#AndroidVsIOS Archives

Know which Platform is Better for Mobile Startups-Android vs iOS

Posted on 06/04/202015/06/2021 by Tushar

Starting a mobile app centered business is tough. There are so many questions and doubts that you, in your role as an entrepreneur, have to answer and find answers to. Although things do get a lot easier once you get the support of a partner-like sound mobile app development company, there are a number of factors that you still have to get a grasp on your end for android vs iOS.

While we have curated a mobile app development for startups guide to help you get started with the complete A to Z process of getting your idea on mobile, in this article, we will help you get an answer to the question that worries every entrepreneur who is new to the app industry – android vs iOS for startups.

But before we get on to that, let us give you some ideas and tips on mobile platforms that startups should choose in 2021.

Let’s begin with why one should opt for mobile by joining either Android development or iOS development.

Let’s start looking at the smartphone (iPhone or Android) and app market scenario by first looking into the basics of each – number of users, downloads, revenue, and user retention scenario.

Graphs indicating each of the pointers will help give a clear idea of how both the app stores are performing on an individual level – something which will help businesses take a sound decision.

iPhone or Android? Smartphone Users Graph

These numbers are a clear indication of how big the smartphone industry has been and how it is only going to grow both android and iOS in demand and acquisition number in the coming time. With the number of projected mobile users about to reach 5.7 Billion in a matter of two years, it is beyond time for startups to make a decision related to iOS versus Android and a presence on mobile and reach these billions and then some more users.

Android vs iOS: Market Share

The android and iOS market share division factor when making a choice of iOS vs Android for startup is calculated in terms of total number of users on both platforms. While the graph above shows the obvious – Android development has a greater market share than iOS development, let us still throw some light on it. With the number of Android devices being 10X more than Apple flagship devices, the number of users are by default inclined towards Android as compared to iOS app development.

This difference in market share makes Android a preferable choice for Startups that are keeping visibility above any other business-y factor.

iOS vs Android App Revenue

One of the biggest deciding factors when it comes to Android vs iOS for businesses is the revenue that each of the avenues is able to generate for the startup. As a startup that is about to make an entry in the mobile domain for the first time, it is almost a necessity to base the platform choice on the basis of the potential of revenue they would be able to generate.

While iOS has over time positioned itself as the platform that businesses head to generate revenue, Android developers are soon catching up with their monetized app. But overall, Play Store will still take up more time to come up to App Store level.

Android vs iOS: User Retention

For an entrepreneur struggling to find the answer to which one is correct in iOS vs Android for startup, it is very important to maintain a good user retention number; as it will be the only sign to judge whether or not your app is performing good and is liked by users across the world.

There are a number of factors which contribute to soaring app uninstall rate. Reasons which mostly revolve around the kind of experience you are able to offer through your mobile app.

But in spite of what reasons there are behind growing app uninstall rates in the industry, the fact that users behave differently between one platform to another remains. While Android users are more loyal, Apple users are less forgiving and tend to leave app very soon after a bad experience – something startups need to plan in their incredible & result-driven mobile app design and development in much detail.

Now that we have looked into the market scenario of both the platforms, it is time to attend to the question that every startup willing to make a presence on mobile is seeking answer to – Android vs iOS development for startups.

Android vs iOS: Which Platform Should Startups Go with as Their First App Choice?

The answer to which platform should startups choose out of Android and iOS development is in no way a Yes or No type (and yet, the wrong answer can turn out to be one of the most deadly mobile app development mistakes). There are a number of factors that startups will have to consider when making the choice.

Let us see what those factors are which help decide the platform startups should go with for their first mobile app launch – iPhone or Android.

Where is your audience

Even though 80% of the world’s mobile app market is dominated by Android, some of the most presumed revenue generating nations like the USA or Australia come under Apple’s dominance. So if your audience belongs to the western nations, take help from iPhone app developers but if the world is your audience, go with Android developers.

Who is your user

The choice of app platform goes beyond geographical borders. There are a number of traits that separates iOS vs Android demographics.

iOS users usually have a lot higher income, come with greater education levels, are more engaged with the app, and lastly are willing to spend a lot more on the app.

