• Understand the key differences between iOS and Android platforms, including user demographics, market share, development processes, and monetization strategies.
• Be able to evaluate and prioritize the factors that impact platform selection, such as target audience, app functionality, development costs, and app store policies, to make an informed decision for your app.
• Gain insights into the advantages and considerations of developing for both platforms, including the importance of conducting market research, consulting with experienced developers, evaluating budget and resources, and creating a comprehensive development roadmap.

Mobile apps have become an integral part of our lives, revolutionizing the way we communicate, work, and entertain ourselves. As a mobile app developer, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll face is choosing the right platform for your app. 

The choice between iOS and Android can significantly impact your app’s success, user adoption, and overall profitability. It’s essential to carefully consider various factors such as target audience, app functionality, development costs, and monetization strategies to ensure that your app reaches its full potential and meets the needs of your intended users.

iOS and Android are the two dominant mobile operating systems in the market, each with its own unique characteristics, strengths, and limitations. iOS, developed by Apple, is known for its sleek design, intuitive user interface, and tight integration with Apple’s ecosystem. It caters to a more affluent and loyal user base, with a focus on premium apps and services. 

On the other hand, Android, backed by Google, offers a more open and customizable platform, with a wider range of devices and price points. It has a larger global market share and provides developers with more flexibility in terms of app development and distribution. Understanding the key differences between these two platforms is crucial in making an informed decision that aligns with your app’s goals and target audience.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Platform

Target audience

Demographics

Understanding your target audience’s age, gender, income, and other demographic factors is crucial when choosing a platform. iOS users tend to have higher income levels and are more likely to engage with premium apps and services, while Android has a more diverse user base with varying income levels and preferences.

Geographic Location

iOS and Android have different market shares in various regions worldwide. iOS has a stronger presence in North America and Western Europe, while Android dominates in emerging markets such as Asia, Africa, and South America. Consider your app’s intended geographic reach when selecting a platform.

User Behavior and Preferences

Analyze your target audience’s mobile usage patterns, app preferences, and expectations. iOS users tend to be more engaged and loyal, while Android users are more likely to try new apps and have a higher tolerance for ads.

App Functionality and Features

Platform-specific Capabilities

Each platform offers unique features and capabilities that can enhance your app’s functionality. For example, iOS provides seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem, such as Siri, iMessage, and Apple Pay, while Android offers a more customizable user interface and integration with Google services like Google Maps and Google Assistant.

Hardware and Software Requirements

Consider the hardware and software requirements of your app, such as camera, sensors, or specific software libraries. iOS offers a more standardized hardware ecosystem, while Android has a wider range of devices with varying specifications, which can impact app performance and compatibility.

Development Costs and Resources

Development Time and Complexity

The development time and complexity can vary between iOS and Android. iOS has a more streamlined development process with a single programming language (Swift) and a limited range of devices to support, while Android development can be more complex due to the variety of devices, screen sizes, and software fragmentation.

Developer Expertise and Availability

Consider the availability and cost of skilled developers for each platform. iOS developers may be more expensive due to the higher demand and specific skill set required, while Android developers are more widely available but may have varying levels of expertise.

Licensing and Fees

Both platforms have different licensing and fee structures for app developers. iOS requires an annual developer membership fee, while Android has a one-time registration fee. Additionally, consider the costs associated with third-party tools, libraries, and services that your app may require.

Monetization strategies

In-app Purchases

In-app purchases are a popular monetization strategy for both iOS and Android apps. However, iOS users have shown a higher willingness to spend money on in-app purchases compared to Android users.

Advertising

Advertising is another common monetization approach, particularly for free apps. Android has a larger user base, which can lead to more ad impressions and revenue, but iOS users are generally more receptive to high-quality, relevant ads.

Paid apps and Subscriptions

Paid apps and subscription-based models can be effective on both platforms, but iOS users are more likely to pay for premium apps and services due to their higher spending power and perceived value of iOS apps.

App Store Policies and Guidelines

App Approval Process 

Both iOS and Android have app review processes to ensure the quality and safety of apps in their respective app stores. iOS has a more stringent and time-consuming review process, focusing on user experience, security, and adherence to guidelines, while Android’s review process is generally faster and more lenient.

Update and Maintenance Requirements

Consider the update and maintenance requirements for each platform. iOS users tend to adopt new versions of the operating system more quickly, requiring developers to keep their apps updated and compatible. Android’s fragmentation can make it challenging to support a wide range of devices and software versions, requiring more extensive testing and maintenance efforts.

Advantages of iOS Platform

User Demographics and Spending Habits

iOS users typically have higher disposable incomes and are more willing to spend money on apps and in-app purchases compared to Android users. This demographic tends to be more affluent, educated, and engaged with their devices, making them an attractive target for premium and paid apps. iOS users are known for their loyalty to the platform and are more likely to make recurring in-app purchases or subscribe to premium services.

The higher spending habits of iOS users can lead to better monetization opportunities for app developers. If your app relies on a paid or subscription-based model, or if you plan to generate revenue through in-app purchases, targeting iOS users can potentially result in higher revenue per user compared to Android.

