India’s startup scene is booming, and mobile apps are right at the centre of this tech revolution. Whether it’s fintech, edtech, healthtech, or food delivery, the question every startup faces is: Should we build for iOS or Android first?

Now, more than ever in 2025, this decision carries greater weight. Mobile platforms are not just about technology anymore – they affect everything from user experience and development cost to business growth and investor interest.

So, what’s the right choice for Indian startups in 2025? Let’s explore the trends, pros and cons, and what startups should consider when picking between iOS and Android.

India’s Mobile Market in 2025: A Rapidly Evolving Space

India has emerged as a global powerhouse in the mobile market. With over 1.2 billion mobile phone users and growing internet access in smaller towns and villages, businesses now have a wider reach than ever before.

In terms of operating systems:

• Android still dominates with around 85% market share, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
• iOS users, though fewer, are typically based in urban areas and have higher spending capacity.

In 2025, the gap is narrowing slightly. More people in India can now afford Apple devices, thanks to local manufacturing, trade-in offers, and EMI options.

Key Insights:

• Android remains popular for mass market reach.
• iOS offers better monetisation and user loyalty.

Startup Goals vs Platform Features

Every Indian startup is different, but most have similar early-stage goals:

• Build a product quickly
• Save on development costs
• Gain users fast
• Start earning revenue
• Scale smoothly
• Keep users secure and happy

Let’s see how Android and iOS compare based on these needs:

In short: If your app is for the masses, Android might be better. If it’s for premium services, iOS could be more rewarding.

What Developers Prefer in 2025

In the past, startups needed two separate teams for iOS and Android. That meant double the cost and effort. But now, things have changed.

Cross-platform tools like:

• Flutter (by Google)
• React Native (by Meta)
• Xamarin, and others

… allow developers to build one app that works on both platforms.

But still, there are times when you need a native app – especially for high-performance features, animations, or deep system-level functions.

Developer Availability:

India has a large pool of Android developers, but there’s also a growing demand for iOS developers for hire as more startups target iOS users for revenue.

If you're planning to build only an iOS version first, it's wise to partner with an iOS app development company in India that understands local market needs and user expectations.

User Behaviour and Monetisation Trends

In 2025, user behaviour continues to shape how apps earn money:

• iOS users spend more on apps, subscriptions, and digital content.
• Android users prefer free apps with ads or limited features.

For startups that rely on subscriptions (like edtech or fitness apps), iOS is a better bet. For businesses depending on ad revenue or reaching more users fast (like news or social apps), Android works better.

Example:

An Indian edtech startup launched on Android first and got 1 million downloads. But when they released the iOS version, they found that 30% of their revenue came from just 10% of users — all from iOS.

That’s the power of user quality over user quantity.

Privacy, Security, and Legal Rules

Indian users are becoming more aware of data safety and privacy. The new Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill makes startups legally responsible for protecting user data.

This is where iOS still shines:

• Apple has strict app tracking rules
• User permission controls are stronger
• Better support for encryption and privacy-focused features

Android has also improved in recent versions, but it still faces challenges due to the wide range of devices and custom UI layers from different manufacturers.

Startups dealing with sensitive data (like fintech or healthcare) should consider iOS app development seriously, especially when user trust is a priority. Partnering with a trusted iOS app development company India can ensure your product aligns with both technical and legal requirements.

What Investors Want in 2025

In 2025, funding is competitive. Startups need to impress investors not only with their idea but also with how smartly they reach users.

Investors now ask questions like:

• What’s your app platform strategy?
• Are you planning for cross-platform?
• How do you plan to monetise on each platform?
• What’s your user acquisition cost on iOS vs Android?

They want to see clear thinking — not just about launching an app, but about building a sustainable, scalable business.

Pro Tip:

Some investors actually prefer seeing an iOS version first because it often shows the startup is targeting paying users and focusing on app quality.

So… Which One Should You Choose?

There is no “one-size-fits-all” answer. It depends on your app, your target users, your monetisation model, and your long-term goals.

Here’s a simplified guide:

Remember: The goal isn’t just to launch an app — it’s to build a product that users love and that drives your business forward.

Conclusion

In 2025, the “iOS vs Android” debate is less about which platform is better and more about which best fits your business goals. For Indian startups, Android provides wider reach, while iOS often delivers stronger returns. A strategic approach could be to start with one platform, evaluate performance, and then expand—either through native development or cross-platform solutions. Choosing the right development partner is key to success. Binstellar Technologies Pvt. Ltd. offers end-to-end mobile app development services. Whether you want to hire Shopify developers in India or need a trusted iOS app development company, we tailor our solutions to meet your vision.