Android and iOS App Development: Where Do They Stand?

There are various factors that define both these brands of mobile operating systems and each of them have their unique market presence. Let’s take a look at where these two giants stand:

Demographics:

In terms of the sheer number of users, Android has the lead over iOS. However, the distribution of the devices is not the same across all geographies. While Android is the preferred option in regions like South America, Asia, and Eastern and Central Europe, iOS is heavily present in regions like Northern America, Scandinavia, and Oceania.

Devices:

One of the most striking differences between Android and iOS app development lies in the devices running them. Android is an open source OS and multiple smartphone vendors run their devices on it. On the iOS side of the coin, Apple holds exclusive rights to the devices (iPhones and iPads) running the iOS. This has a significant impact on the choices available to users. While Android users have a variety of devices to choose from, iOS app development is restricted to Apple devices only.

During the app development phase, developers need to constantly refer to guidelines put forth by both operating system regulations. Not only is this a good practice, but it also helps the app be in line with the latest trends on both platform.

Development and Testing:

Android apps are generally noted to take longer than iOS app development and testing. This is mainly due to the Android system is (sort of) fragmented in character. Another point of difference is the hardware required to develop this app. Android apps can be developed on Windows, Linux, and Mac systems, whereas iOS app development can only be carried out on a Mac system.

When it comes to developing for these mobile operating systems, Android poses to be the more effort-requiring one. With its variable device screen sizes, developers need to make the app compatible with them. Testing them on the different screen resolution can also prove to be time and resource consuming. The uniformity of iOS devices acts in favor of the developer. The standardized devices need no extra care for compatibility. However, stringent guidelines make the iOS testing phase quite rigorous.

Tools of the Trade:

Another point of the variance in Android and iOS app development are the tools that are used. In terms of Integrated Development Environment, Android uses the dedicated Android Studio while iOS uses the popular XCode. From a programming language perspective, iOS app development requires the Apple proprietary Swift, whereas, Android apps are developed using JavaScript.

Publishing and Regulations:

The Apple App Store publishing regulations are possibly the biggest differentiator between the two mobile operating system players. The Apple App Store has certain stringent guidelines in place to ensure all their app have a standard alignment. Under the iOS App Store guidelines, developers need to submit a membership application prior to publishing an application. In a stark contrast to the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store allows you to directly publish your app by uploading the APK file after a preliminary sign-up.

Cost and Revenue:

By comparison, iOS app development is more cost-effective in terms of time and capital resources. The higher cost of development for Android is due to the variable screen sizes and resolution compatibility. However, both platforms provide a 70% return on sales.

The Future of Android and iOS App Development

Taken alone, Android or iOS app development is a complicated process in itself. When developing for both platforms, the process can seem impossible entirely. However, there are various solutions that can help you overcome the obstacle of both Android and iOS app development. Hire iOS App Developers to build mobile applications for the iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad, an iOS developer can help you get started on your next mobile project.

Rapid Application Development Platforms (RADP) like the one offered by HokuApps simplifies the app development process. The platform lets you develop and deploy an app at 10 times the speed. Not to mention the platform guarantees a native-like compatibility across platforms. By letting you reuse your app resources, the HokuApps RADP also lets you cut back on cost and efforts during the development phase.