Consistent User Experience Across Devices

One of the key advantages of developing for the iOS platform is the consistent user experience across devices. Apple maintains strict control over the hardware and software ecosystem, ensuring that all iOS devices, from iPhones to iPads, offer a seamless and cohesive user experience. This consistency allows developers to create apps that look and function similarly across different iOS devices, reducing the need for extensive device-specific optimization.

The consistent user experience on iOS also means that users are more familiar with the platform’s navigation patterns, gestures, and design language. This familiarity can lead to better user engagement and retention, as users can quickly adapt to new apps that follow iOS design guidelines and best practices.

Streamlined Development Process

Developing apps for the iOS platform is often considered more streamlined and efficient compared to Android development. Apple provides a comprehensive set of developer tools, such as Xcode and Swift programming language, which are designed to work seamlessly together. These tools offer a unified development environment, making it easier for developers to code, debug, and test their apps.

Moreover, the iOS platform has a smaller number of devices and screen sizes compared to Android, which has a fragmented device ecosystem. This reduced fragmentation simplifies the development process, as developers need to target fewer device configurations and can focus on optimizing their apps for a limited set of hardware specifications. As a result, iOS app development can often be completed faster and with fewer compatibility issues compared to Android.

Higher App Revenue Potential

iOS apps have a track record of generating higher revenue compared to their Android counterparts. This can be attributed to several factors, including the higher spending habits of iOS users, the premium positioning of the iOS app ecosystem, and the streamlined in-app purchase process on the App Store.

iOS users are more accustomed to paying for apps and are willing to spend more on in-app purchases, resulting in higher average revenue per user (ARPU) for iOS apps. Additionally, the App Store’s curated approach and stringent review process create a perception of higher-quality apps, which can justify premium pricing and encourage user spending.

While the Android platform has a larger global market share, iOS apps often generate more revenue in key markets such as the United States, Canada, and Western Europe. If your monetization strategy relies on app purchases, in-app purchases, or subscriptions, targeting the iOS platform can potentially lead to higher revenue potential.

Strong Brand Recognition and Loyalty

Apple has a strong brand reputation and loyal user base, which can benefit app developers targeting the iOS platform. The Apple brand is associated with quality, innovation, and user experience, and this perception extends to the apps available on the App Store. iOS users tend to have high expectations for app quality and are more likely to engage with apps that meet Apple’s design and performance standards.

The loyalty of iOS users can also lead to higher app retention rates and long-term engagement. Once an iOS user finds an app they like, they are more likely to stick with it and continue using it over time. This loyalty can translate into a stable and profitable user base for app developers.

The strong brand recognition of iOS can help app developers gain visibility and credibility in the market. Having an app featured on the App Store or being associated with the iOS ecosystem can lend legitimacy to your app and attract more users who trust Apple’s platform and curation process.

Developing for the iOS platform offers several advantages, including access to a highly engaged and affluent user base, a consistent user experience across devices, a streamlined development process, higher app revenue potential, and the benefits of strong brand recognition and user loyalty. However, it’s essential to consider your specific app requirements, target audience, and business goals when deciding whether to prioritize iOS development over Android or pursue a multi-platform approach.

Advantages of Android Platform

Larger Global Market Share

One of the most significant advantages of the Android platform is its larger global market share compared to iOS. Android devices account for over 70% of the worldwide smartphone market, with a strong presence in emerging markets such as Asia, Africa, and South America. This vast user base presents a massive opportunity for app developers to reach a wider audience and potentially generate more downloads and revenue.

The larger market share also means that Android apps have the potential to impact a more diverse range of users, spanning different demographics, geographies, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This can be particularly advantageous for apps targeting specific regions or user segments that may have a higher concentration of Android users.

Greater Device Diversity and Flexibility

Android offers a greater diversity of devices and form factors compared to iOS. The Android ecosystem includes a wide range of smartphones, tablets, and wearables from various manufacturers, each with its own unique hardware specifications and features. This diversity allows developers to create apps that cater to specific device capabilities or user preferences.

Moreover, Android’s flexibility extends to software customization. Device manufacturers can customize the Android operating system to differentiate their products and add unique features. This flexibility enables developers to take advantage of device-specific APIs and create tailored experiences for different Android devices.

Lower Entry Barriers for Developers

Android has lower entry barriers for developers compared to iOS. To start developing Android apps, developers need to create a Google Play Developer account, which has a one-time registration fee of $25. This is significantly lower than the annual fee of $99 required for the Apple Developer Program.

Additionally, Android development can be done on a wider range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This flexibility allows developers to use their existing hardware and software setup without investing in platform-specific tools. Android Studio, the official IDE for Android development, is also available for free, further reducing the cost of entry for developers.

More Customization Options

Android offers more customization options for both users and developers compared to iOS. Users can customize their device’s home screen, widgets, app icons, and system settings to suit their preferences. This level of customization allows developers to create apps that seamlessly integrate with the user’s personalized device setup.

