Apple is one of the most popular tech companies in the world, with its proprietary mobile software called iOS. iOS is the only platform that competes with Android head-to-head for the global mobile O.S. market. Compared to Android, open-source software that powers 1 in every 3 smartphones in the world, iOS is close-sourced and limited to only run-on Apple devices such as iPhone, iPad, and more.
Most businesses take this as an indication that developing an app on Android is more beneficial for their business than focusing on the iOS platform that would only target Apple users. However, this is not necessarily true. There are many reasons why choosing iOS for your startup can be more beneficial than choosing Android.
Let us dive deeper and understand why developing your app on iOS first can be more beneficial for your startup.
Why choose Apple for your Startup?
There are many reasons to choose Apple for your startup. Most of it concerns the approach Apple takes in maintaining overall control by keeping iOS closed-source and available for only Apple devices. Doing so helps them maintain control and improves overall quality standards as maintaining quality becomes easier with lesser fragmentation of devices. Here are some key aspects you should know about the iOS platform and its benefits.
Unparalleled User Experience
Apple has managed to build a brand that its users perceive as easy to use, rich, and seamless app experience, and it gives users a premium feel that makes them loyal to the brand. Also, having your app officially listed on the Apple App Store is met with a strict vetting process that checks if your app passes its rules and quality standards.
Apple provides reliable and easy-to-follow Developer Guidelines to help developers make their app reach a certain level, which only benefits them as it results in a robust, secure, and scalable app. Such a dedicated focus on quality adherence makes iOS a better choice for startups than Android, where the app review process lacks majorly.
High-Security Standards
Android has always led the market in terms of the number of users because it is an open-sourced platform compared to iOS. However, this lead comes with a cost; Android is more prone to security vulnerabilities. Since their app screening process is also not as strict as Apple’s and Android apps can be downloaded from unregulated markets in .apk formats, the chances of these apps carrying malicious software increases, harming the users’ devices. Unlike Android, iOS blocks off any external threats by regulating the Apple App Store and not allowing any unregulated marketplace to sell iOS apps. Also, for mobile app development, iOS provides a more stable and conducive environment for Apple developers.
Focused Market Penetration in Top-Tier Nations
Android indeed powers every 1 in 3 smart devices; however, when it comes to the countries where Android is more prevalent, it is generally in developing nations such as Brazil, India, Indonesia, Turkey, and Iran. Compared to this, iOS is more prominently used in leading countries such as the U.S.A., U.K., and Japan. Why does this matter? Because countries like U.S.A. and U.K. have citizens with higher disposable income and a tendency to spend on in-app purchases and subscriptions. Hence, building your startup app using iOS allows you to generate revenues more easily than on Android.
Higher Return on Investments (R.O.I.)
Any effort made by any business is with the sole purpose of gaining some monetary benefit. Android apps generally make 10% or less money in comparison to the cost of developing them. If you hire iOS developers from a reputable I.T. firm, your app’s overall R.O.I. and income will yield better.
Faster Software Updates for all Apple Devices
iOS is one of the fastest platforms for providing frequent software updates. Apple supports any new Apple device – iPad, iPhone, and others with new iOS updates for upto 6 years after the initial release. This includes access to the latest security patches and protocols for vulnerabilities and external threats. Hence chances of your app running obsolete or not being compatible with your users’ device are reduced significantly.
User Retention
With iOS, you don’t need to worry about losing your customers if they plan to change platforms from iOS to Android. This is because iOS users are very loyal to their smartphones and the Apple brand due to its rich user experience and high-end hardware usage. Moreover, it is also free from bloatware and third-party apps, which reduces the chances of crashes or performance lags that would otherwise slow down their smartphones.
Controlled Fragmentation
Apple retains control over iOS and its devices and software function as a system. Due to the reduced fragmentation of limited Apple devices, the challenges of optimizing the app for various screens and devices are reduced significantly compared to Android, where the entire process can be very complicated. Due to lesser fragmentation, the overall app development cost is significantly reduced for Apple devices compared to Android-based smartphones.
Business Centric Approach
iOS apps generally have a more business-centric approach, and most top company C.E.O.s and managers are investing in developing iOS apps to represent their business. iOS apps generally have higher functionality and many business-centric features. The best part about iOS apps that are powerful and secure is that they are also user-friendly and very easy to navigate due to their seamless navigation and design guidelines.
Efficient Power Management
iOS is the most efficient platform when it comes to power management. Since they restrict third-party apps from running in the background, unlike Android apps, the iOS battery stays healthier, leading to better performance and more usage of your app compared to Android. This is one of the many important reasons for startups to choose iOS over Android.
Final Words
These are some of the top reasons for choosing iOS platform for developing apps beneficial to your startup. You can also choose Android if your requirements are not to monetize your app but to reach a wider audience. However, you should hire dedicated developers from a trusted mobile app development company to ensure your Android app is optimized and built according to industry standards.
