Should I Develop an Android or iOS Food App First?

When I first started dreaming about creating my own food app, I imagined designing a sleek interface, working with local restaurants, and seeing real people order meals through something I built. The big ideas were exciting. I had a name picked out, a logo sketched in my notebook, and even a few user flow mockups.

But then I hit one of the first real, practical roadblocks: Do I launch my app on Android or iOS first?

It didn’t seem like a huge deal at first. I figured the developers would handle that part. But the more I explored the world of food delivery app development, the more I realized this single decision could impact everything—from development time and budget to who actually sees the app first.

So, I started digging.

Understanding the Market

The first thing I did was ask myself, who is this for? My app isn’t trying to be the next Uber Eats or DoorDash. It’s local, personal. I want it to focus on small, independent restaurants—places that are often too busy or too overwhelmed to keep up with mainstream delivery app development platforms.

So, who are the customers for that kind of app?

I reached out to a few restaurant owners I knew and asked them what phones their customers typically used when they placed orders, checked menus, or followed them on Instagram. Most said it was a mixed bag, but a slight lean toward Android, especially among younger customers and families in the area.

Then I looked at the numbers. In terms of market share, Android dominates globally, with about 70% of the smartphone market. In developing countries and emerging markets, Android is even more dominant.

But in North America and parts of Western Europe, iOS has a strong—and often more profitable—user base. iPhone users tend to be more engaged, more brand loyal, and more willing to spend money on apps and in-app purchases. This matters a lot when you're thinking about launching an on demand food delivery app development project that will eventually scale beyond a local audience.

That’s when it hit me: this wasn’t just about platforms—it was about people.

Thinking About the Budget

I don’t have venture capital or angel investors. I’m bootstrapping. That means every dollar matters, and I need to be smart about how I use my limited budget.

From everything I read and the conversations I had with developers experienced in custom food delivery application development, I learned this: iOS apps are often faster and cheaper to build—mainly because there are fewer devices and screen sizes to test for. Android apps take more time to test because of the wide variety of devices, screen sizes, and manufacturers. More testing means more time, which means higher costs.

For someone with limited funds, this was a huge consideration. Even if I planned to eventually build for both platforms, which I do, starting with iOS meant I could launch faster and learn faster without breaking the bank.

Monetization Goals

It’s no secret that iOS users spend more on apps than Android users. Multiple reports, some of which I probably read twice, suggest that iOS users are more likely to make in-app purchases and subscribe to services.

Now, my food app isn’t aiming to charge users just to browse. But I do want to build in features like restaurant promotions, premium placements for local businesses, and a possible loyalty program or subscription model. These are all key features in food delivery mobile app development, especially if you're aiming to build a sustainable business.

So when I looked at the big picture, iOS offered a stronger path for early monetization.

It’s not a guarantee, but again, if you’re testing a business model as part of your on demand delivery app development, iOS is often a safer space to do that first.

Testing and Feedback

There’s something else I hadn’t considered at first: testing.

If you’re launching your first version of an app—something lean and scrappy—you want clean, consistent feedback. The fewer tech issues and device differences you have to manage, the easier it is to focus on improving the app based on real user input.

Because of the simpler device ecosystem, iOS makes it easier to control the test environment. You don’t have to worry about your app behaving differently on 20 different phones. You just build, launch, get feedback, and iterate.

That kind of focused feedback loop is incredibly valuable when you’re just starting out in food delivery app development.

The Bigger Picture

Ultimately, I know I’ll need to be on both platforms. Android’s reach is too big to ignore. In many ways, Android is the platform of the people—and that matters deeply when you're trying to help local businesses and serve real communities.

As someone working closely with a food delivery app developer, I’ve come to understand that each platform serves a different purpose, especially in the early stages of growth.

But for the first version? For launching, learning, and making smart, budget-conscious decisions?

iOS feels like the right move—for now.

Final Thoughts

If you're reading this because you're facing the same decision, here's what I'd say.

Start with your users. Be honest about your resources. Think long-term, act short-term. Use the first version as a learning tool. Launch small, test, get feedback, and improve.

Whether you're working with a developer or an agency specializing in custom food delivery application development, the most important thing is getting started. The first version doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be real.

Whether you pick iOS or Android, the key is to start. You can always expand later. What matters most is getting your app into the hands of real users and solving real problems.

If you’re in the trenches of your own food delivery mobile app development journey, I’d love to hear about it. Drop a comment or message me—let’s share notes. We’re all figuring this out together.

---