iOS vs. Android: The Ultimate App Development Guide

Goal: Long-term market success

After choosing a platform and creating your app testing is essential to ensure that this app meets your expectations and the expectations of your users.

From the beginning

The iPhone was first introduced in 2007 when Steve Jobs took the stage and demonstrated the touch phone.

Within a year, Google launched its own operating system, and instead of manufacturing cell phones itself, the company made its operating system open source and allowed companies such as Samsung, HTC and LG to manufacture devices based on the Android operating system.

Current situation

The simultaneous development of a mobile application for two systems is very costly in terms of both personnel and material.

The development of a mobile application on Android will help to reach a wider audience, as smartphones on this platform have different price categories. This is why the Android audience's ability to pay is so unstable.

By developing a mobile application on iOS, you can quickly amortize the cost of creating the application.

What do you need to consider?

Target audience

The target audience can influence your choice. If your target audience is young and middle-income users, Android is the better choice. If, on the other hand, your target group consists of high-income and highly educated people, iOS is the better choice.

Write down a precise portrait of the target group your product is aimed at. The more detailed you describe the portrait of the target group of your future mobile application, the better the demand for the product will be in the end and the better you will understand which operating system they will prefer.

Analyze which platforms your competitors are using, look at the number of installations and user activity.

Development: costs and ideas

The cost of developing a mobile app can also affect the choice of mobile platform. Developing an app for iOS is usually more expensive than developing an app for Android.

When developing ideas for an app, keep in mind that iOS has a limited file system, so even if there is a strong desire, some ideas cannot be implemented. Android is more flexible and offers developers more freedom as Google grants access to operating system files and hardware.

Application distribution

Mobile applications for Android are distributed via the Google Play Store, so you can download applications quickly and easily.

Mobile applications for iOS are distributed via the App Store, which strictly controls the quality and security of applications, but also requires compliance with stricter design and functionality requirements.

Advantages and disadvantages at a glance

Android app advantages	Android app disadvantages
Publicity Large selection / majority of apps Freely available sources Not as expensive as iOS	Weak security Problems with data protection Complexity of standardization The settings cannot be changed

 

iOS app advantages	iOS app disadvantages
Strong security Almost no problems with data protection In-house operating system and in-house end devices Thoroughly tested	Not freely configurable Closed nature of the platform Problems with battery life Lack of support for open standards

* There are more fraudulent apps in the Google Store than in Apple's strictly regulated App Store

! The upcoming new changes will allow developers to upload their apps without Apple control and without fees for subscriptions and in-service payments.

Parameters in comparison

Android	iOS	Parameter
+	+	Design (trend sequences, intuitive design)
+	+	Customization (change of icons, fonts, widget placement)
-	+	Security
-	+	Updates
+	-	Easy download of applications
+	+	Easy downloading of files
-	+	Ecosystem (interaction with all devices)

 

Design

From a simple user experience perspective, iOS feels more intuitive. All applications are developed according to the same standards and the same functional elements look identical in them. When you install a new program, you can always quickly understand its user interface.

In Android, even application icons can have different shapes, not to mention the “interior”. Of course, there are many developers who update their programs to meet Google's changing requirements, but the applications in the store are for the most part very heterogeneous. You'll often notice completely different menus, navigation and designs.

Customization

iOS offers a controlled and consistent user experience with limited customization options.

Android is highly customizable, allowing users to change almost every aspect of the user interface and choose default apps.

Updates and security

Apple regularly updates the software on all its devices simultaneously, ensuring security and consistency of functionality.

The Android update process is more fragmented due to the variety of manufacturers and user interfaces. However, Google is working to improve this situation with initiatives such as Project Treble.

Variety

Apple launches a limited number of models per year, with a focus on premium design and controlled hardware standards.

The Android platform runs a variety of devices from different manufacturers, from budget to high-end phones, offering consumers a wide range of features and prices.

Ecosystem

The Apple ecosystem is known for its seamless integration of all devices, including Mac, iPad, Apple Watches and Apple TV. This integration fosters brand loyalty and simplifies the user experience.

Android offers an open ecosystem that works with different manufacturers and integrates with a wide range of products and services. Google services such as Google Drive, Maps and Assistant are deeply integrated for enhanced functionality.

In addition

Face ID

Unlocking a smartphone by facial recognition is now available even on low-cost Android devices, but no single implementation matches Face ID. This system projects onto the face and analyzes more than 30,000 invisible points. With their help, a detailed structure map and an image in the infrared spectrum are created. The system automatically adapts to changes in appearance such as make-up or stubble and also takes hats into account.

All this makes Face ID one of the most reliable methods of biometric authentication. And this method is only available on iOS devices.

Voice assistant

The phrase “Ok Google!” is familiar to many, and this is nothing more than activating the Google Assistant voice assistant, and it can work with:

• Alarm clock;
• Weather forecast;
• Maps;
• Reminders;
• Search for information.

Siri (iOS voice assistant) has even more modest functions. The Android operating system is therefore preferable in this respect.

No pre-installed “junk”

Regardless of this, it should be noted that only standard system applications are installed on iOS and nothing more. You don't have to clear your memory of junk and all kinds of partner programs, which, moreover, cannot always be deleted on Android.

App testing

Trust the quality and reliability with the help of specialists!

Test your application to avoid possible errors and bugs.

Now you have to test everything to keep your finger on the pulse. As demands increase, it is essential to fix various problems, errors and bugs.

iOS app testing

Quality is an important parameter for any application. And Apple maintains its good reputation. But don't forget that everything needs to be checked.

Android app testing

Android provides numerous devices. Price, wide selection and availability make Android one of the most popular platforms. A variety of applications does not exclude a variety of bugs and problems. Therefore, don't forget that everything needs to be checked.

iOS vs. Android: market share

The market share of Android in Germany is higher than the market share of iOS:

• Android's market share is around 70 percent.
• The market share of iOS is around 30 percent.

The market share of Android and iOS worldwide:

Year	Android (%)	iOS (%)
2024	69.88	29.39
2023	70.26	29.02
2022	71.47	27.85
2021	71.89	27.34
2020	73.06	26.28

Statistics in figures

• Q1 2023: 8.6 billion apps downloaded on iOS devices (worldwide).
• Android has a customer retention rate of 91%, while iOS has a customer retention rate of 86% (worldwide)
• Android (including alternatives) has more than 3 billion monthly active users (worldwide).
• In 2023, there will be over 1.5 billion active iPhone users worldwide.
• It is estimated that there will be over 5 million active Android developers worldwide in 2022, making it one of the most competitive mobile development platforms in the world.
• The number of smartphone users in Germany has exploded in the last ten years. In 2009, 6.3 million users were already counted. Currently, 97% of German households own a smartphone, making it the most frequently used electronic device in the country.
• Android phones account for 47% of all malware and less than 1% on iPhones.
• Around 2.6 million apps are in Google Play. Around 2 million apps are in the
• According to statistics, Google collects 20 times more user data than Apple. Google provides most services free of charge, but earns money through advertisements.

Latest news

Apple will soon offer the possibility to install applications from other stores on the iPhone, but only in the European Union. These EU countries include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

Last but not least

Choosing a mobile app platform is an important decision that can impact the success of your project. Both iOS and Android have their pros and cons, and the choice depends on your goals, target audience and resources.