The Battle of the Operating Systems: Android Apps vs iOS Apps

• By James Wilson
• 17-02-2023
• Mobile Apps

In 2019, 87 percent of smartphones sold worldwide were Android-powered, and this percentage has significantly increased in the following years. iOS, an operating system created by Apple, has a 13 percent market share.

Global market share smartphone operating systems of unit shipments 2014-2023

There's no doubt that mobile phones have taken up significant space in our lives. There's nothing that cannot be done with them. The battle of operating systems dates back to the early 2000s. The modern OS for mobiles was Symbian. It was launched in the market with Ericsson R380 in 2000. After Nokia adopted it for its high-end phones, this OS gained popularity.

With a 67 percent market share in 2006, Symbian dominated the worldwide smartphone industry in the early years of this decade. Two new players entered the market at the same time and revolutionized the smartphone industry. Google debuted its Android operating system, and Apple introduced iOS via the iPhone.

And while we debate which operating system turned out to be the best, we already might have some answers.

A brief history of Android

The origins of Android may be traced back to 2003, when Chris White, Nick Sears, Rich Miner, and Andy Rubin created Android Inc. in Palo Alto, California. However, the business later encountered a cash shortage, which brought Google. After recognizing the platform's potential, Google made a $50 million purchase to buy Android in 2005. Time and time again, Android has undergone visual, architectural, and functional changes.

A brief history of iOS

Apple Inc developed iOS in 2007 for the iPhone and later extended it to other devices like the Apple Watch, iPod, iPad, and Apple TV. Since the operating system was based on the Macintosh, it also contained all its features and functionalities. The first version was designed to be a touch-based user interface with features like messages, calls, and much more. We have witnessed Apple improve its functionalities over the years.

Comparison of Android and iOS markets

1. Based on the size

Android

Numerous smartphone makers began to support the Android OS as it entered the market. Smartphones made expressly for the Android operating system were created by Samsung, Sony, and HTC. This has considerably benefited Android in becoming more popular, making it the most widely used smartphone operating system since 2010.

The Google Play Store, the world's largest app store with 2.65 million apps available for download as of June 2022, supports the growing popularity of Android devices.

iOS

The iPhone's success is primarily due to Apple's ability to continuously upgrade and introduce new models over the years to maintain the product's competitiveness. Sales of iPhones increased significantly from about 40 million units in 2010 to about 234 million units in 2021. In the fourth quarter of 2022, Apple increased its market share from the previous quarter to 24.1%. Samsung, a long-time rival of Apple, came in second place with a 19.4% market share.

2. Based on demographics and user behavior

Android vs iOS

In a 2019 survey, iPhone users (44%) barely edged out Android users (30%) in the 16–24 age category. Younger consumers favor the iPhone, while older users choose Android. In senior age groups, Android users outnumber iPhone users. This seems consistent with US demographics, as iPhones have a 58% market share among adults aged 18 to 34, compared to 42% for Android. On the other hand, older US consumers favor Android devices over iPhones.

As per a survey, customers with more money or higher incomes purchase iPhones. The average annual income of iPhone users was $53,231, whereas that of Android users was $37,040. The same survey revealed that iPhone users spend more money than Android users on clothing, cosmetics, and tech-related items.

Apple promises better privacy and secured user data. iOS protects user security and privacy better than Android.

In-app purchases are more expensive for iPhone users. In-app purchases will, on average, cost $0.47 for Android users and $1 for iOS users globally in 2022, according to Statista. This is in line with what consumers worldwide are paying for the top 100 subscription-based apps. In 2021, iOS apps from the Apple App Store generated $13.5 billion in sales, whereas Google Play apps generated $4.8 billion.

Building for iOS is the better option for companies trying to monetize their products through premium models, subscriptions, or in-app transactions.

Conversely, people intending to use gaming apps to generate income through advertising or referral marketing should know that Google Play has more game installs.

However, iOS gaming app revenue is still significantly bigger than Android game app revenue (by almost $15 billion in 2021).

3. Based on development frameworks and programming languages

Android vs iOS

Android apps are usually developed using Kotlin or Java, while iOS apps are developed using either Swift or Objective-C. Developers use Kotlin because of its brief syntax and interoperability with Java, whereas Swift was devised explicitly for iOS development and is known for its security and speed.

Android and iOS offer various tools and resources for developers, like integrated development environments (IDEs) and online communities.

Android studio is the official IDE for Android, while Xcode is for iOS. When it comes to the approval process for app submission, it differs slightly between the two platforms. Apple's approval process is more rigid and takes longer than Google Play's automated system. It is more expensive too. Other than that, both Android and iOS have their unique user interface guidelines that directly impact how apps are designed and developed.

While Android allows for more customization in its UI design, iOS promotes flat, simplistic designs emphasizing typography. However, Android app creation may be more difficult due to the broader screen sizes and resolution diversity.

