A new study from Localytics is turning some of the mobile development industry’s conventional wisdom on its head. In general, it has been believed that elite smartphone owners who use apps frequently purchase iPhones, while Android is for those who prefer cheaper devices and are less engaged. However, Localytics found that people who own a high-end Android device (such as the Samsung S5, LG G3, Sony Xperia Z3, Nexus 5 and 6, Motorola Moto X and HTC One (M8)) are 40 percent more engaged with apps than iPhone 6 owners. Getting into the details, high-end Android owners launch 21.6 apps per month, compared to 14.3 apps for iPhone 6, 13.7 for other Android owners and 13.0 for other iPhone owners.
The report advised, “For developers who haven’t yet launched their apps, do your research to understand the various features of Android models. If you think your app could benefit from utilizing one of the Android-only features, you may decide to launch on Android first or at the very least create a design that supports the uniqueness of those models’ engagement features.”
