Are you trying to make money from your applications? Then it matters where you publish. Right off the bat, iOS offers higher mobile platforms revenues. But many factors affect the profitability of each platform.
This post discusses the variables that impact your potential revenues so that you can choose where to upload and sell your apps.
Where Should You Sell Your Apps?
The best mobile development services can get you an app worth selling. However, it is only half of the story. The other is the actual publication and sale, which then leads us to an essential question: which between Android and iOS gives the best return?
In 2021, these two publishers alone generated over $135 billion, a nearly 20% increase year-over-year. A huge part of its growth is the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced people to stay indoors and switch to mobile, creating an unprecedented demand for apps.
But between the two, iOS was more profitable. It contributed almost 65% of the total revenues within the same period. It also took over 75% of the total subscription revenue share, increasing sales to $15.5 billion.
These figures, though, may not be enough to conclude immediately that iOS is the more profitable platform. Many other factors can influence your decision and return on investment (ROI).
1. Audience
Android and iOS are two of the most popular mobile operating systems on the market. Both have their fair share of fans and devotees but also have very different target markets.
Android is designed for people who want more customization and control over their mobile experience. As a result, it is popular with power users and tech-savvy early adopters.
In contrast, iOS is geared toward users who value simplicity and ease of use. It is popular with first-time smartphone users and those who prefer a streamlined user interface.
Regarding geography, Android is most popular in Asia, while iOS dominates the North American market. As for demographics, Android appeals to a younger, more male-skewed audience, while iOS has a wider appeal across age and gender groups.
2. Ease of Launch and Cost
If you’re planning on launching a mobile app, you should choose which platform to build it for. Android and iOS are the two most popular options, but they vary significantly in terms of ease of launch.
Android is much more open than iOS, which can be advantageous if you work with a tight budget or timeframe. However, it also means competition is fiercer here, and it can be harder to get your app noticed.
iOS, on the other hand, is a closed platform with stringent approval requirements. This can make it slower and more expensive to launch an app on iOS, but it also gives you a better chance of standing out from the crowd.
How about the fees? Android charges between 15% and 30% based on the first million of earnings every year. It also collects a 15% service fee if you want to renew the subscriptions of bought or subscribed products automatically.
Apple has similar tier fees, although 30% for over a million sales is the standard. You should be part of the Small Business Developer Program if you want to pay a 15% service fee on your $1 million sales.
3. Monetization Options
The app monetization model you choose can significantly affect your revenues. Android and iOS have many different options, each with advantages and drawbacks.
For example, advertising is an easy and straightforward way to make money on both platforms, but it doesn’t offer much control over the user experience. In-app purchases are another popular option, but they require users to buy something before generating any income.
Subscriptions provide more reliable revenue streams as users pay regularly for your services or content. However, this demands ongoing effort to keep subscribers engaged and coming back for more.
Given these factors, it’s essential to consider how each platform supports specific monetization strategies so that you can choose the one that best fits your business model.
Conclusion
In summary, Android and iOS have their strengths and weaknesses regarding profitability. Your choice should depend on who your target audience is, how much time and money you are willing to invest in developing an app, and what monetization models you plan to use. Doing research on each platform before making a decision is essential for maximizing ROI in the long run.