Top 10 Tips for Creating a Successful Retail Mobile App

This avenue is known for its dynamic nature in terms of upgrades/updates and it is imperative to be aware of these as and when they are introduced.

Mobile apps are used for buying/selling, browsing, making payments, transferring money and reading, amongst others.

There is a lot that has been discovered about this technology since and with the latest update, iOS 13 (stipulated to be released in August 2019) just around the corner, we can expect novel features.Like Apple, other app development companies need to delve into ML in order not to be left behind.

Many of them have already understood such app trends and have created new ones to sustain the interest of their existing as well as new customers.

IOT - Everyone is aware of this new phenomenon, the Internet of Things.

The concept of ‘Smart Homes’ is catching up with people from around the world.There are many industries and entities that can benefit from IoT and app development is no different.

IDS Infotech offers a team of well-trained and professional e-commerce developers, who have the potential of converting your vision into a reality.

Ecommerce website design development love to bring the imagination into existence and do it with absolute clarity and understanding of objectives.

The Android platform comes with an open source nature which makes it easy for mobile application development companies to opportunely move with their process of app development.

By processing the right software development tools, the developers can produce customization with the operating system using android application development.Though, this is not possible with other smartphone platforms like iOS application development platform.

Android is known for its flexibility it provides better freedom to developers as compared to the iPhone platform.

It’s because of the fact that Google knows offering such freedom to developers will help them introducing a variety of innovative apps.When an operating system or software provides an open source facility, it delivers transparency in its source code in such a way that it could be modified and tracked for its performance by any developer.

There is even an option for developers to change the look and feel of these OS’s and modify the files for utilizing the system resources to develop a new application.

Google offers an open source software development kit for mobile devices with Android OS.

