iOS vs Android: App Development Cost Comparison for Startups
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December 17, 2024
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If you’re in startup mode, you’ve probably got a ton of burning questions about which app platform to bet on — and zero time to waste. No stress, we’ve got you! Here’s the fast track to help you choose smart and scale quicker.
- For higher revenue potential: iOS dominates app store earnings, generating 67% of global app revenue despite fewer downloads.
- For a faster market launch: Go with iOS. Developing for fewer devices cuts testing time by 15-20% compared to Android.
- For budget-conscious startups: Android developers are about 20% cheaper on average. This can save significant costs during development.
- For a broader global reach: Android holds 70% of the global market, especially in regions like Asia (79%) and Africa (85%).
- For premium markets: iOS is the go-to choice for high-income users, particularly in the U.S. and Canada, where it holds over 60% market share.
- For ad-based apps: Android's larger user base is ideal for ad-supported revenue models, as it dominates with 113 billion app downloads in 2023.
- For complex monetization: iOS excels in subscription models, accounting for 77% of global app subscription revenue.
Got 3 minutes? Get an AI-powered cost comparison, timelines, and tech stacks—all based on 10,000+ projects and 5 years of our team's experience. Check out App Cost Calculator. Perfect for founders needing quick insights!
In this article, we will explore which platform—iOS or Android—is best for your app development project based on cost and potential profit. We will also break down how much development typically costs and what factors influence these prices. Finally, we’ll introduce some of the best app development software for building Android and iOS applications.
Platform Selection: iOS vs. Android Based on Cost and Profitability
Regarding app development costs, deciding between iOS and Android isn't just about numbers—it's about how quickly you can ship and who you're building for. Let's break it down.
Development Costs: iOS vs Android
If you're looking at Android, you might think, "Hey, it's cheaper!" That's because Android developers often charge about 20% less. But—and this is a big but—the sheer fragmentation of Android (tons of devices, screen sizes, OS versions) means more testing, troubleshooting, and a longer dev cycle. So yeah, it feels more affordable upfront, but the hidden costs creep up during testing and maintenance.
iOS apps, on the other hand, tend to have a higher upfront price. Fewer devices fewer bugs, and the hardware-software integration is smoother. Developers are typically paid more, and you're looking at a faster time-to-market. For startups, you can get an MVP out the door faster and validate your idea sooner.
Discover the Top iOS App Design & Development Services here.
What Impacts the Cost?
You've got a killer idea, but what will affect your budget the most? Here's the quick-hit list:
- Complexity: A simple weather app or a note-taking tool will cost around $10,000 - $50,000. But start adding user logins, in-app purchases, geolocation, or real-time data and watch that price hit the $100,000 - $300,000 range.
- Design: Eye-candy costs. Want sleek, custom animations or interactive UI? It's worth it for user experience, but expect to pay more for that design magic.
- Backend: Think of your app's backend as the "brains." If you're storing data, syncing real-time updates, or integrating with third-party APIs (like payment gateways), it can add $5,000 - $20,000 just for setup.
- Maintenance: Post-launch, plan to budget about 15-20% of your initial cost each year for updates, bug fixes, and keeping your app smooth on new OS versions.
Which Platform's Best for Startups?
iOS is your go-to if you target high-income users and maximize in-app purchases and subscriptions. Apple's ecosystem thrives on premium pricing models, and people are ready to pay.
Android, on the flip side, is where you reach the masses. It's the dominant platform globally, especially in emerging markets. If your app's goal is scale and you're going for ad-revenue or freemium models, Android is your winner. But again, be ready for the extra testing.
Cross-Platform to the Rescue?
Use tools like Flutter or React Native to build once and launch on both platforms. This approach can save you 20-40% on costs, especially if you're looking to push out a minimum viable product (MVP) and test on both iOS and Android audiences.
Either way, with the right app development company, you'll get a team that knows how to balance speed, cost, and quality.
For a more accurate estimate, explore our App Cost Calculator guide to learn how to get the most precise results for your app development costs.
iOS vs Android: Which Platform Will Get You Paid?
When you're building an app, it's not just about development costs—it's about making money. So, let's talk about iOS vs Android and which one will put more cash in your pocket.
Why iOS Brings More $$$
Here's the deal: iOS users spend more. 67% of global app revenue comes from iOS alone, even though Android has three times more downloads. That's wild. IPhone users tend to drop more cash on in-app purchases and subscriptions. If your business model relies on premium pricing or you're considering recurring revenue from subscriptions, iOS is the clear winner.
