Android and iOS are two strong contenders of this digital era as both accounts for over 99.6% of the mobile market. Thus, it put many business owners in the dilemma while choosing between the two for developing mobile apps. So they need to consider some parameters on which they can make a right choice for their mobile app development.
Android is the world’s most commonly used mobile platform and used by a large number of phone manufacturers while iOS is used on Apple devices only such as iPhone. Both of these platforms are pretty similar. However, there are some unique differences in terms of cost, security, hardware and other software features.
In this blog, we have listed all such selection parameters which would help you to take a right decision. Before this, you can check out the following table of comparison to know the differences between two in a brief:
| Comparison Factor | iOS | Android |
| Initial release | July 29, 2007 | September 23, 2008 |
| Source model | Closed, with open source components | Open source |
| Developer | Apple Inc. | |
| Widgets | No, except in Notification Center | Yes |
| OS | OS X, UNIX | Linux |
| Customizability | Limited | Can change almost anything |
| Voice commands | Siri | Google Now, Google Assistant |
| File transfer | More difficult | Easier |
| Maps | Apple Maps | Google Maps |
| Latest release | iOS 11 | Android 8.0.0, Oreo |
| Available language(s) | 34 Languages | 100+ Languages |
Here is the list of some business concerns for both these mobile platforms:
1) Security
Security is a major concern for every business today. So the question arises: Which platform “iOS or Android” is more secure? To answer this question, we should be aware of security features provided by these platforms.
iOS: iOS devices have a very good legacy support that means you get regular security updates and your device is guaranteed to run on the latest software with latest security fixes. Moreover, Apple keeps controlling the whole ecosystem from hardware to firmware to software. It screens all your apps and thus reduces the fear of bugs or any other malicious apps.
Android: Android platform is highly fragmented. There are a huge number of Android devices on the market. Every new device comes with latest android version. However, it can take months for your phone to upgrade to the latest version after the launch of a new update. Moreover, the open source nature of Android platform leads to security holes. But Google has already taken steps to make it more secure.
2) User interface & Software features
Both Android Oreo and iOS 11 are the latest versions available today and also full of productivity-boosting software features. Still, there are few key differences among them regarding UI.
iOS: It is an easy-to-use and user-friendly operating system. Also, it is more streamlined and slightly simpler. These devices integrate easily with other devices. It offers a feature called Continuity features with which you can beam email, documents, files, drafts directly to or from your phone or tablet to your Mac computer with a slight tap. Siri is another amazing voice-activated personal assistant.
Android: Android offers amazing features for its power users. But it doesn’t offer features like continuity. However, DropBox, a cloud storage for Android apps, can be an alternative for this with similar functionality. Google Now is a useful voice-activated personal assistant in Android.
3) Cost
Cost is something which matters a lot to a business. Less investment with great profit is the only key to a successful business. Therefore, budget plays an important role in this business.
iOS: iPhones are more expensive. The cheapest iPhone cost you around $400. In fact, iPhone 7s Plus costs you around $650 which is not easily affordable for all. Moreover, these payments become two or three times more if you buy through a carrier and it is the fact that Apple doesn’t sell any iPhone at a budget price. Plus, its app development cost is also expensive for small businesses.
Android: It gives you mobile phones at your budget price. An android phone cost you around $240-$300. It has cheapest price flagship as the Samsung Galaxy S8 will cost you nearly $700. Moreover, android app development is not much expensive as compared to iOS.
Conclusion:
We can see that there is no clear winner between the two given platforms. Both these platforms have their own strengths and weaknesses. iOS platform is a good choice for Apple lovers since the devices can integrate seamlessly. Moreover, iPhones are easy-to-use devices which comes with high security and amazing features like Siri.
On the other hand, Android is a good choice for users who are features freak. Android devices come in varying shapes and sizes than iPhones. Also, it is available at affordable prices. Furthermore, it all depends on your business requirements which platform will suit you.
If you still have any doubt regarding both platforms, you can consult with our Android and iOS experts at AppZure, a leading web & mobile development company in Dallas & India. Feel free to contact us!
For more information please refer: http://www.appzure.com
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