Now that you have finally decided it’s time to build a mobile app, there are some decisions that need to be made.One of those decisions is choosing which operating system you’re going to launch on.You have to decide between the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.It’s not an easy choice.Why?Well, for starters, Android and iOS users behave differently.So if you launch on the wrong platform, you could be neglecting your primary target audience.If only there were a solution that didn’t force you to choose.Spoiler alert – there is.But we’ll get to that later.For now, we’ll operate under the assumption that you’re building a native app.In this case, you’ll have to pick between Apple and Android.Here’s why.The code for native apps doesn’t work on both platforms.If you want to have an app that’s available in both stores, you’ll need to develop two different ones from scratch in order to meet the requirements for each operations system.It’s a long and expensive process.Trust me, I know from experience.But with experience also comes knowledge.I’m here to share expertise with you so that you can make an informed decision before you dive head first into the wrong operating system.I’ll even show you a way that allows you to launch on both platforms simultaneously.Here’s what you need to know.First, I’ll break down all of the factors that you need to consider before you finalize a decision.Feature setsThe features are related to the basic functions of your app.What exactly is the purpose of your app?The answer to this question will depend on the code that gets written for development.AppleApple is restricted to a closed ecosystem.A closed ecosystem means that Apple regulates entrance to use their platform.All of the content is restricted to specific devices that are supported by that ecosystem.This means that as a developer you’ll have to use Apple’s features, but there are a lot of them.The advantage to developing your app on a closed ecosystem like Apple’s means that there’s more control and stability.But with that said, there will be more restrictions for the developer.From the user perspective, purchasing a device that operates on a closed ecosystem means that it will have a higher price point.So in general, Apple devices are more expensive than Android devices.This gives you some more insight about the user, but we’ll get into that in greater detail shortly.AndroidAndroid operates on an open source ecosystem.This allows for tons of modifications as well as lots of functionality.Open source platforms are less secure.So sometimes updates get blocked by mobile network operators.Android application development offers an open platform to encourage developer innovation.You can get Android’s source code for free and port it to your app’s hardware.This means you won’t have to jump through as many hoops to develop your app on the Android system because there are less restrictions.How to make moneyThe purpose of every mobile application is to make money, right?If that’s not your primary goal, you’ll probably need to reevaluate your decision to build an app in the first place.So how do you plan to make money?Here are a few of the most common business models.SubscriptionsIn-app purchasesAdvertisementsPay per downloadDepending on which strategy (or strategies) you decide to implement can impact your decision for developing on Apple or Android.AppleIf you’re going to charge users to download your app, you should develop on Apple first.Take a look at the distribution of free vs. paid apps between Apple and Android.As you can see from the graph, there is a clear difference between the two platforms.So if you’re going to charge for downloads, the Apple App Store is the place to do it.That’s because those users are used to seeing more paid apps and less free apps when they’re searching for something to download.Whereas Android users don’t see as many apps that require payment to download.So if they see yours, they’ll probably consider just finding another one that has similar functions and is offered for free.Just know that if you’re going to charge Apple users to download your app, it’s going to be an expensive strategy.You’ll have a much higher customer acquisition cost than if you offered it for free.But with that in mind, you’ll also make more money all at once.Your users will be more engaged as well.If they’re willing to pay for it, that means they probably won’t abandon it.AndroidIf you’re going to make money off of advertisements and in-app purchases, then you should build on Android first.Just don’t expect your in-app purchases to be too significant.You’re going to get less money per purchase, but that’s spread over way more people.Android users dominate the market share.I’ll show you some more specific numbers when we talk about the different types of people using your app in a little bit.The advantage of releasing your app for free on the Android platform is that you’ll be able to get more downloads.But