instead, you must be guided by the preferences of your user base if you want to give your app (and business) the best chance of success.

To assist you in deciding which platform you feel most comfortable putting your money in, we’ll go over more macro and micro considerations in this article. You won’t go far wrong, though, if you keep users in mind.

Let’s get started.

Android: What is it?

Google created the Android smartphone operating system. Android is the operating system used by the majority of smartphone manufacturers, including Samsung, Motorola, Huawei, and OnePlus. The platform is renowned for being open-source and for the customization it offers its developers.

Although the Google Play Store is the primary location for launching Android apps, you may also do it on the Amazon App Store and other places.

What is iOS?

Apple created iOS, a mobile operating system that is renowned for its slick design and easy interaction with the Apple ecosystem. iOS is only compatible with Apple-developed devices, such as the iPhone and iPad. The Apple App Store is where you may start your iOS app.

Android or iOS: Factors to Consider

1. Market Share

The market share of Android and iOS in smartphones is 70.1% and 29.2%, respectively. However, iOS has been gradually gaining ground on Android, which in 2018 held a 77% market share compared to iOS’s 20%.

The low starting price of Android devices is a major factor in the platform’s significant market dominance. These days, an Android device can be purchased for as little as $99.

However, purchasing an iPhone costs between $599 and $1599 because it is seen as a luxury product.

Android is without a doubt the market leader in mobile phones, with more than three billion active users. Android should thus be your top priority if you want to develop an app that will allow you to target a larger audience.

2. Demographics of users

The demographics of iOS and Android users differ significantly.

iOS users are often richer than Android users, which tend to draw a wider range of demographics, including those from lower income categories.

A research claims that iPhone users spend up to seven times as much money on applications and make up to 40% more money than Android phone owners.

Apple customers are more engaged and spend nine more hours a month in front of a screen than Android users, in addition to having a better socioeconomic standing.

Apple should be your operating system of choice if maximizing in-app purchases is your main concern.

3. Geography

Both iOS and Android have distinct geographic spheres of impact that differ from one nation to the next.

With a greater market share, iOS app development services continues to hold sway in industrialized nations like the US, UK, and Japan. Strong brand loyalty and more disposable money are the causes of this.

However, because of its price, Android is also well-liked in emerging nations like China, India, Brazil, and Southeast Asia.

If your company is based in a certain nation, you should find out which operating system is most popular there.

4. Adaptability and personalization

The development frameworks and app design philosophies used by iOS and Android are very different.

Android is an open-source platform that gives app developers a lot of customization and flexibility possibilities. More control over the appearance and functionality of the app is typically granted to developers. They are able to develop original features and user interface (UI) elements.

iOS, on the other hand, takes a more standardized and organized approach. Flexibility and customization choices are limited since the developers must adhere to stringent design requirements and development frameworks.

This might be either a benefit or a drawback, depending on your needs. Choose Android if you want a highly customized app. Nonetheless, Apple’s stringent rules guarantee a flawless user experience with your app.

iOS vs Android Development: Which Platform Should You Choose?

User population

Well, this isn’t surprising. Finding out which platform your target audience prefers should be your top priority.

To achieve this, you must take into account your target audience’s age, occupation, geography, and behavior.

For example, consider Android if you’re developing an app for a younger audience in developing nations, as they might not have access to pricey iPhones.

Go with iOS, nevertheless, if you’re targeting professionals or wealthy clients, who value a refined user experience and are willing to pay more for it.

At the same time, choose iOS if you’re based in a developed nation. On the other hand, Android is the better choice if you’re operating in a poor country.

Strategy for Monetization

 Despite the fact that there are several approaches to app monetization, you must choose which one is most effective for your app.

 Because iOS consumers spend seven times as much money on applications as Android users do, iOS often performs better in terms of in-app purchases (IAPs).  For example, because they charged for their services, Uber and Airbnb initially began on iOS.

 On the other hand, you may easily earn money through in-app ads (IAA) due to Android’s vast user base.  For example, Candy Crush Saga and Temple Run gained a lot of users because they were the first to be released for Android.

App type

Which platform you should choose depends greatly on the kind of app you’re creating.

You may offer your Android app as a free or freemium app if you’re developing a gaming, social media, music streaming, or content sharing app where a high user base increases your potential revenue.

for the other hand, you may release a paymium or premium app for iOS if you’re developing a productivity app, e-commerce app, video streaming app, or software that addresses a specific need for your consumers.

Experience of the user

When deciding between iOS and Android, this must be the most important consideration.

Android is the platform of choice if giving people functionality and flexibility is more important to you than creating a better product. With the additional customization choices it provides, you may design an app that is specific to the requirements and tastes of your users.

Choose iOS if providing a better user experience, flawless design, and a well-rounded product are your top priorities. iOS will keep your consumers coming back for more because of the consistent user experience across devices.

Conclusion

When deciding whether to create an app for iOS or Android, it is crucial to keep the demands of your consumers in mind. However, this may not always be simple.

Having a 50/50 user base makes this decision much more difficult and makes it seem like you’re in a lose-lose situation.

You may work with the best mobile app development company to create apps for both of these platforms at once, or just one of them. This enables you to enjoy all of iOS’s and Android’s advantages.