iOS or Android: What Platform Should You Use?

Choosing the Right Platform for Your Mobile App

When planning a mobile app, one of the most critical decisions is choosing the right platform—iOS or Android. Each has distinct advantages and limitations, and your decision will influence development time, budget, monetization, user reach, and technical strategy.

This guide compares both platforms in terms of popularity, future outlook, benefits, and challenges to help you make an informed decision for your next mobile app project.

Platform Popularity

As of 2025, Android dominates the global smartphone market with over 72% market share, while iOS holds around 26%. However, while Android has broader reach, iOS users tend to spend more on premium apps, making it a more lucrative platform for monetization.

Future Outlook

Both platforms continue to evolve. Android’s open-source nature and global adoption make it a favorite among developers, while iOS is known for its security, performance, and loyal user base. Future dominance will depend on each platform’s ability to innovate and meet user expectations.

Android Development: Pros & Cons

Advantages

• Easy Access: Developers can access thousands of free libraries and SDKs to speed up development.
• Flexibility: Android supports a wide range of devices—from phones to wearables and TVs.
• Easy Release & Updates: Publishing and updating apps through the Google Play Store is quick and less restrictive.

Disadvantages

• Device Fragmentation: Supporting a variety of devices with different specs can introduce bugs and UI inconsistencies.
• Time-Consuming: Testing across thousands of devices increases development effort.
• Lower Monetization: Android users are more likely to download free apps, making it harder to monetize directly.
• Security Risks: Being open-source, Android apps are more vulnerable to cyber threats and data breaches.

iOS Development: Pros & Cons

Advantages

• High-Spending Users: iOS users typically have higher purchasing power, ideal for paid apps and in-app purchases.
• Device Uniformity: Fewer device types and screen sizes simplify testing and performance optimization.
• Design Support: Apple’s detailed UI/UX guidelines make it easier to build intuitive, polished interfaces.

Disadvantages

• Strict App Store Policies: Apple enforces tight rules, which can delay or block your app if not followed precisely.
• Limited Open Resources: Fewer third-party development tools and libraries compared to Android.
• Longer Approval Process: iOS development may take longer due to more rigorous testing and review stages.

Conclusion: Which Platform Is Right for You?

Choosing between iOS and Android depends entirely on your audience, budget, monetization strategy, and timeline. For wider reach and flexibility, Android may be the better choice. For targeting high-value users and building premium experiences, iOS often leads.

If you’re unsure which route to take, Metrix can help. Our development team specializes in platform-specific app builds and can guide you through every stage of your project—from planning to launch.