iOS or Android development? This choice isn’t just about technology; it's about strategy. Understanding when to choose iOS and when to go for Android can shape the success of your app and business.
Whether you’re a startup with a groundbreaking idea or a seasoned app developer facing platform-specific challenges, grasping the core differences between the iOS and Android ecosystems will simplify your decision-making process. That’s why we’ve crafted this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the key differences between these mobile platforms and make an informed decision.
Buckle up, as it’s time to settle the iOS vs Android debate once and for all! But first, a quick look at mobile development in general.
Overview of mobile app development
What is mobile app development?
Mobile app development is the process of creating software applications for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. It involves designing, building, testing, and deploying apps for platforms like Android and iOS.
iOS developers use Swift programming language to create mobile apps that work seamlessly across different Apple devices and screen sizes. In contrast, Android developers use Java and Kotlin to build Android apps.
The mobile landscape is dominated by these two major operating systems. According to Statista, in the first quarter of 2025, Android continued to lead as the dominant mobile operating system globally, holding a market share of around 71.88%. Meanwhile, its closest competitor, Apple's iOS, accounted for roughly 27.65% of the market during the same period.
Although iOS has a smaller market share, its users tend to be more affluent and spend more on apps, making it an attractive platform for certain types of apps.
By the way, the first mobile app was developed in 1993 for the IBM Simon Personal Communicator. However, it was the launch of Apple's App Store in 2008 and Google Play in 2009 that truly transformed the app market. Since then, millions of Android and iOS apps have been created and made available for download, shaping the mobile landscape into what it is today.
iOS and Android app development: a side-by-side comparison
When it comes to building mobile applications, choosing between Android and iOS is probably one of the most important decisions you'll face. Each platform has its own strengths, tools, and user base.
In this chapter, we’ll pit iOS and Android app development against each other, revealing the key differences to help you make the smartest choice for your project.
Android vs iOS app: development environment and tools
Programming languages
As mentioned above, iOS apps are primarily built with Swift, Apple’s fast and user-friendly language designed specifically for its devices. On the Android side, Java and Kotlin programming languages are commonly used, with Kotlin gaining popularity due to its cleaner syntax and added features, though both are more complex than Swift.
For those looking to target both platforms, cross-platform development frameworks such as Flutter, React Native,Cordova, and Xamarin enable developers to build quality apps for both Android and iOS. However, this can come with performance trade-offs.
Just in case you're wondering, we'll cover cross-platform engineering and its pros and cons below.
Integrated development environments (IDEs)
For Android development, Android Studio is the official IDE. It’s built around the Gradle Build System, offering Android app developers a robust toolset for managing dependencies, building projects, and automating tasks. Android Studio also provides a comprehensive suite of tools, including a code editor, debugger, and project manager, making it an all-in-one solution for Android app development.
On the flip side, Xcode is the IDE for iOS development. It integrates seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem and features Interface Builder, which allows developers to design user interfaces visually, simplifying the layout process. Xcode also includes essential tools like a code editor, debugger, and performance analyzer, making it a powerful choice for creating apps for iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices.
App design and user experience
Designing for Android and iOS requires understanding the unique philosophies and technical specifics of each platform. From visual layouts to navigation patterns and widget behavior, each system presents its own approach to user experience.
Design philosophy:
- iOS: Prioritizes minimalism, elegance, and consistency. Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines encourage clean layouts, simple color schemes, and intuitive navigation. Besides, iOS apps tend to have more consistent quality and user experience due to standardization across devices.
- Android: Offers flexibility and customization through Material Design. Developers can experiment more with layouts, components, and animations to build unique interfaces.
Navigation bar placement:
- iOS: The navigation bar is centered and typically used to display the screen title. Managed via UINavigationBar, it aligns with Apple’s polished, symmetrical design approach.
- Android: The navigation bar is left-aligned and often includes a hamburger menu or action buttons. Implemented through Toolbar or ActionBar, allowing for more versatility in screen structure.
Navigation patterns:
- iOS: Focuses on gesture-based, intuitive navigation, with clear hierarchies and seamless transitions between screens.
- Android: Supports more layered navigation, often combining drawers, tabs, and floating action buttons for deeper control.
Widget support:
- iOS: Widgets are more limited and static, placed in the Today View or Home screen with restricted interactivity.
- Android: Widgets are highly dynamic, resizable, and can be freely placed on the home screen, offering enhanced engagement and real-time updates.
