According to the latest Statista reports, Android holds 70.7% of the global mobile OS market, while iOS has 29.58%. Yet, the operating system (OS) user ratio varies by region. For example, in the USA iPhones with their iOS are much more prevalent, holding a 58.81% market share. Thus, the question arises: Which OS is better? Or how to make an app for Android and iOS simultaneously?

Inoxoft has extensive experience developing iOS and Android mobile apps, as well as cross-platform solutions. With 125+ experts and over a decade of experience, we’ve successfully completed 230+ projects for 200+ clients, including industry leaders like Toshiba, Nivea, and Rhenus Logistics.

The article explores how to develop an app for iOS and Android and weighs the pros and cons of each. Keep reading for expert insights on the mobile development process that ensures high-quality and long-lasting custom solutions.

Android VS iOS Mobile App Development: Statistics to Know

When deciding on the best way to make an app for iOS and Android, understanding key statistics can guide your choice effectively:

  • Market Share: Android dominates with 70.7% of the global mobile operating system market, while iOS follows with 28.5%.
  • Revenue Generation: Despite Android’s larger market share, iOS apps tend to generate more revenue, approximately 2.2 times more per app on average compared to Android apps.
  • App Store Preferences: iPhone users make in-app purchases totaling approximately $1.08 per app, while Android users spend around $0.43 per app, making the iOS App Store a lucrative monetization platform.
  • Developer Preferences: Developers favor Android for its flexibility and customization options (17.6% prefer it for personal, 8.2% for professional use) and iOS for its streamlined development process and consistent user experience (11.7% for personal, 7.4% for professional use).
  • Global User Base: Android is popular in emerging markets and among users looking for budget-friendly devices, while iPhone (iOS) leads smartphone sales in the US (55.7%) and Australia (50.3%).

What is the Difference Between Developing for Android and iOS?

Suppose you want to make an app for iOS and Android. Android benefits from extensive open-source support and accommodates various hardware and OS variations, potentially offering lower development costs and a less stringent app review process.

In contrast, iOS development is characterized by a more consistent software environment, albeit with fewer open-source options. It typically targets a premium user base with a stricter app store approval process.

The table below outlines significant differences when developing iOS and Android apps.

Feature Android iOS
Development Tools Android Studio (Java/Kotlin) Xcode (Swift/Objective-C)
Programming Language Java/Kotlin Swift/Objective-C
Development Approach Primarily Native Development Primarily Native Development
Open-Source More open-source libraries and frameworks Fewer open-source options
Hardware Fragmentation Wide variety of devices and OS versions More consistent hardware and OS versions
Development Cost Potentially lower due to various tools options Generally higher due to Apple developer fees
App Store Approval Less strict review process More strict review process
Target Audience Broader global reach, budget-conscious users Primarily North American & premium users
Development Speed Can be faster with some cross-platform tools Can be slower due to native development focus

These differences affect the overall app development strategy and cost. When choosing between Android and iOS, you need to consider the target audience, development speed, and cost to optimize your resources and market reach effectively. Want to make an app for both Android and iOS? Check out the approaches below.

Development Approaches to Make an App for Android and iOS 

How to make an app for iOS and Android? It involves choosing between native (Java/Kotlin for Android, Swift/Objective-C for iOS) and cross-platform (Flutter, React Native) approaches. Native development ensures high performance and full hardware access, while cross-platform solutions offer code reuse with varying performance and feature access.

Understanding these differences will help you select the right approach based on project needs and target audience requirements.

Native Application Development

Native applications are developed for a specific operating system or device. Thus, software development differentiates Native Android from Native iOS applications. Depending on the operating system applications are usually coded in a specific programming language:

  • Native Android development requires Java and Kotlin
  • iOS engineers use Swift and Objective-C.

Native app development will offer high performance and 100% Android and iOS hardware access. So, HD games and complex animation apps are better native as they access local files and hardware and perform faster and smoother. It takes more time to build a native app, but you’ll never have to worry about the quality and user experience.

The list of well-known examples of native mobile apps includes: Google Maps, Pinterest, Spotify, and WhatsApp.

