The increase in the use of smartphones has led to a significant rise in the demand for mobile applications. Enterprises have recognized that mobile apps can help them increase the value of their brand, and also enhance their business offering to their customers.
Before developing a mobile app, however, it’s important to decide which mobile app development platform the app is going to be built on. And choosing which mobile app development platform to go with is one of the most vital decisions when it comes to developing an app.
Do you go for a native app or a cross-platform app? Are Windows and Blackberry phone worth your attention? Or do you just focus on iOS and Android? If you do this, which of the two do you pick – Android or iOS? Do you pick both?
There’s a lot you need to think about when choosing between mobile development platforms.
So, if you’re wondering which MADP to pick, here are a few for starters:
1. Market Share
The first way to decide on the right mobile app development platform is by learning about each of their market shares. For instance, Android by Google runs 80% of the world’s mobile devices. On the other hand, Apple’s iOS runs about 14% of worldwide mobile devices. However, this doesn’t take iOS out of the running. iOS is preferred by users from countries like the US, Japan, and Australia. And so, if they are your target audience, you should consider iOS. Android is preferred by users in Asian and African countries and is the better mobile app development platform if you’re looking to reach users in these regions.
2. Demographics
When choosing from a variety of mobile development platforms it’s also important to consider demographics. Android users are usually those from a lower income group and prefer Android, as these devices are quite affordable. In addition to this, Android mobile devices are usually owned by people from an older age group. However, because a bulk of Android apps is available for free, there is less engagement with them. iPhones on the other hand, are preferred by users who belong to a medium and higher income group. These users are generally younger, educated individuals who are open to spending money when it comes to buying digital products like mobile apps.
3. Content
Content categories also play an important role in deciding which mobile app development platform to choose. Research has found that those who own iOS devices tend to explore a variety of app categories when looking to download a mobile application. Right from gaming and entertainment, to social media and education, iOS users have the tendency to download different kinds of apps. It has also been found that Android users, unlike iPhone users, generally download solely social apps. That’s why, when choosing a MADP, it’s important to take content categories into consideration.
4. Browsing-to-Buy Conversion Rates
Browsing-to-buy conversion rates should always be taken into consideration when choosing between mobile development platforms. Studies have shown that this rate is higher among iOS users. 23% of iPhone users are more likely to make purchases from their smartphones. Android users, on the other hand, are less likely to do this.
5. Generation of Revenue
As mentioned in one of the previous points, iOS users are more willing to purchase apps. This is why iOS apps generate higher revenues as compared to Android apps. Hence, if you’re looking to create an app that is a product all by itself, like a gaming app, then the mobile app development platform you need to pick is iOS.
6. Development Costs
The costs that come with different mobile development platforms vary. For instance, when an Android app is being developed, the developers are required to write 40% more code, and this, in turn, costs the app owners 30% more.
7. Customization
This also plays an important role when picking the right MADP. Android is the better option here, as this platform allows developers to add a lot more features and customizations to their apps, whereas iOS can be quite limiting.
8. Launching the App
If you’re looking to easily launch your app on an app store, then Android is the mobile app development platform to choose. This is because, it’s much simpler to launch an app on Google Play, than Apple’s App Store, as Apple requires every app to go through an exhaustive approval process.
Kiran W