When deciding which app to develop and how to actually develop it, you may encounter a lot of problems and questions. One of the most pressing questions which may draw your attention is “On which platform should you build your first app.” This is a dominant question that draws the focus of even some seasoned veterans in mobile app development as well as the first time mobile app developers.
While the platform wars may appear to have been settled by Google and Apple, different factors demand that the answer to this question be given. However, this is no easy task as there will be no definitive answer because different scenarios will demand you to begin building a mobile application for a certain platform. Therefore, in the next few headings, we will be covering major factors that influence the decision on which platform to build the very first app.
Table of Contents
Demographics of Your Targeted Customers
The demographics of both iOS and Android provide the mobile developers with invaluable information depending on the app they want to build. Developers in Android app development tend to create free applications as the operating system is more in use in the developing nations and the lower income areas. This differs to the situation in iOS app development where the apps are targeted towards the more educated customers who tend to earn more money. This is backed up by statics that shows most of the iOS users are located in the US where they make an average of $85,000 per year.
Importance of Regular Updates to Your App
To be the best app Development Company, decisions such as whether the app you are developing will allow frequent app updates need to be made. iOS, unlike Android, has much more strict policies that do not only limit your flexibility and updates but also the publishing of your app. In the case of Android, frequent updates are allowed and once you deploy your app to Google Play store, users are able to download it immediately. You can also regularly update your app if there are critical bugs to be fixed.
OS Version Discrepancies
With more than 80% of users on its current OS version, iOS app developers can focus on building apps for newer versions of the OS. This ensures that at least 80% of the users will enjoy the features of this app. The iOS app developers are at an advantage as they focus on supporting newer versions of the OS which as a result ensures that newer APIs are used and this reduces the time taken to test and develop the app. This situation contrasts to that of Android app development, where Android’s Lollipop released in 2014 has an adoption rate of 12%. This is because Android is dependent on the manufacturers making the updates to users’ phones.
Features
Android is an open source operating system and the developers tend to enjoy more freedom as they have more access to the operating system as well as the hardware. This is why some apps only run on Android devices. This level of access is not available in iOS as the operating system has some file restrictions. Besides having more access to its features, Android also allows the ease of customization.
When to Choose Android First
If your target audience is focused primarily on the Android operating system then it makes sense to develop an app for the Android platform first. In the case where the targeted location is a lower income area or a developing nation, there will be a high demand for Android apps as compared to iOS apps. Android app development is also given priority when the app you are developing will customize an element of the operating systems which are not available on iOS.
When to Choose iOS First
The iOS market also has some significant advantages over the Android market. If you are targeting urban areas especially those located in developed nations, focusing on iOS app development is the route to take. While Android has a global following, its influence is limited in the United States.
Besides developing an iOS app based on the popularity in a locality, its stability is yet another reason to opt to build an app for iOS first as there is no open licensing as that found in Android which is responsible for fragmentation problems.
If you aim to generate revenue using in-app purchases, then you should consider iOS app development first as the iOS apps generate up to 4 times revenue per user than that of Android apps.
Building Both iOS and Android Apps Simultaneously
Sometimes the answer to “On which platform should you build your first app.” is usually both. As the best App development companies have found out, this can lead to both time and cost savings. Enterprise apps are mostly built to be multi-platform such that you do not miss out on a large user base.
The use of cross-platform mobile development tools has enabled developers to build both iOS and Android apps at the same time. This could be the actual solution that settles the battle between the two platforms.
Conclusion
The platform you choose to build an app for first will ultimately be dictated by the above-mentioned scenarios as well as the business model. An advantage for one type of business model may prove to limit another model. As such, you need to carefully consider what you want to achieve and the drawbacks associated with building an app for either of the two platforms first or both simultaneously.
Contact our consultant to help you choose the right platform to publish your first application after checking above facts and figures or contact us to speak with our consultant on [email protected]
