Case Study
Users worldwide spend almost 90% of their “phone time” on mobile apps. As a result of the usage increase compared to the last few years, app development is the fastest-growing field in the software industry. Although a developer has several choices, when it comes to native app development, they’re faced with a choice between iOS or Android.
Both platforms are clearly excellent choices to build great seamless apps, but both platforms have as many advantages as disadvantages.
So, any professional developer would have made an informed decision based on a few basic facts about each platform’s pros and cons.
ANDROID PLATFORM PROS
- Flexible and easily adaptable
Android’s environment is not very limited, making the process, from development to distribution, very resilient. There are few chances for the app to have hardware compatibility issues since it can virtually run on any Android device.
Java, a versatile programming language, permits developers to work on any kind of device even though they’re developing an Android App.
- Access to resources
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer that is seeking some professional answers, Google helps you consult professional materials, get free training, and access a very extensive knowledge base.
- Easy to publish
Although today it takes more time for the Android platform to reconsider an app before publishing it on Google Play, it is still quite easy and cheap to get in. You just need to make sure that your product doesn’t violate any of the company’s content policies, and it will most likely be approved.
- Easy to expand to other devices
With Android, you have the opportunity to develop an app that can extend to an entire ecosystem of devices. Your app’s functionalities can be adapted to your user’s car, smartwatch, TV, headset, etc.
ANDROID PLATFORM CONS
- Quality Assurance
A developer can develop multiple applications at the same time on the Android platform, but this can complicate the quality assurance process. Also, most Android users have stuck for many years with the same old operating system, making it difficult for every simple app to function properly.
- Cost
Developing on the Android platform requires additional time and quality assurance compared to iOS; therefore, it has increased costs.
- Users spend less
Most Android users are spending less on apps. They’re prone to use free apps and they make fewer in-app purchases compared to iOS users.
- Security issues
Being an open source makes Android more vulnerable and increases the chance of cyber attacks and viruses.
iOS PLATFORM PROS
- High performance
iOS apps are fast, reliable, and easy to use. They perform very well and have very few bugs in the final product.
- Apple Ecosystem
A secluded platform like iOS might be inconvenient for users when they need to transfer files from one device to another. On the other hand, it offers the developer the chance to build an app for a whole ecosystem and not just for a phone.
- great user experience.
Thanks to Apple’s detailed instructions on how to create the interface of an iOS app, users can enjoy a user-friendly app.
iOS PLATFORM CONS
- Rigid and not so flexible
To develop a native iOS app, a developer needs to use the XCode software and he can do it only on Mac.
- Difficult to publish
Although the reviewing process only takes 2-3 days, many iOS apps get rejected for not being relevant or useful enough.
- Customization
The detailed guidelines on the app’s interface give several options to customize it and add features in case they are needed.
So?
Which platform is best for developing the best product? To answer this question, you need to carefully evaluate the above arguments and add a few. Start by considering your audience, your budget, and the app’s features.
Overall, both platforms can serve you perfectly to create a great app. All you have to do is to decide which one suits your specific project the most.
