Presently, the mobile app development market is dominated by the two very known and popular mobile app operating systems. The recent surveys say that iOS and Android OS accounted for 96.7% of the mobile market.
The fact they have become so popular and competitive has left the mobile developers surprised and confused.
The beginners are worried about which developing system to learn first while the pros are juggling to balance their routine of developing apps and earning profit from both the systems.
There are multiple factors that help in deciding which platform to choose and which to put next in line. The top ones among them include the objectives of developing the app for brand management, time frame within which you want it ready and the budget at hand that you can spare for the development.
The Android play store offers a variety of three million apps to its users to choose from while the Apple users can take a pick from less than two million apps present in their stores.
This portrays that the Android developers are more active and this operating system caters to a variety of different developers. But what’s more to it? Let’s find out.
The truth about both the operating systems is explained below. Also, the few factors which will help you decide which operating system to pick are mentioned below as well. Read ahead and find it out!
1. Objectives to be achieved and usability
The main thing that can help you decide which operating system to build on is the goals you want to meet. If you want to UI design an app that is used by a variety of smartphone users, then Android is the place you need to go
If you are looking forward to targeting a specific population, you can start with the Apple operating system as well.
As a beginner, it is easy for you to achieve your objectives using iOS and once you are a pro in your game, you can move onto a more complex system called Android.
Winner: iOS
2. The time required to develop an app
It is relatively less time-consuming to design an app for Apple users in iOS. The rules and regulations provided by the company are specific and the developers have to strictly follow the rules. This keeps them focused and avoids spending time on useless things.
On the other hand, with the Android platform, things are quite diverse. The developer needs to make sure that the app is responsive and user-friendly. This requires customizing the app’s screen size and resolution according to the screen size and resolution.
Developing apps for iOS takes considerably lesser time than developing apps for Android takes, says Pankaj Gupta, project manager at a leading branding agency in Dubai.
Winner: iOS
3. Simplicity vs. complexity
When you have to weigh the pros and cons of two systems, you need to look into the development tools and styles and complexity of each system. Which one offers a variety of functions, and which one is easier to use?
Taking a pick on the right one is completely dependent on the mobile app developer. What is he looking for and what would satisfy his needs?
Thus, if you are looking for a simpler operating system you can go for the iOS. As far as the Android is concerned, it requires 40% more code lines and is 30% more expensive as compared to the Apple’s operating system.
Other than this, the experts tell that bug fixing and maintenance of an app on the Android operating system is far too difficult than that of iOS apps.
This is because of the high level of device fragmentation when it comes to mobile app development.
Complex:Android
Simple:iOS
4. Licensing and membership requirements
Another factor that helps the developers decide which platform to pick is the licensing and membership attaining issue. Publishing an app on the Play Store or the App Store has never been free.
But if we draw a comparison, it is said that the android app development (even with all its complex designing and developing techniques) stands out as the best one for freelancers as well as beginners.
Why is that so? It’s because it doesn’t require any kind of subscription or membership fee. To publish an app on Google’s Play Store, you need to pay a one-time $25 registration fee (to date) and that’s it.
On the other hand, if you’re developing an app for iOS, you get ready to spend around $100 annually.
Winner:Android
5. Market shares over the time
The global app market is continuously revolutionizing with new apps launching daily. The usage of smartphones and the internet has helped to boost the revenue of app sales.
According to app sales statistics, mobile app sales have been projected to almost triple by 2023.
In 2018, the revenue of global mobile apps was at $365 Billion which is forecasted to be $935 Billion by 2023.
Winner:Tie
These are a few factors that the mobile app developers must go through before they pick a platform to work on. One might seem simple and the other complex but each of them brings different benefits.
Both the platforms are high-yielding for that matter and all you need to do is make the right choice by focusing on your goals and seeing them come true through the mobile app operating system you have picked.
