Some face-offs remain eternal. Be it PC vs Mac, X-box vs Nintendo, or iPhone users vs Android users. As a business, you must look at them from a neutral perspective.
By 2029, the global smartphone market can surpass the USD 790 billion mark. So, be it iOS or Android, you can leverage any platform after understanding the nuances between them.
This blog will decode the essential stats and facts of Android vs iPhone users. This information can help in creating apps that meet the expectations and demands of the two user categories. So, scroll ahead to acquaint yourself with iPhone vs Android users differences.
Partner with App Store award-winning developers. Build your next dream project with us!
The iPhone users vs Android users face-off gives one universal fact. Across the globe, you will find more Android users than their iPhone counterparts. However, there are large numbers of iPhone users in certain countries like the US.
So, as a business, you need to thoroughly understand such figures before developing an app.
iPhone vs Android Users: A Look at the Technical Differences
Both smartphone ecosystems provide a different experience to their target audience. In this section, we will try to explain why there is a divide between Android vs iPhone users worldwide.
1. Operating System
iPhone is a product of Apple whereas Android is a product of Google. The iPhone runs on iOS whereas Android is an operating system itself.
Prominent names like Samsung, Motorola, Vivo, OnePlus, and Oppo use Android as the OS for their smartphones. Now, in the case of iPhone users vs Android users, here are the points that will prove useful.
iPhone Users’ View of the Operating System
Value the simplicity
Prefer the curated selection of apps
Enjoy the seamless integration
Like the regular security updates
Praise security measures
Appreciate the minimal design
Let’s move on to understanding the general views of Android users about their OS.
Android Users’ View of the Operating System
Praise the open ecosystem
Prefer the flexibility aspect
Enjoy the customizable interface
Prioritize brands with consistent updates
Value the wide variety of apps
Appreciate the ease of compatibility
As you can notice, there is no clear winner. These are two user categories with different priorities. So, when developing your company’s app, ensure you understand the needs of your target audience.
2. Hardware
Let’s understand the hardware perspective of each user category.
iPhone Users’ View of the Hardware
Adore the premium build quality
Prefer the strong battery life
Enjoy using the top-tier cameras
Appreciate the vibrant displays
Value the powerful processors
Don’t bother with limited customization
On the other hand, Android users have slightly different perception regarding their smartphones.
Android Users’ View of the Hardware
Utilize the expandable storage
Prefer the innovative features
Prefer the wide variety of choices
Appreciate the headphone jack
Like the diverse form factors
Can ignore the build quality
So, the comparison of iPhone users vs Android users gives us an understanding of the audience outlook. iPhone users prefer a comparatively premium feel. On the other hand, Android users want a good bang for their buck.
Android or iOS, we have resources for both platforms. Explore our team of dedicated developers for more info.
These days, the gap between iPhone and Android smartphones in terms of premium build is diminishing. For instance, you can buy flagship smartphones from a brand like Samsung at a decent price. However, in general terms, iPhone users are willing to pay for various premium offerings.
Here’s a general lookout.
iPhone Users’ Spending Patterns
More willing to spend on premium devices
Exhibit strong brand loyalty
Can make in-app purchases
Have a higher spending probability
Prone to invest in other Apple products
Are less price-sensitive
On the contrary, here are a few points to consider regarding Android users.
Android Users’ Spending Patterns
Prioritize value-for-money
The spending habits are variable
Benefit from competitive pricing
Are more open to trade-ins
Can spend on accessories
Focus on value-driven purchases
All in all, iPhone users are more willing to utilize their money for higher-priced devices and services. Android users, on the other hand, are more price-conscious (generally).
4. Application Store
From a business perspective, the iPhone users vs Android users comparison is more relevant in terms of the application market.
iPhones have a dedicated ‘App Store,’ whereas Android smartphones have a specialized ‘Google Play Store.’ Let’s comprehend the outlook of the two user groups.
iPhone Users’ View on the Application Store
Like the curated app selection
Can enjoy the exclusive Apple apps
Adore the clean and intuitive interface
Benefit from the seamless integration
Prioritize the fewer malware instances
More likely to spend on in-app purchases
Android users have a different perspective. Here are six points to consider.
Android Users’ View on the Application Store
Prefer the wider app selection
Like more available free apps
Can benefit from the open platform
Prioritize the wide range of software
Enjoy greater app installation flexibility
Can explore alternative app stores
Overall, the application aspect in the iPhone users vs Android users comparison is straightforward. iPhone users prefer the closed and secure Apple ecosystem. On the other hand, Android users desire the flexibility and variety of the Google platform.
Need the assistance of certified mobile app developers? Our mobile app development services are only a click away!
As you can notice, the iPhone market has a selected number of applications. Your developed app needs approval from the review team for its final release.
On the contrary, Google Play Store is more open to experimentation and allows flexibility in terms of app design. So, the chances of being featured faster on the Android store are higher than on iOS.
To publish your app on the App Store, you need to pay USD 99 per year
Now, the following table presents a head-to-head comparison of the iPhone users vs Android users face-off:
iPhone App Landscape
Android App Landscape
More streamlined ecosystem
Access to larger market share
Consistent user experience
Open and flexible development environment
Higher revenue per user
Challenges during device fragmentation
Primary languages are Swift or Objective-C
The primary languages are Kotlin or Java
Key Considerations for iPhone and Android App Development
The statistics are clear. By now, you have a good idea of the user personas in the iPhone users vs Android users face-off. However, before tapping into a specific user group, you should consider a few practical aspects.
When to Choose iOS: Your target audience is high-income, tech-savvy, and owns iPhones
When to Choose Android: Your target audience is diverse and belongs to broad demographics
Covering all these facets increases your chance of developing successful mobile apps. For the best results, hire dedicated developers with experience and expertise in mobile app development.
Wrapping Up
The iPhone users vs Android users isn’t a comparison that’ll produce any winner. Both groups have distinct preferences and priorities. So, as a business, you need to understand the user requirements before capitalizing on a specific smartphone market.
iPhone users tend to value the premium build, seamless Apple integration, and a clean user interface. On the other hand, Android users prefer the variety, flexibility, and value-for-money aspects. In the case of market share, Android has a greater global presence. However, Apple is more dominant in regions like the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, and Sweden.
Consider the option of cross-platform development if you want your app to be featured on both platforms. After all, leveraging the growing smartphone market can always generate high ROI for your business.
Build cross-platform apps with confidence. Send in your requirements and let’s collaborate!
An accomplished professional with 9 years of experience in mobile application development, Abhilash holds an MCA and specializes in creating seamless Android (Kotlin, Java) and iOS applications. Proficient in Flutter framework using Dart, Firebase, Dependency Injections, Dagger, and Jetpack Compose, he stays at the forefront of technology by exploring trends like iOS Swift-UI. Abhilash’s innovative approach and technical expertise ensure exceptional user experiences and efficient solutions.
