iOS Developer vs Android Developer: What's the Difference?

A detailed comparison of ios developer and android developer freelancers — key differences, rates, and when to hire each for your project in Canada.

When building a mobile app, one of the first decisions is which platform to target — iOS (Apple) or Android (Google). This choice directly determines whether you hire an iOS developer or an Android developer, as each platform requires different programming languages, tools, and design patterns. In Canada, where both platforms have significant market share, this decision impacts your reach, development cost, and user experience. This guide compares the two roles to help you understand the technical differences, rate comparisons, and how to decide which developer (or both) your project needs.

Role Overview

iOS Developer

An iOS developer builds applications for Apple devices — iPhones, iPads, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. They use Swift (and sometimes Objective-C) along with Apple's development frameworks like UIKit, SwiftUI, and Core Data. Canadian freelance iOS developers work with Xcode as their primary IDE and follow Apple's Human Interface Guidelines to create apps that feel native to the platform. iOS development is known for its strict app review process, strong security standards, and the premium user base that tends to have higher spending power.

Android Developer

An Android developer builds applications for the Android ecosystem — phones, tablets, wearables, and other devices running Android. They use Kotlin (and sometimes Java) with Android Studio as their primary IDE and Google's Material Design guidelines. Canadian freelance Android developers work with a fragmented ecosystem of devices, screen sizes, and OS versions, requiring careful testing across many configurations. Android holds the larger global market share and offers more flexibility in app distribution and customization.

Key Differences

Programming Language
iOS Developer: Swift (modern) and Objective-C (legacy). Swift is concise, safe, and the standard for new iOS development.
Android Developer: Kotlin (modern) and Java (legacy). Kotlin is now Google's preferred language, offering null safety and concise syntax.
Development Environment
iOS Developer: Xcode on macOS only. Requires a Mac for development. Apple's integrated environment with Interface Builder and simulators.
Android Developer: Android Studio on any OS (Windows, macOS, Linux). Google's IntelliJ-based IDE with layout editor and device emulators.
Design Standards
iOS Developer: Apple Human Interface Guidelines. Emphasis on simplicity, consistency, and the 'Apple' aesthetic. Strict design review.
Android Developer: Material Design by Google. Emphasis on responsive layouts, motion, and adaptable components. More design flexibility.
Device Fragmentation
iOS Developer: Minimal fragmentation — limited device lineup with consistent screen sizes and OS adoption. Easier to test and optimize.
Android Developer: Significant fragmentation — thousands of device models, screen sizes, and OS versions. Requires extensive testing.
App Distribution
iOS Developer: App Store only. Strict review process, $99/year developer account. Higher revenue per user but longer approval times.
Android Developer: Google Play Store plus alternative stores. Easier approval, $25 one-time fee. Larger user base but lower revenue per user.

Rate Comparison

iOS and Android developers command very similar freelance rates in Canada. Mid-level iOS developers charge $75–$125/hr, with senior specialists reaching $195/hr. Android developers at the mid level charge $73–$122/hr, with seniors earning up to $190/hr. iOS developers sometimes command a slight premium due to the perception of a higher-spending user base, but the difference is marginal.

iOS Developer Rates (CAD/hr)

Junior$48–$75/hr
Mid-level$75–$125/hr
Senior$125–$195/hr

Android Developer Rates (CAD/hr)

Junior$46–$73/hr
Mid-level$73–$122/hr
Senior$122–$190/hr

When to Hire Each

Hire an iOS developer if your target audience primarily uses Apple devices, if you're building a premium consumer app, or if you want to launch on one platform first and iOS is your priority. Canada has a higher iOS market share than the global average, making it a strong choice for Canadian-focused apps.

Hire an Android developer if you need the widest possible reach, if your target audience skews toward Android users, or if you need more flexibility in app distribution. For most apps, you'll eventually want both platforms — consider starting with one and expanding, or using cross-platform frameworks like React Native or Flutter to cover both with a single codebase.

Sample Freelancers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between iOS and Android development?

iOS development uses Swift and Xcode for Apple devices; Android development uses Kotlin and Android Studio for Android devices. Each platform has its own design guidelines, development tools, and distribution process. The core programming concepts are similar, but the implementation details differ significantly.

Should I build my app for iOS or Android first?

Consider your target audience. In Canada, iOS and Android market share are relatively close. If your users are more affluent or tech-savvy, iOS may be better. For maximum reach, start with Android. Many Canadian startups launch on iOS first due to easier testing and higher revenue per user.

Can one developer build for both iOS and Android?

Native development requires separate specialists for each platform. However, cross-platform frameworks like React Native and Flutter allow one developer to build for both platforms simultaneously, though with some trade-offs in performance and native feel.

Who earns more in Canada: iOS or Android developers?

Rates are very similar. iOS developers occasionally command a slight premium, but the difference is negligible. Experience level, portfolio quality, and specialization (e.g., AR, payments, health tech) have a much bigger impact on rates than platform choice.

Should I use React Native or Flutter instead of native development?

Cross-platform frameworks are great for MVPs and simpler apps, saving 30-40% on development costs. For complex apps requiring deep platform integration, native development delivers better performance and user experience. Discuss your specific needs with a developer to decide.

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