Free Tool
iOS, Android, or web?
This is one of the first questions everyone asks, and the answer isn't "both" by default. It depends on who your users are, what your app needs to do, and what you can afford right now. Eight questions. About two minutes.
Based on real platform data, what I've seen work, and the conversations I have with clients every week.
Question 1 of 8
What kind of app are you building?
This shapes everything. A consumer app that needs to be on someone's home screen has very different requirements to an internal business tool that five people use at a desk.
Question 2 of 8
Who are your primary users?
Different audiences live on different platforms. Business professionals skew iPhone. Tradies and field workers are heavily Android. Know your users before you pick a platform.
Question 3 of 8
Where are your users?
In Australia, iOS holds about 55% of the mobile market. Globally, Android dominates at around 71%. Where your users are changes which platform to prioritise.
Question 4 of 8
Do you know what phones your users have?
If you've actually talked to your potential users, you might already know this. It's the single most useful data point for this decision. Don't guess. Ask them.
Question 5 of 8
What does your app need from the device?
This is a big one. If you need camera access, push notifications, GPS, or offline mode, you need a native or cross-platform app. If it's mostly forms and data, a web app might be enough.
Question 6 of 8
How will people use this app most of the time?
Context matters. If people use it on the go, it needs to be on their phone. If they use it at a desk, a web app might be better and cheaper. If it's both, you need to think about which one comes first.
Question 7 of 8
What's your development budget looking like?
Building for both platforms costs more. Cross-platform frameworks like React Native and Flutter save 30 to 40% compared to two native builds. But even cross-platform isn't free. Here's what it actually costs.
Question 8 of 8
Do you need to be in the App Store?
Being in the App Store gives you discoverability and credibility. But it also means app review processes, store fees, and platform rules. For internal tools or B2B products, sometimes a web app that lives at a URL is simpler and faster.
Your Recommendation
Your answers
If you want to talk through the platform decision with someone who's been through it dozens of times, I'm happy to help.
Book a free 20 minute call