Will Android phones take over the iPhone?

51 replies
I recently read that on a daily basis, there are now more Android-based phones sold than iPhones. On the surface it seems like the iPhone is like Internet Explorer, and within a year or two Android (Firefox et al) will take a huge share of their market.

I'm looking for a new project and I'm looking at app development, so this is just something I've been thinking about. Anyone out there develop apps and have any input on this?

I guess at this point you would still develop for the iPhone, and plan on having to develop for both iPhone and Android in the near future?
#android #iphone #phones
  • Profile picture of the author Rich Struck
    Well it depends on whether or not Verizon ever gets the iPhone. As it is, AT&T's coverage sucks and I think that really encourages a lot of people to use an Android based phone instead. Apple's biggest enemy right now is itself and AT&T. Still, I'd probably work on developing Android apps myself.
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    • Profile picture of the author Bruce Wedding
      Originally Posted by Rich Struck View Post

      As it is, AT&T's coverage sucks and I think that really encourages a lot of people to use an Android based phone instead. Apple's biggest enemy right now is itself and AT&T.
      I have a new Samsung Captiva from AT&T running Android 2.0. Every time I show it to an iPhone owner, they start crying.

      Think iPhone with bigger screen, much lighter, thinner, more stylish, better reception and many more free apps. And I can replace my battery in 30 seconds with a $5 battery on ebay.

      Apple will always have a following but in a year, the Android installed base will be 2-4X what the iPhone base is and keep on distancing itself rapidly.
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    • Profile picture of the author Josh Anderson
      Originally Posted by Rich Struck View Post

      Well it depends on whether or not Verizon ever gets the iPhone. As it is, AT&T's coverage sucks and I think that really encourages a lot of people to use an Android based phone instead. Apple's biggest enemy right now is itself and AT&T. Still, I'd probably work on developing Android apps myself.
      Its not just the network sucking any more....

      Many of the newer Android phones have surpassed the iPhone in physical and software features. The Android phones can do a lot that even the iPhone 4 cannot match.

      Apple has a more mature app market and an operating system that is slightly easier to use which appeals to the uninitiated...

      But surfing the web with any Apple mobile device feels like surfing the web with a lobotomy.

      Froyo 2.2 rocks!
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  • Profile picture of the author dsiomtw
    Latest rumor is that Verizon will start selling the iPhone in January.

    I don't think it's as simple as that though. There are many advantages/benefits to the consumer of an Android based phone, so even if/when the iPhone gets to Verizon I don't think it will hurt Android's growth one bit.

    Apple obviously has the first mover advantage with the iPhone, but in the long run I just don't see any possible way that the iPhone can compete with a truly open platform like Android...
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  • Profile picture of the author Kevin_Hutto
    I dont think they will. I think that there will always be apple loyal consumers which means that the iphone will always be around.
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  • Profile picture of the author paulie888
    I don't think there's a question of either platform establishing a commanding dominance over the other one (especially with Apple having such fiercely loyal fans). Both will have more than their fair share of loyalists and adherents, so the more interesting question would be whether the Android application market is going to gain widespread popularity and expand to the size and level (especially in terms of paid applications) of the Apple iPhone app store.
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  • Profile picture of the author dsiomtw
    so the more interesting question would be whether the Android application market is going to gain widespread popularity and expand to the size and level (especially in terms of paid applications) of the Apple iPhone app store.
    Why wouldn't it? People love apps ... why would it matter what phone they using?
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    • Profile picture of the author paulie888
      Originally Posted by dsiomtw View Post

      Why wouldn't it? People love apps ... why would it matter what phone they using?
      It'd matter because the apps are platform dependent, and at the moment developers are flocking to the iPhone app store because it is a proven marketplace where the users are willing to shell out money for apps - the Android app store has mostly free apps, and it has less commercial potential presently (at least to the developers).
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  • Profile picture of the author Keen F
    Apples hold on iPhones hardware and software is looking more and more like the Macintosh market, and we know where that went...

    I think Android will inevitably take over the market unless Apple does something. At the moment Apple is monopolizing its strength over the market by only allowing Mac developers, disallowing Flash and hugely constricting its app developers... Since most people are on Windows, I think this can only go in one direction.
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  • Profile picture of the author Barry Unruh
    All this talk about Android phones and iPhones make me wonder what will happen in the tablet PC arena, too.

    Android tablets look pretty nice, the iPad is cool, Windows 7 tablets are nice... it could be a fun battle, except for the fact the Android tablets are MUCH cheaper...
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    • Profile picture of the author FSchmieder
      Originally Posted by Barry Unruh View Post

      All this talk about Android phones and iPhones make me wonder what will happen in the tablet PC arena, too.

