To be honest, I was unable to decide whether to develop an app for iOS or Android the first time. Making the incorrect decision may cost me thousands of dollars and a month’s worth of sleep, yet it felt like choosing between Coke and Pepsi.
I have developed applications for both platforms for startup MVPs, client engagements, solo projects, and more. And believe me when I say that every side has its own brand of anarchy. iOS? slick, pricey, and discerning. Android? Wild, adaptable, and sometimes erratic. Choosing the best one requires consideration of your objectives, users, budget, and launch strategy in addition to your own preferences.
I’m dissecting the true benefits and drawbacks of both platforms in this article, including the gritty work you do during late-night builds and last-minute bug patches, in addition to the polished content you see on landing pages. We’ll discuss market share in 2025, device problems, income possibilities, and even which stack makes sense for newcomers.
Stay put if you’re unsure between Swift and Kotlin or are simply attempting to determine which app store offers a higher salary. I wish I had this information while deciding where to begin.
Overview of iOS Development
Let me simply say that when I first explored iOS coding, it seemed sophisticated. Like, there’s this strange sense of fulfillment that comes from working at Apple. It’s polished and sleek, but it’s also a little obstinate. But it’s actually a quite stable ride if you get the feel of it.
Xcode plus Swift = The Apple Way
Swift first seemed like a strange language to me. I kept attempting to use let as if it were JavaScript because I was coming from that language. Complete chaos. Swift, nevertheless, won me over. It is quick, clean, and compels you to produce better code.
But Xcode? Well, hmm. There is a bit of a love-hate relationship. More often than I’d like to admit, it crashes. However, when does it function? That live preview in Swift UI is revolutionary, man. Just keep in mind that you should always save your work. A crash has caused me to lose whole UI displays. (It still aches.)
Accept the stack if you’re serious about iOS. It will drive you insane to fight it.
Why There’s Something Magical About Apple’s Ecosystem
Alright, hardware-software integration is where iOS shines. I previously created a health tracking software for a customer that required Apple Watch syncing. And it just worked, guy. No insane setup, like. The APIs have a customized feel.
When using the iPhone, everything is really smooth. The gadgets you are creating are well known to you. Don’t worry about companies you’ve never heard of or screen sizes from five years ago.
Because of this, iOS apps often have higher performance. This reduces the number of surprises.
App Store: Painful but polished
To be honest, submitting an app to the App Store is similar to requesting a visa. It’s a procedure. Wording, content, and design are all evaluated.
In the description, I once used the word “beta.” turned down. I once again provided a link to a payment page. turned down. I was double-checking everything like a worried student before exams after the third time.
The problem is that there’s a reason why the bar is so high. Quality is what the App Store is looking for. It also feels more distinguished once you’re in. Rather than stating, “Find us on Google Play,” clients prefer to say, “We’re live on the App Store.”
Revenue: Show Me the Cash
iOS users spend more money. Without a question. More than 80% of the paying customers of the fitness subscription service I worked on were iPhone users. We generated more revenue from in-app sales and subscriptions even though we had less downloads than Android.
Individuals using iPhones just swipe the card more quickly. Additionally, Apple has sophisticated payment methods. Yes, they take 15–30%, but the process of making a transaction is smooth. You may also avoid inputting payment card numbers using Apple Pay.
iOS is the moneymaker if making a profit is your aim (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), particularly in areas like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Yes, iOS programming has its peculiarities, but if you follow Apple’s guidelines, you’ll receive premium users, speed, and performance. There will likely be some hiccups along the road. And save in Xcode at all times. Always.
Overview of Android Development
As a mobile developer, Android programming is where I really got my start. When I initially opened Android Studio, I vividly recall asking myself, “What have I gotten myself into? It appeared to be a cockpit with an excessive number of buttons. But after a lot of Googling and a few trial-and-error builds, I began to understand it.
Java and Kotlin: Select Your Battleground
Since Java was essentially all we had at the time, I started with it. Though not without headaches, it did the trick.
When Kotlin arrived, it genuinely altered the course of events for me. It is less verbose, cleaner, and more contemporary. I no longer write boilerplate code for basic tasks. Do you wish to make a click listener? A single sentence. No safety? Integrated. I never used Java again after moving to Kotlin, unless I had to maintain outdated legacy code—ugh, those were the days.
