If you’re an aspiring mobile app developer, you’ve probably asked yourself: Should I focus on Android or iOS development? Both platforms dominate the mobile app market, but they differ in development tools, market share, income potential, and career opportunities. So which one offers a better future for developers?

Let’s break it down.

---

1. Market Share: Android Has the Numbers

• Android holds the majority of the global smartphone market—over 70%.

• iOS has a strong presence in countries like the US, UK, and Australia but globally, it holds around 25% of the market.

Verdict:

If your goal is global reach, Android gives you access to a much larger user base.

---

2. Earning Potential: iOS Leads in Revenue

• iOS users are generally more willing to spend on apps and in-app purchases.

• The Apple App Store often generates more revenue than Google Play, even with fewer users.

Verdict:

If you’re aiming for higher revenue per user, especially in premium markets, iOS may be the better bet.

---

3. Development Environment

• Android uses Java or Kotlin and is supported by Android Studio.

• iOS uses Swift (and previously Objective-C) and is developed using Xcode.

Verdict:

Both platforms offer powerful tools. Swift is often praised for being modern and developer-friendly, while Kotlin is a newer, cleaner alternative to Java.

---

4. Publishing and Approval Process

• Android has a faster and easier app publishing process on Google Play.

• iOS has a stricter review process which can delay app launches but may result in better quality control.

Verdict:

For faster time-to-market, Android has the edge. But iOS offers a more curated user experience.

---

5. Job Opportunities and Career Growth

• Android developers are in high demand due to the sheer volume of Android devices.

• iOS developers are also sought after, especially in regions where Apple dominates.

Verdict:

Both platforms offer strong career paths. Full-stack mobile developers who can build for both Android and iOS are especially valuable.

---

6. Development Cost and Devices

• Android development requires testing across many device types and screen sizes, which can be a challenge.

• iOS has a limited number of devices, making testing and optimization easier.

Verdict:

If you’re an independent developer or working with a small team, iOS may offer a simpler development process.

---

Final Thoughts: Android or iOS?

Both platforms have their strengths. Here’s a quick summary:

So, which one should you choose?

• If you’re looking to build apps for a global audience, go with Android.

• If you’re targeting high-income users and want higher revenue per user, start with iOS.

• Better yet, consider learning cross-platform frameworks like Flutter or React Native to develop for both simultaneously.