If you’re an indie developer or a small studio like CiihuyCom Games, one of the biggest questions you’ll face when launching an app is:
“Where can I make more money — Google Play or the Apple App Store?”
The short answer? It depends.
But if you’re looking for the long answer with real-world insights, let’s break it down by looking at market share, user behavior, monetization trends, and long-term profit potential.
1. User Base: Android Reaches More People, but iOS Users Spend More
Globally, Android dominates. In many countries like Indonesia, India, and Brazil, Android is everywhere. So if you’re aiming for a wide audience and plan to use ads or freemium models, Google Play might seem like the better bet.
However, iOS users — though fewer — tend to have a higher spending power. In places like the US, Japan, and parts of Europe, iPhone users are more comfortable paying upfront or making in-app purchases.
In a nutshell:
- Want bigger reach? Go with Google Play.
- Want paying users? iOS might be your gold mine.
2. Payment Behavior and Monetization
Apple’s ecosystem is known for smooth, reliable payments. Conversion rates are typically higher, and users are used to paying for quality. On the flip side, Android users often prefer free apps, and may hesitate to spend unless the value is very clear.
But that doesn’t mean Android isn’t profitable. If you know how to monetize with ads (like through AdMob), Android’s huge user base can still bring in steady revenue — even if each user only contributes a little.
Monetization breakdown:
- iOS: Better for paid apps and in-app purchases.
- Android: Better for ad-based income with a large volume of users.
3. Store Fees and Policies
Both Google and Apple take a 15–30% cut of your earnings, depending on how much you make annually. In recent years, both platforms have introduced lower rates for smaller developers (under $1M/year). So the playing field is more balanced now than it used to be.
However, Apple tends to have stricter app review policies. Getting approved might take longer and require more polish. Google is generally more lenient, but that also means more competition and more low-quality apps flooding the store.
4. Long-Term Profitability
Here’s the reality:
- If you’re building a premium app, Apple is usually the better market.
- If you’re building a freemium or ad-supported app, Android might bring you more consistent revenue over time.
The most successful developers often publish on both platforms and tweak their strategy for each one. You don’t have to pick just one side — instead, play to the strengths of each ecosystem.
Final Thoughts
There’s no universal “winner” here. Profitability depends on your app’s business model, your target market, and how well you understand your audience. But if you’re looking to build a serious income from your apps, it’s worth investing in both platforms and learning what works best for each.
TL;DR:
- Android = reach more users, earn more from ads.
- iOS = fewer users, but more likely to pay.
- Both platforms can be profitable — if you play your cards right.