Android users on the other hand, come with their own share of characteristic traits. They usually belong to the 25 to 45 age range, are more spending conscious, tend to be late technology adopters, and in general are more impatient as compared to Apple users (something that has changed in the recent time).

In-app purchases

If your app’s business model has in-app purchase at the center, it would be preferable to go with App Store instead of Android Play Store. While the average per user in-app purchase per app in the case of Apple is $1.08, in case of the same number gets reduced to $0.43.

Talking of in-app purchases, the difference can be seen on a geographical level as well.

On a global level per user app spending is $0.50, in Asia the number is $0.70 and in North America, Europe, and Latin America, the numbers are $0.61, $0.26, and $0.16 respectively.

Fragmentation

Talking of fragmentation in terms of the variety of devices your app would be able to reach, the one platform that emerges as an unprecedented winner is Android. Because Google has partnered with a number of device manufacturers, there are now thousands of devices under Android umbrella as opposed to Apple.

If you are looking for a platform that would help your startup become a household name by taking it to the masses minus any specific demographic challenge, Android app development will be your answer. But if making a presence among an elite concentrated group of users is what you are aiming for, go with your team of iOS developers.

Ease of design & development

The question on which is the most preferred choice for startups – Android vs iOS, has a solution that is different on both Android and iOS development front.

While in terms of designing, Google Material Design has a greater impact on user experience, mobile app developers feel that when it comes to coding mobile apps, Swift is a much easier language to get started with as compared to Java.

However, design and development is one factor that depends less on the platform and more on the skill of your partnered mobile android app development company. When you associate with a brand that specializes in the development of both Apple and Android apps, it doesn’t matter which platform requires less developmental efforts as both are done within equal efforts.

Release cycles

Talking of Android release cycle vs iOS Release cycle, the updation of apps in case of Android is generally restricted with the partnered OEM devices and the OS versions that they support- an issue that Apple and its concentrated list of iPhones and iPads never have to face.

What this means is that while with iOS you can focus on giving the support of new OS version in your present app with much ease, the level of fragmentation that Android comes with makes releasing new OS versions very difficult.

Now that we have seen the factors that would help decide which platform to go with for your first mobile app, the sad truth remains – There is no yes or no answer to which platform should startups go with between Android and iOS.

But while it will be difficult for us to get you an answer to ‘Android vs iOS: Which platform should Startups Choose’ let us get you the answer to the Why and When.

Difference Between iOS and Android Development

There is obviously a comparison between iOS and Android app development that is generally seen by developers during the process toward creating mobile applications. Let’s have a look at these differences

Programming language

The Android and iOS development operating systems are each customized in various programming languages. This is actually the greatest difference where iOS applications run on Objective-C/Swift, while Android applications run on Java.

The programming in iOS and android platforms utilize different technology stacks. The former vigorously depends on Java or Kotlin as an alternative, while the latter one has an exclusive language intended for application advancement – Swift.

Now you must be thinking which stack is quick and easy to dominate? Most of the app developers discover that an iOS application is simpler to make than the Android one. As the Swift coding involves less time than getting around Java since this language has high clarity and readability.

As Kotlin grows further, in future it is considered to be a prospective Java replacement due to its natural, current, and easy to read features.

Thus, programming languages utilized for iOS have a shorter learning curve than those for Android and are, hence, simple to dominate.

Testing

Every application’s QA testing phase is important for the mobile application development process. The same applies to games and different sorts of software. One should make sure that the application he is creating works perfectly. The iOS simulator and the Android emulator are examples that are frequently used to test this.

A definite difference is that the iOS simulator is a lot quicker than Android. In any case, the Android emulator has the near benefit of being a powerful virtual machine including CPU, which makes it more practical than its iOS equivalent. The iOS simulator often neglects to deliver precise and realistic portrayals of Apple devices.

Therefore, it is important to complete several tests on real smart devices to see the application’s interaction flow and detect potential bugs.

Interface

This is where we come over the visual contrasts when we develop an application for an Android or iOS user. At the technical level, the app developer will assemble XML documents onto Android interfaces. These are basically the same as iOS’ XIB documents.

The nature of iOS animations is superior to the one from Android. Google has attempted to fix this through the preview of Android L and by building up an application design pattern known as Material Design. Meanwhile, Apple has consistently been focusing on delicate, complex, and amazing animations by taking care of its user experience cautiously. Google, on the other hand, chose to fcus on the hardware rather than these perspectives.

