Publishing on Apple, Google Play, or both?

Your MobAppCreator subscription includes both iOS and Android versions of your app. Still, budget, timing, goals or your audience may mean you need to choose one store first. Here are the main differences.

Budget

Both stores require a developer account. Apple charges USD 99 per year; Google charges a one-time USD 25. If your budget is tight, Google Play is the cheaper place to start.

Monetization

iPhone users have historically been more likely to pay for apps and to click on ads, so an iOS app can more easily recover its higher cost if you plan to monetize.

Pricing flexibility also differs. On the App Store you can switch an app between free and paid later. On Google Play, a free app can never become paid; you’d have to publish a new app and rebuild your user base.

Time

Publishing on Google Play is usually faster and simpler. Apple reviews every app by hand, which can take longer and may end in a rejection you need to fix. Some updates also need a new review. If you need to be live quickly, start with Android, but the App Store is well worth the extra effort.

Audience

Apple is strongest in the US and Western Europe, where users tend to spend more. Android reaches more people overall and dominates in much of Latin America, Asia and Africa. Research where your customers are and which devices they use, and match your efforts to them.