Development complexity and time
Android development tends to be more complex and time-consuming. Due to device fragmentation, developers must account for a wide range of screen sizes, densities, hardware specs, and OS versions. This requires extensive testing and optimization, which increases both development time and budget.
iOS development is generally faster and more cost-effective. Apple’s limited device range and closed ecosystem allow for more predictable performance and easier testing. Besides, iOS development tools like Xcode are generally considered more refined, making design simpler for developers.
Cost of development and ROI
Cost of creating apps for iOS
iOS app development typically comes with higher upfront costs, but it can deliver a strong return on investment (ROI), especially when targeting users who are more willing to spend. This is largely due to the demographic and purchasing behavior of iOS users, who tend to have higher disposable incomes and show a greater willingness to pay for premium apps and services.
Thus, the average annual salary of iOS users is around $53,000, while Android users average around $37,000. iOS users, on average, spend $101 per month on technology products, while Android users spend only $51.
From a developer’s perspective, the cost of iOS app development is influenced by Apple's annual developer account fee, which is higher than Google's one-time fee. Apple charges $99 per year for access to its developer tools and distribution platform, whereas Google charges a one-time $25 fee.
While the upfront investment may be higher, the uniformity of Apple devices and polished tools like Xcode simplify testing and development — often making iOS apps quicker and more efficient to build compared to Android.
Interesting fact: Men are more likely to use Android devices, and women are more likely to use Apple devices, as per the source.
Cost of creating apps for Android
Overall costs for Android development tend to be higher due to the need for extensive testing across various devices. With hundreds of manufacturers and screen sizes, device fragmentation remains a major challenge, often increasing both the complexity and duration of development projects.
This fragmentation means apps must be optimized for different resolutions, OS versions, and hardware capabilities, which demands more time, resources, and QA efforts. As a result, Android applications may take longer to create and are therefore costlier compared to iOS.
While Google’s one-time developer fee is lower than Apple’s, the hidden costs of supporting a broad ecosystem, like extra development hours and extended testing cycles, can quickly add up.
In contrast, iOS development costs may be affected by the need for an Apple developer account, but its more standardized environment often helps reduce time and cost in the long run.
Return on investment (ROI) and revenue per platform
iOS apps tend to deliver a higher return on investment, thanks to a user base that is more likely to spend on premium apps, in-app purchases, and subscriptions. Monetization strategies on iOS often lean toward direct revenue models rather than ads, which typically generate less income. Despite having fewer overall downloads, the Apple App Store consistently outperforms Google Play in terms of revenue. This makes iOS especially appealing for businesses aiming to generate profit directly through their apps.
So, while Android dominates in total app downloads and global market share, its ROI is generally lower than iOS. A significant portion of Android apps rely on ad-based monetization, which tends to yield lower revenue compared to paid apps or subscriptions.
Therefore, Android is often the better choice for maximizing reach, while iOS remains stronger for generating revenue per user.
Monetization strategies and in-app purchases
As mentioned earlier, iOS apps often generate more revenue through in-app purchases and subscriptions, which are popular among its high-spending user base. Apple supports various monetization models and takes a 15% commission on subscriptions after the first year. Since iOS users are more willing to pay for premium features, developers tend to rely less on ad-based revenue, contributing to a higher overall ROI.
Android supports similar monetization options, including in-app purchases, subscriptions, and ads. While Android apps also apply a 15% subscription fee, ad-based models are more common, especially for apps targeting wider audiences.
App store and distribution
Google Play Market vs App Store
The approval process for iOS apps is more rigorous than for Android apps, which can be approved more quickly. This is largely due to Apple’s complex moderation system, which not only enforces stricter guidelines but also ensures a higher level of security and app quality.
As a result, the App Store is considered a safer source of apps, and iOS users face fewer malware risks compared to Android.
Android app distribution allows developers to reach a wider audience as it can be hosted on multiple platforms beyond just Google Play. While this flexibility benefits reach, it can also introduce more security vulnerabilities.
Security and privacy
Data protection and encryption
Apple offers strong built-in encryption tools to secure user data both in transit and at rest. Its tightly controlled environment, secure storage frameworks like Keychain and Secure Enclave, and focus on secure authentication make data protection easier for developers.
Android also supports encryption, but its open-source nature and device variety require more developer involvement. Developers must manually implement secure data storage and authentication mechanisms, and test them across various devices and OS versions, which adds complexity.
Compliance with regulations and standards
Apple enforces strict compliance with privacy regulations like GDPR and HIPAA through its App Store review process. Developers are expected to follow these standards closely, and Apple’s clear documentation helps guide them through the technical requirements. The platform’s structured ecosystem and consistent updates make maintaining compliance easier over time.
