Should Your App Be on Android, iOS, or Both? Here's How to Decide

Deciding which platform to develop your app for natively can be a tricky decision. You may wonder, "Should my app be on Android or iPhone?" Here is how to tell!

Are you an Android or iOS type of person?  

Not only do software developers struggle to answer this question, but anyone with a mobile phone likely has to do the same. 

However, it’s not a matter of which software is better. What’s most important is which software can do what you need it to do. 

If you’re developing an app and you’re asking “should my app be on Android or iPhone,” you should check out what each platform has to offer and which one best serves your app.

 

Development Time

The code used for iPhone’s iOS is typically quicker to write. Apple uses a language called Swift to program their products instead of Java, the Android programming language. While Java is a more standard code, it requires more code writing than Swift. 

There is also a strict formula for iOS app development which confines its developers to a specific format. Although this is more restrictive than Android, it gives developers a direct blueprint for the development process which cuts down the development time.  

User Reach and Demographics

If you want your app to reach the largest number of users possible, Android is the best option for you. Android is an “open source” platform, which means it’s a more compatible operating platform that spreads itself across a variety of hardware brands (Samsung, LG, Lenovo, etc.).

On the other hand, iOS only allows you to run programming on products that have the Apple branding, which indicates a smaller, more exclusive user base.

In terms of user demographics, Android dominates the global mobile market with a share exceeding 80 percent. Although this global market is larger and more comprehensive, you should also keep in mind that iOS dominates the U.S. market with a share of nearly 60 percent.  

App Security

iOS apps tend to have more security than Android apps. Apple’s iOS is less of a target for malware since the Android market is larger and therefore, a more attractive market. 

Because iOS is also a rather exclusive brand, they have stricter app quality standards and the iOS App Store bar for entry is, therefore, more competitive. 

Apple also prohibits users from modifying the operating systems on their own devices, which ensures a more secure and controlled environment. 

For security purposes, Apple does not provide support to users that choose to “jailbreak” their devices from this controlled environment and start customizing the iOS. 

Platform Creativity

Apple is a very niche brand which means that many of its products are restricted to the Apple platform and its specific set of products. 

This means that you’ll only be able to use the features that iOS provides. If you want certain app customization options, you may not have access to these features. 

With Android, you have access to third-party apps to make your app function uniquely. This means that if you have a specific creative vision for your app that you want to bring to life, Android’s flexible app creation is more equipped to accommodate creative freedom. 

Should My App Be on Android or iPhone?

Instead of asking “should my app be on Android or iPhone,” a better question might be “what features do I want the most for my app?”. This will help you evaluate your development goals and determine which platform best suits them.

Do you need more guidance through your development process?  We can help you with whatever stage you’re in, whether it’s development, app testing, security monitoring, or other parts of the process. To get started, you can contact us and request a quote today!

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