In India, the large majority of smartphones run Android, many of them affordable models with modest memory and storage. If your audience is broad, Android should usually come first.
Design for real devices
- Test on phones with limited RAM and storage, not just flagship models.
- Keep the app size small for users on mobile data.
- Optimise startup time and scrolling performance.
- Handle intermittent connectivity gracefully.
Language and accessibility
Support Hindi and regional languages where relevant. Use clear icons, readable fonts and simple navigation for first-time smartphone users.
Payments
Integrate UPI intent flows so users can pay through their preferred UPI app with a tap.
Notifications
Use notifications sparingly and meaningfully. Too many push notifications lead to uninstalls.
When iOS matters
If your audience is premium, urban or international, iOS may deserve equal priority. Cross-platform frameworks like Flutter or React Native let you serve both from one codebase.
FAQs
Should we build native Android or cross-platform?
Cross-platform suits most business apps; native Kotlin suits apps needing deep device integration.
How small should the app be?
As small as possible; avoid bundling large assets and unnecessary libraries.
Do Indian users update apps?
Many do, but some do not; design APIs to support older versions for a while.