For developers, Android provides more control over the app’s appearance and behavior. Developers can create custom UI components, modify system-level features, and integrate with third-party apps and services more easily. This flexibility enables developers to create unique and innovative app experiences that may not be possible on the more restricted iOS platform.

Open-source Advantages and Community Support

Android is built on an open-source platform, which offers several advantages for developers. The Android Open Source Project (AOSP) provides access to the Android source code, allowing developers to examine, modify, and contribute to the platform. This transparency can lead to a better understanding of the Android system and enable developers to create more efficient and optimized apps.

The open-source nature of Android also fosters a large and active developer community. Developers can collaborate, share knowledge, and leverage community-created resources such as libraries, frameworks, and tools. This community support can accelerate development, solve common issues, and provide guidance for best practices and emerging trends in Android development.

The Android developer community contributes to the creation of alternative app distribution channels, such as the Amazon Appstore and F-Droid. These alternative app stores provide developers with additional opportunities to reach users and monetize their apps, especially in regions where the Google Play Store may have limited access or restrictions.

Considerations for Developing on Both Platforms

Increased Development Costs and Time

Developing apps for both iOS and Android platforms simultaneously can lead to increased development costs and time compared to focusing on a single platform. When targeting both platforms, you’ll need to allocate resources for platform-specific development, testing, and maintenance.

Developing for iOS and Android requires different skill sets, programming languages, and tools. iOS apps are typically developed using Swift or Objective-C, while Android apps are developed using Java or Kotlin. This means you’ll need to either hire separate development teams for each platform or invest in training your existing team to be proficient in both ecosystems.

Each platform has its own design guidelines, UI components, and user experience conventions. Designing and implementing a consistent user interface across both platforms while adhering to their respective guidelines can be time-consuming and require additional design resources.

Testing and quality assurance also become more complex when targeting both platforms. You’ll need to test your app on a wide range of devices, screen sizes, and software versions to ensure compatibility and optimal performance. This increased testing effort can prolong the development cycle and require more extensive bug fixing and optimization.

Maintaining Consistent User Experience

When developing for both iOS and Android, it’s crucial to maintain a consistent user experience across platforms while still respecting the unique design patterns and user expectations of each platform. Users should be able to easily navigate and interact with your app, regardless of whether they are using an iOS or Android device.

To achieve a consistent user experience, consider the following:

• Design a unified visual language: Establish a consistent visual style, color scheme, and typography that reflects your brand and app’s personality. While the specific UI components may differ between platforms, the overall look and feel should be cohesive.
• Adapt to platform-specific conventions: Respect the design guidelines and user interface patterns of each platform. iOS users expect certain gestures, navigation styles, and UI elements, while Android users have their own set of expectations. Strike a balance between consistency and platform-specific best practices.
• Provide similar core functionality: Ensure that the core features and functionality of your app are available and work seamlessly on both platforms. Users should be able to perform the same key tasks and access the same content, regardless of their device.
• Optimize performance: Ensure that your app performs well on both platforms, considering factors such as app size, loading times, and responsiveness. Optimize your app’s performance to provide a smooth and reliable user experience across different devices and network conditions.

Leveraging Cross-Platform Development Tools

To streamline the development process and reduce the effort required to maintain separate codebases for iOS and Android, consider leveraging cross-platform development tools. These tools allow you to write a single codebase that can be compiled and deployed to both platforms, saving time and resources.

Some popular cross-platform development tools include:

• React Native: Developed by Facebook, React Native allows you to build native mobile apps using JavaScript and React. It provides a rich set of UI components and APIs that map to their native counterparts, resulting in near-native performance.
• Flutter: Created by Google, Flutter is an open-source UI software development kit that enables building natively compiled apps for mobile, web, and desktop platforms from a single codebase. It offers a wide range of customizable widgets and tools for fast and expressive app development.
• Xamarin: Xamarin is a Microsoft-owned platform that allows developers to build native Android, iOS, and Windows apps using C# and .NET. It provides a shared codebase for business logic and platform-specific UI layers.

When choosing a cross-platform development tool, consider factors such as performance, developer productivity, community support, and access to native platform features. While cross-platform tools can significantly reduce development time and costs, they may have limitations compared to native platform-specific development.

Next Steps

Conducting Market Research and User Surveys

Before diving into mobile app development, it’s crucial to conduct thorough market research and user surveys to validate your app idea and gather insights about your target audience. Market research helps you understand the competitive landscape, identify potential opportunities, and assess the viability of your app concept.

Start by analyzing existing apps in your niche, their features, user reviews, and ratings. Look for gaps in the market that your app can fill and identify unique selling points that set your app apart from competitors. Conduct user surveys and focus groups to gather feedback on your app idea, features, and user preferences. This valuable data will help you refine your app concept and ensure that it meets the needs and expectations of your target users.