      Android tablets look pretty nice, the iPad is cool, Windows 7 tablets are nice... it could be a fun battle, except for the fact the Android tablets are MUCH cheaper...
      I already have a tablet PC. It also makes phone calls :p
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    I absolutely think Android is going to give iPhone a run for their money. If I were developing apps, I would be developing Android apps. I just bought a Droid X and it is fantastic ... and I've bought a lot of apps for it already ...

    and now that Angry Birds is available for Droid ... watch out iPhone!
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    • Profile picture of the author koolphoto
      I think Apple is too concerned about exclusivity and control. These ideas have been around for as long as the company has been around. I think that is why Microsoft and the PC industry initially got such a big lead over the Apple computers.

      Apple still hasn't learned yet.

      I don't like the idea of being forced to use one carrier to buy a phone I want. So, I went elsewhere and bought an Android. Now, I like it and I don't need to buy an iphone. And, no convincing will ever get me to go for the iPhone until Apple changes their ways. Which, I think, will never happen.

      For the longest time, Apple had a monopoly on innovation. I think they have met their match with Google.
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      • Profile picture of the author rts2271
        The only reason people own iPhones is the lemming effect. First run G1 android phones STILL have more hardware and software features then the current iphone.
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  • Profile picture of the author D_M_S
    I'm an app developer and I also own iPhone. So, from my perspective Android wins, hands down.

    Here's why:

    1 - Apple maintains WAY too much control over their apps and store. It costs a few hundred dollars to even start working with the Apple SDK and then you have to worry about app approval.

    2 - Android is cheap. You can literally write and deploy apps with ZERO costs. All the tools you need are free and it has a vibrant development community that will help you with any problems you come across.

    3 - I have the need to write business apps that may only have a limited audience. Let's say I have a client with about 50 employees and they want to use a custom, private, mobile app. There is NO way to deploy this out on the iPhone. With the Android, you could do it in the matter of hours. But for the iPhone you would have to create an extremely secure app, put it in the app store (assuming it gets approved) and then give it to your employees and hope to God that no one outside of your company downloads it.
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    • Profile picture of the author steveproxy
      Originally Posted by D_M_S View Post

      I'm an app developer and I also own iPhone. So, from my perspective Android wins, hands down.

      Here's why:

      1 - Apple maintains WAY too much control over their apps and store. It costs a few hundred dollars to even start working with the Apple SDK and then you have to worry about app approval.

      2 - Android is cheap. You can literally write and deploy apps with ZERO costs. All the tools you need are free and it has a vibrant development community that will help you with any problems you come across.

      3 - I have the need to write business apps that may only have a limited audience. Let's say I have a client with about 50 employees and they want to use a custom, private, mobile app. There is NO way to deploy this out on the iPhone. With the Android, you could do it in the matter of hours. But for the iPhone you would have to create an extremely secure app, put it in the app store (assuming it gets approved) and then give it to your employees and hope to God that no one outside of your company downloads it.
      yes, i agree with you.
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  • Profile picture of the author eiilers
    I'm a previous iPhone owner and current Android owner, and I can honestly say Android blows the socks out of IOS.

    Plus Google is working on AppInventor, which is AWESOME... allows even newbie programmers to create and publish apps, all online and for free. Pretty awesome. Check it out at About - App Inventor for Android - I am currently testing it (still in beta) and it rocks. Even easier than Visual Basic to use, and very powerful.
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    • Profile picture of the author research
      Things are looking good for Android Tablet pc, with or without phone.

      We will see some dramatic changes in the next six months . . . if not I will
      eat my Apple . . .
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  • Profile picture of the author healthstatus
    right now there are 70 million iPhone/iTouch owners, develop for iPhone first, there are fewer design decisions and issues (fewer screen res/size options, more standardized UI), their app store is far superior to any Android app store. A good app will pay for its development in 3-4 months. Let the iPhoners play with it and make suggestions, develop version 1.1 as an Android app. I have done this, it works.
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  • Profile picture of the author davewebsmith
    The problem is the hardware platform - much like the Mac's on the market in the computer sector ...

    Ill use the IPhone4 as a start point ...

    IPhone 4 = IPhone Spec iOS4.x

    Iphone 4 is a nice phone, quick and feature packed. well made and a quality product. The main issue is the Hardware. As the iOs get heavier and patched the hardware will have to cope and the phone slows down. Also you are restricted to the SSD (solid state drive) capacity you buy - eg) 16Gb or 32Gb

    ANDRIOD = VIRTUALISATION = RUNS on any platform (performance)

    I currently use the HTV Desire. I moved off the Iphone 3G (upgraded to 4.0 then back to 3.x) the main reason was the limitation of ITunes and the restrictions they placed on my phone. Sure you can jailbreak the phone - but unless you are very clued up and we arent all Linux hackers - you open you phone to an incredible security breach - steal all you data / passwords / email / endless dangers

    The Android platform is developed for freedom. Sure there are restriction but you are afforded a fantastic user experience. Personally I love the HTC Sense UI interface with the feature like FriendStream

    I have no doubt that Andriod will take the SmartPhone / Phone / IPad markets in the very near future ...