With iOS, you're looking at a market of people who typically have more disposable income. The average iPhone user earns $53K a year compared to $37K for Android users. That's a big gap. If you're building something users are gonna pay for, iOS is where the action's at.
But Android Owns The Numbers Game
Now, if you're looking for massive reach and you're going with an ad-driven model, Android is your best friend. Why? It dominates in places like Asia and South America, where app users are on Android almost exclusively (we're talking 80-90% market share). That means your app gets in front of way more people—and more eyeballs equals more ad revenue.
Pro tip: Android is the way to go if your goal is to scale fast and tap into emerging markets. You'll have more users downloading your app, which is crucial for freemium or ad-based monetization.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
It depends on your business model and your audience:
- If you're all about subscriptions and in-app purchases, iOS will give you the highest revenue per user.
- If you're going for reach and ad revenue, Android gets you in front of a global audience at scale.
And hey, if you can't decide, maybe cross-platform development (using tools like Flutter or React Native) is your answer. That way, you get the best of both worlds.
Ready to make the right call for your app? Let's talk.
What Really Drives Up the Cost of an App?
So, you're wondering, how expensive is it to develop an app? Let's cut through the buzzwords and break it down: the cost comes down to complexity, team location, and platform choices. Whether you're looking at Android or iOS, here’s how each factor plays into your budget.
1. Complexity of Features
The more features you want, the more cash you’re gonna shell out. A simple app that just displays text or collects basic data? You’re looking at around $5,000 to $25,000. But if you’re building a beast with augmented reality (AR), real-time updates, or a killer payment system, costs can hit $150,000+. Basically, every bell and whistle adds another zero (almost).
Pro Tip: Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) if you’re tight on budget. Get your app live, get some users, and then keep iterating from there.
2. Team Location
Where your dev team is based changes everything. Want to go all in with an enterprise mobile app development company in the U.S.? Be ready to pay between $100 to $250 per hour. It’s premium, but you’re getting high-quality talent, solid experience, and fewer hiccups.
If you’re more budget-sensitive, Eastern Europe or Southeast Asia could be the way to go. Devs there cost between $20 to $80 per hour, and they’ve got plenty of talent. You might have to deal with some communication gaps and different time zones, but if saving costs is crucial, it’s an option to consider.
3. Testing and Device Compatibility
Testing is where Android really starts to get pricey. Android runs on literally thousands of devices—different brands, screen sizes, and OS versions. That means you’ve got to test your app on all sorts of gadgets to make sure it works everywhere. Testing can easily add 20-25% to the Android development bill.
On the other hand, iOS has a smaller set of devices, and that’s good news for your budget. Less testing means fewer costs and faster launch times. It’s one of the reasons why iOS development can actually end up cheaper in the long run.
4. Backend and Maintenance
Your app isn’t just what users see—it’s all about the backend too. The backend is like the brain of your app, storing data, handling users, and managing transactions. Depending on what you need, setting up the backend can cost $5,000 to $20,000. Once you’re live, expect maintenance to cost you about 15-20% of the initial development every year for updates and optimizations.
Pro Tip: Factor in these backend and maintenance costs right from the start. Too many startups budget only for development and then get hit with post-launch surprises.
For a complete guide on how to estimate your app development costs, check out our full breakdown here.
iOS vs Android App Development Costs by Industry
Here’s a detailed comparison of iOS vs Android app development costs across different industries in 2024:
The graph clearly shows that Android development is generally more expensive than iOS, particularly in industries like gaming and social media, due to extensive testing for multiple devices. While iOS has higher upfront costs, its streamlined ecosystem reduces time spent on debugging, making it ideal for industries focused on premium user experiences and speed-to-market, such as e-commerce.
Best App Development Software for Android and iOS
When building an app, the question on every founder's mind is, "How much will it cost?" The truth? It depends. The tools you choose play a huge role, as do your goals, timelines, and what kind of experience you want your users to have.
Here’s a clear comparison table for the best app development software across Flutter, React Native, Xcode, and Android Studio:
Startup Takeaways for App Development Costs
Do you Need to Ship Fast?
If speed is your top priority, React Native is your MVP buddy. It's all about quick iteration and using JavaScript (which most devs already know). You'll get an app for both iOS and Android with a single codebase—saving time, money, and developer headaches. Plus, with its strong community, you can troubleshoot fast. If you're tight on budget, run your idea through a mobile app development cost calculator to get a real-world estimate.
Complex App with Stunning UI?
If you need high-performance visuals—like killer animations or a slick user experience—Flutter should be on your radar. It's got native-level speed and the ability to deliver that pixel-perfect UI startups dream of. That's why giants like Alibaba use it. The only downside? It can be a bit heavy on app size, but hey, if you want an app that looks stunning everywhere, it's worth it.