Consulting with Experienced Mobile App Developers

Developing a successful mobile app requires technical expertise and knowledge of best practices. Consulting with experienced mobile app developers can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the development process. These experts can help you make informed decisions about platform selection, technology stack, architecture, and user experience design.

When consulting with mobile app developers, discuss your app idea, target audience, and business goals. Seek their advice on the feasibility of your app, potential challenges, and recommended approaches. Experienced developers can also provide estimates for development time, costs, and resources required, helping you plan and budget accordingly.

Consider partnering with a reputable mobile app development company, such as Dogtown Media, or hiring freelance developers with proven track records in your niche. Look for developers who have experience in building apps similar to yours and can provide references and a portfolio of their work.

Evaluating Budget and Resource Constraints

Developing a mobile app can be a significant investment, and it’s essential to evaluate your budget and resource constraints before embarking on the development journey. Determine the available financial resources you can allocate to app development, including design, development, testing, and marketing expenses.

Consider the different development options available, such as native app development, cross-platform development, or hybrid app development. Each approach has its own cost implications and trade-offs in terms of performance, user experience, and time-to-market. Assess which approach aligns best with your budget and resource constraints while still delivering the desired app quality and functionality.

In addition to financial resources, consider the human resources required for app development. Determine whether you have the necessary skills and expertise in-house or if you need to hire external developers, designers, and quality assurance professionals. Factor in the time and effort required for project management, communication, and collaboration among team members.

Creating a Development Roadmap and Timeline

Once you have conducted market research, consulted with experienced developers, and evaluated your budget and resources, it’s time to create a development roadmap and timeline. A well-defined roadmap outlines the key milestones, deliverables, and dependencies involved in the app development process.

Break down the development process into manageable phases, such as:

• Planning and requirements gathering
• UI/UX design
• Development and coding
• Testing and quality assurance
• App store submission and launch
• Post-launch maintenance and updates

Assign realistic timelines to each phase, taking into account the complexity of your app, available resources, and potential risks and contingencies. Regularly review and update your roadmap based on progress, feedback, and any changes in requirements or priorities.

Effective project management is crucial to ensure that your app development stays on track and within budget. Use project management tools and methodologies, such as Agile or Scrum, to facilitate collaboration, track progress, and address any issues or delays promptly.

By following these next steps–conducting market research, consulting with experienced developers, evaluating budget and resources, and creating a development roadmap – you’ll be well-prepared to embark on your mobile app development journey and bring your app idea to life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Choosing the Right Mobile App Platform

How do I determine which platform, iOS or Android, is best suited for my app?

To determine the best platform for your app, consider factors such as your target audience demographics, app functionality requirements, development costs, and monetization strategies. Conduct market research and analyze your target users’ preferences and behavior to make an informed decision. If your app caters to a premium, design-focused audience, iOS may be the better choice. If you’re targeting a broader, more diverse user base or require greater flexibility in customization, Android might be more suitable.

Can I develop my app for both iOS and Android platforms simultaneously? 

Yes, it is possible to develop your app for both iOS and Android platforms simultaneously. However, this approach requires more resources, time, and effort compared to developing for a single platform. You’ll need to consider the increased development costs, the need for platform-specific expertise, and the challenge of maintaining a consistent user experience across both platforms. Cross-platform development tools like React Native, Flutter, or Xamarin can help streamline the development process, but they may have limitations compared to native platform-specific development.

How much does it cost to develop a mobile app for iOS or Android? 

The cost of developing a mobile app for iOS or Android varies depending on factors such as app complexity, features, development approach, and the hourly rates of the development team. On average, a simple app can cost between $10,000 to $50,000, while more complex apps can range from $50,000 to $500,000 or more. It’s essential to evaluate your budget and resource constraints and prioritize features accordingly. Consider the development costs and the ongoing expenses for app maintenance, updates, and marketing.

How long does it take to develop a mobile app for iOS or Android?

The development timeline for a mobile app depends on various factors, including the app’s complexity, features, the size and experience of the development team, and the development approach. A simple app with basic features can take around 2-4 months to develop, while a more complex app with advanced functionality can take 6-12 months or longer. Creating a detailed development roadmap and timeline, breaking down the process into manageable phases, and regularly reviewing progress can help keep the development on track.

How do I ensure the success of my mobile app on iOS or Android? 

To ensure the success of your mobile app on iOS or Android, start by conducting thorough market research and user surveys to validate your app idea and gather insights about your target audience. Consult with experienced mobile app developers to get guidance on technical feasibility, best practices, and development approaches. Evaluate your budget and resource constraints realistically, and prioritize features and functionality accordingly. Create a comprehensive development roadmap and timeline, and regularly review and adapt based on feedback and market conditions. After launch, continue to gather user feedback, analyze app performance metrics, and provide regular updates and improvements to keep users engaged and satisfied.

News surrounding iPhone X updates, the launch of iPhone XS and XR, and the Apple Watch were expected, but the company surprisingly had nothing to say about Macs, iPad Pros, and MacBooks.

iPhone X’s Lineup Grows

Apple added a 5.8-inch iPhone XS and 6.5-inch XS Max to the iPhone X family. The company removed the iPhone X in the process of launching the newer models. Both models will come equipped with a new A12 chip, OLED display, Dual-SIM functionality, and FaceID.