    Thanks IPhone for teaching me to love touch screens -- and now I promote the Andriod and specifically the HTC phones to my friends

    ================================================== ============
    If you are over in the US - check out the HTC EVO on Sprint - on 4G ... sick ....
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    • Profile picture of the author Will Compton
      Android has flash capability so my answer is Yes. If you are thinking about app developing, I would go with Android.
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  • Profile picture of the author AS2012
    There are alot more phone manufacturers that are using android platform. Only apple making the iPhone- it is only a matter of time before android units on all carriers overtake apple iPhone. It is a far different question which is best.
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  • Profile picture of the author CyberSEO
    [QUOTE=dsiomtw;2714108]Will Android phones take over the iPhone?

    Actually they already took over.
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  • Profile picture of the author chinacharly
    This reminds me of the early days of the desktop wars between Apple and PC. Apple was also the leader out of the gate but because of their "closed loop" model, they eventually lost out. The iPhone is headed in the same direction. Apple-heads, innovation...and slick marketing are keeping Apple ahead of the game. But that innovation lead is shrinking fast. I have an iPhone as well and outside of the WOW factor, I wish I had an Android phone! That new Moto RAZR is AMAZING!

    Here in China, having an iPhone makes everyone go "Ooooo!" But Android-based phones are activated on average on a 5:1 basis daily. And this is by far the LARGEST cell phone market in the world with over 800 MILLION cell users. The smartphone market is at about 35% of all new activations and growing FAST with new monthly pay plans similar to what is available in the US becoming available. Prior, you would need to pay UPFRONT the entire contract amount to get a phone. For most, that was not possible.

    So to answer your original question, develop Android apps for more potential long term results. User base will grow exponentially and being open-source, will not go the way of the BetaMax!
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    • Profile picture of the author jeskola
      Originally Posted by chinacharly View Post

      This reminds me of the early days of the desktop wars between Apple and PC. Apple was also the leader out of the gate but because of their "closed loop" model, they eventually lost out. The iPhone is headed in the same direction. Apple-heads, innovation...and slick marketing are keeping Apple ahead of the game. But that innovation lead is shrinking fast. I have an iPhone as well and outside of the WOW factor, I wish I had an Android phone! That new Moto RAZR is AMAZING!

      Here in China, having an iPhone makes everyone go "Ooooo!" But Android-based phones are activated on average on a 5:1 basis daily. And this is by far the LARGEST cell phone market in the world with over 800 MILLION cell users. The smartphone market is at about 35% of all new activations and growing FAST with new monthly pay plans similar to what is available in the US becoming available. Prior, you would need to pay UPFRONT the entire contract amount to get a phone. For most, that was not possible.

      So to answer your original question, develop Android apps for more potential long term results. User base will grow exponentially and being open-source, will not go the way of the BetaMax!
      Hey - you ever drink in 'the pub' in Donguan?
      Was in there a few weeks ago!
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      • Profile picture of the author chinacharly
        Originally Posted by jeskola View Post

        Hey - you ever drink in 'the pub' in Donguan?
        Was in there a few weeks ago!
        You referring to "One For The Road"? Yeah, been there once or twice but I don't go often. I'm not a drinker (must be the ONLY guy in China to say that as drinking is de rigeur for doing business in China!) so I don't hang in bars, er...pubs.

        But should you be in DG again, hit me up!
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        • Profile picture of the author jeskola
          Originally Posted by chinacharly View Post

          You referring to "One For The Road"? Yeah, been there once or twice but I don't go often. I'm not a drinker (must be the ONLY guy in China to say that as drinking is de rigeur for doing business in China!) so I don't hang in bars, er...pubs.

          But should you be in DG again, hit me up!
          That's the one.

          I'll be there soon my girlfriends sister lives not far from that bar!
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  • Profile picture of the author zuberr
    Android already has a very huge share of the app market, but in terms of money, iPhone apps are better money makers than Android. I think both platforms will coexist for a while, so if you are interested in doing app development, you are probably better off developing the same app for both platforms.

    I actually work as an Android developer for a company and currently developing an identical Android version of the company's iPhone app.
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  • Profile picture of the author livagoth
    Android is evolving fast,if there is no price drop in iPhone Android smartphones will take over...
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  • Profile picture of the author Jon Penberthy
    I don't think so.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jon Penberthy
    Iphone has the biggest market share of all smartphones by a long shot and show no signs of slowing down!
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  • Profile picture of the author pwrhouse92
    Definitely seems like this is the case. I personally have had many problems with my iPhone and it has resulted in me not being able to make phone calls or texts. I think Android will be the way to go!