your users may not be as engaged since they’re not investing anything into the download.So the key to this strategy is coming up with a way to get money from people who use the app the most.Charge for app upgrades and premium services to enhance their experience.Release cyclesHere’s something that developers don’t always think about right away when they’re trying to figure out which platform is better for their business.You’ve got to consider which software version your users are using within their respective platforms.Obviously, your app needs to be written in code that’s compatible for with the most up to date software versions.But there’s a major difference between Apple and Android devices here.AppleThe majority of Apple users are running their device on the most current version.In fact, 95% of Apple users have one of the two latest operating systems installed on their devices.This makes programming and development easier because you can estimate what your app is going to be able to do.You’ll just need to be prepared to come up with more updates to optimize the user experience based on the software they’re using.But for the most part, you won’t need to worry about software from a few years ago.AndroidAndroid users are not all up to date on the most current operating platform.Since these users are all over the place, you might have to develop for older versions that are out of dateOreo and Nougat are the two most recent versions of the Android software.Less than 20% of users are operating on these systems.This makes your development process more complicated since you have to accommodate such a wide range of versions.Tablet usagesWhen people think about building mobile applications, they immediately think of cell phones.But you’ve got to take tablets into consideration as well.Look at how tablet ownership has been trending.Over a stretch of five years in the United States, we saw a 42% increase in tablets owned.That number is continuing to rise.So you need to keep tablets in mind when you’re developing your app.AppleMost people like to use iPads because they are user friendly.These tablets are sleek and easy to use.They are a popular choice for young children as well as older generations.The users who use Apple tablets will watch movies, play games, or spend time doing other fun activities.AndroidOn the other hand, people who own Android tablets are more technical.They may be using these devices to work on a project or own one because they use it for their job.Overall, Apple tablets seem to dominate Android.You may even see some people who have an Android phone but use an iPad tablet.But iPhone users are much more loyal to Apple’s tablets and other devices.You’re way less likely to see an iPhone user with an Android tablet than an Android smartphone user with an iPad.Enterprise adoptionRemember when Blackberry used to dominate the workplace market?It seemed like everyone wearing a suit and holding a briefcase had a Blackberry in their hand as well.But those days are over.AppleApple devices are known to be more secure.We discussed this earlier when we talked about their closed ecosystem.That’s why you’ll see major corporations like IBM partnering with Apple for their corporate devices.But with increased security comes fewer features.AndroidSince Android is open source, it’s less secure.But with that said, there are way more devices and even more features.Apple users have to get an iPhone or iPad to access your mobile app.While there may be different versions of those devices, you can’t compare that to the number of devices that operate on the Android platform.That’s probably another reason why Android dominates the global market share.Why there are two platformsTo avoid any confusion, let’s start with the basics.Apple devices run on iOS software and Google devices run on Android’s operating system.On a global scale, Android dominates the market share.But in the United States, it’s closer to an even split.Apple users access the mobile store through their iPhones and iPads.While Android users have more options with phones like the Google Pixel, HTC, Samsung Galaxy, as well as more phones and various tablets.The variety of devices may explain why Android has more users across the world.But that doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for your development and launch strategy.It all comes down to the primary function of your app and your company’s target market.Mobile apps are a business.This statement holds true whether you’re building a new app from scratch or launching one to improve your existing company.But running a business, or in this case, a mobile app, means you’ve got to have a marketing strategy.It’s much easier for those of you who already have a business with an existing customer base.Look to those customers to tell you which operating system they prefer.If you’ve never built an app before I know what you may be thinking.Why can’t I just develop both?Well, in theory, you can.

