Android OS Vs. Apple IOS: Which Is Better For Developers?

In as much as Android and iOS operating systems  are favorites, mobile app developers have to choose between the two of them during app development projects. This is especially so when the budget for development is limited. There are various reasons why one of the two might be better than the other including:

Programming Language

The Android OS makes use of the Java programming language. This is a very common language widely used by app developers in India. The ease of the use of this programming language might tilt the app developer for using the Android OS instead of the Apple iOS. The Apple iOS makes use of the Apple's objective-C language. This programming language can only be used by mobile app developers who have deep knowledge of C and C++ programming languages. These languages are quite difficult and peculiar when compared to Java.

Platforms for App Development

The Android OS allows mobile app developers liberty to use third-party tools while developing their apps. This enables the mobile app developers to explore several other features that are not present on the Android OS and add them to the app they are developing. The addition of these extra features increases the functionality of the apps that they develop. On the contrary, Apple likes to play their cards close to the chest. Apple does not give the mobile app developers freedom to use third-party tools. The mobile app developer is given a limited number of tools to choose from within the Apple iOS when developing his or her app.

Development Speed

It takes the mobile app developer twice or thrice as much time to develop an app for the Android OS platform than it takes using the Apple iOS. This is because of system release cycles and Android fragmentation which are the Achilles heels of the Android iOS. Android fragmentation is the occurrence of multiple Android OS versions in the market. This fragmentation can reduce the functionality between devices whose apps were programmed using the Android Software Development Kit( Android SDK).

Cost of Development

The cost at which apps are developed is a major concert for mobile app developers. It goes a long way in determining how much profit they eventually make from the app development. As the time taken for the development of an app increases, so also does the cost of development of that app. It takes a longer time to develop an app using the Android OS. Hence it costs more to do so. If you combine this with the fact that Android OS drive lower revenues, it is considerably better to use Apple iOS when developing an app regarding cost.

Demography

Studying the demography of the two operating systems reveals some striking points. Although Android has the largest global platform share, its shares come mainly from developing countries. These developing countries are majorly low-income countries and as such the users of these apps do not spend much in downloading these apps on the Android market. Apple iOS users are usually younger, much more educated and earn much more money than their Android counterparts. As much they spend more on mobile apps than Android users. In the first quarter of 2015, it was recorded that Apple iOS made 70% more than Android app developers.

Duration of App Approval

When mobile app developers are done with developing an app, the next stage is putting them on the market for users to download and start using. With Apple app store, it takes weeks for the app to be approved before being placed on the market. This can be frustrating for the mobile app developer who understands that time is money. The Android market is a sharp contrast when it comes to this. This is because it places no restrictions on mobile app developers and they find it rather convenient to sell their apps faster.

Payment Process

To have access to the iPhone SDK, a sum of $99 must be paid each year. After the developers gain access to the iPhone SDK, they can now earn 70% of the money that is gotten from selling their app in the Apple app store. On the other hand, Android developers only need to pay $25 registration fee once to be granted access. They still get to earn 70% of whatever is gotten from selling their apps in the Android market once they have paid the fee. Another major advantage of using the Android market is that the mobile app developers are also at liberty to sell the same apps which they may have sold on the Android market in another market if they choose.

Numbers Vs. Engagement

Mobile app developers have to choose between having their apps reach a large number of people and having their apps reach few people that are engaged. Android Market offers the platform of reaching a large number of people while Apple store has less number of people who are more engaged. When it comes to monetization of an app, mobile app developers would rather opt for the Apple store with users that are willing to spend on their apps. Regarding the popularity of an app, a mobile app developer might choose to go to the Android market where they can reach a whole lot of people.

Devices

Apple has a limited number of devices that come in different shapes and screen sizes when compared with Android. This can be a major factor when choosing a mobile OS. If a mobile app developer is using Apple iOS in developing an app, he/she may not have to worry about how the app is going to fare on different screen size and devices thanks to the limited options available on the Apple market. When using the Android OS, the variability regarding devices might pose a problem for the developer who has to ensure that his app can do well regardless of the device or screen size.

There are a lot of cons and pros for each of the two most common mobile OS used by app developers. The onus lies on them to be able to find the pros and cons that best suite them when developing an app. This decision may be a tough one, but knowing the advantages and disadvantages of the two of them is a good place to start.