Mobile App Development: Choosing Between Android or iOS

The Platform Problem: Where to Start

The question of whether you should start developing for Android or iOS first always pop out if you are looking to develop mobile app for your business, or if you are a developer yourself.

Although the mobile app development industry is growing and moving fast, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to rush and attempt to simultaneously build mobile app for both platforms. In fact, it is often more favorable to choose one to start from. It is recommended to do so as in the mobile app development process, a lot of tweaking and fixing are involved, which makes it simpler to achieve the desired app experience on one platform first. Now, we can go on to the deciding factors of determining which platform to start on first.

Android or iOS?

We all knows that it’s not an easy task to single one out of the two platforms. Nor it is a wise solution to simply toss a coin and give in to the result. Therefore, here we present some factors that might be considered in choosing the right platform:

• Target market: Android have the largest global market share, with substantially more users in Asia and the majority of developing countries. So, if you are targeting that demographic, then android app development will be more appropriate. On the other hand, while iOS have less user, they tend to have higher income and education, as well as higher engagement. It comes down to whether you aim for breadth or depth.

• Functions: Will you include in-app purchase or direct charge for your app? If that is the case, then it might be preferable to start on iOS app development. Data from various studies shows that iOS users are more likely to make in-app purchase and generate more revenue than Android. But it doesn’t mean that you should scratch Android off your list. In fact, if you want more control over the hardware and software of your app, Android might be better as it allows more freedom in elements customization

• Cost: Generally speaking, the costs of building app for Android and iOS are similar. However, difference in the cost will occur when you need to design for more number of devices that use Android. At the same time, however, it also means that you can reach wider audience.

After all, choosing the right platform to develop your first mobile app depends a lot on the purpose and goal you want to achieve. However, due to demographics, cost, and engagement, many developers usually start with the iOS platform first. One of the most prominent example for this case is Instagram, which was launched on iOS 2 years before it was made available for Android platform.

Hope this article helps!