At some point, most businesses or organizations face the challenge of creating a mobile app to engage with their customers, promote their products or services, or streamline their operations. However, often when embarking on this journey, due to resource constraints, they need to decide which platform to target first: iOS or Android. The decision isn’t clear cut but we will discuss some of the factors to consider below.
User Demographics
Before deciding which platform to prioritize, it’s essential to understand the user demographics of each platform. iOS users tend to be more affluent and have higher education levels. On the other hand, Android users are more diverse, with a more significant number of users from emerging markets.
Market Share
When it comes to market share, Android dominates with a whopping 72.2% market share compared to iOS’s 27.8%. However, iOS users tend to spend more money on apps and in-app purchases than Android users.
Development Time and Cost
Developing an app for iOS is generally faster and cheaper than developing for Android. iOS development is more streamlined due to Apple’s strict guidelines and limited device range. On the other hand, Android development can be more time-consuming and costly due to the vast number of devices and operating system versions to consider.
App Store Review Process
Both Apple and Google have a review process before allowing an app to be published on their respective app stores. Apple’s review process tends to be stricter, with a focus on app quality and user experience. Google’s review process is less stringent, with a focus on security and malware prevention.
Revenue Model
You should consider the revenue model and monetization strategy that you plan to adopt for your app. Both iOS and Android offer various options, such as free, freemium, paid, subscription, and in-app purchase models, but they differ in their user behavior, spending power, and revenue share. iOS users tend to spend more on apps, have higher retention rates, and expect higher quality and design, but Apple charges a 30% commission on all transactions, except for subscriptions after the first year. Android users tend to be more price-sensitive, less loyal, and less prone to in-app purchases, but Google charges only a 15% commission on subscriptions. Therefore, you should choose a revenue model and monetization strategy that aligns with your app’s value proposition, target audience, and business goals, and optimize it based on the platform’s policies and performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision on which platform to prioritize first depends on various factors such as user demographics, market share, development time and cost, app store review process, and revenue model. If you’re targeting a more affluent market with higher education levels, iOS might be the way to go. If you’re targeting a more diverse market with a broader user base, Android might be the better option. Ultimately, the success of your app depends on how well it meets the needs of your target audience, regardless of the platform you choose.
