4 Tips for Picking the Best Operating System for Your App

3 min read
Jul 6, 2020

Like a lot of people interested in the digital marketplace, you might be considering developing a mobile app. The work from home revolution is leading a lot of people to consider exploring this space. More people are relying on mobile app solutions than ever to address organisational needs from retail and healthcare to information technologies.

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A huge decision you need to make ahead of development is what operating system you’ll use. The end goal might be to get your app on iOS and Android devices, but it’s costly to develop for both in the beginning. For that reason, it’s crucial to pick the best operating system for your app. Here are some tips to help you decide what you want to accomplish with your future development!

1. What Mobile Operating Systems Are Your Target Users On?

The Android and Apple operating systems have two distinct ideologies behind their user base. The behavior of these users comes down to two key areas of focus: experience and personalisation. The most obvious of the many iOS and Android differences is control over the app itself. 

iOS users like easy-to-use and design-centric applications. Conversely, Android users like having control over how they use the app and what they can change about its functionality. The latter is also another key element to consider as you weigh Android advantages over iOS development.

2. Development Tools and Build 

The programming languages and tools for app development vary across iOS and Android mobile operating systems. Android’s use of Java and dynamic developer tools really help to make the process a breeze. iOS does have the added perk of fitting app design into fewer devices in comparison to the many Android-run devices.

When deciding on a platform, program languages and the amount of assistance you wish to have in the process is going to help dictate which system you choose. Remote working tools can be tough to develop. Many first-time developers love the flexibility and freedom of the Android operating system, whereas iOS is a more meticulous developer experience.

 
The end goal might be to get your app on iOS and Android devices, but it’s costly to develop for both in the beginning.Click To Tweet

 

3. Choose an Operating System Based On Market Share and Growth

When it comes to market share, the user base isn’t even close. Over three-fourths of mobile device users have Android devices. Projections also anticipate Android’s market share to surpass 87% by 2023.

A dominating hold on the market can make Android app development seem like the best operating system option. However, iOS is more popular in developed countries like the United States and parts of Europe. Depending on where you hope to obtain early adopters and initial user base, market share might not be the only thing to keep in mind as you pick an operating system.

4. Which is the Best Operating System for Making More Money?

Despite the vast difference in market share, iOS developers make much better profits than Android developers. That’s largely because paying for apps is more commonplace on the Apple operating system. iOS developers have made £155 billion since the App Store launched, whereas Android’s Google Play Store has only amounted to £80 billion for developers since launch. 

Is profit everything as you choose amongst the options on an operating system list? Not when your audience is clearly aligned with one mobile OS over the other. Hopefully, these tips help clarify some of the stark differences and can help you choose what operating system to build your app on. Remote management builds are going to require careful considerations about profitability and future growth. As you begin to consider what your app will be and who it will serve, keep these concepts in mind to best fit your vision to a mobile audience.

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