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Apple App Store vs. Android Market

On paper, both Apple’s App Store and Google’s Android Market provide very similar experiences. Both tools serve as a gateway for users on either platform to purchase and download apps for their phones. However, there are some critical differences in the two markets that mobile developers need to be aware of when beginning development. Being familiar with these differences can help developers decide whether Android development or iOS development is the proper path for their mobile app development strategy.

The biggest difference in the two platforms is that Apple reviews every app submitted before it is released to the App Store. Every app is judged on how well it adheres to the guidelines set forth by Apple, and is either released to the App Store or denied submission based on Apple’s verdict. The policy has come under fire from critics who say that Apple’s guidelines are too restrictive or too vague, and that Apple doesn’t provide enough feedback when rejecting apps. Android, on the other hand, does not have any sort of filtering process prior to apps being released to the Android Market. Mobile apps that have been built for Android can be published immediately, and will stay on the market unless they violate the Android Market‘s content policy. Typically, for apps to be removed from the Android Market, they have to contain some egregious violation. For example, the app must contain a virus, or blatantly violate copyright. Based on this difference, it is clear that Android development offers more potential than iOS development. Because Google does not screen apps prior to publishing them and does not limit what apps are allowed to do, mobile app developers don’t run the risk of pouring time and money into a project only to have it rejected.

On the other hand, Apple’s App Store might be more profitable than the Android Market. Statistics show that Android users pay for apps much less frequently than iOS users. While ads are a potential revenue source in free apps, mobile developers might desire the more consistent revenue stream that comes from charging for apps. In addition, the inclusion of ads can hinder the quality of mobile app development, as they take up space within the app. Because of this, app developers with a very unique, profitable idea might find more financial reward in opting for iPad development and iPhone development, rather than Android development.

There is an immeasurable amount of differences in the Apple App Store and the Android Market. The most important thing is for mobile developers to conduct research before beginning projects. This way, they can minimize the potential of a nightmare scenario where potential revenue is lost by developing on the wrong platform.

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