But it’s going to cost you a lot of money.If you’ve got a minimum of a few hundred thousand dollars to spare and up to a year of time to invest, you can probably build two native apps at the same time.But for everyone else out there you’ll have to choose between Apple, Android, or the third (and probably most reasonable) option.When to develop for Apple firstYou’ve got to find some common connections between your customers and the behavior of Apple users.So do some research.For example, men spend more money on Apple products than women.The graph shows that there is a significant difference between the two genders in this category.Does that mean you should develop your app for Apple first if your company’s primary target market is men?Not necessarily.I included this graphic for a reason because it’s a perfect example of misleading information.While the research may be interesting, it doesn’t necessarily translate to your marketing strategy.I do lots of consulting with companies and see this mistake all the time.Someone on their marketing team comes across something like this and starts making assumptions.Don’t jump to conclusions.This research just says that men spend more on Apple products.

It doesn’t say that more men have Apple devices than women.In reality, it’s the opposite.There’s a greater chance of a woman having an iPhone than a man.But 5% isn’t enough of a significant difference to develop your marketing strategy around.Plus, this doesn’t account for tablets.You need to dig deeper.What about annual income?On average, users who have an Apple device make 40% more each year than Android users.So if you’ve got a company that targets a wealthier demographic, the iOS platform may be a better place for you to start.In addition to their economic status, Apple users also:Have more engagementSpend more money per appHave higher educational degreesThese are some valuable pieces of information that you can use to your advantage when making this decision.Here’s something else to consider.95% of Apple mobile users are running their devices on iOS 10 or iOS 11, which are the two latest software versions.You want to make sure that your app is running smoothly and fully optimized at all times.So iOS development isn’t a bad idea for your company if you have the ability to make constant updates for your app in order to keep up with Apple’s latest software requirements.When else is the best to develop your app for Apple first?If you have lots of time and money.Despite everything else we’ve just covered about iOS users and how their behavior is related to your company, that’s the reality of the situation.Developing an app for Apple is expensive.It’s also going to take a really long time complete the process.Once it’s built and your app finally launches, it will continue to cost you lots of money.Regular maintenance isn’t cheap either.Plus you’ll need to pay for third party subscriptions, server space, and other hidden expenses associated with development and maintenance.Large corporations can afford this, but these costs aren’t reasonable for the average person.When to develop for Android firstAs we just discussed, there are definitely some circumstances where it makes sense to develop on the iOS platform first.Well, the same holds true for Android.While statistically speaking, Apple users may have more money and higher education, Android users just completely dominate global web traffic from mobile devices.So the chances are higher that you can find your target market somewhere within this group.But saying that you can’t go wrong by developing on Android first would be an overstatement.As I said earlier, the split between Android and Apple is closer to 50/50 in the United States.So if you have an American business and you’re building an app to enhance the customer experience, Android won’t always be the clear winner.But here’s a scenario when it will be.Do you plan on using push notifications to keep users engaged?It’s a great strategy to drive sales and increase ROI.3.48% of Android users open push notifications, while only 1.77% of push notifications get opened on Apple devices.Android users are also more likely to opt-in to receive additional notifications.So if this is part of your marketing strategy when it comes to targeting users after they’ve already downloaded the app, I’d lean towards starting with Android.Here’s something else to consider when it comes to your marketing strategy.Before you can entice users with push notifications, you’ll need to get them to download your app in the first place.What’s your budget for cost per install (CPI)?Well, the average CPI for Android is nearly half the cost of iOS apps.So not only will you have a larger audience to reach, but it’s cheaper to get those people to download your app as well.But those downloads won’t necessarily translate to money, depending on your business.Android users are less likely to make an in-app purchase than Apple users.So that’s not good news for ecommerce apps or for those of you who plan to offer paid apps.However, if you have a great strategy set in place for mobile ads, developing on Android first could benefit you.That’s the leading source of revenue for the Android platform.Due to the points that we just talked about, it’s more expensive for you to develop a long term customer relationship on Android.But even though that cost is higher, you have a better chance of getting more long term customers, simply because there are so much more Android users out there.Remember earlier when we talked about how Apple users stay up to date on their operating software?Well, here’s how Google stacks up.Less than 20% of Android devices are running on Nougat and Oreo, which are the two latest operating systems that were released.You will obviously still need to make changes and improvements to your app after it launches.But you won’t need to do this in order to keep up with new regulations based on the most recent Android operating system.You’ll just need to make sure that your app is compatible with older versions of the Android software as well.It’s also easier for your app to get approved on the Google Play Store.Basically, it’s a quick process that just makes sure you’re not violating any of the policies.The approval process is automated and mainly focuses on violations such as spyware, malware, copyright infringement, and sexual content.It’s a much more lenient approval compared to the iOS App Store.Similar to Apple, if you’re going to develop on Android first, you need lots of time and money.Actually, you’ll need even more money.The Android development process costs 30% more than Apple.It takes a long time too.So if you’re in a financial position where you can afford to tie up the majority of your funds in development for the next year, go ahead.But this isn’t realistic for all startups and small businesses.There’s a third way: hybrid appIf you don’t want to go through the trouble of having to choose between Apple or Android development, building a hybrid app is the solution.Hybrid development allows you to develop on both operating systems at the same time.They get built using HTML5 and JavaScript on the web.One of the best parts of a hybrid app is that it doesn’t require any complicated coding skills.Anyone can do it.Since you can build these without code, it’s not necessary to hire an app developer.This cuts down on costs tremendously.It also significantly speeds up the process.You won’t need to wait a year to launch your app like you would through native development.It’s all about finding the right platform to customize your hybrid app on the web.I know that I’m a little biased, but I highly recommend BuildFire’s system.Look at how affordable the pricing options are.Now compare these numbers to the quotes you got from various app developer agencies.There’s really no comparison.What you pay for a month using BuildFire would barely cover an hour of work from a developer.Hybrid apps are ideal for people who don’t want to choose between iOS and Android.You can launch your app on both operating systems simultaneously without having to build two separate apps.It’s also the best option for people who can’t reasonably afford native development costs and want their app available for users to download as fast as possible.ConclusionSo, which is the best operating system to build on first?It depends.There are certain scenarios that favor Apple, like if you’re targeting an American audience with higher education and a substantial annual income.But there are circumstances where Android development makes more sense too.Like if your target market is global and you’re planning to drive sales through ads instead of in-app purchases.Both of these platforms have one thing in common.It’s going to take a long time to develop your app, and it’s going to cost a ton of money.Not everyone has unlimited time and funds.That’s why hybrid apps are the solution.Services like BuildFire can help you build your app without worrying about the operating system.It’s less expensive, faster to build, and easier to maintain.This will help you focus on the user experience and get more customers on both the iOS and Android platforms.Will you develop on Apple, Android, or decide to build both simultaneously with hybrid development?See: https://buildfire.com/ios-android-which-to-develop-on-first/