    Alex
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  • Profile picture of the author rahulchauhan700
    iPhone is not just a phone... its something attached to one's personality . Android is also booming nowadays .. Nobody can predict which one will rule in the future , though apple is the #1 brand in year 2012 according to various sources
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  • Profile picture of the author networkempire
    Yes. We all read that Apple is the highest value Brand this year!!

    But Apple is control freak. I believe Google's approach is right.

    Look at the Android market growth, its massive

    Give another 5 years, Apple will start declining and Android will be everywhere, integrated to everything - TV, Tablets of every brands. Apple can't control all widgets.

    My prediction again, but Android is the way to go, I reckon
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  • Profile picture of the author David James
    It seems to me there are so many factors involved that either one could be the future market leader, especially when you look at the global market.

    IMO, costs permitting, the only sensible option would be to develop for both platforms.
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  • Profile picture of the author Gec
    Depending on your app, it might be possible to develop it in HTML 5 and have it work on both Androids and i*Devices.

    You could use a build service such as PhoneGap, or you could also look into other options that translate the HTML 5 code to native code giving you native performance. But then again, depending on your app, you might not need native performance (unless it's some game, in which case I have another tip: use Scirra's Construct 2 engine).

    It makes perfect sense IMO to develop for both markets, I can't see why one would possibly choose to go with only one market, given the option to go with both.

    HTH.
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris_Willow
    Here are some interesting stats, which might interest you:
    Play Before Work: Games Most Popular Mobile App Category in US | Nielsen Wire
    In general, iPhone users are willing to pay more.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tony Humble
    Banned
    A lot of Android vs iPhone is going to change with Apple's lawsuit against Samsung for many patents - design related and Android OS related. I really hope Samsung wins, otherwise it'll be a gloom future for Android phones.

    If you're thinking of developing an app, always go with both markets.
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  • Profile picture of the author Abdullah Isa
    Tony - the future of Android will not be gloomy, at an educated guess. You see the Android OS runs on open-source software, and there is a wealth of developers from accross the globe who play about with it.

    So, even if Apple were to win a lawsuit, and Android had to start from scratch designing an OP which doesn't break the patent (if this is currently the case), it shouldn't take too long for the programming community to discover a way round it.

    Just my 2 cents.
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Chicas
    As I'm getting more into the mobile industry I had to get an Android because of the new mobile service I started to promote. I'm a die hard Iphone fan and never really even touched an HTC phoen before but after experiencing one all I have to say is wow, what a difference. It's a lot more smoother, lighter, and way faster on a 4 g network than AT&T ever was. I love both phones, the Iphone is great for gaming and long periods of time accessing the phone. The Android HTC S I just bought gets really hot after a while.

    Overall if you are into IM I think you'd love either phone, but for me and my business I can see the Android phone having great value to access websites on a bigger screen, use apps that are business oriented and it feels a lot faster. I haven't decided to get rid of my Iphone yet though. ; )
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  • It is looking that way, but I am a loyal mac user so I would stick to the iPhone
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  • Profile picture of the author AgentHomes
    It's an open system (Android) vs Closed system (Apple) in the end the open system will win because there will be far more people invested in making the open system better.

    It's Mac vs Windows all over again.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dan J
    I think so. I was so close to getting the iPhone 4s but I quickly swayed to the Galaxy Note (which I love more than love itself ).

    I'm interested in seeing what Apple have got planned for the iPhone 5, either way it has to compete and do better than the successes of the Galaxy phones, HTC One X etc in order to keep a few steps ahead of Android.

    Not only that, the prices are astronomical! Jheez, don't get me started on that. But yeah, unless the iPhone 5 fixes up significantly (and no, a better Siri will not cut it), then I think android is going to smash their way to the top within next to no time.

    I apologize if I have offended iPhone users.

    Just my 2 cents
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  • Profile picture of the author GMT
    Google made a comment that android wasn't a core part of their business, the problem is they haven't monetized it effectively. Buying things through Googles app store is much harder than Apples. In terms of a market share android already has far more of the market than apple, they're just not making anywhere near the amount of money. Also sadly with the passing of Steve Jobs, it's unknown if Apple can innovate without him. So Iphone releases may become stagnant, or possibly get worse like with what Microsoft is about to do with Windows 8.
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  • Profile picture of the author HostWind
    It is interesting to see this thread jumped 2 years without a bump!
    Android is maturing rather quickly and is really showing even the less tech-savvy users how much fun it is to 'be in control'.

    As a side note, Im amazed that they continue to make phones more powerful. There shouldnt be much that a dual core phone with 1gb of ram cant do.
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  • Profile picture of the author PriceMaster
    I think Android devices already have taken over iOS devices and there's no 2 questions about it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Blinking
    I hope Apple wins. It was their patent, and their innovation not samsungs.
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