WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW BEFORE BECOMING IOS DEVELOPMENT FOR ANDROID DEVELOPERS?

If you’re an Android developer and looking for new career opportunities, you might consider switching to IOS development. Both Android and iOS offer exciting options for developers to create innovative and engaging applications. However, some differences need to be considered. The transition to iOS development for Android Developers involves a learning curve, but it can open up new career possibilities.

While Android has a larger market share, iOS users are typically more affluent and spend more on apps. This can translate into higher earnings for developers. Additionally, developing for iOS requires using Apple’s programming language, Swift, which is different from Java, the Android development’s primary language. Despite this, the benefits of becoming proficient in both platforms can lead to more diverse skill sets and increased opportunities. Ultimately, deciding to switch to iOS development for Android developers should be based on a personal evaluation of your career goals, interests, and willingness to learn new skills. But everything comes with a cost, let’s find out if learning IOS development for Android developers is the smart move or not.

1. About the market share

Android and iOS are the most dominant mobile operating systems, occupying an overwhelming 99% of the mobile OS market share. Although Android enjoys the largest global market share, iOS has a considerable user base in specific regions. For instance, iOS is more popular than Android in the United States and Australia. North America, as a region, has a higher concentration of Apple users than other parts of the world. While Android dominates in the global market, iOS users tend to spend more money on apps, providing opportunities for developers. Additionally, iOS is renowned for its user experience, reliability, and security, making it a preferred choice for many users. In contrast, Android offers a more customizable and flexible experience that appeals to power users and developers. Whether to develop for Android or iOS should depend on the target audience, the project’s objectives, and the developer’s preferences.

In Europe, Asia, and Africa, Android has a larger market share. So, if you currently live there, learning IOS development for Android developers might not bring a bright future for you.

Figure 1. The map that shows the market share of IOS and android

2. The learning curve

2.1. Tips for Learning a New Programming Language for Mobile Development

Learning a new programming language requires time and effort, and mobile development is no exception. The time it takes to begin building iOS or Android apps depends on one’s level of expertise in development principles. Familiarity with concepts such as object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, and design patterns is crucial. Learning iOS development for Android developers who are proficient in these areas can leverage their knowledge and transfer their skills to a new language more quickly than those who are not. Developers who have experience in other programming languages may find it easier to learn a new language as they are already familiar with the fundamental concepts. The time it takes to become proficient in a new language depends on the individual’s motivation, dedication, and learning approach.

2.2. Consider some crucial considerations when comparing the learning curves of iOS vs Android

2.2.1. A Comparison of Programming Languages for Mobile App Development

• Swift, Apple’s programming language, is used by iOS developers because it needs less code and is deemed easier to use. Swift is a popular programming language used by iOS developers. It was introduced by Apple in 2014 as a successor to Objective-C. One of the key reasons for its popularity is its simplicity and ease of use. Swift requires less code than its predecessor, making it easier and faster for developers to write applications. It provides a safer and more stable programming environment, helping developers to avoid errors and produce high-quality code.
• Android developers typically use Java or Kotlin, which have steeper learning curves compared to Swift used by iOS developers. Learning Java or Kotlin can be challenging and time-consuming, but they offer powerful tools and libraries to create complex applications. Despite their difficulties, Java and Kotlin remain popular choices among Android developers.

2.2.2. Understanding Apple’s Thorough App Store Review Process for iOS Developers

• Developers who want to publish their iOS apps on the App Store have to pass Apple’s thorough review process. These guidelines cover various aspects such as user privacy, app functionality, and user experience. The review process can take several days or even weeks, and any violation of the guidelines can lead to rejection or removal of the app from the store. The stringent rules and extensive review process are intended to ensure that only high-quality, secure, and reliable apps are available for download on the App Store. While this process can be challenging for developers, it can help to provide a better user experience for consumers.
• Apple’s ecosystem is more tightly regulated because app development, maintenance, and management are confined to iOS devices.
• Developers must account for thousands of Android devices running different versions of their operating system, as well as hundreds of varied screen sizes.
• The fragmentation of the Android platform, with its numerous versions, devices, and screen sizes, creates significant challenges for developers to ensure app compatibility, perform comprehensive testing and provide post-launch support across the diverse mobile ecosystem.
• Compared to Android applications, Apple iOS applications often require less development time and have lower costs, thanks to the simpler coding structure of Swift and the wide availability of development resources.

If you’ve already had a background in Java, it may not be necessary to learn iOS development for Android developers. There are several other career paths and use cases for Java development, including web development, enterprise applications, and other fields. Becoming proficient in multiple areas of development is valuable. It makes you versatile, rather than limited to a single platform or language. Therefore, if you’re an Android developer, it’s important to evaluate your career goals and interests before deciding whether to branch out into iOS development or explore other opportunities in the field.

3. Different hardware requirements

To begin your journey in mobile application development, you will require a computer that can handle the workload. The two primary coding tools for mobile development are Android Studio and Xcode. Android Studio is a cross-platform compatible software that works on Mac, Linux, and Windows operating systems. This means that developers using any of these platforms can use Android Studio without any limitations. In contrast, Xcode is an exclusive software available only for Mac users. Attempting to use Xcode on a Windows PC requires a complicated workaround that involves the use of a virtual machine. Therefore, if you’re a Windows user looking to develop iOS apps using Xcode, you will need to invest in a Mac or consider using an alternative such as an iOS emulator. The choice between Android Studio and Xcode depends on the developer’s platform preferences and the target platform they intend to develop applications.

Android Studio is a versatile development environment that runs on multiple operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. In contrast, Xcode is exclusively designed for Mac and is the go-to development tool for iOS apps. If Android developers intend to learn iOS development, they’ll need to switch to a Mac or acquire access to one. This may involve a significant investment in both time and money. While Android Studio offers cross-platform compatibility, Xcode’s exclusive compatibility with Mac has some benefits, including access to unique features such as the Xcode simulator and native iOS development tools. Ultimately, the decision to switch to a Mac for iOS development or stick with Android development depends on the developer’s career goals, interests, and the resources they have available.

Figure 2. To become an IOS developer, you need a macOS machine, and some of it really costly

4. About the salaries

Anonymous surveys suggest iOS developers earn more on average than Android developers. However, there is no concrete figure for a direct comparison. While this may be discouraging, it also presents an opportunity for those interested in learning iOS development. By acquiring expertise in iOS development for Android developers, they can expand their skills and potentially increase their earning potential. Additionally, the demand for iOS developers is consistently high, as iOS is a popular platform with a significant user base. The primary factors that determine the salary of a developer include their experience, skills, and location. Therefore, developers should focus on improving their skills and gaining experience to enhance their earning potential, regardless of the platform they choose to develop on.

Summary

In conclusion, although iOS development for Android developers comes with some challenges and restrictions, learning it can be a valuable opportunity for Android developers. By acquiring expertise in iOS development, developers can expand their skill set and become more desirable to potential employers. Additionally, iOS developers tend to earn higher salaries than Android developers, making it a viable option for those looking to enhance their earning potential. Despite the limitations, iOS is a popular platform with a significant user base, making it an excellent opportunity for developers to reach a broader audience. Therefore, for Android developers willing to put in the effort to learn iOS development and overcome the challenges, it can be a worthwhile investment in their career growth and development.

Source: Internet

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