Congrats! You have probably made a great decision to get a mobile app for your business. Whether it’s a new startup ready to shake the market or you are on the path of business digitalization, we are pretty sure your new product will bring benefits.
Still, there is one extremely important decision you still need to make: should you develop an iOS or Android app? It’s a pretty big decision to make as it defines your target regions and audience, budget, tech specs, and much more!
Let’s get your ducks in a row and help you choose between iOS and Android for mobile app development.
What Are the Main Differences Between iOS and Android App Development?
Let’s break down the key differences between iOS and Android to help you make the right choice.
Market share and audience demographics
Android dominates the global mobile OS market with a 72.04% share as of Q4 2024, while iOS holds 27.49%. However, iOS leads in the US (58.81%), Japan (68.86%), Canada (60.31%), Australia (59.63%), and the UK (52.29%). Meanwhile, Android is the go-to choice in India (95.16%), Brazil (81.45%), Mexico (77.46%), and China (74.76%).
Beyond location, iPhone users tend to have higher incomes — earning 43.7% more on average than Android users. Additionally, Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to prefer iOS, making it a strong choice for apps targeting younger audiences.
Design guidelines and UI differences
Apple enforces strict design rules with Human Interface Guidelines, prioritizing simplicity, consistency, and intuitive gestures. Developers must follow these rules for approval in the App Store. iOS apps are somewhat unified in their appearance as they have to use certain navigation patterns, icons, and more.
Android, on the other hand, offers Material Design principles, which allow more customization and flexibility in layouts, animations, and interactions. Consider that Android runs on a variety of devices, meaning different screen sizes, resolutions, tech specifications, and so on. So, your Android app can be more generic and flexible, which gives UI/UX designers more freedom.
If you’re aiming for a pixel-perfect, uniform experience, iOS is a great fit. But if you want more design freedom and unique branding opportunities, Android provides a more flexible approach.
Development tools and programming languages
iOS apps are primarily built using Swift or Objective-C in Xcode, Apple’s dedicated development environment.
Android apps are developed with Kotlin or Java using Android Studio.
Swift is known for its speed and efficiency, while Kotlin offers modern syntax and interoperability with Java.
Both platforms provide extensive documentation, but Apple’s developer ecosystem is more structured, with detailed guides and strict best practices.
Google offers more open-ended resources, encouraging a wider range of experimentation.
Plus, Android development is open-source. The Android Open Source Project (AOSP) provides the source code, allowing developers to modify and customize the OS for different devices. However, while the core Android OS is open-source, Google’s proprietary services (like the Play Store, Google Maps, and Firebase) require licensing.
On the other hand, iOS is a closed-source operating system developed by Apple. Unlike Android, Apple does not publicly share its source code, meaning developers and manufacturers cannot modify the OS. This controlled environment ensures better security, consistency across devices, and seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem.
OS updates and adoption rates
Apple users adopt new iOS updates quickly since Apple controls both hardware and software. This makes it easier for developers to support the latest features without worrying about older versions. You might have noticed that often new iOS versions are synchronized with new iPhone rollouts and the new features are adapted for the new devices.
In contrast, Android updates roll out gradually, depending on manufacturers and carriers, leading to a fragmented user base with different OS versions.
If you want a smooth development process with faster adoption of new features, iOS is the better option. Android, however, requires more testing across multiple OS versions.
App distribution and review process
Publishing an app on the Apple App Store requires passing a strict review process, which can take a few days. Apple closely monitors quality, security, and user experience.
On the other hand, Google Play’s review process is quicker and more lenient, allowing developers to push updates faster.
If speed to market is a priority, Android provides a more agile release cycle. If security and a polished experience matter more, iOS offers a more controlled environment.
Native services and ecosystem integration
Both platforms provide seamless integration with their respective ecosystems. iOS apps can leverage iCloud, Apple Pay, Siri, and Face ID, while Android apps benefit from Google Drive, Google Assistant, and Google Pay.
If your app needs deep integration with other Apple services or wearables like the Apple Watch, iOS is the way to go. For Google-powered AI features and cloud services, Android is the better choice.Apple’s ecosystem is highly optimized for privacy and security, but it has stricter API limitations compared to Android. Developers building apps for iOS can use Apple’s CloudKit for cloud storage.
App maintenance and scalability
Maintaining an iOS app is generally easier due to fewer device variations and faster OS adoption. Android requires extra effort to optimize for different screen sizes, hardware configurations, and OS versions.
If long-term maintenance and updates are a concern, iOS is less demanding. However, if your goal is maximum reach and scalability, Android offers a broader audience despite the additional complexity.
Monetization potential
iOS users tend to spend more on apps, subscriptions, and in-app purchases. This makes iOS a strong choice for businesses focused on premium services or digital products.
Android, with its massive global reach, generates higher ad revenue but lower spending per user.
If you’re targeting high-value customers, iOS might be more profitable. If your app relies on ads or needs a large user base, Android offers greater exposure.
Comparison of iOS and Android for Mobile App Development
Cross-Platform App Development: A Cost-effective Alternative
What if both iOS and Android markets seem like a perfect match for your app? Or maybe you simply can’t decide which platform to go for?
First of all, you should consult with a mobile app development company to get expert advice. At Perpetio, we offer free tech and business consultations to our clients and potential clients, helping them make informed decisions that align with their business goals. Our developers and managers have extensive experience with mobile apps, so based on your business model, app idea, and goals, we can recommend the most suitable platform for your needs.
But what if you want to target both markets without doubling your development costs? There’s a way out — cross-platform app development.
Cross-platform development is an approach where a single codebase is used to create apps for multiple platforms — iOS, Android, and even web — using frameworks like Flutter or React Native. For instance, a developer can write the code in Dart using Flutter, and the app will run on both iOS and Android while maintaining a native-like look and feel, thanks to platform-specific UI components.
Plus, cross-platform development is cost-effective, as you can get two apps for the price of one and present your product on two markets at the same time.
And to tell you a secret — most of our clients opt for cross-platform development, and we totally understand why. It’s faster, more cost-effective, and works great for the majority of apps. Whether you’re a startup looking to enter the market quickly or an established business aiming for a broader audience, cross-platform development can be a smart investment for your mobile app.
Consider Perpetio Your Trusted Partner
Choosing the right platform is one of the most crucial decisions in development. It's important to weigh the pros and cons of your options. That's why partnering with a tech expert is key — Perpetio offers free consulting on tech stack, features, monetization models, and more.
Contact us for a free quote for your mobile app development project!
