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Main Differences Between Android and iOS app development

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Vinay Bobade

Today, mobile computing has emerged as the global standard for personal, as well as professional lifestyle. The boom of internet connectivity, combined with growing technological innovation has, over the past decade, completely changed the way in which people interact with their devices, as well as each other. One of the greatest purveyors of the current scenario is mobile apps. This is because mobile apps effectively act like the medium through which people interact with their mobile devices.

 
Today, the influence of mobile apps extends across all major industry sectors; covering every application, and utility imaginable. A number of business organizations, such as retail, are heavily dependent on their online (e-commerce) channels for revenue influx. The demand for mobile app development is therefore very high, as businesses scramble to get a grip on the dynamic market scenario, evolving consumer demands, as well as business competitors.
 
In the existing mobile app development scenario, there two major platforms that between them, make up most of the mobile apps in existence today. The names of these platforms - Apple’s iOS, and Google’s Android. With over 5 million apps in existence today, these two behemoths preside over the entire mobile app industry as we know it. When it comes to app development, business owners must, therefore, choose one of these two platforms, to begin with.
 
Now, while iOS app development is said to be the ideal starting point for first timers; there is no hard and fast rule, as platform requirements can change based on the scenario. The ultimate decision rests in the hands of the business owner, and future app owner. This is a decision that needs to be made only after considerable amounts of thought, and the gathering of valuable process insights.
 
Here are the key differences between Android and iOS app development that will aid in the decision-making:
 
Structure of the Project
As far as overall project flow and structure is concerned, Android follows a highly objective approach, with all file and resource nomenclature being distinctively categorized, and listed in an organized manner. While this may boost efficiency, it makes the entire process somewhat rigid, and static as a result of the set standard within which it operates. iOS app development, on the other hand, follows a relatively more subjective, and dynamic approach. While there is strict adherence to nomenclature, the app development follows a free (open) structure within the XCode.
 
Testing and Overview
This refers to the extensive amounts of testing (scrutiny) that developers put mobile apps through, in order to assess their present abilities, as well as future scope. Testing is a crucial to the life of any app, as it gives all concerned parties, a good deal of insight into the all aspects of the app - both good and bad. There is not much difference in the simulated testing platforms employed by both Android, and iOS app development; as the results are seemingly unsatisfactory in both cases. Developers instead prefer to launch the app (Alpha/Beta versions) for actual device use initially, as it gives a better opportunity to test the app.
 
Language
A programming language is probably the farthest point of difference between Android and iOS app development. Android programming takes place, as it always has, through Java. Conversely, iOS app development was, until a few years ago, carried out using Objective C. This has since been replaced by the easier, more efficient Swift programming language.
 
Development Cost
As far as cost is concerned, iOS app development is relatively more expensive than Android. This is because unlike iOS, Android app development platform is Open Source, insofar as development, and testing framework. This means that those going for Android app development will incur no additional developmental costs. As opposed to this, iOS app development requires developers to purchase official Apple development tools and frameworks before beginning with the actual development process itself.
 
Framework
As far as development framework is concerned, Android is - due to its use of Java - more effective and robust as compared to iOS app development. Android applications use the Android studio, in conjunction with the Android SDK; with the use of IDE’s such as NetBeans, and Eclipse. On the other hand, iOS app development utilizes the XCode IDE, along with the iOS SDK.
 
App Store
The final stage of an app development cycle is the actual release of the app on the official app store of its platform. An app store release is when a given app is officially offered to the world--end users, to be more specific. Between Android and iOS, releasing an app on the Play Store (Android) is much simpler as compared to doing the same on the iOS App Store. This is because, on Android, all developers need to really do is upload the APK, followed by a few hours’ waits. Conversely, Apple has a rather long and stringent process for approving a given app, which can take up to 4 whole days; sometimes more. Additionally, applicants need to pay an annual 99 USD fee for iOS apps, after uploading to the App Store.
 
A Viable Alternative
 
HokuApps is a viable alternative where the automated platform creates custom-built apps for iOS, Android, and the Web, which are intuitively designed, and contextually aligned with the unique requirements of businesses. The platform features a 90-10 app development model where 90% of the app development is automated with pre-built elements, while the remaining 10% is the customization that apps require at a business-level to fit in exactly with the business’s unique requirements and ecosystem.
 
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Vinay Bobade
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