Key Differences Between Android and iOS App Development
Have you ever faced a situation where you had to decide between Android or iOS development?
Both are highly beneficial for development as they enhance customer experience and engagement. Even after knowing all the benefits you must surely be confused about whether to choose iOS or Android development.
According to the research results given by Statista, we have come to know that in the first quarter of 2024, the Android development market has reached a market share of 70.7% and iOS development has reached around 28.5%.
The most important and challenging task for a small and big company is to choose the right development partner. Moreover, if you have a target market that uses both Android and iOS apps, then you must consider cross-platform application development.
Still in dilemma about which one to choose from both the operating system, this blog will help you understand the major differences between Android and iOS development.
What is an Android App Development?
Developing apps for Android devices is known as Android app development. To develop a dedicated Android operating system you need a dedicated team. There are various languages used to build an Android application, to build such an application you can use languages like Java, C++, Kotlin, and JavaScript.
To build an Android application learn the top 8 Android app development fundamentals.
Android apps developed by a dedicated developer can easily be used on different platforms like wearables, smartphones, tablets, and smart devices developed by Google. These apps provide various features and benefits to the users. In the whole world, there are around 75% of Android users.
As a result, of this ratio, it has been identified that Android app development is experiencing a significant rise. To build a perfect Android app you must consider connecting with a leading Android mobile app development company.
What is an iOS App Development?
iOS apps are dedicated to building Apple products like iPads, iPhones, and iWatch. So, the process of developing an application that works on these devices is dedicatedly known as iOS app development. These applications are developed by iOS developers using different programming languages like Objective C and Swift and tools like Apple’s iOS SDK and Xcode.
iOS app development can be beneficial in various factors like a dedicated user base, ease of use, access to the app store, timely OS updates, and sharing capabilities. Moreover, iOS apps are world-famous for one factor which is security.
However according to stats the number of iOS users is less than Android users. Well, you will be surprised to know that instead of a low number of users, it generates 85% more revenue than Android applications.
List of Key Differences Between Android and iOS App Development
Android and iOS apps don’t only sound different by their names, but it is also different in various aspects. Continue reading this blog, to know about the differences.
Programming Languages
The first and foremost difference between the operating systems is between their programming language and the tools that are used for app development. For the development of Android apps, you can use languages like Kotlin and Java and for iOS you must use Swift and Objective-C. You can also select the best languages for iOS app development.
In the current scenario, Kotlin has become the preferred language choice for people due to its robust and scalable nature. For iOS development, most of the developers use Swift programming language as it is compact and allows developers to perform operations with less coding.
However, if a client doesn’t want to choose a single platform they can either go with a cross-platform application that works well on both the Android and iOS systems.
Development Process Complexity
Another major difference between Android and iOS app development is complexity. Developing Android applications is more complicated than iOS app development as it only requires development for models, screen sizes, and device manufacturers.
iOS developers only have to build apps for Apple devices while Android developers have to create apps for every device and model on the Android platforms. Therefore, we can say that iOS app development is less complicated than Android development.
Application Security
iOS apps are highly secured as compared to Android apps as they come with a close ecosystem that follows all the guidelines required by the Apple app store.
Android is an open-source platform that can tend to face challenges like higher malware risk and fragmentation, which require thorough testing and security updates. To ensure security measures in the Android application you need to integrate multiple third-party applications.
Moreover, to protect sensitive data iOS app developers use security practices like encryption and obfuscation. If an app doesn’t follow all the given security guidelines there are high chances that will be rejected by the app store.
Android and iOS App Design
User interface design is the biggest difference between Android and iOS App Development. The interface of both platforms is very different and it is visible to the users. The difference in design is due to the operating systems and various reasons are listed below:
- iOS app design and always simple it does not allow the creation of a very complex design. Simplicity in this design is visible in the restrained color scheme, easy navigation, number of navigation elements, and simple shapes.
- In Android app development, designers can use animated design, and have the flexibility of using vibrant colors, and complex interface solutions.
The difference in both the operating system designs is easily recognizable by the users. So, if you make even a small eros in the design users can easily catch it and it puts a wrong impression on your design capabilities and in the enhancement of the user experience.
User Demographics
iOS users are comparatively fewer in number than Android users. They belong to a specific region like developed countries. iOS users end up spending more money on in-app purchases than Android users. However, Android developers are usually available in developing countries and they are not willing to spend a lot of money on app subscriptions and more.
App Store Approval
App Store approval is quite easy in the Android operating system as it doesn’t require you to follow complex guidelines. In the case of the Apple app store the process becomes more complex and rigorous as iOS apps go through a thorough review process which takes longer time than usual. Make sure that every project is different we are only talking about the averages.