Cross-Platform App Development

Cross-platform application development is software creation that can run on multiple platforms, including iOS and Android. This approach allows developers to write the code once and deploy it on both platforms, reducing development time and costs.

How to develop an app for Android and iOS? There are several ways to build a cross-platform solution:

Flutter

Flutter is a mobile UI framework offered by Google. It makes it possible to build iOS & Android native apps on both platforms using a single codebase fast and expressively.

Well-known examples of cross-platform mobile applications include Google Ads, eBay Motors, the New York Times, and My BMW App.

Flutter development uses Dart, a programming language proposed by Google. Dart compiles Flutter into a native code, while Flutter uses Skia, the graphics engine, to draw UI components from scratch. With Skia, the most complex animation will work fast.

Dart has features of both static and dynamic languages. And for those, who know Java, Swift, and C#, it will be easier to switch to Flutter. Introduction to Dart for Java Developers might help Java engineers learn Dart.

 

React Native

If you wonder how to make an application for Android and iOS, consider React, a successful cross-platform solution released by Facebook. It allows writing code in JavaScript, which feels close to “native.” Developers use React Native to build cross-platform mobile applications with client-centric UI/UX and implement AR and VR capabilities.

 

Well-known examples of apps created with React Native include Instagram, Skype, and Airbnb.

React Native uses JavaScript as its programming language to deploy Android, iOS, and web applications. It offers a platform-specific UI that feels like a native, has reusable code and interchangeable, flexible modular architecture, provides a simple and seamless UX, and requires optimal performance.

Comparison of Flutter vs React Native

You can see a complete comparison of Flutter vs. React Native in the table below:

Flutter React Native
Initial release May 2017 March 2015
Backed by Google Facebook
Programming language Dart JavaScript
Platform support Android, iOS Android, iOS, Web apps
Application performance Fairly robust, 60 fps Close to native
Performance metrics Memory Usage, Battery Consumption, UI Responsiveness Evaluate Impact on Device Battery Life, How Quickly UI Responds
Development speed Fast Slower
Development cost Lower Higher
Talent availability Increasing Abundant
Scalability and longevity Support for scaling, long-term updates Support for scaling, long-term compatibility
Native appearance Better. Has access to device core functionalities Lower. Dependency on third party apps
Time to market Faster Slower than Flutter
Code reusability 50-90% 90%
Testing Mobile device or emulator Mobile device or emulator
Community & support Limited, Fast growing Extensive

Cross-Platform vs. Native: Comparative Overview

How to make a mobile app for both Android and iOS? From the business perspective, higher code reusability in frameworks like React Native and Xamarin can significantly lower development costs and expedite time-to-market by enabling simultaneous deployment across multiple platforms.

In contrast, native development, while offering superior performance and direct access to device features, requires separate development efforts for each platform, potentially increasing time and expenses.

Look through a comparison of cross-platform and native apps with all their pros and cons:

Criteria Cross-platform Development Native Development
Target Platforms Multiple platforms One platform
Development Time Faster — 2-4 months Slower — 3-6 months for each platform
Cost Lower — $20,000-$60,000 Higher — $40,000-$120,000 for each platform
UI/UX Less responsive and customizable More seamless and integrated UX, more flexibility in terms of customizing UI elements and animations
Performance Slower but acceptable performance Faster and smoother user experience
Code Reusability Frameworks like React Native and Xamarin allow developers to reuse up to 90% of the codebase for different platforms While some libraries and tools can reduce development time, code reusability is significantly lower
Access to Device Features Limited access to some device features and may need additional third-party plugins or APIs Direct access to device features and can leverage the full functionality of the hardware
Development Tools React Native, Xamarin, Flutter, and Ionic Xcode and Swift for iOS development, and Java or Kotlin for Android development
Support and Maintenance Easier to maintain and update the app, and bugs and issues can be fixed once and deployed to all platforms May require more resources and time for support and maintenance, any changes or updates must be implemented separately
Popularity A viable alternative for many applications, especially those that do not require the highest level of performance or device-specific features The preferred choice for many developers and businesses, particularly those with complex and performance-intensive applications

Understanding these distinctions in development tools, support, maintenance, and platform popularity allows you to align your app development strategy with specific goals, budgets, and audience requirements effectively.

