iOS or Android operating systems: which should you pick? It depends on your business needs and customer base…
In today’s fast-paced business world, enterprise mobility has become increasingly important. Business owners who recognize their customers’ desire for access to such devices (and the apps to run them) will be in a much better position than those who don’t.
Unfortunately, recognizing the need for an app is only the beginning.
Next, you need to find a mobile app design & development company to help you build the app and decide how the development process will go.
After deciding on these aspects, you’ll need to answer a big question: Android or iOS?
Understanding Your Mobile App Options
In a perfect world, you have the resources to design an app for both platforms. Doing so allows you to cover the vast majority of the market and reach the maximum amount of customers.
However, we don’t live in a perfect world, do we? So you may have to make a decision. Plus, building apps for both mobile platforms doesn’t guarantee access to every customer. You’ll still alienate Windows phone users and those who exclusively use tablets. (For the tablet users alone, you may want to consider developing a web app, which is appropriate for any OS.)
Understanding your audience is the most logical first step in making a decision about which platform can provide the biggest ROI. Here are three ways to help you through this process:
1) Perform an Audience Study
Given that your audience is without a doubt the most important aspect of your plan, it should come as no surprise that they should be your first consideration. Decide which OS the majority of your target audience uses, and then choose that OS.
While these statistics can be hard to determine, below are some ways to help you decide which OS is the most widely used by your target audience:
- Analyze. Make use of analytics tools (like Google Analytics) and record the device(s) from which users are viewing your website. Keep in mind, however, that your site visitors may not always be the same as your intended audience.
- Ask. Your target audience does not consist of a voiceless mass. If you have questions about their preferences and/or desires, ask them. Offer your customers a short survey to discover which devices they use. You may only get a small return; however, the information will be invaluable since it comes direct from the source.
- Study. Mobile users gravitate toward different smartphones depending on where they live. For example, in South Korea your user is much more likely to use an Android phone; whereas, if you’re targeting China, you’ll want to go with iOS. Even different geographic areas within the U.S. can favor certain mobile devices.
2) Understand Your Revenue Goals
Develop a plan for your mobile app. If you want to make money from your app, iOS is the way to go because Apple outsells Android nearly 4 to 1 each year. However, Android takes top prize in total apps downloaded, so they may be a better option if your app will be offered for free.
3) Talk with Your Developer
If you’re hiring someone else to build your mobile app for you, sit down and talk to them about which OS you’re likely to be more successful with. Being professionals, they likely have experience with both operating systems. Chances are, the discussion about simply releasing both an Android and an iOS version will come up—and yes, this is probably your best option—however, you will need to decide which OS you should release first or which one is better if you can’t afford both right now.
Understanding Your Mobile App Options
Need help making a decision about operating systems or any other factor surrounding app development? Contact an experienced mobile app developer who can put your concerns at ease and ensure that you launch a successful app to your customers. It’s well worth the investment.