Android vs iPhone: Who is visiting your website?
It is commonly known that there are two key mobile producers: iPhone and Android. These phones use different operating systems, different internet browsers, and often different levels of performance and hardware. Furthermore, Android users take approximately 70% of global market share and iPhone approximately 30% (2023). Although these are drastically different shares, both account for a large population. So, should these differences be accounted for when optimising your website?
Is there a need to optimise websites separately?
There are a few key differences between iPhone and Android that are likely to impact website optimisation. First is the difference in operating system and internet browsers. With iPhone’s operating on IOS, and using Safari as the default browser, they vary greatly from Android who use varied browsers including Google Chrome, Firefox, and Samsung Internet. Second, Android devices vary in screen size and resolution, across available models, compared to iPhone's limited range in size. Finally, is performance and software. Due to Android’s appeal to the larger market, and range in models, they range in quality of performance and processing power.
Overall, there are nuances in performance between iPhone and Android that may impact optimisation. However due to the emphasis of responsive designs, there is a reduced need for drastically different optimisations for each device.
How can businesses optimise their websites for iPhone vs Android?
Although responsive designs limit the need to focus on different optimisation for the different mobile devices, there are some key elements for businesses to consider, to ensure universal ease of use.
iPhone
Is your website Safari compatible?
The primary internet browser for the iPhone is Safari. Ensure that all features and functionalities work seamlessly on this browser. Also play close attention to the behaviour of JavaScript and CSS features.
Is your website suitable for high-resolution retina displays?
iPhones commonly feature high-resolution retina displays. Test the appearance of your website on a high-quality display, and ensure the use of optimised images and graphics, for a crisp and clear appearance.
Does your website contain Apple-specific features?
To optimise user experience on iPhones, leverage Apple-specific features such as Apple Pay and Apple Wallet.
Android
Is your website browser compatible?
Android offers a range of internet browsers from Google Chrome, to Firefox, to Samsung Internet. Test your website, to ensure compatibility with all common Android browsers.
Is your website accessible from various operating system versions?
Android phones run different versions of their operating system concurrently, across their range of phones. Therefore, your website must be optimised and accessible to both new and old operating systems.
Is your website adaptable to customisation?
A key feature of Android phones is their high level of customisation. Ensure that your website is able to facilitate customisations such as dark mode and varied text size.
In essence, businesses aiming to thrive online must embrace a balanced approach, acknowledging the significance of optimising for both iPhone and Android. By doing so, they can create websites that not only rank higher in search engine results but also engage and satisfy users across the diverse spectrum of mobile devices, driving success and establishing a formidable online presence.
