What OS should you consider for app development in 2018? Android or iOS?

It’s 2018 and the world is now moving into yet another year where smartphones rule the market as the leading branding and eCommerce tools. But the industry faces a deep schism with the user base divided into devout Android users and iOS users. Both these operating systems have a sizable user base that runs into millions. With this being the case, which platform should you opt for business app development? 

Paying attention to the following parameters can help you make you an informed decision:

1. Market Share

Being budget-friendly, Android devices are opted by most users in emerging markets. That’s why, when it comes to market share, Android rules the roost with whopping 86.1% devices! Due to the enormous availability of devices, Android sees 7 times more downloads than iOS. This directly translates into great reach for your business application.

2. User base Demography

While Android enjoys a larger user base with a highly diverse demographic, iOS users are generally Apple loyalists who purchase not just the iPhone but also other associated offerings. This boosts the customer retention in iOS compared to Android and also allows developers to venture into more verticals.

3. Revenue

Here, iOS clearly enjoys an edge over Android. Its user base is premium that boasts of higher income and well-educated audiences that are more mindful of the security and stability offered by the app. These users are capable of purchasing the app at a premium and are not price sensitive. This makes iOS highly suited for enterprise and business applications that are subscription-driven, which in turn translates into better revenue.

4. Development Cost and Complexity

Hands down, Android is the winner in this criteria. Its developer license is highly affordable and the cost of hosting an app on the Google Play Store is equally simple. This increases the accessibility of app development to the global developer community. This is unlike Apple which places strict guidelines and charges a high premium for iOS app development and hosting.

Both the platforms are well poised and choosing between them should be based on a thorough evaluation of your requirements and expectations from the business app. The best way to solve this conundrum is to hire an expert in mobile app development team and get the best inputs. Get in touch with Openwave, a globally renowned player in both iOS and Android app development to learn more.