iOS vs Android. Which Platform to Choose For App Development?
In today’s world, mobile apps have become an integral part of everyday life, and their development plays a key role in the success of a business. However, one of the first and most important tasks for developers and companies is choosing a platform to build apps on. Two industry giants, iOS and Android, offer their own unique advantages. How do you choose?
In this article, we will assess the key differences between iOS and Android to help you make an informed decision, especially in the context of custom application engineering – an approach aimed at creating solutions that perfectly meet the needs of users.
iOS vs Android: Key Differences
Despite the fact that the names of these operating systems are constantly on everyone’s lips, not everyone knows what their characteristics are and how they differ. Entrepreneurs who want to order an application need to delve into these nuances.
Android is an operating system developed on the Linux kernel. It runs not only smartphones but also tablets, TVs, game consoles, smart watches, and other devices. This platform has an open-source code, which means that an advanced user can modify the device as they wish. Google, which owns the system, often updates and upgrades Android.
iOS is an operating system created by Apple for its products. It cannot be installed on other devices. It also has a closed source code, which means that you cannot customize it for yourself. Apple often updates its operating system, fixes errors, and improves functions.
In fact, there are many more differences between these systems. Let’s look at them:
- Availability. The Android system can be installed on a smartphone of almost any brand — Xiaomi, Samsung, and Nokia. Exceptions are Apple and Microsoft. However, the iOS platform is intended only for Apple products.
- Security. As a rule, hackers attack the Android system more often. Smartphones on it are hacked 15-47 times more often than iPhones. This is due to the fact that Android can download applications from third-party sources, while Apple devices only support downloading from the AppStore. Users download malicious applications from the Internet and infect the system with viruses.
- Distribution. Due to the fact that Android can be installed on different smartphone models, this system is much more widespread than iOS. According to Statсounter, the market share of Android is 71.77%, while iOS has only 27.77%.
- Ease of use. iOS is considered simpler and more convenient. It is easy to manage, it is intuitive. You just need to remember the basic principles of interaction with the interface. It’s more complicated with Android: this system is pre-installed on smartphones of different models, so the interface of Xiaomi, Samsung, and other devices may differ slightly.
- Speed. You can’t judge only by the operating system here. The amount of memory, processor performance, and the ability to optimize it are important. For example, new Android models will be faster than iPhones of previous generations.
If we compare the most modern smartphones, we can say that iOS is faster due to the interface and advanced processors that are designed specifically for the iPhone. But the difference in speed is still insignificant.
Also check: Buy Now, Pay Later Options
iOS Or Android: What to Choose For Development?
There are many nuances that affect the choice of an operating system for developing an application and its popularity among users. We share the most important selection criteria that can help in the choice:
- Target audience.
When you conceive an application, you study the needs and interests of people who would be potentially interested in your product. That is, you identify your target audience. It is important to remember this when choosing an operating system.
People who prefer iPhones or other smartphones can be divided into groups. Firstly, iPhone owners are wealthier. They love convenience and comfort and are willing to pay for quality applications.
Secondly, according to statistics, iPhones are more often used by women aged 18 to 24. But other smartphones are used by almost all age groups. Perhaps, if your target audience is not young girls, but middle-aged men, an Android application will be more successful.
Thirdly, there is a difference in preferences. Research has shown that iPhone users are managers, salespeople, and specialists in high positions. They will be interested in projects on topics such as business, time management, health, and finance. Among Android owners are people with technical and medical specialties. They value accessibility and multifunctionality. They are more likely to install applications with useful and educational content or food delivery applications.
- Development complexity.
To develop applications for Android and iOS, different technology stacks are needed, including programming languages. Swift is suitable for iOS, but Android applications are developed in Java or Kotlin.
Another difference between Android and iOS is the development environment: Android uses the Android Studio service, and iOS uses XCode. It is more difficult to say which is better since both tools are good in their own way. With Android Studio, you can easily adapt the application for different devices, and Xcode has great capabilities for editing code.
What significantly distinguishes Android from iOS is testing. If Android loses by a small margin in terms of development speed, then in testing it remains far behind. This is due to the fact that Apple has clear standards for screen sizes and interface parameters. However, an Android developer needs to take into account the huge number of devices that will be released with this operating system.
- Support.
It is not enough to simply release an application, it needs to be constantly updated, new features added to keep users interested, and changes made to the code so that the application meets the requirements of the OS. Therefore, you need to take into account the cost of ongoing maintenance of your product. Which platform will be easier to maintain?
About 50% of all Android devices run on outdated versions of the system. This can lead to errors and bugs that occur in the application. But 90% of iPads and iPhones run on the latest iOS updates.
Final Thoughts
The choice between iOS and Android for app development depends on many factors: target audience, budget, deadlines, and specifics of functionality. iOS is often chosen for premium products with high monetization, while Android covers a wider market with a variety of devices.
Custom app engineering allows you to take into account the nuances of both platforms, creating a product that will be not only effective but also highly competitive. If you are looking for a reliable and experienced provider of personalized application engineering services, then you should pay attention to Implex.
