If you have finally decided it is the time to build a mobile app, there are some more decisions you need to be made.
One of the most important decision is choosing which operating system you are going to launch on.
You must decide between the two most popular app store – 1. Apple App Store and 2. Google Play Store.
It is not an easy decision to make.
Why?
Well, for new starters, App Store and Play store users act differently. So, if you launch your app on the wrong platform, you can lose your primary targeted audience.
Now if you want to have an app which is available on both stores, you will require to develop two different stores in order to fulfil the requirements for each operating system. Trust me it is a hard and long process. For starter it will be expensive too.
This post will give you all information’s so that you can make an informed decision before you dive into the wrong app store.
Here is what you need to know before you choose the stores:
1. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE: First thing first, you should know your targeted audience. These points have some sub points as well.
A. Geological location – Think about where you want to focus more – global audience or a particular area. If you want to focus more on global market, then obviously Play store is the best. Because Google Play Store dominate most of the global market where iOS does not even in the competition. But if you are focusing on area then you must choose according the market’s demand.
B. Age of the audience – iOS device users are younger and higher educated people than android and most of them are in the age brackets of 18-25. So, if you are launching any chatting, social Networking, or a dating app then App Store is best for you.
2. FEATURE SETS: The feature sets are basically the basic function of your app.
What is the actual purpose of your app? The answer will depend on the code that gets Written for development.
Apple is restricted to a closed ecosystem, that means developer must write a code for device specific application. On the other side, Android play store is open source ecosystem where developer have freedom for customising or modifying as user want.
So, in that case Google Play Store offers more flexibility for being an open-source Ecosystem. But the iOS makes sure your security and stability services for being a Closed Ecosystem.
3.MONEY/MONETIZATION: The reason behind every mobile application app is to make more money.
How you could make money through App?
Here is some common business model
a. Subscription
b. In-app purchases
c. Advertisements
d. Pay per download
If your strategy is to charge users to get your application, App Store should be your priority. iOS users are more likely to pay for an application than Android users. If the users are willing to pay for it then you will make more money at once, your users will be more engaged in your app and lastly, they probably will not abandon it really quick.
But if your strategy is to make money by the advertisements and in-app purchase then Android is the best for you.
4. RELEASE CYCLES: When you are making an app, you need to be written in code that is compatible with the most up-to-date versions.
95% of Apple users have the latest operating systems installed on their devices. Where less than 25% of Android users are using the latest version of Android software.
So, this makes your decision more complicated because you must build your app in a such a wide range of versions.
5. TABLET USERS: Not only cell phones you have to take tablets into consideration when you are building a mobile application. Apple iPad is popular in young generations as well as older generations for its user-friendliness. On the other hand, Android tablets owners are more technical.
CONCLUSION: So, Which platform should you choose first to launch your app?
It depends on your goal.
