Introduction

If you’re planning to launch an app and wondering where the real money is, this is the right place. It’s a battle between the two smartphone giants — iOS and Android — and the answer might just change your whole game plan. Let’s dive straight into it.

The Big Picture: iOS vs Android Market Share

Android’s Global Dominance in User Numbers

Android is everywhere. Seriously, it runs on over 70% of the world’s smartphones. Walk into any crowded place, and odds are, most phones you see are running Android. It’s especially dominant in countries like India, Brazil, and many parts of Africa.

But here’s the kicker: lots of users don’t automatically mean lots of revenue.

iOS’s Premium Slice of the Pie

iOS, the sleek and polished operating system from Apple, owns a much smaller chunk of the market — hovering around 28-30% globally. But when it comes to who’s spending? iOS punches way above its weight class.

It’s like comparing a busy dollar store to a luxury boutique. More traffic doesn’t always equal more cash.

App Revenue in 2025: The Hard Numbers

Total App Revenue Comparison

In 2025, the numbers say it all:

• iOS (App Store) Revenue: $142 billion
• Android (Google Play) Revenue: $65 billion

That’s more than double the revenue for iOS — even though Android users vastly outnumber iOS users.

Average Spend Per User

And when you zoom in even closer:

• iOS users spend an average of $12.77 per app.
• Android users spend about $6.19.

This isn’t a rounding error — it’s a deep behavioral divide.

Why iOS Users Spend More

Demographics and Disposable Income

The average iPhone user is typically wealthier. In regions like North America and Europe, iPhones often come with higher upfront costs — and that’s no accident. Apple’s target audience has more disposable income, which naturally leads to more spending on apps, subscriptions, and in-app extras.

Culture of Paying for Quality

iOS users are trained to pay for quality. It’s baked into the Apple experience. Whether it’s buying apps, subscribing to services, or tipping developers, iPhone users are simply more comfortable exchanging cash for convenience and value.

Meanwhile, Android’s global spread includes millions who prioritize free solutions — understandable when budgets are tighter.

In-App Purchases vs Subscriptions: Who Wins Where

iOS and the Subscription Boom

Subscriptions are where the big bucks roll in today — and iOS owns this space. Whether it’s a fitness app, a meditation guide, or premium content inside games, iPhone users are far more willing to subscribe.

Think of it like this: iPhone users treat apps like Netflix — they’re cool with paying monthly for good stuff.

Android and One-Time Purchases

Android users still lean more towards free apps or one-time purchases when they do spend. There’s also a heavier reliance on ad-supported models — meaning developers often make pennies per user unless the app goes viral.

Regional Trends: Where the Spending Happens

North America and Japan: iOS Country

In North America and Japan, iOS dominates app revenue. High GDP, cultural willingness to pay for digital services, and brand loyalty make iPhone users here a goldmine for app developers.

In these regions, building an app for iOS first isn’t just smart — it’s strategic.

Asia, Africa, Latin America: Android Dominates

In contrast, Android holds the crown in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. While the user numbers are staggering, average revenue per user is lower, often dramatically.

Translation? Lots of users, not lots of spenders.

Success Stories of iOS-First Apps

Instagram

Instagram launched iOS-only back in 2010. For two full years, Android users were left out. Yet, during that time, it became a cultural phenomenon.

Sometimes exclusivity pays off.

Clubhouse

Remember Clubhouse? During the pandemic, it exploded — again, initially available only for iOS. That exclusivity fueled a fear of missing out (FOMO) and massive growth.

Overcast

This niche podcast app remains iOS-only and thrives by offering a premium, ad-free experience to a dedicated user base willing to pay.

Pros and Cons of Targeting iOS Only

Advantages

• Higher ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) = better returns with fewer users.
• Simpler development because you’re targeting fewer devices (no endless Android device fragmentation headaches).
• Better user experience control, important when trying to optimize for subscriptions or in-app purchases.

Disadvantages

• You’ll miss out on Android’s massive volume — at least initially.
• Depending on your niche, your total audience size might feel smaller.

But if you’re selling quality? It’s worth it.

Strategic Takeaways for App Developers

If your app’s business model relies on in-app purchases or subscriptions, iOS is your friend.

Focus your first launch on iOS. Nail the experience. Nail the monetization. Then, and only then, consider expanding to Android once you’ve built momentum (and a little war chest).

Think of iOS as your high-end test market.

Conclusion

In the great debate of who buys more in-app purchases or subscriptions, iOS wins — hands down.
They may have a smaller slice of the smartphone market, but when it comes to cash, they own the bakery.

If you’re a developer aiming for high revenue with a premium app experience, there’s no question:
iOS should be your launchpad.

FAQs

Q1: Which platform has more paying users?
iOS has fewer users overall but a significantly higher percentage of paying users compared to Android.

Q2: Is it cheaper to develop for iOS or Android?
iOS development is often cheaper initially because you target fewer devices, and testing is easier.

Q3: Can an Android app make more money with ads?
Yes, if you have a huge audience and rely on ad revenue, Android can be profitable — but it usually requires massive user bases.

Q4: Should I eventually build for both platforms?
Eventually, yes — once you’ve proven your app concept and optimized monetization on iOS.

Q5: What niches do iOS apps perform best in?
iOS apps thrive in fitness, finance, productivity, education, and subscription-based entertainment.