On paper, both Apple’s App Storeand Google’s Android Marketprovide very similar experiences. Both tools serve as a gateway for users on either platform to purchase and download apps for their phones. However, there are some critical differences in the two markets that mobile developersneed to be aware of when beginning development. Being familiar with these differences can help developers decide whether Android developmentor iOS development is the proper path for their mobile app developmentstrategy.
The biggest difference in the two platforms is that Applereviews every app submitted before it is released to the App Store. Every appis judged on how well it adheres to the guidelines set forth by Apple, and is either released to the App Storeor denied submission based on Apple’s verdict. The policy has come under fire from critics who say that Apple’s guidelines are too restrictive or too vague, and that Appledoesn’t provide enough feedback when rejecting apps. Android, on the other hand, does not have any sort of filtering process prior to appsbeing released to the Android Market. Mobile appsthat have been built for Androidcan be published immediately, and will stay on the market unless they violate the Android Market‘s content policy. Typically, for appsto be removed from the Android Market, they have to contain some egregious violation. For example, the appmust contain a virus, or blatantly violate copyright. Based on this difference, it is clear that Android developmentoffers more potential than iOS development. Because Google does not screen appsprior to publishing them and does not limit what appsare allowed to do, mobile app developersdon’t run the risk of pouring time and money into a project only to have it rejected.
On the other hand, Apple’s App Storemight be more profitable than the Android Market. Statistics show that Androidusers pay for appsmuch less frequently than iOSusers. While ads are a potential revenue source in free apps, mobile developersmight desire the more consistent revenue stream that comes from charging for apps. In addition, the inclusion of ads can hinder the quality of mobile app development, as they take up space within the app. Because of this, app developerswith a very unique, profitable idea might find more financial reward in opting for iPad development and iPhone development , rather than Android development.
There is an immeasurable amount of differences in the Apple App Storeand the Android Market. The most important thing is for mobile developersto conduct research before beginning projects. This way, they can minimize the potential of a nightmare scenario where potential revenue is lost by developing on the wrong platform.