Design

For Apple, the content of the application has importance over design. Therefore, clearness and the wide utilization of white space is advisable. The most widely recognized tools utilized by UI designers are shadows and gradients. All things considered, the application’s design ought to convey a feeling of depth and multi-layers.

Android designs come from real inspiration and motivation. Thus, colors and motion are two characterizing factors. Android designers work with a more extensive scope of tools such as light, motions, shading, color, etc.

When Should Startups Choose iOS?

You should place your startup’s first mobile app on iOS by investing in a sound reputed iOS app development company if you wish to come in the sight of the app store’s target demographics. Also, if you are not convinced of an app’s ability to be liked and moved to the home screen, the less fragmented world of Apple might come in handy as you won’t have to invest time in preparing your app for multiple devices.

The benefit of concentration and high revenue-generating capability together makes iPhone app development advantageous for businesses.

When And Why Startups Choose Android App Development?

You should go with Android first if your audience is not concentrated on any one specific location. Also, if there are a good number of customization elements in your mobile app, go with Android. The benefit of reach and customization that the platform offers, makes it almost necessary for Businesses to have an Android app.

When And Why Startups Choose IOS App Development?

You have to remember that in the debate between Android vs iPhone: Which Platform should Startups choose for First Mobile App have a third option as well, one which ends the confusion between iPhone or Android – Launch app on both Android and iOS.

While the option should be chosen as a solution by companies who have enough monetary and time resources, you should invest in mobile app development companies that specialize in Cross Platform app development to grab the opportunity to enjoy the best of all.

Now that we have seen it all – The factors that affect the Android vs iPhone choice for startups and the situations when one is deemed preferable than the other – it is now time to answer a very futuristic, logical question – When should a Business Move from one Platform to Another.

When Should Your Startup Extend from One Platform to Another?

The answer to this lies in – When your app has taken all the advantage of the current platform it is on. If your app has reached a position where it is now getting constant revenue from the App Store, expand it to the Play Store to get greater reach.

If your Android App has gained enough followers on the Play Store, increase the scope of monetization by taking it to the App Store.

Hopefully, our little pocket guide was able to help you get an answer to which platform your early-stage startup should choose. If we have left a scope of confusion, reach out to our team of mobile app strategist and our iOS and android app development company in USA to get the answer.

iOS vs Android: Know the More Secure Platform in 2021

Posted on 17/03/202015/06/2021 by Tushar

While the Android vs iOS war is the one that continues to break the internet, the ultimate deal-breaking element for both the app users and the brands boils down to Mobile App Security.

How secure a mobile app is what determines its future in the present world where users are conscious of increasing data breach cases. But, is it something completely dependant on the quality assurance techniques that developers invest in?

Well, the answer is no.

Irrespective of how long it took to develop a mobile app or what methodology you followed in development, the ultimate result differs with various factors including, the operating system you choose.

Because of this, many developers are asking the question, “Android vs iOS: Who wins the title of higher security in 2021-22?”

When we talk about iOS vs Android security, the unprecedented winner has always been iOS, with its stringent security guidelines. But with Android Q, Google gave out an array of hope in 2021, that hinted towards it being on the verge of becoming a brand one can trust with their devices and personal information.

Will 2021-22 be the year when Google’s Android will emerge out as the secure one out of Android and iOS ecosystems?

Before we get into the Android vs iOS Security comparison 2021 lookout and let us first look at the prevalent security difference between iOS and Android.

Here are the comparative elements that cover both the Operating System Ecosystems, comprehensively.

The Security-inclined Points of Difference in Android and iOS

1. Boot up process

Android platform, as any Android app development company would tell you offers Linux Kernel and Inter-Process Communication facility, security level. Coded with Application Sandbox, the platform gives a verified boot guarantee in which every stage cryptographically verifies the integrity of the next stage before their verification.

Android verifies the boots with the help of the dm-verity kernel feature that makes it impossible for the compromised device to boot.

While this was about Android, iOS offers the security level with Low-Level Bootloader(LLB), iOS kernel, and iBoot. LLB is primarily verified by Apple Root CS Public Key using the Boot ROM program to make sure that the iBoot Bootloader has been signed by Apple. Next, iBoot then verifies and executes the iOS kernel.