Neither of the new models had their front-facing camera taken away; in fact, Apple added more photography features to the models: better depth capture, Smart HDR, bokeh effects, and user-adjustable depth of field.

Another less expensive iPhone X phone was added to the lineup as well: the iPhone XR. With the display coming in at 6.1 inches, it’ll cost $749. Apple will take pre-orders starting October 19th, but Apple stores will stock the XR starting October 26th. Intended to replace the iPhone 8 Plus, it also replaced the physical home button for gesture controls and FaceID.

Pre-orders for the XS and XS Max opened September 14th, and the store will stock the phones starting September 21st in the U.S.

Battery Warranty

Part of the presentation, weirdly enough, was dedicated to Apple’s battery replacement costs for out-of-warranty batteries. The company will raise prices in 2019, starting January 1st.

Currently, replacing your battery costs $29. Battery prices were lowered temporarily after Apple faced public backlash for slowing down iPhones with older batteries to force customers to buy new batteries (or new phones). The new batteries will cost a whopping $69, so get yours replaced before the Christmas rush.

The New Apple Watch

Updates to the Apple Watch include a bigger screen, better speaker, ECG tracker approved by the FDA, and improved reception. Apple’s super proud of the ECG, and for good reason: it’s the first over-the-counter product offering an ECG feature. Although the device looks for signs of atrial fibrillation, some doctors are warning that the technology is still in its infancy.

No News on Other Products

The launch event seemed to be dedicated to only the smaller devices; MacBooks and iPads weren’t mentioned in the presentations. Some industry experts think that means Apple will have another press conference, this time covering the bigger devices and a newly-improved feature: Memojis in group FaceTime video calls. The conferences could also revolve around new macOS and iOS development.

What was your favorite announcement from this year’s Apple conference?

But is Apple even targeting these countries with the inclusion of dual-SIM phones?

A Mysterious Addition?

A curious iOS developer read through the iOS 12 beta code to find that Apple’s building support for dual-SIM cards in the new 2018 iPhone models. It’s a weird and unexpected addition to the code because Apple’s been trying to avoid SIM cards in general; they even embedded a virtual SIM card in the LTE-enabled iPad and Apple Watch to avoid the need for a physical SIM card.

Dual-SIM card-enabled phones are actually really cool; they allow users to have two different cell phone numbers that register with the same phone, so there’s no need for a business line and a personal line requiring two different devices.

Additionally, in areas with huge roaming fees, using another number that’s on another network can help avoid those charges. This type of roaming issue is important for Europeans, who often travel across the border to other European nations.

Having two SIM cards on two different networks also keeps your network coverage strong when traveling. In places like India and Africa, poor network infrastructure and spotty reception can be circumvented with two SIM cards.

Historically Low Market Shares

Unfortunately, after years of low Apple penetration in these markets combined with outdated iPhones sold for a small percent of their original price, Apple introducing dual-SIM card functionality is unlikely to change anything in India, China, or Africa.

With Chinese smartphone manufacturers shipping dual-SIM-enabled phones by default, both India and China have many more options than just Apple or Samsung. And these Chinese-manufactured phones often have cameras that are on par with the iPhone’s.

But Chinese consumers are more likely to pay for a high-end smartphone, compared to India and Africa. Apple’s market reach just might resonate with Chinese consumers. Either way, while speculation is fun, we won’t really know what the San Francisco-based developer’s intentions are until they’re officially announced.

At Dogtown Media, we’re absolutely obsessed with the future! We love to learn, ponder, and think of ways to build a better one every day. This forward-focused mentality extends well beyond mobile app development and even technology as a whole.

Last week, we had the opportunity to host members of the Marshall Memorial Fellowship at our office and talk tech with them. It was an extremely enlightening event as well as an honor to open a dialogue with some of the leaders of tomorrow!

The Future Is About Building Bridges

The Marshall Memorial Fellowship (MMF) is the premier leadership development program of the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF), a public policy think tank and institution that focuses on strengthening North American and European relations. The MMF was started in 1982 to prepare leaders for transatlantic relations.

We had the pleasure of having six fellows from the program visit our L.A. development studio: Adam Bihari, a TV reporter for Hungarian news channel HírTV; Nadja El Fertasi, the Stakeholder Engagement Senior Executive Coordinator for the NATO Communications and Information Agency; Jens Joel, Member of the Danish Parliament; Jochen Leufgens, a political editor and reporter for Germany’s largest broadcasting network, ARD; Katarzyna Przybyla, an international conflict and policy analyst at the National Security Bureau of Poland; and Dimitrios Tsingos, an early-stage investor and tech entrepreneur from Athens, Greece.

