The Android platform was developed by google to cater for the emerging mobile application industry demands. The same goes for IOS on the other hand which is a development linked to Apple Incorporation. Majority of the mobile devices run on either of the two OS, reliable market statistics indicate that they stand at a domineering 99% in end user smart-phone purchases in the year 2016 which later rose to 99.7% in 2017. Android and IOS serve as operating system platforms for mobile devices; be they phones or tablets.
Your first mobile application is a thrilling and challenging experience for you. You probably can’t wait to launch that app. Who is your target market or audience? What objectives do you have for that particular mobile application? Android leads the pack in the number of apps in the affiliated google play store at 2.1 million. In addition the variety of mobile devices running on that particular software is wide from Samsung, HTC to Sony just to mention a few. IOS tows in line at 2 million and it is rated as having a uniform fulfilling and highly optimized user experience across all its devices which are brand (same manufacturer) / (OEM-Original Equipment Manufacturer).
Android is open sourced and highly customizable while IOS is closed with curtailed customization avenues. The coding languages in Android are Java, C++, Kotlin and Python whereas in IOS Objective-C and C based on an X-code platform which is the default and only one- IDE (Integrated Development Environment). Android’s market share in the number of smart-phone sales to the end user is unrivaled globally. It stood at 88% of the market share in the second quarter of 2018 according to statistica.com. An assumption based on the above fact places Google’s android as the preferred mobile application device developer. Why is this? Don’t choose yet there is more.
Lets weigh some capabilities in performance, hardware and software components between android and IOS in order to make an informed choice.
App Crash Rate
You have probably witnessed this particular annoying scenario firsthand. Gaming apps are the most affected. This is mostly an optimization issue, required RAM and graphics are not support by that particular mobile device hardware. Financial apps are however seldom to this fact due to their sensitive nature. IOS is not prone to app crash compared to android the sole fact being; very few android devices run on the current mobile software. IOS scores high in uniformly updating its devices since they are seamless.
Affordability and Market Prices
An average iPhone is much more expensive in comparison to top android phones. Low income earners who make up the majority have almost exclusive access to Android powered phones. In considering your first app a larger target audience would be available on android.
Customizability and Software Updates
Android is open source while IOS is closed unless it is jail-broken (use apps not authorized by Apple). Android’s customizability prerogative lies with the mobile device manufacturer. IOS uniform platform allows updates all over its devices while limiting access to unauthorized applications. The contrast between Android and IOS is neck to neck on the almost level playing field.
Security
Updates and limiting open access to a device goes a long way to boosting privacy and reducing security breaches. It has been referred that routine updates on IOS assure security with finger and face ID in place. Android compromises on most of these features unless your device is current. Financial applications are the most sensitive in this area.
We can’t be done with all for there is a lot to offer. This article has definitely pointed you in a particular direction. As a take home be reminded that none is better than other in general because each scores in various critical aspects. Quality is higher in IOS but Android’s latest devices and the market numbers put a bargain to this fact. For your first mobile application consider developing one for both platforms. This option has been tested and widely accepted globally. The initial cost might be higher but it is better this way. As a developer you get experience on both ends of the tug which always ends up in a draw. The future is seemingly optimistic from the major market players Android and IOS. Surprises are all you will get.