2. Security Software Update

Android offers monthly updates in its Android Security Bulletin. Even though Android gives out updates once a month, they don’t force the users to update the devices. The option to ignore the update and operate the device, in the same way, gives an escape plan to the users thus opening the android app development services to a certain probability of security breach.

Apple rolls out several versions of security updates every once in a while in a month. Apple makes it a mandate for every user to download the most recent security upgrades. By giving out continuous notifications, the OS makes it difficult for its users to ignore the security upgradations. Something that brings everyone to the conclusion that the winner of Apple vs Android security efforts is the former one.

3. Touch Id

While Android has recently started partnering with manufacturers who are offering the Fingerprint Scan option, the number is still very limited.

This is not the case with Apple. Apple has always been very particular when it comes to biometric verification on their devices. It is not just for Touch ID, Technologies like Iris Scan and Face ID have also been coined by Apple first. The OS giant, keep investing millions in security-focused technologies.

4. Hardware Integration

Unlike Apple, Android app security related to hardware depends entirely on the manufacturers. While some are good at keeping a handle on the fact that all the Android’s built-in features related to security work well on their device, others might give it a lesser priority. Generally, the devices which belong to the prime categories in terms of cost come with greater security backing than ones that are low price point products.

On the other hand, Apple has full control over its hardware security. This makes it undeniable to think that ios app development services will win the iOS vs Android security 2021-22 comparison.

5. Device Fragmentation

The greater the fragmentation, the greater the chances of introducing loopholes that are a comfortable space for heightened hacking and data breach incidents. By keeping both its device and operating system version on a lower side, Apple reduces this probability of an ios app development company facing hacks issue, by manifold.

But the case is not the same with Android. Both – number of device variants and OS versions are on a very high side in the platform, giving an open ecosystem to hacks and breaches to breed in.

6. App Stores Story

Apple undoubtedly has greater control over the apps that come for approval and their updates. The brand takes its right to vet, reject, and remove every app that doesn’t meet its criteria, very seriously, the fact that has brought in demand for such iPhone app development companies, which can develop apps that don’t get rejected.

Google, for a long time, overlooked the necessity of following stringent rules while approving an Android app. But, now it has taken major steps.

Besides encouraging developers to focus on security in Android app development, Google employed Machine learning to detect and remove malicious applications from the Play Store in 2017. And now, it has announced that the approval time on Play Store will be high so that every piece of the application could be tested thoroughly before making it live.

However, since Android is an open ecosystem, which emerges out as bliss both users and hackers, the impact of these actions on security breach incidents is high. After all, apps can be downloaded from stores other than the Play Store.

While this is the picture that has always remained, what does android vs ios 2021 look like for the two OSs on the security front?

Let’s find out.

Android vs. iOS: Which OS is Safer in 2021-22

In an article concentrated on iOS vs Android security comparison, it is essential to look at the matter with all specificity especially with the latest OS versions in focus. Let us first look into the new privacy features coming with iOS 14 and Android 11 before moving to the four key deciding factors.

iOS 14 Privacy Features

iOS 14 has come with a series of privacy update changes reinstating it as a security-first platform for the users and businesses as well. Here are some of those updates –

Changes in IDFA – The iOS app developers will no longer have access to users’ data until they specify that they are permitting the applications to use their information for promotion and marketing purposes.
Changes in location sharing – Users will now have the ability to opt-out of offering precise location sharing. This way the apps and marketers will only get an approximate location of the users.
Privacy report – Apple will now send users a privacy report containing details of which apps are accessing their data and for how long.

Android 11 Privacy Features

Changes in permissions – The first time you open any new app you will be given three options in terms of permission – All the time, only when using the app, never.
Permission revoke – Android will keep a track of the applications you haven’t used in some time and it will revoke the permissions you had given it. This way when you open the app after a break, you will have to give it permission again.

Now that we have looked into the new additions of Android vs iOS privacy in the new updates, the next step will be to measure them against the other common factors and come to a conclusion.