In contrast, Android Studio has always been a bit of a diva. Yes, it’s strong, but when you’re in the zone, it likes to freeze. Nevertheless, when everything functions, its wealth of incredible tools—such as device emulators, real-time previews, and debugging options—makes you feel like a mobile superhero.
The Open Ecosystem Is Wild Out Here
provides you a lot more freedom than iOS and Android. Almost everything may be customized. I have worked on a trip app that required background services for geofencing and offline maps. Android? Apple would have answered “nope.” gave me complete authority.
However, complete anarchy follows enormous freedom. The number of Android smartphones is actually in the thousands. Some running Android 13, some still on Android 9, some with three cameras, and some with notch displays. It’s a developer’s nightmare and dream combined.
I’ll grant, though, that you can reach everyone with that increased device range. There is a large user base waiting for quality apps for phones ranging from premium Samsungs to low-cost models.
Google Play: Quick Launch Path
Here’s where Android really shines. It’s easy to publish to the Google Play Store. Really silky, like. I once uploaded an update to the app in the morning, and by lunchtime, users were downloading it. That felt fantastic in contrast to Apple’s clearance delays, which lasted for a week.
Though it’s not nearly as rigorous, a review procedure is still in place, particularly for critical permissions. With a few clicks, you can launch beta tests, roll out to particular nations, and even employ internal testing tracks.
The Battle Against Fragmentation Is Real
Now, let’s discuss fragmentation, the one issue that every Android developer has voiced dissatisfaction about. Cross-device testing is a full-time job. Apps that were flawless on my Pixel have crashed on a Nigerian Huawei phone. or older Samsungs displaying UI problems. It’s cruel.
To find strange issues, you need to employ emulators, real devices, and cloud testing services. Manufacturers love to tamper with your battery use and background services, and let’s not even talk about OS-level changes.
Nevertheless, you can create rather reliable apps for the majority of users with thorough testing and appropriate UI scaling (thanks to ConstraintLayout).
Android resembles a crazy west town. Although it’s chaotic and unpredictable, if you can manage the insanity, you’ll be rewarded with freedom, reach, and an insanely large audience.
Benefits of Developing for iOS
Now, let me share a secret with you: I wasn’t initially a huge fan of iOS programming. It felt… confined. Too many regulations, too little leeway. However, I began to feel the benefits after completing a few jobs. And now? I can see why it’s so popular.
Cha-Ching! The Real Spending of iOS Users
The fact that iOS users may earn significantly more money was one of the things that really opened my eyes.
A few years ago, I was developing a meditation app, which we released on both platforms. Same UI, same functionality. However, iOS was making three times as much money from in-app purchases. Not a joke. While people were contentedly purchasing monthly subscriptions and guided sleep sessions, Android users were simply enjoying the freebies.
I’ve noticed this trend everywhere. Apps for productivity, money, or health simply cost more for iOS users. I suppose $4.99 for an app seems like a good deal when you’re spending $1,200 for a phone.
Reduced Headaches with a Single Codebase
This feature is underappreciated: iOS makes device interoperability much simpler.
Android aims to accommodate dozens, perhaps even hundreds, of phones with various screen sizes, odd notches, and erratic OS versions. On iOS? Basically, all you have to do is design for a couple iPhones.
I recall using Android emulators to test layouts for all screen sizes for hours. Using iOS? To be honest, it alone saves days of QA effort because most things “just work.”
Mostly as smooth as butter
The reliability of iOS’s performance is another feature I adore. Things function more smoothly because Apple owns both the software and the hardware. Unlike Android, you don’t really experience the “works on my device, crashes on yours” issues.
Animations seem more tightly drawn. The screen changes smoothly. What about the behavior of the app? predictable. Even on earlier models, iOS ran the picture editing software I previously created, which involved some rather intensive image processing, flawlessly.
Although Xcode has mood swings and Swift UI has problems, the program functions well once it is launched.
More powerful in the West
iOS is the best option if your target audience is in the US, UK, Canada, or Australia.
I was assisting a SaaS customer in identifying London and New York specialists. You know what? iPhones were used by more than 75% of their mobile subscribers. For the first six months, we didn’t even launch Android since we emphasized iOS. No regrets.
iOS is just preferred in Western markets. They keep with it, whether it’s the App Store, the design, or simply brand loyalty.
