Regarding time and money a good strategy was to start with one platform. For example, in the beginning, Instagram was only available to Apple users. The app tried to experiment with feature-set, designs, and even concept, but the product was completely ready and had positive feedback based on thousands of downloads, then its team decided to convert the iOS app to Android.

Is it hard to port an app? And what should you start with?

At the beginning, you should understand the key platform differences as well as differentiate business logic from coding aspects for each platform.

There are 4 sub-steps in an app conversion:

Review the app requirements and functionality
Adjust the app design to meet the standards of the platform
Tailor coding and architecture components for a new platform
Provide proper app testing and app store launch

Why Convert Android App to iOS?

First of all your porting decision must be based on:

1- Positive current app indicators & metrics
If you decide to expand to another platform it should be based on some countable metrics (1k downloads, 1k active users, etc.)

2- Existing market
There is no point of porting an app, if 95% of your target audience, according to geolocation, is using one particular platform. Conduct market research if there is a demand for your product on a new platform. You can try using this service - StatCounter Global Stats.

As soon as you are sure, you may benefit in many aspects when you convert an Android app to iOS. Both mobile app platforms cover up to 95% (74.94% on Android,19.84% on iOS) of mobile devices available worldwide.

As a business owner you can get the following benefits from the conversion:

Possibility to expand your market and gain new app users.
Opportunity to add new functionality. The app conversion does not equal duplication, so with new platform specifics, it may be possible to enrich a product with new feature(s).
Possibility to increase your ROI. It is a great opportunity to build new revenue streams for app monetization.
Ability to reduce the discussion time with a development team. The communication process could be shortened since there is an already existing app (source code, designs, etc.) to check its specifics and logic.

Step-by-Step Process: How to Port an Android App to iOS Wisely

How Much Does it Cost to Convert an iOS App to Android and Vice Versa?

In many cases, converting an iOS app to Android is very similar to building a separate Android app, so don’t expect it to be over in a week. The process includes adaptation of features and design to meet Android platform specifics, building a corresponding backend, applying monetization tools, etc.

As well, it is important to consider the time spent on communication and defining the project details (e.g. functional and technical documentation, API, communication protocols with IoT devices, etc). What can make a difference is the availability of “from-the-box” features for the developed platform. Sometimes, these are implemented from scratch.

Application porting services are often customized. The cost to convert an iOS app to Android is formed from all of the mentioned aspects.

On the contrary, there is no need to think over the system flow and check the feasibility of the app’s idea (proof of concept). It is only important to increase the reach to the target audience with proper promotion to get the planned ROI indicators.

Here you can get full information on how to convert an Android app to iOS and vice versa.