The age-old battle between Android and iOS rages on, with each side claiming superiority. But in truth, it can be difficult to decide which platform is better for your app. So which should you choose: Android or IOS?
The answer to this question depends on three factors: the purpose of your app, how quickly you need it developed, and what features you want to be included. Below are a few points that will help you make a more informed decision about whether to develop an Android or IOS application.
Android Development: Pros and Cons
Android development is the most common operating system used on smartphones. It's a Linux-based software developed by Google. This operating system is available for various kinds of companies to use and modify in smartphone devices.
Android development has several benefits over IOS, such as:
User-Friendly Applications
Customers will find it easier to operate and use applications compatible with Android because of its user-friendly interface. Moreover, they can easily run this platform anywhere, whether on the computer screen or mobile phone. Apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram are compatible with Android and thus more convenient for users to use them anytime, anywhere without worries.
Support from Several Developers
Many developers support the Android platform, which allows users to have various options for choosing applications. In addition, this has resulted in lower prices for customers and more competition between businesses, thus allowing them to have a wider selection from where they can choose various kinds of services and products.
Compatibility
Android is also compatible with several devices or brands such as HTC or Sony. This ensures that customers can use their mobile phones with any available smartphone brand sold in the market today.
Security
This operating system is reliable because it uses Linux kernel (the same technology used on MacBook Air). Also, it updates its security packages continuously to ensure that every device using this software is safe from malware attacks and other viruses.
In addition, Android development is more flexible because of its open-source code that allows users to customize and change certain features in the phone's settings. More than ever before, today's smartphones are integrated into our daily lives, making it important for smartphones to be compatible with various activities.
Therefore, the user-friendly application design has made Android an optimal operating system suitable for all ages and skills users. Furthermore, different companies can develop their own applications with this platform without worrying about compatibility issues or viruses affecting their programs as Android updates its security packages continuously. However, despite these benefits, Android still faces some disadvantages such as:
Open Source Code
The risk of software is more likely to be exposed, and the threat from hackers is inevitable. It's even more concerning as Android apps are not controlled by Google but by other companies that can make changes according to their own rules without noticing the general public (for example, Facebook).
Low-Quality Apps
The lack of quality control for applications available in the market also poses a risk because users may download fake or low-quality software from online stores. This poses a potential security threat since most of them include malicious code or viruses that can damage your device.
IOS Development: Pros and Cons
When it comes to IOS development, Apple's operating system for smartphones has received positive reviews because of its features, such as having an easy-to-use interface and various apps widely available for smartphones. In addition, though the performance is relatively lower than Android, Apple's IOS still has good features that benefit users, such as:
Higher Security
Apple controls all the applications available in its online store, which means they have more control over who to allow and reject when it comes to applications made by other developers. Hence, there are fewer malicious code or viruses threats because they only accept applications with minimal bugs or security flaws.
Minimal Data Collection
Users are also worried about their privacy regarding smartphone companies such as Google collecting their information for profit-making purposes. However, Apple has minimal data collection compared to Android, and thus, the storage space is used exclusively by customers for storing important files or documents.
Easy User Interface
Developers of IOS have made this operating system user-friendly so that end-users do not have difficulty navigating from one point to another. In addition, the design is also very clear; they can immediately see what features a specific application offers, such as games or social media apps like Facebook and Twitter. Thus, most people prefer using smartphones with this operating system because of its easy interface and wide array of applications available online.
However, despite the benefits mentioned above, IOS still faces some disadvantages such as:
Storage Space
Unlike Android phones, which have a micro SD slot that can expand the internal storage space, iPhones can only have up to 16 GB of memory, and users are required to purchase an additional iCloud account for further storage space if needed. However, this is very expensive compared to other operating systems, especially if it's not used frequently.
Updating Firmware
It may take longer before Apple releases updates for IOS devices because they need time to verify new features or security patches before releasing them in their system. Unfortunately, this poses a risk such that users' devices might contain bugs that may result in a whole system crash when they are installed.
Key Factors to Consider
Building an App for Android or iOS Depends on Your Audience. Depending on the purpose of your application, you should decide which operating system to develop it for. For example, applications that corporate businesses or professionals use need frequent updates such as new features and security patches, so IOS is more appropriate since Apple can quickly release these digital files.
However, if you intend to build an app for consumers who have a lower budget, then developing Android apps might be better because it has users worldwide. As a result, they are less likely to demand frequent updates compared to other platforms.
A popular type of app is healthcare which encompasses apps that help users track their health, such as physical activity and calorie calculator. The reason is that healthy living is relevant to people across all age groups; hence an Apple or Android phone can be useful for exercising, nutrition, and other health-related activities. Also, there is a specific health it certification program that helps create an app that meets government requirements and includes necessary features.
Making an App for iOS is Faster and Less Expensive
Apple provides developers with a programming language called Objective-C, designed for IOS development, unlike Android, which uses Java. This will make it easier to develop an app for smartphones using this operating system, and the cost is also very low compared to developing applications for other platforms. Thus, people would choose IOS over Android, especially if running on limited budgets or time constraints.
Developing an App for Android Allows More Flexibility With Features
Android-based applications can integrate with the phone's third-party apps like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. iOS does not have this capability, which means users will need to exit from your app to use other functions of their phones. However, this is also a downside since Android phones are more vulnerable to security threats than Apple's due to the open-source platform used for building its operating system. In addition, these apps can only run on IOS devices with specific versions, such as you cannot use applications built for iOS14 but are stuck on 13 or lower versions.
In the end, it all boils down to the needs of your app and what you intend to get out of it. If you are aiming for commercial success, IOS is your best option since it already has many users globally who can immediately download your product once you have uploaded them in their store.
Nevertheless, if you want more flexibility when creating an app to customize its features according to customer preferences, then developing Android applications is highly recommended.