Why Startups Often Build iOS Apps First

There’s a strong reason why some of the top companies around the world, such as Spotify, Uber, and Instagram, launched their iOS apps first.

No, it isn’t about specific favoritism or target audience, but it’s about quick deployment, early validation, higher revenue, cost-effectiveness, and reduced risk. This article answers the question, “Why start with an iOS app?” for budding entrepreneurs.

Let’s dive deeper into the topic and learn about the evident reasons behind why startups often build iOS apps first over their Android counterparts.

8 Reasons Why New Businesses Choose to Build iOS Apps First

Quick monetization, brand positioning, and user engagement are a few of the competitive traits of iOS that entice startups to choose it as the primary app development platform. However, apart from that, there are several other evident reasons why every new business often prefers building an iOS app first, which include:

1. Higher ROI

It is true that Android holds a larger market share when compared to iOS. However, we presume that users of iOS devices have higher incomes and can spend more on apps. Therefore, startups prefer building iOS apps first to secure a higher revenue in the initial stages.

A Statista report also unveiled that Apple’s App Store recorded global app spending of about $92 billion in 2024, with a year-on-year increase of 14%. On the other hand, the spending on the Google Play Store experienced a decline in the same year by $600 million. Thus, startups that want to get monetized early often prefer iOS as a profitable start.

2. Lean Product Development Strategy

The iOS apps do benefit from a lean product development strategy. It enables businesses to build a basic version of the app with essential functionalities for a quick release into the competitive market. This is an effective strategy, as it enables developers to quickly validate the value proposition of the app with real users.

Achieving this lean product development approach with an iOS-first app can turn out beneficial, giving you an expansion strategy. You can then launch the full-fledged iOS app, followed by its Android counterpart, to ensure your product stays relevant for the users, driving better business outcomes.

3. Faster Time-to-Market

Since most Apple device owners have updated to the latest iOS versions, you will have fewer devices to build and test your app for. On the other hand, Android is a bit more fragmented with OS limitations specific to devices and varying UI skins, demanding more complex development and testing.

This way, startups can expect a cleaner app build and smoother QA, ensuring minimal bugs during the launch. Not just that, but you also need fewer resources for maintenance and support of iOS apps, which will contribute to lower ongoing costs in the long run.

4. Stronger Brand Positioning

When starting a new business, you would definitely like to position yourself as the premium competitor in the industry. Therefore, launching an iOS app first will give you that thriving kickstart, considering the brand value that Apple holds.

Apple users often believe that the apps available on the App Store are innovative, secure, and of the best quality. Such a reputation and perception for iOS apps can turn out to be advantageous for startups looking to attract a professional and high-spending crowd.

5. Strict and Necessary App Store Review Guidelines

Apple indeed has strict App Store review guidelines when compared to the Google Play Store, but that is often a great advantage in disguise. In fact, it is the strict review process that ensures every app on the App Store is of the highest quality and secure enough for users to put their trust and money in, without leaving any loopholes.

When an app passes the review process of the Apple App Store, it indicates that the application is structured, immensely secure, and stable, guaranteeing the best user experience. At times, the feedback from the Apple Team can feel a bit strict and rigid; however, it enables you to fix your issues right before going live.

6. Gains Attention of Early-Stage Investors

Angel investors and venture capitalists often prefer funding startups that showcase better monetization potential and proven user traction. Evidence proves that iOS apps monetize faster when compared to Android in the early stages. Therefore, most early-stage investors look out for iOS-first mobile apps, as they are more scalable and less risky.

Beyond these traits, developers often focus more on the product scope and polished UX when building iOS apps, which significantly contributes to business success. Therefore, most startups today prefer building their MVP by seeking the help of a leading iOS app development company, with the hope of acquiring good investments.

7. Add Android App After iOS App

Startups focus on iOS app development first, but that doesn’t imply they tend to ignore Android forever. Considering all the above reasons, launching an iOS app first is beneficial for the business in monetary, branding, and investment terms.

Furthermore, a long-term expansion plan can be put into action by launching an Android version of the app. However, that’s possible only after the company has collected meaningful data with its iOS launch, validated its core concept, secured required funds, and reached user traction milestones.

8. Top-Notch Security and Compliance

Apple’s USPs, security and privacy, underpin the entire ecosystem. For startups, especially in sectors like legal tech, healthcare, fintech, and others, an iOS-first initiative turns out to be beneficial in terms of secure operations.

Apple’s iOS offers improved prospects such as HIPAA & GDPR compliance, data encryption, secure payments, etc. For all the industries where earning users’ trust is non-negotiable, startups must launch iOS apps first to establish a security-first brand reputation.

Why Does it Matter What Platform You Choose First?

As a startup, you might find it tempting and convenient to launch your app on both platforms right from day one. Isn’t it?

However, if you lack a sizable team, launching your app across all platforms will make you fall short on managing them well. Therefore, a smarter move is to go iOS-first! Launching your iOS app first isn’t just about embracing brand loyalty, but is about adhering to the strategic focus.

When seeking iOS app development first, you will attain a faster development lifecycle, quick launch, improved security, better ROI, and many other perks. Once your app is stable and widely known among a particular group of users, expanding to Android devices can seem like a strategic expansion and not a desperate launch.

Choosing the right platform for launching your app will help your startup learn, scale, and survive the initial years, and iOS is statistically believed to be the right pick!