How Businesses Can Convert Android App to iOS (or Vice Versa) to Maximize ROI

June 16th, 2025 at 09:22 am

Expanding your mobile app to both Android and iOS platforms isn’t just a technical task—it’s a strategic move to increase your reach, engagement, and revenue. Whether you’re starting with Android and planning to reach iOS users, or vice versa, converting your app can unlock new growth opportunities and help you maximize return on investment. Businesses that limit themselves to one platform often miss out on significant revenue and brand visibility.

Why Businesses Should Convert Android App to iOS or Vice Versa

Access New Markets

Each platform serves different demographics. iOS users often dominate in markets like North America, Western Europe, and Australia, while Android holds a strong share in Asia, Africa, and South America. By supporting both platforms, businesses tap into larger and more diverse user bases. Entering new geographical markets with a localized experience allows companies to grow their global footprint without dramatically increasing operational costs.

New Opportunities for User Acquisition

Expanding your app to another platform opens the door to thousands (or millions) of new users. With proper localization and UX optimization, you can attract a completely different segment of your audience who were previously unreachable. Dual-platform support also improves brand visibility, improves app store rankings, and enhances discoverability across search engines.

Generate More Profit

The App Store and Google Play each have unique monetization strengths. iOS generally sees higher average revenue per user (ARPU), while Android’s volume advantage drives ad-based and freemium growth. By covering both, you’re doubling your revenue opportunities. A single well-optimized feature can yield exponentially higher ROI when deployed across both ecosystems, especially with unified marketing strategies.

Things To Consider While Converting Android App to iOS or Vice Versa

Platform-Specific Development Languages

• iOS: Swift or Objective-C 
• Android: Kotlin or Java
  Converting an app may require rewriting code to align with the target platform’s programming language and architecture. Developers must also account for platform-specific SDKs, libraries, and APIs. 

UI/UX Differences

Design guidelines vary between iOS (Human Interface Guidelines) and Android (Material Design). Navigation, gestures, and layouts need to be customized accordingly. Even small differences—like tab placements or system fonts—can affect user retention and satisfaction if not properly optimized.

Backend Compatibility

Ensure your existing backend (APIs, databases, authentication systems) can support the new platform without performance issues or compatibility errors. In some cases, restructuring API endpoints or reworking caching mechanisms may be required.

Device Fragmentation

Android supports a broader range of screen sizes and hardware specs. iOS has fewer devices but stricter guidelines. Your app must be tested thoroughly for visual consistency and functionality across devices. Responsive design practices and scalable UI assets are critical.

Step-by-Step Process To Convert Android App to iOS or Vice Versa

1. Analyze App Functionality 
   • Define which features need to be ported, replaced, or improved.
     
   • Assess which components can be reused (e.g., backend logic, third-party APIs). 
2. Assess Tech Stack Compatibility 
   • Audit the existing architecture, third-party integrations, and dependencies.
     
   • Evaluate shared services like Firebase, payment gateways, or analytics tools. 
3. Redesign UI for Target Platform 
   • Adapt navigation, screen transitions, and native elements to fit the new platform’s guidelines.
     
   • Ensure design responsiveness for various screen sizes and device orientations. 
4. Rewrite Codebase 
   • Develop the app using platform-specific languages (Kotlin for Android, Swift for iOS).
     
   • Implement native animations, gestures, and widgets suited to the platform. 
5. Perform Testing 
   • Conduct rigorous QA on real devices for performance, UI consistency, and platform compliance.
     
   • Use unit tests, integration tests, and UI automation tools (e.g., XCTest, Espresso). 
6. Submit to App Store / Play Store 
   • Ensure the new app version meets store requirements for approval.
     
   • Prepare platform-specific store assets (screenshots, descriptions, privacy policies). 

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

The cost of conversion varies widely based on:

• App complexity and number of features
  
• UI/UX redesign needs
  
• Backend adjustments
  
• Testing scope
  
• Project timelines and team size 

On average, expect:

• Basic app: $5,000 – $15,000
  
• Mid-level app: $15,000 – $40,000
  
• Enterprise-grade app: $40,000 – $100,000+ 

Cross-platform compatibility tools like Flutter may offer partial savings but still require platform-specific refinements to maintain quality.

FAQs

Q1. Can I just reuse my Android codebase for iOS (or vice versa)?
No. Native apps require platform-specific code. However, backend services and data logic may be shared to reduce duplication.

Q2. Is it better to use cross-platform frameworks instead of converting?
If starting fresh, frameworks like Flutter or React Native are good options. But when converting existing native apps, platform-specific optimization often yields better results.

Q3. How long does the conversion process take?
Depending on complexity, it may take 4–12+ weeks, not including post-launch support and updates.

Q4. Will the app look and feel the same on both platforms?
Not exactly. Each platform has its own design and usability conventions. Good design ensures familiarity while respecting each platform’s unique experience.

Q5. Can I maintain one backend for both apps?
Yes. With the right architecture (REST APIs, GraphQL), a unified backend can serve both platforms efficiently.

Expanding to a new platform is an investment—but one that can pay off significantly if done right. Need help converting your app and maximizing ROI? Contact us to get started.