While designing any android or iOS App, you should be aware of the difference between designing the native android and iOS App. The difference is not just in the way they appear but also in the structure and the flow of the App. Both the platforms have different ways of working, both google and android have recommended using platform standard navigation, which includes the page controls, tab views, split view collection views, and so on. Each of these options differs in the way of operation in their respective platforms, mainly seen in the user interface and interactions.
Navigation pattern in iOS and Android platform
The universal navigation pattern is always found at the bottom with the back option and viewing the previously used screens. In android, there are three options;
-> Back
-> Main screen
-> Previous screens
All the three icons present in the same order starting from the bottom left corner. Meanwhile, in the iOS, there is no back option in the bottom. Instead, the back option is present in the top left corner of each screen. The centre button is the only icon which performs both the primary screen reverting and on a long-press the previously viewed screens will be shown.
The navigation drawer is another aspect here. The function of the navigation drawer is to switch between the views of dataset, and view the other functional elements of an application. All these navigation features will be included in the material design native app.
Standard controls in iOS and Android
The complexity in the design comes while designing the usual tools, like the toggles, checkboxes, and the radio buttons. It is not that easy task to make two platforms look alike and work the same. The use case defined for both the platform has a quite lot of difference. Especially in the,
Date format
For android, it is calendar type date pick up whereas in the iOS it the custom reel style date selector.
Button
The button selection is also one of the essential features in both the platforms. In android, it is a floating type button, and in iOS, it is a call to the action type. As per the material design, the entire button format should be in the upper case.
Typography
San Francisco is the typeface for iOS meanwhile android has Roboto typeface. Noto is the standard typeface in chrome which will not be supported in android. So while designing the typeface, a close look has to be given.
Animation font in iOS and Android
An iOS user always prefers a subtle animation with a smooth transition, fluid changes in orientation, and the scrolling in the physics type. Physics type means viewing the screen by scrolling by top to down. In android, when UI changes the transition, the motion provides the continuity between the placement and appearance of the element.
Final Words:
When it comes to the mobile app development and design, it is imperative to know the background of the platform first. In mobile App design, the designer should have complete knowledge about the difference between the android and iOS. Both the usage and structural flow must be understood first.