Mobile app development for both iOS and Android introduced a new methodology to grab more users and leads in to every business sector. However, there are some obstructions blocking this implementation, like shortage of time, developers, and resources.

This is when business owners confront an Android Vs iOS application development problem. Today, let’s dive in and when iOS or Android app development can be the right option, to begin with. 

Choosing a Mobile App Development Platform 

There is no doubt that mobile application revolution is never going to slow down. Despite the fact that Android continues beating iOS in terms of user reach. Basically, iOS mobile application development is an ideal match for all new companies willing to get quick benefits, particularly when the client needs to pay to download the app. 

On the other hand, if your business model does not involve offering mobile applications, iOS may not be the main platform to run with. To be specific, if you have to build up an enterprise application for your professional use, Android would be a superior option to go with on account of its adaptable and easy-to-incorporate system. 

In the Android and iOS application battle, the android wins if the revenue generation is considered from the web traffic and in-application advertisements, while the last gets a higher score when a quick investment payback is considered. 

The user location and gadgets utilized by them will help you to characterize the best OS platform. Along these lines, if your clients originate from China, Japan, or Mexico, it would be best to go with Android. In the event that you focus on the US or European markets, iOS would suit your business better. 

Coming to Android app development, what upsides and downsides would it be advisable for you to consider before developing Android applications? 

Instructions to Code an App for Android 

There is no technology stack for iOS and Android application development. It relies on the project objectives. In this way, if application speed is important, you must sacrifice a modern interface by making it less complex. 

Developing Android apps requires Java knowledge. Android has a more superior reach, when compared with Objective-C or Swift which is required for iOS, acquiring Java developers can be less demanding. In case, you choose to compose mobile applications for Android with Kotlin, drawing in engineers won't be that simple, yet it might be worth the effort. This programming language is totally interoperable with Java and is more human-like, making code troubleshooting and less demanding. 

The application development process can be very much streamlined. These Integrated development environments (IDE) quicken code completion, permit performing crash tests and convey better visual features.

Assessing all advantages and disadvantages for Android application development is another factor that can enable you to characterize which OS to be the first. Here is a short review. 

Android Pros 

• More extensive client coverage, particularly outside the US, including developing markets (Mexico, China, India etc.). 
• Getting your application on Google Play doesn't take as much time as it frequently goes up against the App Store. 
• No restrictions on alpha or beta application launch when developing applications for Android. 
• Different H/W integration and customization possibilities. 

Android Cons 

• Android application development and testing, for the most part, take a great deal of time because of the irregularity of Android variants and the pool of devices. 
• It's difficult to focus all users and tailor the application to all screen sizes. The main practical alternative is to pick the most popular devices and have an application suited for them first. 
• New application features are only supported to latest OS running gadgets (beginning from 4.4). 
• Developing applications for Android gives you a chance to submit them to two markets, Google Play and Amazon, however, it might require greater development endeavors because of API customization. 

IOS Mobile App Development 

How to make an iOS application? You are offered an extensive variety of chances to accelerate the iOS application improvement process. 

Like Android, iOS additionally proposes composing code for mobile applications in two dialects, Objective-C and Swift. Objective-C is said to be somewhat complex to learn and allows Mobile app development errors, while Swift is all the more intense with its superior memory and simple syntax. All recent features and products tend to utilize this dialect, which implies that it will soon replace its more established alternatives and make Swift engineers highly in demand. 