While Google offers guidance for regulatory compliance, Android places more responsibility on developers to ensure that their apps meet standards such as GDPR or HIPAA. Due to the fragmented nature of Android devices and versions, staying compliant requires a deeper understanding of regional regulations, careful implementation, and regular auditing. It's advisable to consult with legal or compliance experts to avoid risks.
Cross-platform development: one app for multiple platforms
Cross-platform development is a method of building mobile applications that run on both iOS and Android using a single codebase. Instead of writing separate native apps for each platform, developers can use cross-platform development tools like Flutter, React Native, or Xamarin to streamline the process.
Feel free to read this guide to compare React Native and Flutter. Or this guide to compare NativeScript and React Native in the world of cross-platform development.
Cross-platform development solutions have emerged as a popular software development trend for building mobile apps for both Android and iOS. This approach is particularly appealing to teams looking to reduce time, cost, and maintenance efforts while still reaching a broad user base across different devices and operating systems.
Interesting fact: Larger companies often prefer to build native applications for better performance, while smaller companies may opt for cross-platform app development to save costs.
Cross-platform development: pros and cons
Pros:
1) Cross-platform mobile development allows you to maintain a single codebase, saving time and resources compared to developing separate native apps.
2) Choosing cross-platform development can be especially beneficial during the prototyping and testing phases of app development.
3) Developing for both platforms allows you to reach a wider audience. However, it requires more resources and can be more complex.
Cons:
1) Cross-platform apps can result in a longer time to market due to the need to test across different operating systems for consistent behavior.
2) Cross-platform engineering can be a good option, but it may compromise on quality or speed.
3) Cross-platform apps may lack the same level of performance and customization as native apps, due to variations in how each platform handles behavior and processes.
iOS and Android development: choosing the right platform
When deciding between iOS or Android application development, it’s important to evaluate a variety of factors to ensure your app reaches its target audience effectively while staying within budget and meeting your goals. Both platforms have their strengths and limitations, and your choice ought to be based on several key considerations. Let's explore these factors in detail.
Factors to consider when choosing a platform:
1) Market share and user demographics
Android users are concentrated in developing regions worldwide, which means targeting these areas may require building for Android. iOS, on the other hand, tends to have a more affluent user base, especially in developed countries.
2) Development complexity and time
iOS development generally takes less time due to a more uniform device ecosystem and a more refined set of development tools.
In contrast, Android development often requires more resources because of the platform’s fragmentation: you need to consider a variety of screen sizes, OS versions, and hardware capabilities.
3) Cost of development and ROI
iOS development tends to be more cost-effective in the long run, given its streamlined environment and higher potential for revenue generation. However, the upfront cost for iOS, including Apple's developer account fee, may be higher.
On the other hand, Android app development, while reaching a broader audience, often requires more investment due to its fragmented nature and the need for extensive testing across various devices.
4) App store and distribution models
The App Store and Google Play have different approval processes and distribution models. iOS offers a more controlled ecosystem, which means apps are scrutinized more thoroughly, ensuring higher quality and security.
Android offers a more flexible and accessible distribution process, allowing apps to be hosted on multiple platforms beyond Google Play, though this can sometimes complicate the release and update process.
5) Post-launch challenges
Post-launch support for Android apps is more challenging due to the diversity of devices they need to support. Maintaining consistent performance across such a wide range of devices can be time-consuming and resource-heavy.
In contrast, iOS devices are more standardized, making ongoing support and updates more manageable.
6) Customization and scalability possibilities
Android's open-source nature allows for greater customization and deeper system-level functionality than iOS. If your app requires significant customization or needs to scale rapidly, Android may offer the flexibility needed to meet those requirements.
However, if you're aiming for a simpler, more controlled app ecosystem with high consistency, iOS might be a better fit for scalability.
7) You needs
It’s also essential to evaluate the specific needs of your app. For example, if you require heavy customization, deeper system integration, or a more flexible UI, Android’s open-source nature may be a better fit.
However, if you need a more polished, secure, and consistent user experience with a streamlined development process, iOS might be the best choice.
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Android vs. iOS app development: which one to choose?
Choose Android for wider reach and exposure, especially in developing regions. With its larger global market share, Android is ideal for targeting emerging markets and reaching a broad audience across various devices. Additionally, Android offers more flexibility and customization, allowing deeper system-level functionality and greater control over app features.
Choose iOS if your app targets affluent users in developed countries. iOS users have higher incomes and spend more on apps and in-app purchases, making it a lucrative choice for apps focusing on this demographic. iOS also offers a polished, sleek user experience and a simpler development process, as the limited device range makes testing easier and development more efficient.