4. Based on app performance

Android vs iOS

If we dig further, app performance is one of the major deciding factors why people choose what they choose. iOS is faster and more efficient than Android because it has tight control over its hardware and software.

And when we talk about being a more stable and reliable option, iOS has always had an edge due to its closed system and stringent app development guidelines. But if we talk about Android, it is much more liberal, so the security is a little challenging to maintain.

Battery usage is another major factor when it comes to app performance. iOS is widely popular for its efficient use of power, whereas Android's battery usage depends on the software version. In terms of being a compatible option, Android is more flexible for developers. They can create apps on multiple devices like tablets, smartphones, and more. iOS has a limited range. This makes it easier to optimize for specific hardware and software configurations. But this works in their favor. It lets iOS maintain consistency in user experience across its devices.

Users of Android devices are more receptive to push notifications, and Android apps typically outperform iOS apps in terms of user engagement with push notifications. Android has a reaction rate of 4.6%, compared to iOS's 3.4%. This indicates that Android users click on push notifications more frequently than iPhone users.

In the end, various factors affect app performance, and while developing Android and iOS, developers must consider each platform's distinctive features.

5. Based on the camera

Android vs iOS

One of the best features of iOS devices is Facetime. It is the most user-friendly and practical video conferencing system. Just unmatched!

Google Hangout falls far short of Facetime in terms of quality. A little overstatement, but Facetime is very useful.

Even though Android phones have good cameras, iOS offers quality and innovation. Every iPhone has a new camera feature, and Apple goes above and beyond to provide the most incredible camera lens. While Android images are a touch yellowish and automatically cover acne marks, discoloration, and other similar characteristics, iPhone images are more on the as-is side. However, some individuals like the cameras on Android devices.

6. Based on outer appearance

Android vs iOS

iPhones are stylish and rather beautiful. Apple gives aesthetics a lot of thought, and the results are apparent. On the other hand, some Android phones have attractive designs while others don't. Some Android phones capitalize on their low pricing by positioning themselves as accessible. Of course, appearances receive little consideration. However, premium Android phones look nice. The price of Apple's products reflects how opulent they are.

7. Based on the app budget

Android vs iOS

Differences in the execution of an Android vs. iOS app will be a top issue for your team as you will devote considerable short and long-term budgets to development.

Android apps cost more to create and maintain since they need more customization and are written in more complex programming languages. iOS apps, on the other hand, take up less of your resources to create and operate.

8. Based on security comparison

Android vs iOS

App store security measures:

Google Play and the Apple App Store have security measures to prevent malicious apps from being distributed in the market. For instance, when we download any app from either the app store or Google Play store, both come with a pre-review. Other than that, both platforms use automated systems to scan apps for any malware and security issues or threats.

User data protection and privacy:

Data protection and privacy is one of the most important factors when it comes to curating apps. Android and iOS have privacy features that let their users control app data.

Users of Android devices can manage what information an app has access to using a feature called "App Permissions." The "Privacy Settings" function on iOS is similar. Both platforms demand that app developers publish a privacy statement and disclosure of their data-collecting methods.

Malware and virus prevention:

Both Android and iOS include protections against viruses and malware, although Android is typically thought to be more prone to these dangers. This is because Android is an open platform, making it simpler for hackers to find and exploit weaknesses. Additionally, Android users have access to third-party app stores where they can download programs, raising the possibility of downloading harmful software.

System updates and vulnerability patches:

Regarding updates, Android and iOS release regular security patches to address vulnerabilities. However, iOS is usually considered to have a little advantage in this respect - mostly because of its closed system.

Since just a few devices support iOS, Apple can provide updates and patches more quickly. In contrast, because the Android platform supports such a wide range of hardware and software versions, updates for that platform may take longer to reach consumers.

Wrapping up

If we make a final comparison, Android has a bigger market share for obvious reasons. Numerous Android app development companies are engaged in the creation of innovative apps. It offers a variety of mobile phones, from high-end, opulent models to extremely economical ones. With numerous color options on the market, it provides extensive customization. So if you like yellow, you can choose from various Android phones. In contrast, iOS offers costly phones that come in a limited number of colors.

When deciding on a platform for your mobile app, the above data demonstrate how the variances between iOS and Android customers impact a company's digital strategy. Therefore, selecting a platform for a mobile application is a choice that should be carefully thought out. It’s not uncommon for firms who want to be present on both platforms to debut on one first, then learn and improve the product before launching on the other.

However, thanks to cross-platform technologies, businesses may find the right agency for iOS app development and an agency for android app development to reduce the time, money, and dangers associated with being accessible on iOS and Android. While choosing between iOS and Android is crucial, doing so also frees businesses and organizations to concentrate on enhancing product features, attracting customers, and expanding their operations.