iOS vs Android Development: Which Platform Should You Start With?
Starting your mobile development journey means choosing between iOS and Android. In 2026, with over 6.7 billion smartphone users worldwide, this decision impacts your career trajectory, earning potential, and the projects you’ll work on. Let’s break down what matters.
The Market Reality
Globally, Android dominates with 72% market share compared to iOS’s 28%. That’s approximately 4.2 billion Android devices versus 1.7 billion iPhones. But here’s where it gets interesting: geography completely changes the game.
In the United States, iOS leads with 59-65% market share. If you’re building apps for American audiences, iOS is where the money is. However, Android dominates in India (95%), China (77%), and most of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Your target market should heavily influence your platform choice.
Follow the Money
Despite fewer users, iOS generates significantly more revenue. The App Store is projected to reach $161 billion in 2026, compared to Google Play’s $72 billion. iOS users spend an average of $10.40 monthly on apps, while Android users spend just $1.40.
This spending gap is real and consistent. The average iOS user spends $12.77 per app versus $6.19 for Android users. For in-app purchases, iOS transactions average $1.07 compared to Android’s $0.43. If you’re building paid apps or subscription services, iOS users are simply more profitable.
Development Experience
iOS development uses Swift with Xcode, running on macOS. The ecosystem is controlled and standardized—you’re testing on a limited range of devices with predictable hardware. This means fewer bugs and faster development cycles. The App Store review process is strict but ensures quality apps.
Android development uses Kotlin or Java with Android Studio, available on any operating system. The challenge? Device fragmentation. You’re testing across multiple screen sizes, manufacturers (Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, OnePlus), and OS versions. This increases testing time and potential maintenance costs but offers more customization freedom.
Career Considerations
Both platforms offer strong job markets with slightly different focuses. Android typically provides more global opportunities due to its massive market share. iOS roles often command higher salaries in premium markets like the US, with developers earning $5,000-15,000 more annually.
There are 6.3 million active Android developers worldwide compared to 3.1 million iOS developers. The larger Android talent pool means more competition but also more resources and community support.
The Smart Strategy
For most developers starting in 2026, the answer isn’t “either/or” but “which first?” Launch on iOS if you’re targeting the US market, prioritizing revenue, or building premium experiences for high-income users. Choose Android first if you want massive global reach, are targeting emerging markets, or need hardware customization.
The real winner? Learning cross-platform frameworks like Flutter or React Native lets you build for both platforms simultaneously, capturing 99% of the market without choosing sides.
Conclusion
iOS offers higher revenue per user and simpler development. Android provides global scale and flexibility. Your choice should align with your target audience and monetization strategy. Or better yet, learn both—the mobile world needs developers who understand the full ecosystem.