The bottom line? Yes, developing for iOS may be frustrating. However, it’s a dream come true if you want paying consumers, a more seamless user experience, and predictable builds. Remember to include a backup charger, though, since Xcode will try your patience.
Benefits of Android Development
Okay, so I’ll be honest: I kind of had to start experimenting with Android coding. A customer required an application, and the majority of their target audience used Android smartphones. At first, I wasn’t excited because I was accustomed to the Apple environment. But what do you know? I was pleasantly delighted with Android.
Greater Reach and More Users
First, let’s address the obvious: Android has a far larger global user base. I’m talking billions, like. Android predominates, particularly if you’re targeting people in nations like Brazil, Indonesia, India, or even certain portions of Africa. When I originally released a food delivery service for a customer in Dhaka, 90% of installations came from Android inside the first month. It’s not that iPhones are horrible; they’re simply pricey. Unless they are in high-income areas, the majority of people just do not purchase them.
Additionally, Android is where you’ll discover your early adopters if you’re looking to expand quickly or test an MVP (minimum viable product).
Quick & Simple App Release
For me, this one saved my life. My initial app was twice rejected by the App Store. Reviews can take days, and the criteria are a hassle. However, with Android? After I pushed publish and uploaded the APK to Google Play, the app became online in less than three hours. Three. hours. I was surprised.
Although a review procedure is still in place, it is far less stringent than Apple’s. Android is by far the superior option if you’re working with clients who want quick updates or beta features.
Greater Adaptability (also known as hacker-friendly
Although the term “open-source” may sound like technical jargon, it actually implies that you may make a lot more changes.
I had to include a bespoke voice assistant into a ridesharing app for one project, and Apple’s strict rules would not allow it. However, Android allowed me to play around with system-level features, background services, and even the user interface to make it exactly how we wanted it.
Yes, that independence is worth it, but it also means you have to be more cautious when testing across devices.
Developer Tools Are Now Reliable
The last few years have seen a huge improvement in Android Studio, which I used to detest because it was slow, glitchy, and just plain bad. Kotlin is now the preferred language, and I must admit that it’s cleaner than Java and, once you get into it, kind of fun—like writing poetry, if poetry could crash due to a missing semicolon.
Additionally, you have access to a wealth of libraries, Firebase for analytics and push alerts, and emulators for testing.
Although Android programming isn’t flawless (let’s not even talk about device fragmentation), the independence, quicker release cycles, and large user base make it difficult to overlook if you’re developing apps and care about reach, performance, or just having fun customizing things.
Do you want to learn quickly and improve your skills? Create an Android version. Shatter it. Make it right. Do it again.
Drawbacks of Developing iOS
I’ll be honest: even though I love working with iOS, it’s not all sunshine and Retina screens. There are undoubtedly some drawbacks. Additionally, some of these can hit harder than you anticipated if you’re just starting out or are operating on a limited budget.
The Entry Price Isn’t Cheap
You’d best have some cash on hand or a very understanding customer if you want to develop for iOS.
You must first have a Mac. Not a choice. Back in the day, I recall attempting to create an iOS application on my Windows computer. A huge error. An old MacBook Air that hardly ran Xcode without wheezing was ultimately purchased from Craigslist.
Then there is the $99/year Apple Developer Program. Once you start making money, it’s not a big problem, but what about when you’re just getting started? That presents a challenge.
In contrast, Android allows you to start developing on nearly any laptop and publish it for a one-time $25 cost. That’s all. In other words, iOS feels and costs more like a premium product.
App Review Hell
Now let’s discuss the App Store review procedure. Boy, oh boy.
Apps that utilize the word “beta” in a menu or don’t adequately describe how background location is used have been rejected. A client’s software was once delayed for ten days because Apple believed that its turn-by-turn navigation capabilities encouraged reckless driving.
They are particular. Too much at times. What’s the worst? The notes of rejection may be ambiguous. Ultimately, you guess what they want, submit again, and hope it sticks.
To be honest, that approval procedure might cause delays in launches, annoy customers, and shorten your timeframe.
Personalization? Yes, I wish you luck with that.
iOS may irritate you if you enjoy pushing the envelope and creating really unique user interfaces or background functions.
Apple has its own preferences. It’s expected of you to follow their regulations, create in accordance with their specifications, and avoid making too many changes to the way things seem or function.
