Android vs iOS: What to Build First?

So, you’ve decided to build a mobile app great choice! But now comes the hard part: should you build for Android or iOS first? It’s a question every business in South Africa (and beyond) has to answer when entering the mobile market.

As a business owner, entrepreneur, or startup founder, making the right decision early can shape your product’s future success. Choosing the correct platform not only affects your reach and performance, it also influences development costs, timelines, and your long-term scalability.

At Devherds, a leading name in mobile app development in South Africa, we guide businesses through these crucial decisions daily. So let’s break it all down, step by step.

Understanding the Mobile App Market in South Africa

Mobile devices are now the primary means of internet access in South Africa. According to Statista and other market data sources, more than 80% of South Africans use smartphones, and Android dominates with over 85% market share. iOS holds a smaller piece of the pie but caters to a more affluent, urban audience.

This means your app has the potential to reach millions, but understanding who uses what is essential.

The Demand for Mobile App Developers South Africa

Thanks to this booming market, the demand for expert mobile app developers in South Africa has skyrocketed. Companies are investing in mobile solutions to engage users, streamline services, and compete in a digital-first world.

All About Android App Development

Wider Market Reach

Android is open-source and used by countless smartphone brands like Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, and more. This makes it accessible to a wide demographic in South Africa, including low- to mid-income groups who cannot afford expensive iPhones.

Advantages of Android

• Open Ecosystem: Android gives developers more control over the app’s features and functionalities.

• Flexibility: Easier integration with custom hardware or third-party platforms.

• Diverse Devices: Ideal for businesses targeting the mass market.

Challenges of Android

• Device Fragmentation: There are thousands of Android devices, making it challenging to ensure a uniform experience.

• Testing Overhead: More devices mean more time spent in QA testing.

• Monetization: On average, Android users spend less on in-app purchases compared to iOS users.

All About iOS App Development

Premium User Base

iOS users in South Africa tend to be professionals, executives, and individuals who are more engaged and willing to pay for premium services.

Advantages of iOS

• High Revenue Potential: iOS users are statistically more likely to spend on apps and services.

• Consistency: Apple’s controlled hardware and software environment results in a seamless experience.

• Security: Strong privacy protocols make iOS ideal for apps involving sensitive data.

Challenges of iOS

• Expensive Development Tools: Apple requires developers to use Mac-based systems.

• Strict App Store Review: Getting your app approved can take longer due to Apple’s tight guidelines.

• Limited Market Reach: Especially in a developing market like South Africa where Android rules.

Key Differences Between Android and iOS Development

Cost Comparison: iOS vs Android.

Development Cost

Android development can initially be more affordable due to flexible tools. But the hidden costs lie in testing and maintenance.

iOS, while having higher upfront costs, often ends up saving time and money in testing and user support due to standardized devices.

Maintenance and Updates

With Android, ongoing maintenance is more complex due to multiple device types and OS versions. In contrast, iOS users typically upgrade quickly to the latest version, simplifying maintenance.

Who Are You Building For? Target Audience Breakdown

Understanding your user base helps determine the right platform:

• Android Users in South Africa: Broad, nationwide reach. Ideal for educational, finance, e-commerce, and public service apps.

• iOS Users in South Africa: Urban professionals and high-income users. Ideal for fintech, luxury goods, health, and B2B platforms.

Time to Market: Which Is Faster?

iOS apps are generally faster to develop due to device consistency. Android may take longer because developers must ensure compatibility across various screen sizes, resolutions, and manufacturers.

That said, Android’s Play Store offers faster approvals, which can help offset development delays.

Monetization Strategy by Platform

Monetization should guide your decision:

• Android is Better For:

  • Ad-based revenue

  • Broad engagement strategies

  • Viral apps

• iOS is better for:

  • Paid apps

  • In-app purchases and subscriptions

  • Professional or niche services

Custom Mobile App Development in South Africa

A custom mobile app development approach ensures that your app is built specifically for your business model, customer base, and long-term goals.

Why Go Custom with Devherds?

• We tailor solutions based on market needs.

• We analyze South African consumer behavior before development.

• We use agile methodology to incorporate real-time feedback.

Whether you need native or hybrid, our team of expert mobile app developers South Africa delivers scalable, secure, and engaging solutions.

Hybrid & Cross-Platform Development Options

Don’t want to choose? You don’t have to.

Frameworks like Flutter, React Native, and Xamarin allow for building one app that runs on both Android and iOS.

When Is Cross-Platform Ideal?

• Startups with limited budgets

• MVPs (Minimum Viable Products)

• Projects with a short timeline

When to Stick With Native?

• Apps requiring high performance (e.g., gaming, AR)

• Complex UI/UX requirements

• Platform-specific integrations

Devherds offers expert custom mobile app development in South Africa, including cross-platform options to help you get the best of both worlds.

Choosing the Right Mobile App Development Company in South Africa

You’re not just hiring a team of coders. You’re partnering with a team that can bring your vision to life.

Key Factors to Consider:

• Proven portfolio in Android and iOS

• Clear communication and project management

• Transparent costing with no hidden charges

Why Devherds?

At Devherds, we blend technology with strategy. We’ve worked across industries healthcare, fintech, e-commerce, and more providing robust mobile solutions tailored to South African users.

What Devherds Recommends

There’s no universal answer but here’s a rule of thumb:

• Start with Android if your goal is reach.

• Start with iOS if your goal is revenue and premium UX.

• Use cross-platform if you want speed and cost-efficiency.

At Devherds, we assess your industry, business model, and user base to give personalized recommendations that make sense for the South African market.

Conclusion: Build Smart, Build Right

Building your first mobile app isn’t just about choosing a platform it’s about building a roadmap to your business goals.

By understanding your audience, monetization strategy, timeline, and scalability requirements, you can confidently decide whether Android, iOS, or cross-platform is right for you.

At Devherds, we specialize in mobile app development services South Africa that go beyond coding. We help you strategize, design, and launch apps that grow with your business.

FAQs

1. Can I build an Android app first and later develop an iOS version?
Yes! Many businesses start with Android to test the market and then build an iOS version once they validate demand.

2. Which platform offers faster ROI?
iOS typically delivers a faster ROI due to higher in-app spending. However, Android’s large user base can drive scale quickly.

3. What if I’m targeting a global audience, not just South Africa?
Start with iOS if targeting North America or Europe. For Asia, Africa, or Latin America, Android is generally better.

4. Are hybrid apps as good as native apps?
For simple to moderately complex apps, yes. But for performance-intensive apps, native still wins.

5. How long does it take to develop a mobile app with Devherds?
It depends on features and complexity. On average, 2–4 months for MVP, and 4–6+ months for full-scale apps.