Myths about cross-platform app development

Multiplatform technology is constantly evolving. Cross-platform mobile frameworks such as Flutter and React Native have gained significant popularity, with Flutter being used by 46% of developers globally as of 2023. It proves a growing preference for cost-effective, single-codebase solutions that enhance app portability across platforms. Yet, cross-platform app development is still full of stereotypes:

  • Cross-platform apps deliver poor performance. Many believe that cross-platform apps are slow and inefficient compared to native apps. However, this is only sometimes true. Some frameworks, such as React Native and Flutter, use native code to access device-specific features and optimize performance.
  • Cross-platform frameworks are less secure. Using cross-platform frameworks can increase the risk of security vulnerabilities if not implemented correctly. Many popular frameworks offer robust security features and tools, such as data encryption, authentication, and authorization protocols, ensuring app safety.
  • It is difficult to manage cross-platform projects. With proper planning and project management techniques, it is possible to manage cross-platform projects effectively. You should establish a clear communication plan and project roadmap to ensure that all team members are on the same page and have a shared understanding of the project goals and objectives.

Factors to consider before choosing an approach

Before choosing between native and cross-platform app development, there are several factors to consider:

  • UI/UX. Native development ensures more stunning visuals and experience. Cross-platform limits the UI/UX element of the app.
  • Time and price. If you need an MVP app with a limited budget, consider cross-platform development, as you don’t have to work on two app versions.
  • Target audience. If your target audience primarily uses one platform, a native app may be more appropriate. However, build a cross-platform app if the audience is spread across multiple platforms.
  • Performance. If high speed and responsiveness are crucial for your app, consider the native platform.
  • Technical requirements. If your app requires specific technical features or integrations only available on one platform, native development may be necessary.

Considering these factors, you can choose native or cross-platform app development for your specific project.

How to Develop an App for Both Android and iOS: General Scheme 

How to make a mobile app for Android and iOS? This chapter describes a general approach, offering tips and insights to guide your process. Understanding and tailoring the nine stages outlined below to your needs will ensure your project’s success.

Step #1. Create a team

Establishing a team is vital in app development, as it brings together individuals with different skills and expertise to achieve a common goal — bring app idea to life. The team comprises developers, designers, project managers, QA engineers, and other professionals.

  • The in-house team works within the company that recruits and manages them.
  • Outsourcing app development involves hiring a third-party company or team.
  • Freelancers are individual professionals who offer their services for hire.

 

We have prepared a comparison table to help you understand the features of each team model:

Factor In-House Team Outsourcing Freelancers
Control High Low Low
Cost High Medium/Low Low
Time to market Medium Fast Fast
Availability Dependent on hiring market and competition Global Global
Security Higher control and security measures can be enforced Data protection and information security can be managed Freelancer data security and compliance may be unknown
Team dynamics Easier team cohesion and alignment Potentially different cultural and working styles Individual working style and potential misalignment
Collaboration tools Easier access to collaboration tools and resources Potentially various tools and systems Varies depending on freelancer
Accountability Directly accountable to the company Contractually accountable to the company Contractually accountable to the company
Management In-house management required External management required Self-management required
Training and support Easier access to in-house training and support Limited training and support options Limited training and support options
Intellectual property Company maintains ownership of IP Ownership of IP is typically negotiated in the contract Ownership of IP is typically negotiated in the contract
Project flexibility Easier to pivot and adjust project goals and scope Requires renegotiation and potential delay Requires renegotiation and potential delay
Risk management Higher risk if team members leave or are terminated Can mitigate risk with contracts and SLAs Higher risk if freelancer terminates or underperforms
Cultural fit Easier to align with company culture and values Potential for cultural misalignment Potential for cultural misalignment
Workload distribution Easier to manage workload distribution Workload distribution requires external management Workload distribution requires self-management

