Why Are There So Many iOS-Only Apps?
Episode Description
It's time for a bonus episode! In this one, Adam tries to figure out why there are so many apps that are exclusive to iOS. He brings in Marques, Andrew, and Ellis to talk about some of the reasons he found by talking with developers. Special thanks to Christian Selig, Karn Saheb, and Curtis Herbert for lending their expertise!
P.S - We're headed to Austin! If you're going to be at SXSW in March we'll be doing a live show so come say hi!
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 11:05 Why iOS First? 26:54 Ad break 26:57 What';s it like developing for both platforms? 44:48 Ad break 44:50 Why not develop for both all at once? 01:05:15 Conclusion 01:13:47 Outro
Links: Christian Selig: - Website: https://christianselig.com/ - Threads: https://www.threads.net/@christianselig - Pixel Pals: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pixel-pals-widget-pet-game/id6443919232
Karn Saheb: - Website: https://karn.io/ - Threads: https://www.threads.net/@karnsaheb - Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/karn.io
Curtis Herbert: - Website: https://curtisherbert.com/ - Slopes app: https://linktr.ee/getslopes - Threads: https://www.threads.net/@parrots01
Music provided by Epidemic Sound
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Socials: Waveform: https://www.threads.net/@waveformpodcast Marques: https://www.threads.net/@mkbhd Andrew: https://www.threads.net/@andrew_manganelli David Imel: https://www.threads.net/@davidimel Adam: https://www.threads.net/@parmesanpapi17 Ellis: https://twitter.com/EllisRovin
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Brief Summary
The episode discusses why many apps are iOS-only, highlighting developer preferences and market dynamics.
Key points
- The Dual Wielder's Dilemma. Marquez discusses the challenges of using both Android and iOS devices.
- Why iOS Apps Dominate. The team explores why there are so many iOS-only apps compared to Android.
- The Evolution of Phones. A nostalgic look back at the evolution of mobile phones and the iPhone's impact.
- The Battle of Platforms. iPhones dominate the North American market, especially among teens, despite Android's global lead.
- The Cost of Development. Developing for iOS requires a yearly fee and specific hardware, but many find it worth the investment.
- Fragmentation Frustrations. Android's device fragmentation complicates app development, making iOS a more appealing choice for developers.
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Episode highlights
- The Dual Wielder's DilemmaMarquez discusses the challenges of using both Android and iOS devices.“It's a deal breaker for me if it is iPhone only.”1:51Feb 26, 2025
- Why iOS Apps DominateThe team explores why there are so many iOS-only apps compared to Android.“I wanted to talk to a bunch of developers and figure out why this is the case.”6:02Feb 26, 2025
- The Evolution of PhonesA nostalgic look back at the evolution of mobile phones and the iPhone's impact.“I remember a time before smartphones period.”15:10Feb 26, 2025
- The Battle of PlatformsiPhones dominate the North American market, especially among teens, despite Android's global lead.“iPhones globally are very much losing to Android.”22:20Feb 26, 2025
- The Cost of DevelopmentDeveloping for iOS requires a yearly fee and specific hardware, but many find it worth the investment.“You need a Mac to code on and you have to spend $100 a year.”28:14Feb 26, 2025
- Fragmentation FrustrationsAndroid's device fragmentation complicates app development, making iOS a more appealing choice for developers.“Android is very tricky... there's this fragmentation that exists.”30:26Feb 26, 2025
- Design Aesthetics MatterThe clean, polished design of iOS attracts developers, while Android's aesthetic is seen as less consistent.“iOS and like the design language for Apple is very clean.”36:35Feb 26, 2025
- iOS Adoption Rates76% of iPhones from the last four years are on iOS 18, showcasing rapid updates.“That's crazy!”43:20Feb 26, 2025