Moreover, learn about 5 Proven Strategies Of iOS Development Applied By Top Companies.
Pros and Cons of Android App Development
Now, you must have learned about the difference between both operating systems, in this section you will get to explore the pros and cons of selecting an Android app development:
The Pros:
- There are various advantages of Android app development but the most famous one is its open-source nature.
- The open-source platform showcases that developers can customize the features and functionalities based on the project requirements.
- Third-party libraries and other apps can easily be integrated without any additional cost.
- A deep level of functionality can be accessed in Android development.
- Another important effect of Android app development is that it is easily accessible on all devices.
- Android has a larger market share than iOS users, so it is beneficial to think about Android development.
- Developing Android applications is comparatively simpler than iOS applications due to the Software development kit. SDK is a combination of tools like libraries, emulators, frameworks, and debuggers that are used for developing Android apps. This tool is being used to speed up the development process and eliminate code redundancy.
Now, let’s look at some of the drawbacks of using Android app development.
Cons:
- The open source which is the best advantage of adopting Android is also considered as its drawback. Now, let’s look at why it is considered a disadvantage. Open source leads to device fragmentation, which makes testing and developing an app a more costly method.
- Monetization apps also face difficulties in Android applications, as Android OS is less likely to spend money on apps. Additionally, you must have noticed that whenever you use an Android app you can always come across ads that can be annoying sometimes.
- For developing Android applications, developers have to write long code as compared to iOS applications.
- Android apps are less secure than iOS apps due to its open-source nature.
Pros and Cons of iOS App Development
Similar to that of the Android application, in this section we will talk about the pros and cons of iOS application development. The most significant pros and cons of development are the ability to create innovative products and high cost. Read further to get a detail on this.
The Pros
First, we will discuss the benefits of choosing an iOS app development.
Generate High Revenue
It has been examined that iOS users are more likely to spend money on in-app purchases rather than Android users. Though iOS users are fewer in number but belong to a solvent category of the world.
Consistent UX
iOS apps developed by iOS developers are popular in the market for their quality and consistent design. This shows that iOS maintains its performance standards across all devices. These apps are smooth and look great to the users and for developers, it provides well-defined rules and regulations for development.
Swift development
Most of the iOS apps are developed using the Swift programming language as it requires developers to write a short code and it is compact. With the help of this language, iOS apps can be easily and quickly developed.
Improves Security System
Apple devices provide a high level of security to customers as they operate under a closed ecosystem and do not allow third-party app integrations. iOS apps are developed by keeping in mind the security measures of the users.
With benefits, every platform has some major drawbacks as well. Look at the cons of considering iOS app development.
Cons
Difficult to Get an Apple App Store Approval
Getting app approval from the Apple App Store is very difficult as it has to go through a complex review process. Due to its complex nature, this process can be very time-consuming.
Difficult to Customize App
For the customization and designing process, apple has various well-defined sets of rules that needs to followed. This has made the customizing process difficult in Apple devices.
Highly Expensive
Tools and platforms used for developing iOS apps are generally expensive, which has also led to an increase in the cost of iOS app development. Following all the guidelines set by Apple and ensuring high quality also adds to an additional cost.
By looking at the pros and cons of both the operating system you must be in a position to select whether you should go with Android or iOS app development. If you are still unable to make any decision read further to know, how to decide which is the best platform for your project. You can also check the latest trends in the iOS app market.
Android vs iOS development which one to choose?
For your business, we can help you choose the right operating system. While selecting an operating system you are sure to encounter multiple factors given below:
- If you want to reach the market audience quickly be sure to consider iOS app development solutions.
- Now, research your target audience you want to reach a large number of think without a doubt you should go with Android app development. However, if your target audience belongs to developed countries ensure to go with iOS apps.
- Now, you should also look at the features and functionalities you want to integrate, if you want major modifications consider Andoird app development.
- The most important aspect is the revenue goal. iOS users are more likely to spend money on in-app purchases than Android users, so if you want to generate more revenue go with iOS app development. You can also seek help from an iOS app development company to create a smoothly functioning application.
Final Words
Choosing a single platform between Android and iOS development is a complex task. This blog has covered all the major differences between Android and iOS that will help you make a better decision. You can consider all the factors listed in this blog when selecting the best platform for your company.
Compared to iOS development, Android app development is easier because you don’t have to go by company rules and regulations. Due to the high usage of an Android application, it can help you reach more people.
As you must have noticed in this blog, both the platforms have their pros and cons, now the decision is dependent on the factors listed above. You can connect with expert mobile app development company like DianApps to build a seamless mobile app for your business.