Instead, to go to the previous step in any app, Apple implements a left-to-right swipe on its devices. On Android devices, this gesture will switch tabs. And to return to the previous screen, as already mentioned, the global navigation bar with the “Back” button is used.
This significant difference between the two platforms must always be considered for consistency with other mobile applications.
Other hallmarks of navigation patterns in iOS and Android apps. The Android system has its own set of recommendations – the so-called Material Design Guidelines. There, developers are offered a choice of several navigation options. For example, applications commonly use a pattern that combines a navigation bar with tabs. A navigation bar is a menu that appears on the left or right when you click on a button with three horizontal bars (hamburger menu). Tabs below the screen title are designed to organize content at the top level, allowing the user to independently switch the visual presentation of data or functional elements of the entire application.
The Guidelines also offer bottom navigation, with panels used to switch top-level views with a single click. For native applications, this is quite an important component. The simultaneous use of tabs and bottom navigation is not recommended, as this can confuse the user. Apple has developed its own Human Interface Guidelines, where there is no analogue of the standard navigation bar. Instead, global navigation is expected to use a tab bar at the bottom of the screen. Through this element, users can quickly switch between the main blocks of the application.
Typically, no more than 5 destinations are added to the tab bar. An analogue of this element in Material Design is the bottom navigation, however, this solution is most often used in iOS applications.
The approaches of the two mobile platforms also have similarities, among which are the presence of tabs, a segmented control and a bottom navigation bar. The main differences between the iOS and Android solutions are in navigation.
In addition, mobile systems differ from each other in concept. So, Apple adheres to the principle, on the basis of which all the main elements should be located in the foreground. The hamburger menu stores only secondary functions that are not regularly performed by the user. It’s common for Android apps to hide the primary navigation in this menu.
Native layers “bottom sheets” and “action sheets”. The first option is used in Android products. In turn, there are 2 types of bottom sheets: modal and permanent. Modal layers can contain either content that involves various actions, or a list of applications that appears after clicking the “Share” button. A similar role in iOS applications is played, respectively, by the elements “action sheets” and “activity views”. However, they should be distinguished from “bottom sheets” in Android.
Touch targets and grids. Apple recommends setting touch targets for its mobile operating systems with the following parameters: 44px @1x. For Android devices, the recommended values are 48dp / 48px @1x. In addition, in accordance with the Material Design Guidelines, when developing applications, it is desirable to coordinate interface elements with an 8dp square base grid.
Typography. The two platforms differ from each other and standard fonts. On iOS, this is San Francisco, on Android, respectively, Roboto. Also on Android devices and, in particular, in Google Chrome, the Noto font is installed as a standard font specifically for languages not supported by Roboto. A programmer in the process of creating an application for a particular platform must take into account the specific features of typography.
The right choice between iOS and Android:
Don’t focus on any particular system. Developers can create Android apps for a year and then easily switch to iOS development. In any case, all the accumulated knowledge will be useful. Part of the practical skills acquired on Android will be applicable in the iOS application development environment.
First of all, the programmer needs to know common terminology that makes it easier to communicate with other mobile application developers. Thus, the naming of many components or architectures specific to iOS will be clear to Android experts.
Do not ignore special courses on developing applications for iOS. Learning these skills with teachers will allow you to learn relevant programming languages for several months, find like-minded people in communities and, in general, get used to a new profession. Similar programs exist at universities, as well as within the framework of additional education courses. As a rule, they teach development for both iOS and Android.
5 Builders for Rapid iOS App Development
Appy Pie. This platform is developing most rapidly today and has already managed to leave a distinct mark in the development of iOS applications. For beginners, Appy Pie is also suitable. Due to its flexibility in payment of tariffs, this development environment will also be useful for representatives of small and medium-sized businesses. In particular, here you can start developing applications for free, and already in the process choose the subscription that best suits your budget.
Shoutem. The product was launched on the market in 2011 and has been continuously developed ever since, becoming one of the best on the market. The platform offers a variety of highly customizable templates to choose from, resulting in a unique look and design of the application and high functionality. Shoutem is ideal for developing event management applications. There is also a Social Wall feature (“social wall”), through which you can effectively interact with other users.
Swiftic. The product was born in 2010, initially being the Israeli equivalent of Como. To date, the platform has grown to a very large scale – more than a million mobile applications have been created on its basis. The Swiftic environment has a wide variety of blocks and components with which you can create planners, generate loyalty cards, and assemble entire online stores.
The platform is also great for creating applications for organizing events and meetings. Here you can also collect ratings and comments from users. The main owners of applications built on Swiftic are restaurants, bands and event organizers.
good barber. This platform is able to pleasantly surprise almost everyone. The product, created in Corsica, includes very high quality templates and has an attractive appearance. In addition, GoodBarber has social networks, chats, iBeacons, geofencing and many other new features.
