<h1 style="text-align: center;"><b>Android vs. iOS: Which Platform Is Better For You</b></h1>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The eternal debate between Android and iOS also exists in the app development world. It is one of the most important decisions many businesses and individuals face before starting their journey. If you&rsquo;re wondering about the pros and cons of Android and </span><strong>iOS development</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">, you should take a look at the detailed comparison to get an idea.</span></p>
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<h4><b>App Design and Development</b></h4>
<p><b><img src="https://costmyapp.com/uploads/files/app-design-and-development.jpg" alt="app-design-and-development" width="840" height="500" /></b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There is no doubt that design and development differ between both operating systems. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Android development</strong></span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with its open system offers the integration of many features and tools that are usually restricted in iOS. However, this freedom also results in Android apps being more susceptible to viruses and attacks. On the other hand, </span><strong>iOS developers</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> find it much easier to create an app as Apple has laid out perfect guidelines for UI design.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Moreover, </span><strong>Android developers</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> also need to consider fragmentation as the app should be compatible with thousands of different Android devices with varying screen sizes and resolutions. iOS apps need to be designed for a specific number of devices that makes it easier for a developer to work. It saves a lot of hassle and makes it convenient for the developers.</span></p>
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<h4><b>Time Factor</b></h4>
<p><b><img src="https://costmyapp.com/uploads/files/time-factor.jpg" alt="time-factor" width="840" height="500" /></b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Both operating systems use different programming languages when it comes to app development. Android code is usually written in Java while </span><strong>iOS developers</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> have to work with Swift. It is well known that Java usually requires more code to be written, making the development process longer. For Android apps, fragmentation results in more extensive testing, to make the product compatible with thousands of different devices. This leaves no doubt that </span><strong>Android development</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is long and the developers need to put in extra time and effort.</span></p>
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<h4><b>Development Costs</b></h4>
<p><b><img src="https://costmyapp.com/uploads/files/development-costs.jpg" alt="development-costs" width="840" height="500" /></b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Due to a lengthier time period and more work required, </span><strong>Android developmen</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>t</strong> costs a little more. Some iOS apps are developed through Xcode IDE which can only be run on Mac. Despite needing a new PC, iOS apps are much more affordable and easier to develop and design.</span></p>
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<h4><b>Compatibility</b></h4>
<p><b><img src="https://costmyapp.com/uploads/files/compatibility.jpg" alt="compatibility" width="840" height="500" /></b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As you might have already known, Android apps are widely accessible from thousands of different devices. Despite taking a long time to create, they are compatible with almost every device such as phones, tablets, and even computers through virtual machines and emulators. On the other hand, iOS apps are restricted to selected devices and selected iOS versions. This makes Android a more convenient choice for users and developers.</span></p>
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<h4><b>Maintenance and Updates</b></h4>
<p><b><img src="https://costmyapp.com/uploads/files/maintenance-and-updates.jpg" alt="maintenance-and-updates" width="840" height="500" /></b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is one of the major elements to consider before selecting an operating system for app development. Maintenance and updates are post-development expenses that you should be careful about. For developers, maintenance of an Android app is more difficult as they need to pay close attention to different Android versions across the user base. Statistics show that Android users are less likely to go for a software update and millions of users are still using an Android version that is at least two years old. This makes it slightly difficult to add new features to an application without coding them for the older versions. iOS users are generally quick to update software and in many cases, the device itself. Hence, developers don&rsquo;t need to work extra hard on compatibility with older iOS versions.</span></p>
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<h4><b>Security and Reliability</b></h4>
<p><b><img src="https://costmyapp.com/uploads/files/security-and-reliability.jpg" alt="security-and-reliability" width="840" height="500" /></b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Due to the closed ecosystem of iOS apps, many users find it more reliable than Android. The security criteria for a mobile application may differ, but are strictly addressed by both; Apple and Google to ensure that the integrity of user data is conserved. That being said, there is no doubt that Android applications are more vulnerable to viruses and threats. The primary reason for this is the open-source system that gives too much freedom to </span><strong>android developers</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Many attackers exploit this freedom to alter the code and create viruses. Most enterprises go for </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">iOS development</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> as it is widely considered a relatively safer platform to launch a business.</span></p>
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<h4><b>Downloads and Returns on Investment</b></h4>
<p><b><img src="https://costmyapp.com/uploads/files/downloads-and-returns-on-investment.jpg" alt="downloads-and-returns-on-investment" width="840" height="500" /></b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The amount of income generated by an app on both platforms can vary. Statistics showed that Android apps are more likely to dominate downloads in comparison with iOS apps. With a larger user base and market share, revenue generated through downloads and advertisements favour Android. As a result, businesses with Android apps are also more likely to attract new customers.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On the other hand, iOS apps are cheaper and faster to develop, making them more convenient. This low investment also makes it easier for businesses to start making profits faster. iOS users are also twice as likely to spend on in-app purchases as their Android counterparts. Despite losing the battle in downloads iOS apps get higher returns on investment and generate more revenue. However, many apps on the App Store are driven by subscription plans that some users find difficult to adapt.</span></p>
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<h4><b>Making it to the Store</b></h4>
<p><b><img src="https://costmyapp.com/uploads/files/making-it-to-the-store.jpg" alt="making-it-to-the-store" width="840" height="500" /></b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">App development and designing is not the end of the road and the work is not done until your app is featured on the store. Android apps are widely accepted onto the Google Play Store and it barely takes any time to publish them. Once the app developer finalizes your project, it is only a matter of hours before users can enjoy your app.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Meanwhile, iOS has extremely strict criteria that every app must meet before being published on the App Store. This often results in many apps being rejected before they make it to the users. Apple is highly restrictive of what is allowed in their store and what is not. To have your mobile application published on the App Store; it must pass a strict quality test that checks security, performance, and quality.</span></p>
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<h4><b>Users around the World</b></h4>
<p><b><img src="https://costmyapp.com/uploads/files/users-around-the-world.jpg" alt="users-around-the-world" width="840" height="500" /></b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Over the last decade, the market share for Android has drastically increased as more and more users started making the switch. The majority of iOS users are based in Northern America and Western Europe while Android dominates in South America, Asia, and parts of Central Europe. To determine which platform to pick, you should consider the preference of users in your designated area. This will give you a clearer picture of the platform your target audience uses. The decision to pick one platform over the other could be based on the market share of users in the region.</span></p>
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<h4><b>Final Verdict</b></h4>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There is no doubt that Android and iOS are the leading operating systems around the world. With their different strengths and weaknesses, it is difficult to pick one of them. While iOS apps are generally more affordable and can be developed faster, Android has an edge when it comes to compatibility, publishing, and a higher user base.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The region where you launch your app can also help you decide which operating system to go for. An Android app is more likely to be successful in Asia due to a stronger user base while iOS is by a substantial number of North American users. This disparate use of devices and apps is partly due to the fact that most Android phones are more affordable and easily available in developing countries, and the average American user has both the earning power and spending potential to go for branded devices and is willing to pay for a secure app. At the end of the day, the choice is yours.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mobile App development is the gateway to success for many businesses. Although the choice between Android and iOS is a difficult one, you should pick one based on your business plan and area of operation. If you&rsquo;re looking to get a mobile app developed, you can reach out to us at </span><strong>Cost My App</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and <strong>get a free quote</strong>. We can also provide you with free consultancy regarding the operating system you should opt for.</span></p>