The so called ‘war’ that seems no end is the fierce competition that persists between the two most popular mobile operating systems, Android and iPhone. Both platforms together have a staggering stakes in the market with more than 90% of the world’s population are seen using an Android device or an iPhone. It is therefore no surprise that most mobile apps development projects entails iPhone or Android development. Despite strong market cue, developers are often seen in dilemma, wondering which platform to opt for. Both operating systems are good and have certain advantages and disadvantages when it comes to developing an application that has necessary ‘feel’ to make it big in the market. However, amidst the market report, sale figures and supremacy of these technologies, we perhaps miss the underlying factor ‘the consumer’, who in the end is responsible for the popularity and acceptance of an application in the market.
Much like the difference between Android and iOS, there is also a stark divergence when it comes to analyzing an iPhone user versus Android user. Attracted to the dynamic and alluring features of the phone, an iPhone is predominantly used by young people ranging between the age group of 18-25 years. Another interesting analysis indicates that the most iPhone users come from wealthy families whose family income is above $100,000. Theses analysis is not very surprising, for one fact that all Apple products are priced high. It was the vision of the late Mr. Steve Jobs, who was a perfectionist and a driving force behind making Apple Inc. what it stands today by developing products that were enchanting and appealed to a certain segment of people and group. On the other hand, Android has a business model which supports the cause of “subalternism”. It started an ‘open handset revolution’ that enabled several companies to manufacture Smartphone devices across price brackets. Today, there is a high end, to mid end, to low end Android device in the market. Therefore, the upsurge that the world is witnessing in the mobile application development trail can be largely attributed to Android’s ‘Open Handset Alliance’.
Another divide between an Android and iOS user is that the flavor of content that an Android users seeks is very different from that of an iOS user. While Android phone usage is higher amongst professionals and of course has a larger audience, an iPhone owner spends more time engaging with the content on the apps store. This particular user habit is a matter of much concern for mobile apps developer who is considering starting developing an application for either of the two operating systems. Furthermore, it is observed that an iPhone user is more likely to engage in m-commerce than an Android phone user. This point again takes back to our discussion on the average family income of an iPhone user which is considerably higher from an Android owner. Therefore, if one is bearing in mind the concept of an m-commerce application then iPhone should be the calling.
Besides unveiling the technological miracle of the 21st century, what Apple has done is taught to the world is a new flavor in the domain of marketing. Apple believes and even makes people believe that the products made by them are different and brilliantly good. This has most certainly helped them generate a brand awareness as well as customer loyalty which is evident from the sale figures of all the Apple products that have made way in the market in the last couple of years. In short, iPhone users are happy and content with their gadgets and quite unlikely to switch to any other device. This is good news for iPhone developers, as they can safely bid for application development for the platform.
The primary purpose of this write-up is to inform the developers the forces that direct the app development industry. One has to be wise and prudent about the situation at hand. A mere elusive idea cannot guarantee the success of an application, it is imperative that an app development project should be in sync with the market situation and customer preference. While Android takes the cake when it comes to the audience share, iPhone is lucrative from the perceptive of monetization and long term allegiance.
