RSS 2.0iPhone versus Android: Where Should My App Go?
Yesterday, two Parthenon employees, Matt Bigelow and Kelly Henderson, attended the NAMA luncheon where guest speaker Tim Moses of Sitemason gave an overview of “The Future of Mobile Apps.”
Currently, the mobile app market is largely split between Apple’s iPhone and devices powered by Android, the mobile operating system developed by Google. One of the first decisions the budget-sensitive marketer has to make, therefore, is where to put my money: iPhone or Android?
Certainly, there are many instances where the answer depends on which mobile phone your target audience prefers, and if you can get your hands on it, that information may make your decision for you. But, for the most part, there are some definite pros and cons to both platforms. Below, Kelly and Matt take a swing at arguing for both options.
Android
To be fair, Android does, as of this writing, have a smaller market share than Apple’s iPhone. But Android is set to outgrow Apple over the long term. Due to its partnerships with Verizon, HTC and Motorola, 2010 saw Android’s growth pace far outstrip that of the iPhone. And Fortune magazine is calling 2011 the year Android “explodes.”
Furthermore, Android is an operating system that is not exclusive to one carrier (AT&T for the iPhone) or one manufacturer (Apple in the case of the iPhone). All of the choices spur both competition and consumer adoption of the Android.
If you have limited marketing dollars, you want to reach the most people. Soon, that platform will be Android.
iPhone
Kelly Henderson
I think one of the major drawbacks for Android is fragmentation. Android has more than five OS versions and more than 60 devices running them. Each device has different display resolutions and specifications which could lead to application incompatibility.
The iPhone has had four OS releases and only four generations of the device — the iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS and the iPhone 4. All four generations have had similar hardware, meaning that most apps are compatible across the board. The Android, with its many devices and variations, means developers have to keep upgrading.
Another reason I like the iPhone is for its ease of app purchasing. Purchases are done through your existing iTunes account which is linked directly to your credit card — a few clicks and you’re downloading.
And then there are the Verizon iPhone rumors and a new price reduction on the iPhone 3GS. Moves like these should maintain a strong pace by the iPhone and keep things with the Android interesting.
All in all, I think each has their advantages and it will just come down to user preference.The competition between Androids and iPhones can only benefit us as users.
So…What Do You Think?
At the risk of inciting the various Apple and Google fans out there — what do you think? From a marketing perspective, which mobile strategy makes the most sense for you?
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I have to give another argument for Android here. Even though iPhone doesn’t have to upgrade app software often, Android offers a cheaper price for apps. When iPhone apps cost around $5 to $10 (give or take), those same apps are available on Android for free or at a much, much lower price. For example, one popular app, Angry Birds, is $4.99 on the iPhone/iPad, but Android offers the app for free. Comparing the difference in the prices of the exact same apps (especially when it’s $5 vs. $0) makes Android a winner in that department.
Great blog!