Converting an app from Android to iOS (or vice versa) can be incredibly demanding. At the same time, this is a challenge a lot of businesses deal with when trying to access users wherever they are, especially when migrating from one operating system to another. Moving new users, or switching systems, it’s all about mastering key differences. So, let’s keep it simple and break it down.
Fundamentals of Platforms: Things to Keep in Mind
You should be aware that Android and iOS are quite different before you attempt to convert your application. From programming language to user interface rules of thumb, each platform has its own peculiarities.
For example, Android is written in Java or Kotlin; iOS — Swift or Objective-C. The design principles are also different: Material Design vs Human Interface Guidelines. All of these have an impact on everything from structure of code to a user’s interaction with your application.
Converting Android to iOS
Transferring an app from Android to iOS is not simply a question of copying code around. To have a smoother conversion, understanding requirements and system behaviour, design concepts, and programming languages is very important. Now, we will provide all the steps you need to follow to successfully transition your application from Android to iOS.
1. Features, dependencies and addons
Assess capabilities of your application. That functionality provided by Android or third-party services (like Google Maps, or Firebase) that will have to be replaced or at least adapted. This enables you to strategize the next steps. When planning the transition, it’s also wise to research how to develop an app for iPhone from the ground up in the event that your existing app architecture is too platform-specific to port over successfully.
2. Choose your approach
When it comes to iOS, the question is native or cross-platform. Native apps provide the fastest possible performance, but cross-platform alternatives take less time and money to build.
3. Design for iOS
Care about bottom tabs vs bottom navigation: iOS is not Android Scan the market for what seems to fit at Apple, and make the icons, color and layout simpler to fit the platform.
4. Translate the code
Convert your Android code to Swift or Objective-C. This is difficult if you are Android framework user, but there is an alternative on iOS (like MapKit instead of Google Maps).
5. Test and debug
Check on different iOS versions and devices, which leads to no crash and memory leakage.
6. Submitting to App Store
Once you have a polished app, submit it to the App Store. If all the above is done carefully, it is following Apple rules and there is a chance for it to get approved in its strict review process. Once accepted, your application is now available for iOS users to download.
Converting iOS to Android
Here is a step-by-step guide to easily move your iOS app to Android.
1. Check compatibility and features
Begin with revising the most important features of your application. Are there iOS-specific features, such as iCloud storage, that have to have an alternative? That means that you’ll have to switch to Android-compatible alternatives, like Firebase or Google Drive.
2. Select how you will convert
Rewrite the app in Java or Kotlin for native performance or use a cross-platform library like Flutter or React Native to get it done faster.
3. Prepare the app design
Unlike iOS, however, material design means that layout and navigation will differ on Android. For example, replacing iOS tab bars with bottom navigation or navigation drawer in Android.
4. Transition the code
Prepare to exchange library – for example, replace Core Data with Android’s Room Database.
5. Testing for Android
You do need to be careful in testing due to the variety of devices and OS versions available on Android. Test on various screen sizes, resolutions, and OS versions to be consistent in performance.
6. Submit to Google Play
After creating an app, submit it to the Play store. The process is easier than Apple’s, although you must still satisfy Google’s security and performance standards. When approved, your application goes live for users on Android.
Wrapping Up
Converting an application between Android and iOS can be a complex task but it can also be a very well-paid job. To be seamless, notice the differences in platform, design and coding language. Let essential functionalities, design polishing, and testing discipline guide your decision in being native or opting for a cross-platform framework.
By implementing a hybrid approach, your application will quickly expand its range and deliver a seamless experience over different platforms.
Author bio
Yuliya Melnik is a technical writer at Cleveroad, a software development company that offers mobile app development services. She is passionate about innovative technologies that make the world a better place and loves creating content that evokes vivid emotions.
