Mobile App Development Platforms

The question of whether you should start developing for Android or iOS first always arises if you are planning to develop mobile app for your business, or if you are a developer yourself.
Although the mobile app development industry is dynamic and fast paced, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to rush and attempt to simultaneously build mobile app for both platforms. Indeed, it is often more sensible to choose one to start from. It is favorable to do so because in the mobile app development process, a lot of tweaking and fixing are required, which makes it simpler to achieve the desired app experience on one platform first. Now, we can discuss the deciding factors to determine which platform to start work on first.
Starting Point - Android or iOS

Of course, it’s not an easy task to directly make a decision and pick a platform. Nor it is a wise solution to simply toss a coin and give in to the result. Thus, here we list down some factors that might be considered in choosing the right platform:
  • Target market: Android represents the largest global market share, with substantially more users in Asia and many other developing countries. So, if you are targeting that demographic, then android app development will be more appropriate. On the other side, while iOS have less user, they tend to have higher income and education, as well as higher engagement rate. It comes down to whether you want to achieve breadth or depth.
  • Purpose: Are you going to include in-app purchase or direct charge for your app? If that is the case, then it might be preferable to start on iOS app development. Data from past researches shows that iOS users are more inclined to make in-app purchase and generate more revenue than Android. But it doesn’t mean that you should not consider Android at all. As a matter of fact, if you wish to have more control over the hardware and software of your app, Android might be better as it allows more freedom in elements customization
  • Cost: Speaking in general, the costs of building app for Android and iOS are similar. However, difference in the cost will occur when you need to design for more number of devices that use Android. At the same time, however, it also means that you can reach wider audience.

After all, choosing the right platform to develop your first mobile app depends a lot on the purpose and goal you want to achieve. However, due to demographics, cost, and engagement, many developers usually start with the iOS platform first. One of the most prominent example for this case is Instagram, which was launched on iOS 2 years before it was made available for Android platform.

Hope this helps! :D