Oct 2022
If you’re looking to build a custom application, there are many different questions to ask an iOS app development company.
Still, one of the most common questions we receive about the development process is whether we recommend building both iOS and Android versions of an app simultaneously or just one at a time. And if app development for each platform occurs at different times, should iOS development or Android development come first?
We touch on this question in Chapter 3 of our book InspiringApps: A Business Perspective on Building Mobile Apps. In this article, we’ll provide more insight into this debated topic.
When feasible in mobile app development, we recommend picking a single platform to start with rather than developing for both simultaneously. You may not have that luxury if you’re developing an app to release to consumers who all need to have the mobile app at the same time—perhaps in conjunction with a film or other product release.
However, approaching one platform at a time in the development process can provide some benefits as you learn from your experience and user feedback on the first platform.
Unless a mobile app is straightforward, it will undergo several iterations before offering the desired experience. Trying to manage learnings across both iOS devices and Android devices takes work. A focused approach allows the feedback and refinements from the first platform to facilitate quicker mobile app development on the second platform, saving both time and money in producing across mobile devices.
When advising customers whether to focus on Android development or iOS app development first, we consider these factors to help guide the decision.
You may find an industry bias for operating systems (OS) that affects your project. For instance, we found iOS devices more prevalent in medical applications, while Android app development seems more prevalent in construction.
If you don’t have industry insight, try checking your website’s analytics to determine user platforms. Trends might help decide what type of platform may be best suited.
You can also use sites like Mixpanel to discover applications and software more suited to that platform. If one platform is used far more than the other, you know a preference exists and should develop accordingly.
Likewise, depending on the market you are serving, age-related differences affect whether you should focus on iOS app development or Android app development first.
For app developers who intend to produce mobile applications for the general public and do not know the OS preference of their target audience, these market considerations may provide some guidance:
Android devices have captured most of the global market share for many years. Google provides free and open-source software manufacturers can install on their smartphone devices. Android developers are at an advantage in many markets because of the large number of Android users and the lower cost of Android devices to consumers.
Unquestionably, Android is the world’s most popular smartphone OS. However, Apple has a powerful brand, particularly in the US, where Apple’s ecosystem, stable OS, and device durability enable iOS to keep large numbers of active and premium smartphone users.
Apple has a remarkable track record of getting iOS users to upgrade to current versions of its OS, whereas Android adoption is much slower:
Apple handles the distribution of its iOS updates exclusively. Developing for and supporting fewer OS versions on Apple devices leads to quicker builds, faster testing, and more direct support in the long run for iOS developers.
Google only gives direct updates to its products, like the Pixel series. Other manufacturers like Samsung must first get the update from Google and optimize it for Android devices before sending it to Android users. Some mobile carriers also go through updates before distribution, too. Android developers may have to deliver more app fixes as a result.
In the app development world, getting an app out quickly and easily is crucial for its success and reach. However, when choosing between Android and iOS platforms, speed of development and publishing are less “cut-and-dry” factors.
Android’s pros and cons center around its flexibility.
Speed and ease of publishing represent a pretty even playing field between Android and iOS.
To help navigate the differences and complexities in more detail, check out the Complete Guide to the App Store & Google Play. This free guide provides step-by-step direction and best practices on Android and iOS platforms.
Cost and profit will vary depending on the type and complexity of the app you’re developing; still, Android apps are generally more expensive to create than iOS apps are for iPhones. Overall, Android users tend to favor free apps and spend less on in-app purchases than iOS users, which can lead to higher sources of profit on iOS, not accounting for market differences.
When developing an app, choosing between iOS and Android platforms is important. This decision can greatly impact the success and profitability of your app. To make the best choice, we recommend taking the time to familiarize yourself with the nuances of native, hybrid, and cross-platform development before diving into app development.
Like an artist considering each brushstroke on a canvas, creating an app requires careful planning. If you have questions, consider contacting a trusted, experienced app development partner like InspiringApps.
Have an idea? We help clients bring ideas to life through custom apps for phones, tablets, wearables, and other smart devices.
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