How To Decide Which Is The Best Platform And App Type For You?

If you are planning to get started with your online business project, one question that occupies the centre of your thoughts is whether to choose an iOS or an Android operating system. Instead of letting this question haunt you any longer, it is time to learn about the benefits and drawbacks of each operating system.

Depending upon what features you desire in your system, the kind of audience that you are targeting, the budget at hand, and the goals that you aspire to achieve in the future are some of the key factors in determining which operating system you should choose for your online business. Always keep in mind the fact that the factors mentioned above will determine the costs involved, the duration required to build your project, and the profit that you are going to earn out of your business.

To help you get rid of this dilemma, this blog attempts to offer a detailed analysis of what each platform shall bring to the table and whether or not it is a suitable choice for your business needs.

IOS vs. Android App Development

Begin by asking yourself who your target audience is. Data reveals that around 87% of smartphone users have opted for an Android device. But this, of course, can vary based on your surroundings.

If you take this data into consideration and want to appeal to the masses, it is more likely that you will opt for an Android app rather than an iOS app, which will only confirm the expectations of 13% of users. However, do not proceed until you have determined whether Android or iOS is preferred by your geographical target.

The second factor impacting your choice should be a comparison between the revenue generated by the app stores on iOS and Android. Since people who possess Apple products are also in a position to have a high amount of disposable income, this makes them susceptible to making more purchases from the App Store.

Advantages and Disadvantages of an iOS App:

Developing an iOS app can equip you with a number of advantages, such as improved security and storage space, tried and tested solutions, and greater chances of earning profits through paid apps and in-app purchases. However, an iOS app can also entail a few disadvantages, such as the limited scope for customization and the App Store's strict rules.

Advantages and disadvantages of an Android app:

On the one hand, the widespread popularity of Android devices makes it one of the best monetization models. From freemium plans to in-app advertising, the Google Play Store comprises all kinds of facilities that you could ever ask for. Moreover, the platform is also highly flexible.

On the other hand, creating an Android app also entails the risk of inviting negative user feedback from its usage across a variety of devices. Oftentimes, users do not even bother to update their operating system on time. So, a lot of businesses avoid this expensive and time-consuming task of Android app development.

Native, cross-platform, and progressive web app development

When planning to develop an app, it is natural for you to seek more options so that you can arrive at one that will conform to all your expectations. So get ready to explore the most trending and highly regarded mobile app development services.

Native app development:

Native mobile apps are designed specially for particular devices using a programming language that is unique and most suited to the hosting platform. So, when you develop an app for the App Store, you have to keep in mind that you cannot make it available on the Google Play Store for your users to use it on their Android devices.

Here are some of the key elements involved in native app development:

• Technology

While iOS apps use programming languages such as Objective C and Swift, Java and Kotlin are two of the most renowned programming languages used for developing Android apps. The use of such unique programming languages is meant to eliminate the need for any conversion.

• Access to native APIs

Native apps have a unique advantage over other app development processes, which is their access to the functionalities and API of each device. This includes access to a device's contact list, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, camera, and what not!

• Distribution method

The distribution of native apps is carried out via the medium of an app store.

• Multi-platform functionality

Unfortunately, a native app is limited in its ability to offer its functionality across a number of platforms. The only platform on which a native app can be used is the one on which it was created.

• Design

A native app also looks more appealing compared to other kinds because of its design, which is meant for a particular device.

Advantages and disadvantages of a native app

The fact that native apps don’t bear any limitations in terms of implementation facilitates access to a device’s resources as well as hardware functionalities. Manufacturers extend absolute support, which, when blended with user-inclined experiences, produces a deadly combination. However, native apps also require developers to keep up with the features and functionalities of the latest iOS or Android versions so that they can deploy them flawlessly. This can lead users to incur greater costs and be time-consuming.

Hybrid app development

Gone are the days when you would have to develop separate apps for different operating systems. If you are someone who is aiming for multiple platforms, hybrid or cross-platform app development has to be your pick! With a hybrid app to your rescue, you can maximize your profits by garnering audiences both on the iOS and Android platforms.

The reason behind the emerging popularity of this type of app development is its adaptable nature, which enables the development of apps that can function smoothly across various operating systems. They also consist of a set of tools that equip developers with the power to reuse codes. So, fixing bugs, updating features, or carrying out tests are no longer cumbersome.

Advantages and disadvantages of a cross-platform app

Not only are native apps the most cost-effective, but they also offer quick and easy maintenance. However, the magnanimous codebase can hinder your performance by slowing down processes. In some cases, hybrid apps fail to deliver the experience of a native app because of their two-sided targets.

Progressive web app development:

If you have been wondering why progressive web apps are so popular, rest assured that there is a reason!

What if someone were to tell you that you need not install any apps from the App Store or the Google Play store anymore? Yes, that is how capable a progressive web app is. By using browsers like Chrome and Safari, progressive web apps make their interface accessible to their users through a particular web address, or URL.Your smartphone will no longer be burdened with the weight of apps, thanks to the innovation known as the progressive web app. An added feature of this kind of app is its capacity to load pages even when there is low connectivity. Moreover, it has the ability to auto-update, which means that the latest version of the progressive web app will be displayed whenever it is launched on a browser.

Advantages and disadvantages of a progressive web app

One of the primary advantages of a progressive web app is that it does not limit usage to any particular device by making it available to a set of audiences who have subscribed to either the App Store or the Google Play store. In fact, one need not even look for updates because they are carried out automatically. You can enjoy certain features that you may not even find in the official app stores. Visitors can enjoy the same user experience across numerous supported devices. However, progressive web apps can lag behind and lead to unnecessary power consumption. Moreover, they do not allow easy access to the hardware functionalities owing to limitations in terms of geography and functionalities. For instance, you may not be able to use certain features once you go offline. If you are planning to develop a progressive web app, keep in mind that you will need to invest in its marketing separately since none of the app stores will function as a medium.

Conclusion

The different types of mobile app development discussed in this blog entail many advantages, just as there are many disadvantages to the same. So, before you arrive at any decision, make sure you have carried out an in-depth analysis of your target, budget, features, and other aspects. Once you are done, revisit the section comprising the advantages and disadvantages of each app development type and then make an informed choice. But if any confusion pertaining to app development persists, feel free to get in touch with our highly experienced and skilled app developers at Sterling Technolabs offering the best mobile app development services. You can lay down all your requirements, targets, and constraints before them, and they will help you create an app that will benefit you beyond your imagination.