The group had embarked on a trip across the United States to gain an unparalleled perspective on current affairs. Their weeklong stay in L.A. was meant to give them a glimpse into the various factors shaping the region. They had the chance to explore a variety of topics in various venues, including entertainment at Culver Studios, homelessness at L.A.’s Downtown Women’s Center, social enterprise at L.A. Kitchen, and the legalization of cannabis with the County of Los Angeles.

Technology Is the Foundation of the Future

Technology plays an integral role in modern society. Given the emergence of Silicon Beach and the multitude of tech companies it encompasses, it was an absolute necessity to round out the MMF group’s visit with a deep-dive into this burgeoning part of Los Angeles.

Lauren Klymshyn, our Director of Operations, briefed the fellows on Dogtown Media itself, more specifically, how we came to be, our main goal of making products with purpose, our strategic location in Venice, and some of the cool endeavors and clients we get to work with during our day-to-day.

Kim Calderone, one of our UX and UI designers, discussed the vital role of user testing in technology creation. Feedback is crucial to understanding and shaping how we use technology in our lives. It’s often the stage where assumptions become validated, cumbersome pain points can be identified and dealt with, and the product becomes something that users will actually like to use.

Brianna Price, another one of our UX/UI designers, took us “under the hood” of the process of developing Roadtrip Nation, a career guidance app. There’s a big difference between making an average app and making an awesome app, and Brianna helped the MMF group understand how our nuanced procedure methodically produces extraordinary results.

Last but not least, Sean McCue, our VP of Engineering, gave a live tech demo of some of the capabilities that augmented reality brings to the app development space. The trip wouldn’t be complete without showing off some possibilities for the near future of AR; not only did the MMF group get to have some fun during this segment, but they also got a chance to see some features that will probably be coming to a phone near you soon.

Getting a visit from the Marshall Memorial Fellowship will definitely be one of our major highlights for 2018, and we’d gladly have the group back anytime! We’d like to give a special thanks to Taleen Ananian, the L.A. coordinator for the German Marshall Fund of the United States, for making all of this possible!

Cybersecurity remains a hot topic in the tech community, as there seems to be no shortage of new flaws or hacks being uncovered. This edition of Dogtown Media News focuses on current security troubles with cryptocurrency apps.

In the Fintech categories of iOS and Android apps, cryptocurrency apps are beginning to fill the top spots. With blockchain app development often used to secure the backend, many users feel safe using these apps to dip their feet into Bitcoin investing. But new research may make them think twice.

A Lack of Cryptocybersecurity

That’s a mouthful, isn’t it?

It’s widely assumed that a mobile app dealing with cryptocurrencies is automatically secure. Two-factor authentication and various cold storage techniques used by cryptocurrency exchanges promise privacy. But just because you’re working with anonymous, private transactions doesn’t necessarily mean that your app is secure. And that’s a difficult concept for a lot of consumers to wrap their head around.

High-Tech Bridge recently released an in-depth report detailing exactly how deep these cybersecurity flaws run. More than 90% of the most popular cryptocurrency apps on the Google Play store display common vulnerabilities and weaknesses. CEO of High-Tech Bridge, Ilia Kolochenko, explains, “Weakness in a mobile application may lead to a breach of the mobile device or its data, while a vulnerable API on the backend – may allow attackers to steal the integrity of users’ data.”

On an optimistic note, the data suggests that cryptocurrency apps with more downloads make a bigger effort towards cybersecurity. For example, 80% of the first 30 apps with up to 100,000 installs were sending potentially sensitive data without any encryption over HTTP. That number dropped to 37% for the first 30 apps with 500,000 installs. 93% of the top 30 apps with 100,000 installs had at least three medium-risk vulnerabilities. That fell to 66% of the top 30 apps with 500,000 installs.

Focusing More on Security Going Forward

“Unfortunately, I am not surprised with the outcomes of the research,” Kolochenko said of the results. “For many years, cybersecurity companies and independent experts were notifying mobile app developers about the risks of ‘agile’ development.”

Kolochenko explains how mobile app developers can address these security flaws: “A mobile app usually contains much less exploitable vulnerabilities than its backend. To minimize security vulnerabilities and weaknesses in mobile applications, developers should carefully plan and rigorously implement security and privacy from the early stages of development.”

It’s much more cost-effective to pay upfront in time and money for security, testing, and debugging than trying to patch things up when you’ve got 500,000 users. Cybersecurity is a cornerstone of strong mobile app development, and all developers should incorporate security into their timeline much earlier in the production cycle. A great mobile app experience is just as much about making your users feel safe as it is about giving them the future at their fingertips.

iPhone app developers, we hope you’ve been studying up on your optics. The iPhone X may have just become available at the beginning of this month, but there’s already news about its successor. Bloomberg recently reported that Apple is considering incorporating a laser in the next iPhone iteration to improve Augmented Reality (AR) applications.

Transforming the iPhone into a Leading AR Device

Apple is currently tinkering with the idea of including a rear-facing 3D sensor in the 2019 iPhone. The sensor would basically shoot out a laser and record the time it took for the laser to bounce back to the device. This would allow the iPhone to deduce the distance the laser traveled.

