App Development with Android or the iOS: Which One to Choose?

Battle of the Operating Systems:  Android Vs iOS

Android: For you, as a prospective newbie in mobile app development, Android’s single biggest selling point is its customizability. Android’s open-source model has paved the way for third-party developers to create a wide range of apps and add-on functionalities that add to the OS’s inherent capabilities.

You can create and develop anything from widgets and live wallpapers to apps that can be downloaded from not only the Google Play Store but also from the Amazon Appstore or even directly from the app developer’s website.

This leaves developers with a greater scope for testing the waters in Android app development and to create striking apps that find great usability.

Android Platform

Some Pros:

• Android’s customization possibilities include the ability to install multiple gadgets and widgets to a device’s lock system.
• Ability to set or change specific programs is made possible.
• You can install non-factory dialers and SMS apps.
• The standard pull-down notification system allows you to turn Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and audio on and off with a single tap instead of having to access system preferences.
• By default, Android also has a file management system similar to PCs and Macs that delivers a “hands on” experience to using the mobile devices.

Some Cons:

• Freedom to customize does not guarantee uniform performance of the interface.

For instance, something that was intended to perform well in a particular OS may not perform so well with an upgraded OS.

• Also, Google’s app policies aren’t as strict as those of Apple’s, meaning apps do not have guaranteed peak performance rates and there is also the risk of security threats.

Despite its flaws, Android remains the more popular and widely-used among the two operating systems, and more mobile manufacturers use the Android OS than any other.

iOS: Whatever Android lacks, iOS compensates for. With its simplistic layout and vibrant colors, the Apple interface ensures uniformity and consistency of performance.

Many newly released apps, too, mostly enter the Apple App Store before finding their way into the Google Play Store or onto the Android market. This is more so because of the credibility that iOS applications seem to guarantee. The strict quality control measures taken by Apple ensure greater security, unlike the case with Android.

iOS Platform

Some pros:

• It is quick, clean, and a lot more secure than most other platforms available on the market.
• Greater legitimacy and security of applications is assured.
• It is more stable and has a user-friendly mobile interface.
• iOS’s interface lends itself better to gaming and game developers.

Most often, the advantageous and disadvantageous factors of iOS overlap. Consider the following -

Some cons:

• Apple does not allow Flash functionality.
• Sideloading of apps is not possible with the iOS. And although jail-breaking is an option to overcome this, it might further result in reduced device operability.
• Although secure, iOS restricts the freedom for users to explore a greater variety of apps.

Thus, it might be said while both the operating systems have their own sets of pros and cons, and perform similarly to each other, the choice of having to choose between them depends upon the user and neither outweighs the other.

Android App Development Vs iOS App Development

Having discussed about the operating systems themselves, we will now compare the app development platforms of both.

Most apps first get released for the iOS platform and then for Android. But more apps are released for Android than for iOS, given its open-source model. Android has a larger user-base but iOS apps often deliver greater revenue. They seem to end up in a tie again.

Here is a comparative table setting out the characteristics of both platforms.

 
So, that was about comparing both app development platforms. Even considering other factors like market share, revenue, ease of upgradation and more, both platforms seem to have a close winning edge.

So, as a learner venturing into this arena, it would only be wise if you based your choice on your personal interests and circumstances.

Whichever platform you choose to specialize in, a professional certification to validate your learning and skills will help immensely. Check out the Full Stack Developer - MERN Stack program.

Happy learning!