Android and iOS are the two major mobile operating systems in the market today. While many app developers often try to create apps that can work on both platforms, there are still significant differences that must be taken into account. Below, we explore how Android development differs from iOS development.
User Interface
The User Interface (UI) design of an app is critical to its success. It is, therefore, essential to understand how users interact with each platform when designing an app. The most significant difference between the Android and iOS user interface is the navigation bar. Android uses a three-button navigation system, while iOS has a single button. While Android favors a more flexible approach that allows users to switch between apps rapidly, iOS offers a straightforward and consistent user experience.
Coding Language
Android and iOS have different programming languages. Android uses Java and Kotlin, while iOS uses Swift and Objective-C. Java is an older programming language; thus, developers use Kotlin to improve their productivity since it enhances Java’s flexibility and significantly reduces the number of bugs. Conversely, Swift came into existence in 2014 and has since gained immense popularity. It is important to consider the programming language used since it influences the available tools, libraries, and code syntax required for app development.
Device Compatibility
Android has a wide range of devices that run on different hardware and screen sizes. Developers must consider the device compatibility of an app when creating an app for the Android platform. This requires thorough testing on different devices to ensure compatibility. In contrast, iOS runs on a limited number of devices. Though this simplifies app development and testing, it also limits the potential pool of users.
Fragmentation
Android users are fragmented across different versions of the operating system. This makes it challenging for developers to keep up with the latest versions and security patches. Simultaneously, iOS users upgrade to the latest version of the operating system rapidly. Because of this, developers can support the latest version of the operating system without worrying much about fragmentation.
App Approval Process
The app approval process is different for both Android and iOS. Apple has a strict review process that ensures that every app meets its guidelines before being published on the app store. The process can take up to 2-3 weeks for a new app to be approved. On the other hand, Android has a less strict review process; hence developers can publish apps faster. However, this means that there is a higher chance of security threats on the Android platform.
Market Share
Android has the largest market share in the world, followed by iOS. Due to Android’s vast market share, there is a larger potential user base. Conversely, iOS users tend to spend more on in-app purchases, making the platform more profitable for developers. The choice of platform, therefore, depends on the kind of app that a developer wants to create.
Conclusion
Developing for Android and iOS has become more accessible than ever before. However, there are still significant differences between the two platforms. Developers must consider aspects such as user interface, coding language, device compatibility, fragmentation, approval process, and market share when creating apps for either platform. A thorough understanding of these differences will go a long way in creating high-quality apps that meet users’ needs on both platforms.