Conclusion
Whether you’re leaning toward native Android or iOS apps, or exploring cross-platform app development, it's crucial to consider factors like development complexity, cost, and the user base.
iOS apps typically offer a more streamlined process and a more affluent audience, while Android devices provide broader reach, especially in developing regions. Nevertheless, your decision should align with your goals, budget, and timeline.
Need a fresh mobile app or looking to revamp your existing one? Whether you’re eyeing native Android and iOS apps or going cross-platform, Akveo’s mobile application development team is ready to turn your idea into a perfect app for your audience. See how we’ve already helped clients across different industries in our case studies.
Are you ready to craft something amazing together? Your next big mobile development project is just one click away — contact us to get your project kicked off.
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Streamlining Gifting Marketplace Operations with Retool
Afloat, a gifting marketplace, needed custom dashboards to streamline order management, delivery tracking, and reporting while integrating with Shopify and external APIs.
The solution:
We built two Retool-based dashboards:
- A Retail Partner Dashboard embedded into Shopify for managing orders and store performance.
- An Admin Dashboard for handling deliveries and partner data.
Both dashboards included real-time integration with Afloat's Backend and APIs for accurate, up-to-date data and scalability.
The result: enhanced efficiency, error-free real-time data, and scalable dashboards for high-order volumes.
Billing Automation for a SaaS Company with Low-Code
Our client needed a robust billing solution to manage hierarchical licenses, ensure compliance, and automate invoicing for streamlined operations.
The solution:
We developed a Retool-based application that supports multi-tiered licenses, automates invoicing workflows, and integrates seamlessly with CRM and accounting platforms to enhance financial data management.
The result:
- Achieved 100% adherence to licensing agreements, mitigating penalties.
- Automated invoicing and workflows reduced manual effort significantly.
- Dashboards and reports improved decision-making and operational visibility.
Retool Dashboards with HubSpot Integration
Our client needed a centralized tool to aggregate account and contact activity, improving visibility and decision-making for the sales team.
The solution
We built a Retool application integrated with HubSpot, QuickMail, and Clay.com. The app features dashboards for sorting, filtering, and detailed views of companies, contacts, and deals, along with real-time notifications and bidirectional data syncing.
The result
- MVP in 50 hours: Delivered a functional application in just 50 hours.
- Smarter decisions: Enabled data-driven insights for strategic planning.
- Streamlined operations: Reduced manual tasks with automation and real-time updates.
Lead Generation Tool to Reduce Manual Work
Our client, Afore Capital, a venture capital firm focused on pre-seed investments, aimed to automate their lead generation processes but struggled with existing out-of-the-box solutions. To tackle this challenge, they sought assistance from our team of Akveo Retool experts.
The scope of work
The client needed a tailored solution to log and track inbound deals effectively. They required an application that could facilitate the addition, viewing, and editing of company and founder information, ensuring data integrity and preventing duplicates. Additionally, Afore Capital aimed to integrate external tools like PhantomBuster and LinkedIn to streamline data collection.
The result
By developing a custom Retool application, we streamlined the lead generation process, significantly reducing manual data entry. The application enabled employees to manage inbound deals efficiently while automated workflows for email parsing, notifications, and dynamic reporting enhanced operational efficiency. This allowed Afore Capital's team to focus more on building relationships with potential founders rather than on administrative tasks.
Retool CMS Application for EdTech Startup
Our client, CutTime, a leading fine arts education management platform, needed a scalable CMS application to improve vendor product management and user experience.
The scope of work
We developed a Retool application that allows vendors to easily upload and manage product listings, handle inventory, and set shipping options. The challenge was to integrate the app with the client’s system, enabling smooth authentication and product management for program directors.
The result
Our solution streamlined product management, reducing manual work for vendors, and significantly improving operational efficiency.
Building Reconciliation Tool for e-commerce company
Our client was in need of streamlining and simplifying its monthly accounting reconciliation process – preferably automatically. But with a lack of time and low budget for a custom build, development of a comprehensive software wasn’t in the picture. After going through the case and customer’s needs, we decided to implement Retool. And that was the right choice.
The scope of work
Our team developed a custom reconciliation tool designed specifically for the needs of high-volume transaction environments. It automated the processes and provided a comprehensive dashboard for monitoring discrepancies and anomalies in real-time.
The implementation of Retool significantly reduced manual effort, as well as fostered a more efficient and time-saving reconciliation process.
