Brief Summary
The video discusses the reasons why the creator decided to abandon developing Android apps despite their initial success and higher revenue compared to iOS apps. The key reasons include the lower lifetime value of Android users, their reluctance to pay for subscriptions, and the time-consuming nature of maintaining and updating apps for the vast array of Android devices. The creator highlights the ease and efficiency of developing for iOS using Xcode and Swift, which ultimately led to the decision to focus solely on the Apple ecosystem.
- Lower lifetime value of Android users compared to iOS users.
- Android users' preference for ads over paid subscriptions.
- Time-consuming maintenance and support for a wide range of Android devices.
- Simplicity and efficiency of iOS development with Xcode and Swift.
Intro
The creator addresses the common question of why they don't build Android apps anymore. They used to develop Android apps that performed well, generating significant downloads and revenue, even outperforming their iOS apps in some metrics. However, in 2023, a shift in their perspective led them to completely abandon Android development. The video aims to explain the reasons behind this decision, particularly for those building small consumer app portfolios. Despite earning a consistent $2,000 to $3,000 monthly from Google compared to around $800 from the App Store, the creator found that focusing solely on iOS was a better business decision.
Top 3 Reasons to Abandon Android
The creator outlines the top three reasons for abandoning Android development. First, the lifetime value of Android users is significantly lower. For every 10,000 downloads, Android apps would generate around $1,000 in revenue, while the same number of downloads on the App Store would generate $5,000 to $10,000. This means each iOS download is worth five to ten times more in revenue. Second, Android users are more inclined to watch 30-second ads than pay for even a $2.99 subscription. Despite implementing ad-supported models with the intention of encouraging upgrades, Android users generally refused to upgrade, even with discounted prices. This necessitated a much larger daily user base to generate meaningful ad revenue, which was difficult to achieve with a limited development budget. Third, maintaining the Google Play account was time-consuming due to constant compliance alerts and the need to support a vast range of Android devices.
Android Development Challenges
The creator elaborates on the challenges of Android development, particularly the extensive device support required. Google Play indicates over 20,000 supported device models for just one app. In contrast, iOS development targeting iOS 16 and above requires supporting only 23 iPhone models with similar specifications. As an independent developer focused on rapid development and innovation, the creator found Android development restrictive due to Google's red tape and support requests for obscure devices. This was especially true back in 2022, and the creator invites viewers to share if the situation has improved. The time spent on Android development, trying to support every device, did not yield a good return on investment.
Transition to iOS Development
The creator reflects on their initial foray into app development using Cordova, a platform that allowed them to build hybrid apps using web languages for both Android and iOS. With a background in web development, Google Play provided an accessible way to create and launch apps, marking their first steps as an app developer. While Cordova facilitated cross-platform development, compiling for iOS required a MacBook, which the creator initially resisted. However, in 2020, they acquired a secondhand MacBook to compile their code for the App Store, leading to a transformative experience.
The iOS Revelation
The creator describes their experience with iOS development as a revelation, highlighting the ease and efficiency of using Xcode to upload apps to the App Store. The process eliminated the need for manual signing and file uploads, and allowed testing on all iPhone and iPad models within the same programming software. This simplicity and efficiency made their Android setup feel fragmented and cumbersome by comparison.
The Crossroads and Final Decision
In 2023, the creator reached a turning point as Cordova's support waned. New Android versions required recompiling apps with updated SDKs, which became increasingly difficult. This prompted the decision to learn a native programming language and focus exclusively on iOS development. The creator concludes by inviting viewers to share their experiences with Android development and express interest in a future video comparing Swift UI and Flutter.