Going All In on iOS?
If your target market is iOS-heavy, and you're after deep Apple ecosystem integration (think FaceID, CoreML, or ARKit), stick with Xcode. It's built by Apple, for Apple, so you'll get the most out of every feature iOS offers. But remember, you're locked into Apple's world. So if you need Android down the road, you'll need to code it separately.
Is Android Your Sweet Spot?
Android Studio is a no-brainer if your app is all about Android. It gives you full control over device optimization, and the support from Google is unbeatable. But again, it's just Android. You're not getting any iOS action here, so keep that in mind if you plan to scale across platforms later.
Cross-Platform for the Win
Can't decide? Go cross-platform. Both Flutter and React Native let you code once and launch on iOS and Android. But remember, they come with their quirks. Flutter is great if you want a consistent UI across platforms. React Native leans more into letting each platform feel "native" to its environment—iOS feels iOS, and Android feels Android.
The more complex your app (integrations, animations, backend), the higher your app development cost estimate. Simple MVPs can be done for around $10k, while more complex projects could shoot past $150k—depending on your choice of platform and team location. Use a mobile app development cost calculator to get an accurate breakdown based on your specific needs.
Check out our experts' tips on creating top-notch apps across various industries, like news apps, in this detailed guide.
FAQ
How much does creating an app for Android and iOS cost?
The cost of developing an app for Android and iOS can range from $10,000 to $300,000, depending on the app's complexity, features, and development team location. Simple apps cost less, while apps with complex features or custom UI are more expensive.
What is the cost of custom app development?
Custom app development costs can vary significantly based on requirements. A basic app typically costs $5,000 - $50,000, while mid-level apps range from $50,000 - $120,000. Highly complex apps with advanced features like AR or integrations can cost $100,000 - $300,000.
How much does it cost to develop an app in Flutter?
Developing an app in Flutter generally costs less due to its cross-platform capabilities, allowing for a single codebase for both iOS and Android. Typical costs range from $15,000 to $150,000, depending on app complexity and customization needs.
Is cross-platform app development cheaper than native?
Yes, cross-platform development using tools like Flutter or React Native is often cheaper than native development because it reduces the effort needed to build separate codebases for Android and iOS. Depending on the project, savings can range from 20% to 40%.
How do I estimate the cost of developing an app?
To estimate app development costs, consider complexity, features, target platforms, developer rates, and design requirements. Cost estimation tools, like Ptolemay's App Cost Calculator, can provide a more accurate breakdown.
Which is more affordable: iOS or Android development?
Generally, Android development tends to be slightly more affordable, as Android developers often charge 20% less than iOS developers. However, the extensive testing needed for Android due to device fragmentation can offset some cost savings.
How much does the maintenance of an app cost?
App maintenance typically costs around 15% to 20% of the original development cost annually. This includes updates, bug fixes, and ensuring compatibility with new OS versions.
What are the best tools for cost-effective app development?
Flutter and React Native are among the best tools for cost-effective app development. They allow for cross-platform development with a single codebase, thereby reducing time and cost compared to developing separate apps for iOS and Android.
What factors influence the overall cost of app development?
The cost of app development is influenced by complexity, features (e.g., GPS, AR), target platform (iOS/Android/both), developer location, UI/UX design, third-party integrations, and ongoing maintenance.
Can I save costs using cross-platform development tools like Flutter or React Native?
Using cross-platform tools like Flutter or React Native can save 20-40% in development costs. They allow building Android and iOS apps simultaneously, reducing development time and maintenance efforts.
How to Optimize the Cost to Build an App and Scale Smart
When it comes to figuring out the cost to build an app, the key is balancing your goals with your budget. If you’re in MVP mode, looking to ship fast and test ideas, cross-platform tools like Flutter can save you both time and money. If you’re targeting premium users who spend more, then iOS should be your go-to. Need to reach the masses, especially in emerging markets? Android is where you’ll win.
The cost to build an app varies, but making smart platform choices and understanding your audience will help you optimize every dollar. Want a detailed breakdown? Hit up our App Cost Calculator and get real-time insights to help you scale smarter, not harder.
We’re all about getting startups on track faster, and that starts with getting your numbers right.
Meet Our Expert Flutter Development Team
Our full-cycle Flutter development team at Ptolemay specializes in building high-quality, cross-platform apps from start to finish. With expert skills in Dart, backend integrations, and seamless UX across iOS and Android, we handle everything to make your app launch smooth and efficient.
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