Android is completely an open-source with an open app store, whereas Apple not only controls the hardware and codes behind the iPhone, it even wields a strong control on the quality and content of apps in the app store. The app store provides users with confidence that apps have been vetted and validated by Apple. It also offers a far more secured ecosystem and therefore immensely popular in the enterprise mobility space.
A recent report by visionMobile’s Develop Economics survey in Q3 2013 iOS and Android are the platform of choice with a combined mobile developer mindshare of over 85%. Further according to the report, looking at the selection criteria and selection platform iOS is the main platform of choice for respondents that want discovery, targeted reach and monetization, Whereas Android is preferred by developers that value open standards, ease of porting with effective speed and choice of development platform. The report also points to the fact that while across all apps the difference are quite subtle, it is enterprise apps where iOS has the upper hand.
Thus the closed ecosystem of Apple iOS in comparison to Google’s Android commands a strong dominance globally in consumer and enterprise mobility. In context to developers, the closed and controlled system allows them to develop high quality and secure apps. With a willing to buy user community the iOS platform is also the most lucrative among all leading mobile platforms.