Android is still the most used mobile operating system today, dominating 70% of the global market share.
So, if you’re thinking of getting your mobile app in front of billions of potential users, Android can be your new revenue stream.
Contrary to popular belief, the process of developing an Android app is not as daunting as it may seem, especially with the guidance of an experienced Android app development company.
And the list of benefits goes on… In this article, find out why you should prioritize developing an app for Android ahead of other mobile operating systems.
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1. Large Market Share
With the popularity of Apple, most people might think that iOS is the leading mobile system.
And yes, Apple used to dominate for some time, but that was the old days. Now, seven out of ten people use Android devices.
Source: Backlinko
So, why is Android so popular? First of all, it’s the core program behind nearly all the mobile phones sold in the market, such as Samsung, Xiaomi, and Oppo.
Android is also the number one preference in highly populated countries, namely Indonesia, India, and China.
Even in affluent countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, more users surprisingly go with Android as their main choice.
That is why, as a mobile app development agency, our suggestion is to always build an app for Android first. This means that you’re building for everyone in the market.
2. Lower App Development Costs
The total budget to develop a mobile app, at the end of the day, boils down to the size of the platform, how many people you hire, etc.
But, we’ve crunched the numbers—and an Android app is significantly lower to build than an iOS app.
For starters, the majority of Android app development tools are free to use, and yet they offer premium features.
For instance, Android has its own integrated development environment (IDE), Android Studio. It is also fully supported by Google, so you can imagine the range of capabilities you can create in this programming platform.
Registering as an Android developer is also relatively affordable, costing you 19 Pounds for the upfront fee only.
Compare this to the Apple Developer Programme, which requires an annual subscription fee of 78 Pounds.
Considering its expansive market share, Android is the go-to solution if you want to maximize your return on investment (ROI).
3. Seamless Compatibility
Not only is Android the core engine of the top phone producers worldwide, but it is also compatible with a range of devices, including phones, PCs, tablets, and televisions.
So, when you’re making your app in Android, you’re not only reaching a large pool of customers but also tripling your revenue in the process.
But, how compatible is Android, really? First of all, it adopts a dynamic app framework. Following Android app development best practices, developers can simply adjust the configurations to ensure that the app runs well in different screen sizes or operating systems.
Have specific Android app development trends you’d like to implement in mind? Do not worry, you can integrate Android with any API (application programming interface) — it’s just that versatile.
Many successful Android apps that exist today, in fact, adopt technological innovations, such as artificial intelligence (AI) or virtual reality (VR), to boost customer experience.
4. Faster Time to Market
Business owners are aware that time is money, and Android can help you in this aspect.
Looking at the global talents, it’s easier to find developers who are well-versed in Android than other operating systems. This is true if you’re looking for more affordable options without compromising quality in your app development.
Plus, most Android apps take weeks to months to develop. This depends on the size and scope of your app, but here’s a simple breakdown:
App Type | Development Timeline |
Health and Fitness App | 4-8 weeks |
Music App | 1-2 months |
Social Networking App | 2-3 months |
Games and Entertainment App | 2-3 months |
eCommerce App | 3-6 months |
5. High-Grade Security
You may have heard the usual “iOS is far more secure than Android”, but that’s just half the equation.
Android is an open-source platform and there are a lot of benefits from there. For one, security shouldn’t be your concern because it uses Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux) for more precise access controls.
So, even if a random person wants to access your open-source system, they can’t as their permission will be labeled as explicit.
This goes a long way in preventing malware, hackers, or any cybersecurity threat from crippling your Android app.
Conclusion
When it comes to mobile operating systems, Android is still the king.
Even from the marketing and technical perspectives, developing an Android app will be the first strategic move towards generating higher revenue with lower costs.
But, how to start? This is where an app development agency, such as London App Development (LAD), comes in.
For 12+ years, we are the trusted team of developers behind the biggest brands in the United Kingdom, and we cannot wait to craft your story next.