Expanding from iOS to Android: A subscription app’s guide to Android

The discussion on whether to launch an app on Android highlights the platform's vast user reach, with over three billion users worldwide, yet also underscores a significant monetization gap compared to iOS. While Android accounts for 71% of mobile users globally, challenges such as difficult subscription sales, regional disparities in user spending power, and technical hurdles due to device fragmentation complicate revenue generation. The Realized Lifetime Value (RLTV) of iOS users can be up to 15.8 times higher than Android users, particularly in North America where Android still holds substantial revenue potential. Developers face the dilemma of platform parity, as Android apps often suffer from less optimization and updates, which impacts user experience and monetization. Cross-platform development tools like Flutter and React Native offer solutions but come with trade-offs in user experience. Pricing strategies can vary significantly between platforms, with Android allowing more flexibility due to its diverse user base and purchasing power disparities. Despite the less stringent payment method requirements on Android leading to billing challenges, unique acquisition opportunities and a more permissive tracking environment provide potential advantages. However, app store optimization (ASO) requires distinct strategies for the Google Play Store, considering Google's algorithmic differences and performance metrics. Ultimately, while the Android market offers expansive reach, the revenue potential remains hindered by several economic and technical factors.