In the cutthroat smartphone arena, the saying “If you’re not first, you’re last” is particularly relevant. While Android leads globally with over 70% market share, in the U.S., Apple’s iOS stands tall with more than 57% of the mobile OS market. This contradiction prompts a crucial inquiry: Why does iOS persist as the preferred platform for app developers, even in the face of Android’s worldwide supremacy?

The App Advantage: iOS Launches First, Android Follows

Even with Android’s extensive user base, many apps launch on iOS initially. A recent instance is Notion Mail, a eagerly awaited productivity application. While it’s accessible on Mac and the web, the mobile version is only “coming soon” to iOS, leaving Android users in limbo until 2025. Such instances aren’t rare—numerous developers favor Apple’s ecosystem, often sidelining Android users.

Reasons for iOS Being the Developer’s First Choice

There are multiple factors motivating developers to roll out on iOS prior to Android:

• Device Uniformity: Apple manages both the hardware and software of its devices, creating a smoother development and testing process. In contrast, Android operates on a plethora of devices with differing screen dimensions, chipsets, and customized interfaces from brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus.
• Speedier Updates: iOS users typically embrace new OS versions rapidly, with over 80% upgrading within months. Android’s update cycle is slower and more disjointed, complicating developers’ reliance on the latest functionalities.
• Greater Revenue Opportunities: iOS users tend to invest more in apps and in-app expenditures. For developers seeking rapid monetization, iOS frequently proves to be the more profitable option.
• Robust Development Tools: Apple’s Xcode and Swift programming language present a refined and uniform development experience. While Google has made advancements with Android Studio and Kotlin, the vast array of Android devices makes testing and optimization more challenging.

The Dilemma of Diversity: Android’s Major Strength and Weakness

Android’s open architecture permits a diverse assortment of devices—from budget smartphones to foldables and tablets. While this variety benefits consumers, it poses a significant challenge for developers. Ensuring that a new app functions across various screen sizes, aspect ratios, and hardware specifications demands considerable time and resources.

Consider Samsung and Google. Together, they provide over 30 devices with screen sizes varying from 6.1 inches to 14.6 inches. With additional manufacturers, the testing landscape grows increasingly intricate. In contrast, Apple’s present iPhone and iPad range consists of just 13 models across three screen sizes, simplifying app development and testing.

What About Web Applications?

Some developers, such as Notion, choose web-based options to close the gap. On Windows, users can access Notion Mail through a browser, and the Mac app essentially acts as a shell for the web application. However, mobile users—particularly on Android—still favor native experiences. Web apps cannot fully match the performance, offline functionality, or integration offered by native applications.

Can Android Bridge the Gap?

Google has taken steps to enhance the Android development experience. Efforts like Jetpack Compose, Android App Bundles, and improved emulator support aim to streamline the process. However, unless the fragmentation problem is tackled, Android might remain in a secondary position in the app launch timeline.

Furthermore, the existence of OEM skins—such as Samsung’s One UI or Xiaomi’s MIUI—adds another layer of complication. These interfaces can introduce unique APIs or behaviors that developers must consider, further postponing Android app launches.

Conclusion: The Truth Behind “If You’re Not First, You’re Last”

The mobile app landscape exemplifies a classic dichotomy of perception versus reality. Android may command the global market, but iOS continues to excel in developer preference and app availability. For the time being, the adage “If you’re not first, you’re last” is applicable not just to races, but to mobile platforms as well.

Until Android streamlines its development ecosystem and mitigates fragmentation,