Do you want to use background services for longer than is permitted? Not at all. Do you want an Android version of Facebook Messenger’s floating bubble user interface? Not taking place.
Yes, it’s shiny, but it’s also secure. Consistency is traded for flexibility.
It’s Not That Hot in Developing Nations
Working with customers in South Asia and Latin America taught me that iOS is little used there.
Android is the best option if your program is intended for customers in Bangladesh, India (outside of metropolitan areas), Nigeria, or some regions of South America. iPhones are a premium product. Therefore, a significant portion of your audience may never see your iOS app, even if it is fantastic.
I previously developed an educational app for a leading software business in Bangladesh that was targeted at pupils in rural areas. Less than 3% of the audience had an iPhone, therefore we completely abandoned the iOS version. The expense was just not justified.
Therefore, if you can purchase the necessary tools, get past the rigorous review process, and your consumers do in fact own iPhones, then iOS is fantastic. Or not? Before diving in, you might want to take a closer look.
Drawbacks of Developing Android
Now, hold on tight, because although Android programming offers some wonderful benefits, there are a couple things that have really tried my patience. Things like “yell at your screen and go for a walk” are what I mean. If you have previously developed for Android, you are likely familiar with what I’m about to discuss.
Testing in a Device Jungle
Let’s begin with the most important one: fragmentation of devices.
The number of Android smartphones is in the thousands. Variations in screen sizes, CPUs, camera notches, and operating systems—each maker enjoys adding their own peculiarities. Once, I created a straightforward image gallery app that was perfect on a Pixel 6 but had a completely broken layout on a Xiaomi. Using a Tecno phone? crashed when it first started. Not a warning. No pity.
To be sure, you essentially need to test your software on a number of emulators and actual devices. Sometimes you simply have to accept that it won’t be great for everyone. I’ve spent entire weekends addressing issues that only surfaced on specific brands in specific locations.
QA is a lifestyle, not a phase.
QA and testing are more involved than on iOS due to the wide range of devices.
Clients have told me, “Just a quick app, nothing fancy,” yet we wind up spending twice as much time as developers on testing and bug repairs. The list of issues is infinite and includes screen resolution, support for Android versions, background process constraints, battery optimizers that destroy your program, and more.
For this reason, if you want to maintain your sanity, using reliable QA procedures and cloud testing technologies like Firebase Test Lab or BrowserStack is essentially a must. However, they do have a cost.
Reduced ARPU: It Is Painful
The ugly reality is that Android customers just pay less.
Of course, not always. On average, though? Yes, there is a discernible decline. I’ve personally witnessed it. When we released the same software on iOS and Android, iOS generated three times as much money from subscriptions. Indeed, Android increased downloads, but many of those consumers never spent a dollar.
It’s regional, not always about affordability. Spending patterns follow since income levels are frequently lower in areas where Android is the most popular.
Therefore, merely control your expectations if you intend to make a lot of money, particularly through in-app sales or subscriptions. Or decide to compensate with advertisements or loudness.
APK pirates
Let’s discuss piracy. It’s far more prevalent on Android.
Your premium program may wind up circulating on dubious forums before you even receive your first legitimate download since APK files are so simple to extract and distribute. Only a few days after its introduction, a premium productivity app of mine appeared on a third-party website. Don’t lie. It hurt.
ProGuard and other obfuscation techniques are helpful, but there isn’t a perfect answer. Not everything is always caught by Google Play’s safeguards.
You have to kind of expect that someone will try to copy or steal your program. Although it’s annoying, this is a reality of Android.
Android helps you reach a lot of people, but it also has some major drawbacks. More gadgets equals more mayhem. Spend less when there are more users. It’s a trade-off, but you can still win if you prepare for it.
User demographics and market share in 2025
Let’s move on to the practical aspects, such as the data, the users, and the true functions of applications. Because it’s not only about the technology when it comes to creating for iOS or Android. Knowing who you’re designing for, where they reside, how much they spend, and whether they’ll stay after installing your app are all important factors to consider.
Disclaimer
The insights, experiences, and opinions shared in this article are based on the author’s personal development journey and current market observations as of 2025. Platform features, revenue trends, and user behavior may vary depending on location, device, app category, and future changes made by Apple, Google, or third-party services. This content is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional business or financial advice.