iOS vs Android: Which Platform Should You Build First?
A Data-Driven Guide for Australian Businesses
Australian Market Statistics
55%
iOS Market Share (Australia)
44%
Android Market Share (Australia)
2.2x
iOS User Spending vs Android
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | iOS | Android | Winner For... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Development Cost | Generally lower | 10-20% higher | iOS (simpler) |
| Time to Market | Faster | Longer testing | iOS (faster) |
| Revenue per User | $1.08/download | $0.43/download | iOS (2.5x more) |
| Market Reach | Premium segment | Mass market | Android (volume) |
| Update Adoption | 90%+ latest | ~40% latest | iOS (unified) |
Decision Framework
Choose iOS First If:
- Your target users are in Australia, US, UK, or Western Europe
- You're targeting professionals or higher-income demographics
- Monetization relies on in-app purchases or subscriptions
- You want faster development and testing cycles
- You need to validate your idea quickly with paying customers
Choose Android First If:
- You're targeting emerging markets (Asia, Africa, South America)
- Your audience is price-sensitive or younger demographics
- You need specific hardware features (NFC, custom sensors)
- Your monetization is ad-based (larger volume = more revenue)
Cost Comparison Summary
| Approach | Timeline | Cost (Medium App) |
|---|---|---|
| iOS Only (Native) | 144–408 h | $20,160 – $57,120 |
| Android Only (Native) | 144–408 h | $20,160 – $57,120 |
| Both (Native, two codebases) | close to two builds | quoted as two builds |
| Cross-Platform (Both, one codebase) | 192–456 h | $26,880 – $63,840 |
Our Recommendation for Australian Businesses
Start with iOS, Then Expand
- Launch iOS MVP first - Validate with high-value users
- Iterate based on feedback - Fix issues, add features
- Expand to Android - Once product-market fit is proven