There are few debates in the tech world that are as fierce as iOS vs Android and when you develop mobile apps — the debate continues. While to the average smartphone user at home, there is not much difference between an iOS application and an Android application, there are key differences that developers and the tech companies that hire developers must consider.
We want to help you find and hire developers that will fit your requirements at Truss — and that makes it even more important to understand the iOS vs Android mobile development key differences. We hope that this quick comparison will help you find software developers with the right skills to help you complete your latest mobile app development project.
Contact Team Truss today to learn more about our global hiring and payroll services!
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What Are the Differences Between iOS and Android Mobile App Development?
When you move from one platform to another in the tech world, there are bound to be key differences in the development process. When you compare iOS and Android mobile development, there are a few general differences that you need to be aware of that include — programming language, development environments, design guidelines, development processes, application security, and the cost of development.
Here is a better look at the key features of iOS and Android mobile development:
Key Features of iOS Mobile Development

- Programming Languages: This is the key difference between iOS and Android mobile development. iOS mobile apps are built, developed, and programmed using primarily Swift or Objective-C. Swift programming can make iOS mobile apps easier and faster to develop.
- Development Environment: The development environment refers to how the programming integrates with other technology and code. iOS mobile development relies on the proprietary XCode integration tool for development and requires a Mac computer.
- Design Guidelines: The design guidelines for iOS mobile development typically follow Apple Human Interface Guidelines to create a consistent look and feel for the end user.
- Development Process: How complex development of a mobile application is can be a key difference in this comparison. iOS mobile development is simplified because applications are built for a single platform and a set number of devices.
- Application Security: The security of your application is important to consider when in development and iOS mobile development can be more secure because it is developed in a closed ecosystem versus an open-source platform. This makes applications more secure.
- Development Costs: The cost of development is an important element to consider when you look at iOS vs Android. This can be difficult to determine, but iOS applications are built for a smaller number of devices and take a little less time to develop, which can reduce costs. Apple developer account subscriptions can also affect development costs.
Key Features of Android Mobile Development

- Programming Languages: The programming language is a building block of your mobile application and Android applications are developed using primarily Java and Kotlin. Java is a widely used programming language, which can make it easier to find skilled Java software developers.
- Development Environment: When in development, Android mobile applications use Android Studio. This proprietary and integrated tool provides cross-platform support and a long list of features that may make it more versatile than iOS.
- Design Guidelines: To ensure that Android applications employ similar features across the board, developers use Google Material Design guidelines that create a consistent user experience.
- Development Process: Due to the use of Android applications across multiple platforms, devices, and screen sizes, Android mobile development can be more complex and complicated to develop.
- Application Security: Android mobile development takes place on an open-source platform that can put applications at a higher risk of malware and other security threats. This may require more frequent security updates and testing.
- Development Costs: Android applications are used on a wider range of platforms that increases development time by an estimated 40% when compared to iOS. This can result in higher costs — but with more developers familiar with Java, finding the right talent at the right salary may be simpler.
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Hire iOS and Android Developers with Truss
Do you have an Apple or Android app you hope to develop? Are you looking for skilled iOS and Android developers to join your tech company? Truss may be able to help you find the perfect fit for your company and your budget with a comprehensive global hiring platform and employee of record (EOR) services.
Armed with this overview of the key differences between iOS and Android mobile development and the Truss global hiring platform, we can help you find the right fit for your company in Central Asia. Lower employment costs, a deep pool of tech talent, and diverse cultures are just a few factors that make remote employees from Central Asia a great fit for many U.S.-based tech companies.
Truss has years of experience finding, recruiting, hiring, and managing tech talent in Central Asia and we are here to be a resource for your tech company. Truss will create a list of potential candidates based on your skill and salary requirements to help you find the perfect fit for your team that will hit the ground running and help you launch your iOS or Android applications.
Contact Truss today for more information on our global hiring process!