Creating Retool Mobile App for a Wine Seller
A leading spirits and wine seller in Europe required the development of an internal mobile app for private client managers and administrators. The project was supposed to be done in 1,5 months. Considering urgency and the scope of work, our developers decided to use Retool for swift and effective development.
The scope of work
Our developers built a mobile application tailored to the needs of the company's sales force: with a comprehensive overview of client interactions, facilitated order processing, and enabled access to sales history and performance metrics. It was user-friendly, with real-time updates, seamlessly integrated with existing customer databases.
The result? Increase in productivity of the sales team and improved decision-making process. But most importantly, positive feedback from the customers themselves.
Developing PoC with Low Code for a Tour Operator
To efficiently gather, centralize, and manage data is a challenge for any tour operator. Our client was not an exception. The company was seeking to get an internal software that will source information from third-party APIs and automate the travel itinerary creation process. Preferably, cost- and user-friendly tool.
The scope of work
Our experts ensured the client that all the requirements could be covered by Retool. And just in 40 hours a new software was launched. The tool had a flexible and easy-to-use interface with user authentication and an access management system panel – all the company needed. At the end, Retool was considered the main tool to replace the existing system.
Testing New Generation of Lead Management Tool with Retool
Our client, a venture fund, had challenges with managing lead generation and client acquisition. As the company grew, it aimed to attract more clients and scale faster, as well as automate the processes to save time, improve efficiency and minimize human error. The idea was to craft an internal lead generation tool that will cover all the needs. We’ve agreed that Retool will be a perfect tool for this.
The scope of work
The project initially began as a proof of concept, but soon enough, with each new feature delivered, the company experienced increased engagement and value.
We developed a web tool that integrates seamlessly with Phantombuster for data extraction and LinkedIn for social outreach. Now, the company has a platform that elevates the efficiency of their lead generation activities and provides deep insights into potential client bases.
Building an Advanced Admin Portal for Streamlined Operations
Confronted with the need for more sophisticated internal tools, an owner of IP Licensing marketplace turned to Retool to utilize its administrative functions. The primary goal was to construct an advanced admin portal that could support complex, multi-layered processes efficiently.
The scope of work
Our client needed help with updating filters and tables for its internal platform. In just 30 hours we've been able to update and create about 6 pages. Following features were introduced: add complex filtering and search, delete records, styling application with custom CSS.
Together, we have increased performance on most heavy pages and fixed circular dependency issues.
Creating MVP Dashboard for Google Cloud Users
Facing the challenge of unoptimized cloud resource management, a technology firm working with Google Cloud users was looking for a solution to make its operations more efficient. The main idea of the project was to create an MVP for e-commerce shops to test some client hypotheses. Traditional cloud management tools fell short.
The scope of work
Determined to break through limitations, our team of developers turned Retool. We decided to craft an MVP Dashboard specifically for Google Cloud users. This wasn't just about bringing data into view; but about reshaping how teams interact with their cloud environment.
We designed a dashboard that turned complex cloud data into a clear, strategic asset thanks to comprehensive analytics, tailored metrics, and an intuitive interface, that Retool provides. As the results, an increase in operational efficiency, significant improvement in cost management and resource optimization.
Elevating CRM with Custom HubSpot Sales Dashboard
Our other client, a SaaS startup, that offers collaborative tools for design and engineering teams, was on a quest to supercharge their sales efforts. Traditional CRM systems were limited and not customizable enough. The company sought a solution that could tailor HubSpot to their workflow and analytics needs.
The scope of work
Charged with the task of going beyond standard CRM functions, our team turned to Retool. We wanted to redefine how sales teams interact with their CRM.
By integrating advanced analytics, custom metrics, and a user-friendly interface, our developers provided a solution that transformed data into a strategic asset.
In 40 hours, three informative dashboards were developed, containing the most sensitive data related to sales activities. These dashboards enable our customer to analyze sales and lead generation performance from a different perspective and establish the appropriate KPIs.
Building a PDF Editor with Low-Code
Our client, a leading digital credential IT startup, needed a lot of internal processes to be optimized. But the experience with low-code tools wasn’t sufficient. That’s why the company decided to hire professionals. And our team of developers joined the project.
The scope of work
The client has a program that designs and prints custom badges for customers. The badges need to be “mail-merged” with a person’s info and turned into a PDF to print. But what is the best way to do it?
Our developers decided to use Retool as a core tool. Using custom components and JavaScript, we developed a program that reduced employees' time for designing, putting the data, verifying, and printing PDF badges in one application.
As a result, the new approach significantly reduces the time required by the internal team to organize all the necessary staff for the conference, including badge creation.