Step #2. Research your competitors

Market research helps identify the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors and understand the market landscape. Follow these steps to do it right:

  • Identify your competitors using the app store and analytics tools. Consider their features, functionalities, target audience, ranking, downloads, and user ratings
  • Download and use competitors’ apps to analyze their UI/UX, features, functionalities, and performance. Look for the things they are doing well and the areas where they can improve.
  • Examine their marketing strategy, including app store optimization (ASO), social media, and advertising. Pay attention to used keywords, ad creatives, and digital channels for promotion.
  • Study user reviews and ratings to understand the customer’s pain points and what they like about the app.
  • Identify the gaps in the market that you can fill with your app. Also, determine the opportunities to differentiate your app from your competitors.

 

Step #3. Define core features

To outline core app features, you should consider a few crucial things:

  • Answer the questions: What problem does your app solve? Who is the target audience? What benefits does the app provide to the users?
  • List all the features you want to include in the app.
  • Group them into essential, nice-to-have, and future enhancements.
  • Map out the customer journey and identify how the user will interact with the app.
  • Get feedback from potential users, stakeholders, and other team members.

 

Following these steps, you can outline the app’s core features and ensure that it meets the user’s needs and provides value.

Step #4. Create mockups

Mockups are a simplified app interface version, reflected through wireframing tools and interactive prototypes. By testing them with users and collecting feedback, developers can identify pain points and areas that require improvement. It allows developers to make changes and iterate on the design before investing significant resources in development.

 

Step #5. Choose a platform and tech stack

Сhoosing the right platform and tech stack can significantly impact the app’s performance, scalability, and maintenance. Therefore, if you decide to make an app for Android and iOS, consider the target audience and its device preferences.

Custom Money Transfer Software Development How to create an app for money transfer?

Consider no-code & low-code development

No-code and low-code development platforms are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of use and speed of development. They benefit small businesses or non-technical users who ask themselves how to create an application quickly without investing in a dedicated development team.

  • No-code development platforms allow users to build apps without writing any code. They provide many pre-built templates and drag-and-drop tools to create interfaces and workflows. Examples: Bubble, Glide, and Adalo.
  • Low-code development platforms require coding knowledge but allow users to build applications faster and more efficiently. They often provide pre-built modules and components that can be customized and combined to create complex workflows and user interfaces. Examples: Microsoft Power Apps, Mendix, and OutSystems.

Step #6. Front-End and Back-End

In app development, the front-end and back-end are two distinct parts that work together to create a cohesive user experience.

  • The front-end is what the user sees and interacts with directly. It includes the layout, colors, typography, and code in the user’s web browser. Front-end developers use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create intuitive, responsive, and visually appealing apps.
  • The back-end manages the application’s data and logic behind the scenes. It contains the server infrastructure, database management, and application logic that support the front-end functionality. Back-end developers use programming languages like Java, Python, and Ruby to write server-side code.

Step #7. Testing

Testing is a critical step in product development. It ensures the app is functional, meets the intended requirements, and delivers a satisfactory user experience.

 

This stage includes:

  • Functional testing of individual components, such as buttons, menus, and forms, as well as testing the app as a whole.
  • Performance testing involves testing the speed, responsiveness, and scalability to ensure it can handle large amounts of traffic or data.
  • User acceptance testing ensures the app’s usability and user experience.

Step #8. Gather and implement feedback

To gather feedback, developers use various methods, such as surveys, focus groups, and beta testing. They provide valuable insights into how users interact with the app, what features they like or dislike, and what issues they are experiencing. Once feedback has been collected, it is essential to analyze it and identify trends and patterns.

 

If you want to know how to develop an app like Snapchat, first, you should understand how it works.

Implementing feedback can include fixing bugs or performance issues, improving the user interface or experience, or adding new features that users have requested. It is vital to prioritize feedback based on its impact and to make essential changes.

Step #9. Launch in the app store

Before submitting an app to the app store, ensuring that it meets all its guidelines and requirements is vital. It should be free of bugs and issues, have appropriate content and ratings, and comply with all relevant laws and regulations. Once the app is ready for submission, the developer can submit it to the app store for review.

