iOS and Android are the software foundations of smartphones and tablets. Approximately 99 percent of all smartphones worldwide run on these operating systems. But what exactly are iOS and Android? What are the differences between the two platforms? And what does it take to develop iOS and Android apps?
What are iOS and Android?
Simply put, iOS and Android are mobile operating systems. They act as the software layer between the hardware and the user, enabling all functionalities and apps on a smartphone or tablet.
iOS is Apple’s mobile operating system, designed specifically for Apple devices such as the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. It is a Unix-like system primarily written in C, C++, and Objective-C, while apps are developed using the Swift programming language.
In 2019, Apple introduced iPadOS, a rebranded version of iOS optimized for iPads. It emphasizes tablet-specific features like multitasking and external keyboard support.
iOS: key features
iOS is Apple’s mobile operating system, designed specifically for Apple devices such as the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. It is a Unix-like system primarily written in C, C++, and Objective-C, while apps are developed using the Swift programming language.
In 2019, Apple introduced iPadOS, a rebranded version of iOS optimized for iPads. It emphasizes tablet-specific features like multitasking and external keyboard support.
In 2019, Apple introduced iPadOS, a rebranded version of iOS optimized for iPads. It emphasizes tablet-specific features like multitasking and external keyboard support.
Differences between iOS and Android
Android, Google’s mobile operating system for smartphones and tablets, is the world’s most widely used operating system. In 2021, Google announced that there were over three billion active Android devices globally. Android is built on Linux and other open-source technologies and is primarily written in C, Java, and C++. Apps are mostly developed using Kotlin.
Google also offers a specialized version of Android for smartwatches and wearables called Wear OS (formerly Android Wear). Like regular Android, it receives periodic updates directly from Google.
Google also offers a specialized version of Android for smartwatches and wearables called Wear OS (formerly Android Wear). Like regular Android, it receives periodic updates directly from Google.
Differences between iOS and Android
Vooropgesteld: het leeuwendeel van de mensen kiest niet zozeer voor iOS of Android, maar voor het merk telefoon. Koop je een iPhone, dan zit daar sowieso iOS op. Bij alle andere merken is dat Android, al zijn er enkele nichebesturingssystemen voor tech-savvy gebruikers zoals Ubuntu Touch, LineageOS en PureOS.
Some key differences between iOS and Android include:
1. Customization in Android
iOS has a consistent interface across all devices, while Android allows manufacturers to customize the look and feel. As a result, Android can appear and function differently on various devices. For example, Xiaomi’s MIUI interface differs significantly from standard Android in terms of design and features.
2. Open-source vs. closed-source
Android is open-source, meaning its source code is accessible to developers and offers a more flexible platform. iOS is closed-source, with Apple restricting access to its code. Apple also enforces stricter controls on its platform, such as manually reviewing new apps before approving them for the App Store, whereas Android’s app review process is automated.
3. Installing apps outside the official stores
Android allows users to install apps from third-party sources like F-Droid or Amazon’s app store or by manually downloading an APK file. iOS does not permit this unless the device is jailbroken. Installing apps outside of Google Play or the Apple App Store is generally discouraged due to security risks.
4. The Apple ecosystem
Apple devices integrate seamlessly with each other, enabling synchronization between an iPhone, MacBook, Apple Watch, iCloud, and Apple Pay. Apple places a strong emphasis on privacy and security. However, this also creates a lock-in effect, making it difficult for users to switch to another platform. Samsung offers some level of integration within its ecosystem, but this is an exception rather than the norm for Android devices.
5. Software updates
iPhones receive iOS updates for five to eight years, while many Android phones receive updates for only about two years.
6. Bloatware
Android devices often come with pre-installed apps such as Netflix, games, or health apps, which are added by manufacturers. iPhones do not include third-party bloatware.
7. Personalization options
Android offers more customization options, such as adjusting the home screen layout, whereas iOS has more restrictions in this area.
Developing iOS and Android apps
Most clients at Pinch develop apps for both iOS and Android to reach over 99 percent of mobile users. Since the platforms use different programming languages (Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android), separate development teams are needed.
However, creating an app for both platforms does not require double the effort, as concept development and visual design only need to be completed once. Developing an Android app takes about 30 to 40 percent longer than an iOS app.
Flutter: one codebase for iOS and Android
Flutter, a framework developed by Google, enables developers to create a single app for both iOS and Android using the same codebase. This speeds up development, reduces costs, and enhances the visual experience.
Pinch has a dedicated Flutter team and is one of the leading Flutter development agencies in the Netherlands.
Developing an iOS and/or Android app with Pinch
Pinch is a mobile development agency based in Amsterdam with experience in developing over 100 iOS, Android, and Flutter apps. Clients range from large brands such as Albert Heijn, De Telegraaf, and NS to mid-sized businesses, startups, and non-profit organizations.
Een app laten maken door Pinch betekent nauw samenwerken met een team van enthousiaste specialisten, waarbij je een vaste projectmanager hebt. Pinch kan je ontzorgen van a tot z en van conceptontwikkeling tot nazorg.
