iOS vs Android App Development: What are the Differences?
What platform should I choose for mobile app development? That’s one common question I hear every day. To be precise, this is not a fight. You can build your mobile app for both platforms, Android or iOS. But first, you must understand the differences between these two. So, in this iOS vs Android guide, I’ll cover the key differences — development code, fees, design principles, and more so that you can reach the ideal possible option by the end.
Let’s begin with a quick introduction to Android and iOS operating systems. Google released Android’s first version in 2008. Since then, they came up with many updates borrowed from sweet food in alphabetical order. The latest version today is Android 13, released in August 2022. On the flip side, Apple released the very first official iOS version back in 2007. At the moment of writing, Apple’s iOS 16 is the latest and greatest software update that came with a bunch of brilliant new features.
7 Key Differences Between Android and iOS App Development
Below are the most important elements that make the difference between Android and iOS development. So, start taking notes!
#1 Development Code
The first and most significant difference between Android and iOS development is the programming language. For Android app creation, the most popularly used language is Java. However, it’s a mature language with a diversity of extensions which can be too complex for newbies in coding. That is why Kotlin has also been added recently as a better alternative for making Android apps.
In contrast, iOS programmers use Swift which is a powerful tool to create safe and modern digital products. This open-source coding language replaced Objective-C which was utilized almost since the 1980s. Besides, it is quicker to get accustomed to Swift than Java due to the reduced learning curve.
Simultaneously, React Native is a multiplatform coding language that could be used to create apps for almost every platform — Android, iOS, Windows, etc.
#2 Design Principles
Another evident difference between Android and iOS development is in the distinct terms of their design. The two have nearly contrasting app designs and styles. Starting with Android, designers prefer a Material Design approach together with vivid icons, Roboto font, and bold and graphic details.
iOS developers, on the other hand, adapt a clean and minimalistic style and usually apply San Francisco’s system font. And during development, developers need to keep the phone’s safe area in mind. For instance, what fits iPhone 7 will not fit iPhone XR, and so on.
In any case, designers must follow the official guidelines given for whatever platform they’re creating a mobile app for.
#3 Development Tools
The development tools also differ between Android vs iOS development. At the start, Android developers used Eclipse which was later taken over by Android Studio created by Google. Today, developers use Android Studio which offers an agile Gradle-based building system, multiple APK generation, and proper expanded template support for diverse mobile device types.
As for iOS apps, developers rely on the XCode tool for iOS development. In comparison to Android Studio, XCode provides an asset catalog, source editor, and even an assistant. However, due to the usage convenience, XCode is much simpler to handle. Even though the XCode is renowned to do wonders for the apps, there’s a rumor that it can get buggy at times.
Summing up, it’s hard to come up with a name as to which is better and which is worse. Every development environment has some pros and cons. I’d recommend budding software developers pick one based on their needs.
#4 Source of Revenue
Another difference between iOS and Android development is income generation. In general, both Android and iOS apps are profitable. The Android target audience is enormous, yet practically all of them want more free goods and are unwilling to pay a lot of money for an app. That is why Google’s Android generates revenue through ad monetization.
In contrast, the user base of iOS devices is smaller but wealthier, and they are more likely to purchase apps. As a result, iOS development aims to make more money from paid apps than from advertising. So, before creating an app, developers need to find out which source of money-making is perfect for them.
#5 Google Play Store and App Store
As you already know, the distribution platform for downloading apps also differs greatly. At a glance, Google Play Store and App Store might look the same. But delving into the finest details, both digital stores have unique features.
Features of Google Play Store:
· Easy to fix bugs
· Convenient and flexible
· Download apps within hours
· Covers a huge target audience
· Lesser app security
Features of App Store:
· Non-flexible
· Could take up to weeks to get an update or validation
· High-security due to manual moderation of each app
· Low risk of getting tricked by malware
· Allows releasing apps for public usage and under individual licenses as well
· Enterprises may target a particular group
#6 Entrance Fee
When discussing application markets, it is crucial to note that publishing an app on any store is not a free option. To deploy their app on a digital distribution platform, software developers must pay an entry fee. Google Play requires software engineers to pay around 25 US dollars for lifetime access to the developer account.
Conversely, Apple’s App Store asks for a much higher entrance fee. Developers need to pay 99 US dollars for their app to enter App Store for a year. Moreover, it should also be kept in mind that Apple Inc. takes a certain percentage of the app’s whole gain. Considering this information, you should make an informed decision about which app you want to build.
#7 Estimated Development Time
Timing is an important part of app development. If you’re thinking about how much time it takes to build an app on average, you must know that it varies on which app is in the process of setting up. So, looking at the existing code complexity of both platforms, developing apps for the Android OS seems to be a much longer process. Once the app is developed, it needs to be placed on the app market. And, in the case of Android apps, the review time is less.
Whereas, iOS apps have to go through a long process of reviews and revisions that can take a lot of time. And as for the approximate time for hybrid app development with React Native, it can take up to one week to six months.
Final Thoughts
Summing up, I tried discussing all the major differences between iOS and Android app development. And I hope these guiding points offered you a better understanding of each platform. Both operating systems are worth paying attention to.
If you’re a newbie, make sure to analyze your resources as well as the options and decide accordingly. Good luck with making the best decision! Also, if you need top-notch service from expert app developers, give Codment a visit!