 

Depending on the store and app complexity, the review process can take several days or weeks. If any issues or problems are found, the app store provides feedback to the developer, who can make the necessary changes and resubmit the software for review. After approval, the app is listed in the app store and available for download.

Don’t forget to promote the app through various channels such as social media, paid advertising, influencer marketing, and others to maximize its potential for success.

Comparison of Flutter vs React Native

You can see a complete comparison of Flutter vs. React Native in the table below:

Flutter React Native
Initial release May 2017 March 2015
Backed by Google Facebook
Programming language Dart JavaScript
Platform support Android, iOS Android, iOS, Web apps
Application performance Fairly robust, 60 fps Close to native
IDE support Android Studio, Visual Studio Code, IntelliJ IDEA Range of IDE’s and tolls with JS support
Native appearance Better. Has access to device core functionalities Lower. Dependency on third party apps
Hot reloading Yes Yes
GUI Use proprietary widget and deliver UI Use native UI controller
Time to market Faster Slower than Flutter
Code reusability 50-90% 90%
Testing Mobile device or emulator Mobile device or emulator
Community & support Limited, Fast growing Extensive

Create Your Cross-Platform App with Ease

Whether you’re targeting iPhone or Android users, our skilled developers ensure your app excels in functionality and design across all devices.

Consider Inoxoft as Your App Development Partner

With over ten years of experience and a team of 125+ certified experts, Inoxoft delivers advanced mobile app solutions for small startups, mid-sized companies, and enterprises. Our proven track record includes over 230 projects and 200 clients satisfied with high-quality results. We consider your requirements, pay attention to details, and select a technology stack depending on the project. When working on a project, we prioritize code quality, app speed, and scalability.

Inoxoft offers both native and cross-platform development, using technologies like React Native, Flutter, Swift, and Kotlin, while maintaining an agile approach to ensure flexibility and adherence to deadlines. Benefit from our expertise, comprehensive services, and commitment to delivering scalable, efficient, and user-friendly mobile applications.

Let’s look at some of our case studies:

Custom Software Solution for Amenity Management Company

Our client, an American full-service lifestyle brand with over 70 properties, required a mobile app for residents. The goal was to create an innovative and user-friendly mobile application that would integrate with the service provider platform to help customers book everything from dinner to spa visits. In turn, companies could gain additional awareness and a source of income.

We opted for a cross-platform approach using Flutter to enable faster development and broader reach. The cross-platform mobile app integrated features such as convenient booking options, in-app payments via Stripe, push notifications, and on-demand video content.

The developed mobile app, acting as a digital concierge with a range of services, allowed the company to provide a VIP customer experience, attract more service providers, and boost sales.

On-Demand Delivery App of Essential Home Fuels

Our client, a US-based entrepreneur, sought to simplify domestic fuel delivery amidst varied state regulations. Inoxoft opted for a cross-platform approach using Flutter to ensure a consistent user experience and efficient development. One significant challenge was integrating state-specific regulatory compliance into the app. We addressed this by developing a robust seller verification module and incorporating state-specific legal checks.

The mobile app facilitates fuel purchases by allowing sellers to submit required documents, sign agreements, and undergo verification, ensuring compliance with American legal standards. Additionally, the app features real-time order tracking, secure payments through Google/Apple Pay and Stripe, and a user-friendly interface. These features collectively streamline the fuel purchasing process, offering residents a seamless and legally compliant solution.

Wrapping Up

Choosing between native (Android or iOS) and cross-platform development depends on your business goals and priorities. Native development offers high performance and full hardware access for complex apps. At the same time, cross-platform solutions like Flutter and React Native provide faster, more cost-effective development with a single codebase. The outlined nine-step process will help you develop apps for both iOS and Android.

If you need professional assistance deciding on the best way to develop apps for iOS and Android, Inoxoft is here to ensure your solutions’ long-term success. Our expertise spans industries like logistics, healthcare, education, finance, and real estate. We offer a range of services from prototype and MVP development to mobile web optimization and cross-platform compatibility.

Contact our team to discuss your app development.