In “Mobile App Development Cost and Timeline Guide (Part 1)”, we briefly introduced three common types of mobile apps. Each type has different characteristics, development costs and delivery timelines. If you have not read the first part, you may want to start there. This article explains the differences between Android and iOS native app development in more detail.
Reference Workflow for App Development
Before comparing Android and iOS, it is useful to understand the early stages of mobile app development. A quality mobile app usually requires at least six months of development, while preparation and planning alone may take one to two months.
The client first explains business requirements to the app development company and discusses the feasibility of the plan. The development company then evaluates the scope and prepares a quotation. After discussion, the client and development team may adjust the proposal before signing a contract.
After both sides agree, the app development company usually prepares an initial prototype or sample for review. Development then continues, often using a SCRUM workflow, until the app is completed. The completed app goes through User Acceptance Testing (UAT), followed by handover of documentation and source code. If the contract includes a maintenance period, the client can also receive support and maintenance services during that period.
How to Choose Between iOS and Android
Mobile apps are generally launched on two major platforms: iOS apps on the App Store and Android apps on Google Play. iOS apps are commonly developed with Objective-C or Swift, while Android apps are commonly developed with Java. If you want to publish on the App Store, development normally requires a Mac or MacBook, so the cost may be slightly higher than Android development.
The right platform depends on your business goal. If your priority is wider exposure, Android may be more suitable. Android has a global market share of more than 70%, and in Asia it can reach around 80%, far ahead of iOS at roughly 30% globally. This means there are several times more Android users than iOS users.
If your goal is higher revenue from users, iOS may be more suitable. In 2019, Apple users spent USD 542 billion on the App Store globally, almost double the USD 293 billion spent on Google Play. This suggests that iOS users are often more willing to spend inside apps.
User Experience Differences
iOS and Android interfaces are not the same. iOS creates a polished and refined design language that clearly reminds users they are using an app. Android uses a more material and tangible design style, closer to the feeling of viewing elements on paper.
The two platforms also have different navigation patterns. Android devices usually include a dedicated back button, while iOS does not. On iOS, swiping from left to right can return to the previous page. On Android, a similar gesture may switch tabs instead. These platform conventions affect the experience of your mobile app and should not be ignored during design.
Development Time
In general, Android development takes longer than iOS development. The main reason is testing before launch. Android apps must be tested across a wider range of devices, screen sizes and hardware functions. Once an issue is found and fixed, the app often needs to be tested again across that device range. With iOS, after writing the app and deploying it to test devices, bugs can usually be identified in a more controlled environment.
For many businesses, the practical choice is to develop both Android and iOS apps at the same time using a hybrid app approach. This can cover the largest market, reduce development time and cost, and still deliver acceptable functionality and smoothness. It allows a business to launch a mobile app faster and with a more manageable budget.
Translation supported by AI.