Why code for iOS over Android? It's 30 percent less expensive says one app shop

The choice to develop apps for either iOS or Android isn't just about which platform will make you more money. It's also about which will take less effort, helping developers to get their software available quicker and cheaper.

According to one app shop, it's iOS and they have details on why.

Infinum shared statistics on its last six development projects comprised of software for both iOS and Android and the bottom line is that it costs that company 30 percent more in terms of time and effort to build for Android than for iOS.

The same projects, for example, were comprised of 38 percent fewer lines of code on average for the iOS version than for the Android edition that has the same exact functionality. And writing those extra lines of code adds up to more time: It took Infinum 28 percent more hours on average to complete the Android versions.

Android Studio

Based on the data and its experiences, Infinum suggests that Swift and Objective-C for iOS are less verbose than Java, which is used for Android applications. But that's not the sole reason it's taking Infinum more time to build Android counterparts to its iOS software.

The company notes that in its experience, Android emulators are slower than those for iOS and that Android's use of XML for app layouts isn't as efficient as the WYSIWYG approach that iOS uses.

And then there's the big challenge faced by all Android developers: Testing code against the myriad of Android device configurations based on screen size, pixel density, varying hardware components and Android API levels determined by the version of Android a device runs.

It's far more complicated and time-consuming compared to iOS where the hardware is standardized to just a few handset models with quick uptake to the latest iOS version.

Does one app developer's experience mirror the entire industry?

Not likely because there are so many variables including a developers knowledge and background of both programming languages.

But the reasons Infinum provide to justify its claim that iOS development costs less are surely something any developer should be considering when choosing to bring apps to either mobile platform.

Are you a developer of iOS and Android apps? Share your experiences and observations in the comments; let me know if Infinum is a one-off situation or if you see the same.