Let us compare both the OS on the basis of four important factors –

Marketplace Security

The fact that the Play Store is so much wider than the App Store comes as both a blessing and an issue. While on the one hand, the wideness gives Android users a wide option to select from, it also gives the hackers a great opportunity to leave malware apps in the crowd of millions.

Apple, on the other hand, keeps a close look at the App Store. The level of inspection that every app needs to go through reduces the available option for the users, lowers the chances of malware attacks to minimal.

This comes up as a reason why the iOS vs Android, which is better war is always won by the former.

Platform’s Popularity

Android, undoubtedly holds a massive share of the world smartphone market, a number that is practically impossible for Apple to ever cover.

Now greater the platform’s popularity, the greater is the number of users attached and thus greater are the chances of a security breach.

However, it is not sound to give Android app security lesser points just on the basis of its high popularity. Because of the growing number of users, the Android app developer community has started giving greater focus to introducing the best mobile app security practices and deliver a hack-proof app.

Device Manufacturers’ Count

If there is one reason why Android is 100% lying behind Apple in terms of ‘Android vs iOS security’ is the hacks caused because of high device manufacturer count.

Because different devices come with a different focus on Security protection features, it is impossible for Google with thousands of devices under its umbrella to lay out a common set of protocols for every single one of its partnered OEMs. A problem that Apple never has to face because of its concentrated control on the device manufactured.

Source Code Security

Both the operating systems make use of very similar security features for keeping their users safe but while Apple keeps a close watch on the source code and has functionality like SSL Pinning in iOS, the open-source nature of Android makes it difficult for the OS to do so.

To solve this gap, Google has not just employed hackers to identify the source of attack but is also increasing its bounty that the brand is willing to pay for those who report new vulnerabilities, year on year.

While on the Apps front, hoping to get a clearer sense of security in Android, Google has introduced ‘Google Play Protect’ in the Play Store. This element that entered the market with the advent of Android O behaves like a virus scanner for the Android apps, ensuring that harmful content does not get downloaded on your device, a move that has come as a major relief for Top Android App Development Companies that have been crumbling under the growing malware attack prevention pressure.

Even though Google is getting online with its Play Store Security, the story of its device update is rather on the downside in the android security vs ios security debate.

The brand will continue to push out its Android Security patches month by month. But while Pixel and Nexus users might get the updates on the spot, other phone manufacturers might continue to delay or even skip the updates completely. With thousands of Android devices running years old software, they will continue to be vulnerable to major hacks such as Stagefright and Heartbleed.

2021-22 will see speedy updates taking a prime position, with the past year witnessing some of the major security breaches,(remember what happened with Uber Data Breach?) placing security breaches on the forefront. If you don’t have a stock device, Android is already behind in the updated world.

Apple, on the other hand, has been working on continuously taking security to the next level in 2021, especially with its Touch ID and the FaceID. The stringent oversight that the brand has on its apps added to their ability to send out updates to their devices quickly has given the brand a sure-shot edge over its competitor. The brand even takes measures to encrypt all the data in the iMessage and Apple’s other apps.

While Android also encrypts some data, users’ privacy will continue to be protected to a very little extent. To make its marketing efforts better and to offer a superior AI experience, Google will continue to mine data for information in 2021.

In spite of the fact that Android will be introducing new features on its Security front in 2021, iOS will win the title of Android vs iOS app security comparison this year too.

However, at the crux of the Android vs iOS which platform is the most secure debate lies the fact that the security ultimately depends on the users. Here are some things that we ask all our clients to remind their end-users in the app –

Use native app stores
Don’t download an app without verifying safety
Update the OS versions as and when they come
Set up a remote wiping facility
Switch on multi factor authentication

Frequently Asked Questions about Android vs iOS Secure

Q. Which is better, iOS or android?

The answer to this question depends entirely on the factor you are focusing on. If you consider customization, Android is better than iOS. But, in the case of security, Android lags behind iOS despite putting the best effort into place.

Q. Is iPhone more secure than android?

Though both Apple and Google are coming up with the best privacy and security practices, Apple’s iOS is still leading the show. iOS has 20% less critical vulnerabilities than Android, according to mobile security statistics.

Q. Which is easier to hack: iPhone or android?

Since Android runs on the hardware designed by different manufacturers and is an open ecosystem, it is easily hackable when compared to iPhone.