Apple sets strict requirements application development, it encourages the undertaking by offering a robust IDE. Its redesigned version now permits working substantial documents and that's just the beginning. Application Code is another IDE empowering Objective-C engineers to exploit keen code fulfillment and safe refactoring. 
Here are some shortlisted iOS advantages and disadvantages for you to consider. 

IOS Pros 

• Like Android, the iOS stage does not have a wide gadget fragmentation, which encourages the development procedure and makes it steadier. 
• IOS clients will probably buy applications and additionally make in-app purchases. 
• Because of UI requirement standard, interface development saves time and effort. 
• Proven toolboxes to run application development. 

IOS Cons 

• Apple's approval period is long to acquire individual approval is required for every new release. 
• With numerous iOS Mobile app development restriction, it is hard to modify an application. 
• Can’t launch a beta application since fully operational apps are allowed in the app store.
• Fewer chances to stand out from the pack as a result of application standardization. 

Final Note

Developing an application for two platforms in the same time is the best way to implement, however, it requires two times the effort since the contrast amongst Android and iOS application development is pretty huge.

If it doesn’t suit your scenario, you have to choose what application to construct first. This approach may likewise be useful since you will have an opportunity to test your application, urge clients to share their feedback, and audit the iteration. You can draft an exact plan of action for the application to be launched on the other platform and abstain from making wrong decisions.

Feel free to contact our team to improve the usability experience of your app both in Android and IOS and delight your users.

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Today, the average smartphone or tablet comes conveniently equipped with powerful processing units that could easily match that of computers of only half a decade ago.

One of the most prominent of these is the notion of Industry 4.0 or the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

For instance, Android leads iOS in terms of market share.

Android primarily uses Java while iOS uses object-oriented programming (OOP) languages like Objective-C and Swift.

However, both businesses and developers are showing greater interest towards iOS applications in anticipation of the trends on the horizon.

There have been various versions of Swift that has provided upgrades to the existing structure.

Many languages, including Java, Kotlin, C++, C#, Python, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, can be used to create Android applications.

Its syntax is concise as well.

Hence, it is crucial to make it compatible with hardware, API compatibility, security flaws, and user interface design.Android and iOS developers have to keep this in mind to ensure a smooth deployment process.Apple has strict parameters for maintaining the quality of apps.

Also, they have different screen resolutions and are rapidly changing with new models.Apple has some sets of standards for maintaining a concise user interface.

Here, we are considering for the same requirements.Design costs are almost the same across both devices.

In testing, iOS takes less time than Android.

If you wish to build an application, you will have to pick one of these two platform- iOS or android. go through this guide to know everything you need to choose any one platform which better suits your needs.

If we are going to face such challenges, we need to be prepared in advance.

In mobile app development, many new businesses are coming forward to develop a mobile application for their business; With the increasing demand for online shopping and sales, small business owners are turning to social and online platforms to offer their services.

In this blog we introduce a new world of mobile app development after Covidoutbreak.

It means the demand for mobile applications has increased during the pandemic.

Here are some major industries that receive more download:Ecommerce apps: Ecommerce applications captured the consumer market before the pandemic hit worldwide.

Video calling apps: Because of lockdown & social distancing, people tend to opt for video calling applications; schools, businesses, companies, coachings, etc., want a high-quality video calling application.

How to create a dating app that will generate money.

There are a few strategies that you can use with your dating application today.

To turn it into a profitable business, your applications should cover all development, marketing, and related expenses.Here is short list of strategy of how to make a profitable dating app:• Advertising – this monetization strategy prevails among apps, as almost 90% of all applications utilize the model.

You can integrate different ads into your application and get money for ads view, click-through rate, etc.

Also, you can allow users to turn off all in-app ads by making a payment.• Freemium model – this monetization strategy allows users to get some additional features for a payment.

Users can be billed annually, monthly or quarterly.• In-app purchases – integrate your app with different services that allow you to book tickets to a concert or a theater, send flowers and compliments to others.