This optics technique is a fundamental one used in various applications already. But Apple’s interest in it solely focuses on the potential it offers to drastically improve AR applications. AR is poised to disrupt how we utilize and interact with our phones, and Apple plans on turning its iPhone into one of the leading AR devices so that it is at the forefront of this revolution.

Giving the iPhone Some Depth Perception

iOS 11 is the latest mobile operating system released by Apple in September. It contains ARKit, a developer tool that focuses on making it easier for AR developers to create apps for the iPhone. While additional tools for this are anticipated to launch in the near future, ARKit has been received as a great start.

ARKit is great for finding flat surfaces and imposing virtual objects on them. But one of the main gripes with the software tool is its weakness in identifying vertical planes (doors, windows, walls) as well as its lack of dependable depth perception. Coupled together, these shortcomings make it hard to actually interact with virtual objects. By now, you can probably guess what the solution is — lasers.

The 3D sensor being considered for implementation would essentially use a time-of-flight approach. By calculating the time it takes for its laser to bounce off nearby objects, the sensor can create a 3D depiction of the environment. This depiction could then be used by AR apps for a more seamless experience.

The Future of Apple and AR

AR is a topic near and dear to Apple CEO Tim Cook. In a conversation with Bloomberg, he already hinted towards Apple’s strategy regarding AR: “I think it is profound. I am so excited about it, I just want to yell out and scream. The first step in making it a mainstream kind of experience is to put it in the operating system.”

Mr. Cook believes the implications of AR technology will extend far beyond San Francisco app developers and other tech communities. “We’re already seeing things that will transform the way you work, play, connect, and learn,” he announced during a recent Apple earnings call. “AR is going to change the way we use technology forever.”

The 3D sensor is still in early testing phases and may not be included in the final version of the next iPhone iteration. But from the above statements, you can bet that it won’t be long until we finally do see Apple taking on a more active role in AR technology.

Dallas iOS app developers are excited that iOS 11 is finally here — and with it, ARKit, Apple’s new augmented reality platform. Because apps developed with ARKit are now available to anyone with an iPhone 6 or later, it is the biggest AR platform in the world. Ever since Apple announced the platform at WWDC back in June, developers have had the chance to put together apps that showcase and experiment with AR technology. Now that iOS 11 has arrived, we finally get the chance to check out this new wave of augmented reality apps.

One of the cool things about AR is that it has the ability to close the gap between shopping in the store and shopping online. In the case of big purchases like furniture, AR offers some advantages that you can’t find at the store. While iOS app developers haven’t yet figured out how to let someone virtually test sit on a couch or test sleep on a mattress, they have figured out how to use AR to let consumers see what a new couch or bed looks like in their houses. IKEA has launched an app using ARKit that brings more than 2,000 pieces of its furniture into users’ (digital) living rooms. If only they could create an app that would simulate the taste of those meatballs…

Another similar app comes from interior design and home improvement platform Houzz. The freshly updated app, appropriately enough called View in My Room 3D, enables users to view a catalog of a half a million pieces of furniture or interior design elements in 3D images of rooms in their house. Harnessing the power of ARKit, the app is better able to replicate objects’ textures and the ambiance of the room. Houzz has boasted some pretty impressive results from earlier versions of the app, claiming that customers are 11 times more likely to make a purchase after toying around with View in My Room 3D. iOS app developers expect that the improved AR will only increase sales further — and draw in new users who just want to fantasize about their perfect homes.

This afternoon, while everyone was looking skyward to catch a glimpse at that solar eclipse (including the president, who couldn’t resist the urge to look up without his special glasses on), Google officially unveiled the eighth version of Android. Called Android Oreo, the updated OS transitioned today from its developer preview to the Android Open Source Project. According to Google, it will roll out on Nexus and Pixel devices “soon,” and it will be available on other devices that run Android before the year’s end. While Android app developers have to acknowledge that a lot of Oreo’s new features a ripped from iOS, the OS has a lot of upgrades users are going to really appreciate.

Android app developers will recognize the new bells and whistles from Google I/O. Perhaps the biggest lift from iOS is Oreo’s notifications, which takes the tried-and-true system of small dots on app icons to indicate when an update is ready or the app otherwise has something to notify you about. The Android app developer community is excited about the new picture-in-picture mode, which has been around on iPads (but not iPhones) since iOS 9. With this mode, users can watch a minimized video, as well as move it around the screen, while handling other business on their Android device. The fact that this capability will be available on phones actually puts Oreo ahead of iOS on this feature.

Oreo also improves upon the autofill tool available on Apple devices by integrating it across all apps on the device, so there is no more filling out the same tedious information in app after app. New York City Android app developers also like the new copy-and-paste function, which is bolstered by Google’s state-of-the-art AI. The so-called Smart Text Selection pulls up a link to Maps when anything address-like is highlighted, or the phone when a number is selected. But all of this takes a backseat to what people are most excited about: new emojis. After all, who doesn’t like emojis? Oreo has a brand new batch, 86ing the awkward blob emojis that have appeared on Android devices for years in favor of more traditional rounded ones. The future of communication is here.

