Important Takeaways from Android Vs iOS Mobile App UI Design

Mobile applications are taking the market by storm. With a surge in the number of mobile devices, users are becoming more and more inclined towards mobile web browsing. Thus, business owners have become keener to investing time and resources and meet this increasing demand for user-friendly mobile app development.

As you know, there are two main types of mobile applications for the two separate OSs, namely, the Android and iOS. But, what you may not know yet is, different companies have different requirements when it comes to the development of mobile applications for their businesses. According to these requirements as well as the individual benefits offered by both the platforms, the developer should decide between a native or cross-platform app. Generally, the business owners go for cross platform apps so they do not miss out on any of their target audience. However, if you develop a native app, you should be aware of the significant differences in features, demographics and mobile app UI design to ensure maximum usability. Let us discuss all these factors in details.

Demographics

The android devices are more popular in the developing nations, among the middle-income users. On the other hand, iOS devices have found their client base among the higher income population with higher standards and expectations. However, their prominence is mainly felt in the UK and the USA while the rest of the world are keener to buy android devices because of their simplicity and inherent cost-effectiveness.

Features

Android OS is an open-source platform and a developer can get tremendous support from discussion forums and other areas while creating an app for the same. On the other hand, iOS is a closed-source platform and you cannot make any tweaks to the operating system or develop a new OS from it. Furthermore, the Android apps function through icons while the iOS ones use text. The Android app UI design is multi-dimensional with cards, buttons and etc while the iOS apps are mostly flat. And, iOS apps have their menus at the bottom of the mobile screen while Android ones have them at the top. There are subtle differences in the fonts and shades as well. You should keep all these factors in mind while developing a native app for either Android or iOS.

U/I Design

The developer of a native app for either platform should possess all know-hows of the UI design elements for both Android and iOS apps. For example, in Android apps, there is a back button that helps the user get back to the previous menu but there is none in iOS. Secondly, there is this app architecture which is different for the two OSs. You have to keep in mind that there is an omnipresent drawer menu for Android apps and a tab bar for iOS devices for users to navigate inside the app. Sometimes, it is a bit daunting to remember each of these unique features, but to develop top-notch mobile apps, it is imperative you bone up everything.
Now, let us turn to the pros and cons of developing both apps.

Android App Development

Pros –
– It is easier than iOS app development and takes lesser time
– You can get a lot of help while developing an Android App
– The Android app market share is larger than that of Apple
– Android apps can be used on android TVs and wearable devices

Cons –
– You have to make your app flexible enough to run on a range of devices
– Most of the free apps on Google Play Store are of cheap quality

iOS App Development

Pros –
– The apps are faster with simpler user interface
– The App Store offers maximum protection, security, and convenience to the iOS users
– The iOS are of premium quality

Cons –
– All Apps on the App store need to be approved by Apple
– Beta apps are generally rejected
– No approval, no revenue
– It is hard to stand out from the crowd

The Takeaway

Considering all the aforementioned factors, you have to decide on the most suitable platform for developing a mobile application. It is strongly recommended that you choose iOS first for maximum revenue and market speed. However, if your target audience is mainly from a developing nation with a middle-income population, it is best to stick to the Android platform.

So, make the choice, grab the mobile app market and enhance your brand identity.