iOS vs Android: Quick Comparison
| Factor | iOS | Android |
|---|---|---|
| Global Market Share | 27% | 72% |
| India Market Share | ~4% | ~95% |
| US Market Share | ~57% | ~42% |
| Revenue Per User | Higher (2-3x Android) | Lower but more users |
| Development Language | Swift, SwiftUI | Kotlin, Jetpack Compose |
| Device Fragmentation | Low (few device types) | High (thousands of devices) |
| App Store Review | Strict (1-7 days) | Faster (hours-3 days) |
| User Demographics | Higher income, urban | Broader demographics |
Market Share by Region
Your choice depends heavily on your target market:
India
95% Android
United States
57% iOS
Europe
65% Android
Global
72% Android
When to Choose iOS First
Prioritize iOS development when:
- Targeting premium/affluent users: iOS users spend more on apps
- US, UK, or Australia market: Higher iOS adoption
- Subscription or premium apps: Higher conversion rates on iOS
- Enterprise B2B apps: Many enterprises use iOS devices
- Design-focused apps: iOS users expect polished UX
- Simpler testing: Fewer device variations
iOS user profile: Higher income, more willing to pay for apps, early adopters, urban professionals
When to Choose Android First
Prioritize Android development when:
- Targeting India or emerging markets: 95%+ Android share
- Maximum reach is priority: 3 billion+ Android devices
- Ad-supported apps: Larger user base for ad revenue
- Apps for mass market: All demographics covered
- Need hardware flexibility: Diverse device options
- Faster store approval: Less strict review process
Android user profile: Diverse demographics, price-conscious, variety seekers, tech enthusiasts
Development Comparison
iOS Development
- Language: Swift, SwiftUI
- IDE: Xcode (Mac required)
- Devices: ~20 active iPhone/iPad models
- Testing: Easier, fewer variations
- Store fee: $99/year
- Review: 1-7 days, strict guidelines
Android Development
- Language: Kotlin, Jetpack Compose
- IDE: Android Studio (any OS)
- Devices: Thousands of device models
- Testing: Complex, device fragmentation
- Store fee: $25 one-time
- Review: Hours to 3 days, flexible
Revenue Comparison
Understanding revenue potential on each platform:
- App Store revenue: iOS generates ~65% of global app revenue despite lower market share
- In-app purchases: iOS users spend 2-3x more than Android users
- Subscription apps: Higher conversion and retention on iOS
- Ad revenue: Android has more impressions, iOS has higher CPMs
- Paid apps: iOS users more willing to pay upfront
Strategy tip: Many apps launch on iOS first to generate revenue, then expand to Android for reach
Best Approach: Build for Both
With cross-platform frameworks, you do not have to choose one platform:
Cross-Platform Benefits
- Single codebase: Build once, deploy to iOS and Android
- 30-40% cost savings: Compared to building native apps separately
- Faster launch: Ship to both platforms simultaneously
- Easier maintenance: One team, one codebase
- Modern frameworks: Flutter and React Native deliver near-native performance
Our Recommendation
Based on our experience building 100+ apps:
- For Indian market: Prioritize Android or use cross-platform
- For US/premium market: Consider iOS first for revenue optimization
- For startups/MVPs: Use Flutter or React Native for both platforms
- For enterprises: Evaluate based on your user base and use case
Need Help Choosing Your Platform?
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