Everyone in tech seems to agree that the future is in augmented reality, but a clear AR leader has yet to emerge. Google and Facebook have a head start on the competition, but Apple threw its hat in the ring at this week’s WWDC with ARKit, its new AR platform. Apple can now claim that it has “the largest AR platform in the world.” This is great news for iPhone app developers looking to break into AR and its seemingly endless possibilities.

The ARKit makes the imaging and tracking built into iPhones and iPads available to developers instead of forcing them to create their own from scratch. It utilizes something Apple is calling “world tracking,” a form of machine learning that maps out various points in an environment and tracks those points so that perspective and scale change accordingly as users move their device around. It’s impressive, but it’s not quite the AR breakthrough iPhone app developers have been craving — at least not yet. Unlike Google Lens or the AR ambitions Facebook unveiled at this year’s F8, Apple hasn’t emphasized the camera as a sort of automatic search function, which seems to be one of the most potentially revolutionary aspects of AR. Overall the WWDC announcement was surprisingly light on prophetic speechifying about the ways AR and machine learning are going to change the world.

But maybe Apple knows that kind of talk ultimately doesn’t matter, especially if it has its long game in place. As soon as iOS 11 hits, Boston iPhone app developers will be able to deliver their AR creations to iPhone and iPad users. People won’t need to buy a new device akin to Google Glass or Snap Spectacles — their AR device is already in the palm of their hands. Google’s Tango project is not on every Android device, and developers working on AR for Facebook are exclusively tied to the Camera app. ARKit will be on every iPhone or iPad running iOS 11, and developers will be able to incorporate its features into independent apps. All of this bodes well for Apple in the chess game that is the AR field.

This year’s Apple Worldwide Developer Conference kicks off next week, and as always, iOS app developers are buzzing about what will be unveiled this year. Lately it seems that Apple has been taking a drubbing in the press for falling into a post-Jobs innovation slump, so the pressure is on this year to stir up excitement over all things Apple. So what is expected to drop at this year’s WWDC? Let’s take a look at some of the highlights from the rumor mill:

iOS 11

Since the conference focuses on software over hardware, we most likely won’t get to see the iPhone 7 or that 10-year anniversary phone at WWDC. But we might get an idea of their capabilities from what is revealed about iOS 11. Many iOS app developers are expecting a beefed-up Siri, a dark mode for the display, more emphasis on the zany new video app Clips, and updates to iMessage, FaceTime, and Apple Pay. The latest MacOS update is also almost guaranteed to turn up, most likely equipped with more features from iOS than ever before.

New laptops, computers, and tablets

If industry gossip is to be believed, the MacBook lineup may be getting an upgrade at this year’s WWDC. The latest MacBook Pros sold very well, but have generally been considered a letdown. Apple may redeem itself at the conference with a new MacBook Pro — and infuriate a lot of people who just dropped a pretty penny on the most recent inferior model. The relatively affordable MacBook Air hasn’t been refreshed; a new model would be very exciting for the cash-strapped Apple fan.

The company has confirmed that new desktop iMacs are on the way in 2017, but it’s unclear whether or not they will make an appearance at WWDC. iOS app developers are crossing their fingers that a new Mac Pro will be announced, especially now that Apple has admitted that its latest model was a colossal disappointment.

We’ll also be on the lookout for new iPads, including a new iPad Pro, a line that also hasn’t been refreshed since 2015.

A Home for Siri?

One of the pieces of hardware industry observers are hoping to see at this year’s WWDC is a Siri speaker for smart homes. After the enthusiastic response Amazon’s new Echo Show received last month, it feels downright necessary for Apple to get in on the smart home device competition. They have been testing prototypes for a voice assistant speaker since last year — will they have one ready for the conference?

WatchOS 4

Wearables are almost always linked to health and wellness, and this year many Apple experts are anticipating new healthcare functions for the Apple Watch. Tim Cook has recently spoken about Apple’s efforts to develop a non-invasive glucose monitor for the Watch for diabetics, but most iPhone app developers expect that that feature might not be ready in time for WWDC. We’re more likely to see sleep-tracking incorporated into the device, especially after Apple’s recent acquisition of Beddit. It would also be great if the company finally revealed its watch face store.

Apple TV

A tvOS update should be announced, likely with support for Apple’s direct competition Amazon Video. After Hulu and YouTube have announced cable-like packages in recent months, many are wondering if Apple will do the same. We also wouldn’t rule out the possibility of a new 4K Apple TV.

Apple Park and the environment

One thing that is surely a lock at WWDC is that Apple will be talking a lot about its sustainability efforts and its impressive new campus. Apple is one of the tech giants that has stood up to the Trump administration’s outright hostility to efforts to curb climate change; expect the company to continue seize the moment to remind the world that its fighting the good fight.

If San Francisco iOS app developers know anything about WWDC, it’s that there are no guarantees. Apple is going to want to surprise us this year — and we love surprises.