As of 2024, there are approximately 4.88 billion smartphone users worldwide, including iOS and Android, representing around 60% of the global population. This number has grown significantly in recent years and is expected to continue rising, with projections suggesting it could reach 6 billion by 2027.
In this landscape, iOS and Android dominate the mobile operating system market, together accounting for nearly all app usage worldwide. With over 3.55 million apps available on Android and more than 1.6 million on iOS, developers face intense competition.
To effectively engage users and stand out, it’s crucial for apps to leverage features like direct messaging capabilities, as outlined in discussions about optimizing interactions on platforms like Instagram.
In this guide, we delve into the process of iOS and Android app testing, explaining everything you need to know in 2025.
General Approach to Testing
A comprehensive process of checking mobile solutions involves the following steps:
- Planning: Outline the key parameters to assess, including functionality and potential limitations.
- Selecting the type of testing: Identify the devices and platforms the solution will run on, the most commonly used devices by the focus group, and the most effective tools.
- Developing test scenarios: Create test cases to cover various features and draft scenarios for manual and automated testing.
- Executing: Run the previously prepared manual and automated tests to ensure the solution works as expected.
- Documentation: Record the testing process and provide a final report evaluating whether the app meets its intended objectives.
Obviously, mobile app development companies have no margin for error. To stand out among millions of solutions, they must create scalable, intuitive, and high-performing apps compatible with all devices, which is only possible with professional Android and iOS app testing services.
Android vs. iOS Testing: What Are the Differences?
#1 System
In a nutshell, Google’s Android is an open-source system, meaning that developers can make adjustments to its code, while Apple’s iOS is a closed-source platform, meaning access to its code is restricted. As a result, Android offers a higher adaptability level while conducting tests.
#2 Devices
The mobile testing process varies depending on the devices you plan to check the application on. The complexity of Android lies in the wide list of devices from different producers that have different hardware configurations.
iOS testing is simpler because Apple offers fewer device types, with more consistent configurations across its products.
#3 Metrics
When testing iOS and Android apps, performance metrics can differ due to variations in hardware and operating systems. On Android, metrics like memory usage, battery consumption, and CPU performance can vary widely across devices due to the diversity in manufacturers and hardware configurations.
iOS, with its more uniform hardware, allows testers to focus on optimizing performance metrics such as app launch time, memory usage, and smoothness across fewer device variations.
Both platforms also prioritize network performance and app stability, but Android testing often requires more device-specific adjustments, while iOS testing focuses on maintaining performance consistency across the ecosystem.
#4 Availability
The Google Play Store is easier on developers, with a much less rigorous approval process than the App Store. However, developers need to spend extra time checking for security gaps since Google might not catch everything before the app is published.
Apple has stricter rules for vetting apps before publishing them to the App Store. iOS testers have to put in more time conducting tests to guarantee an app passes Apple’s review.
#5 Updates
Android devices can run on both newer and older software versions. That’s why testers have to spend more time ensuring that applications work correctly on all Android devices.
iOS devices run software updates at the same time and have fewer versions, making it easier to check mobile solutions.
#6 Security
Outdated versions of Android don’t receive security updates, so they are more prone to hacks. Plus, tools in the Google Play Store also allow users to access and modify an app’s APK source code. That’s why Android developers should work harder to guarantee that their software code is secure and protected from threats.
iOS is known for its robust security settings, and its closed platform makes it difficult for hackers to launch malicious attacks on iOS devices. As a result, QA engineers don’t have to spend a lot of time checking the security of applications.
Testing Strategies
When evaluating Android and iOS mobile solutions, consider the following approaches:
- Manual testing: Manually inspect the software program on real devices or emulators to spot defects and assess quality.
- Automation: Leverage automation tools to speed up execution and reduce resource consumption.
- Cross-platform checks: Ensure the app functions properly across both Android and iOS platforms.
- Regular updates to scenarios: Continuously update scenarios to keep up with changes in the app and evolving market requirements.
Popular Tools
There are many tools that can help developers and testers to efficiently check Android and iOS mobile solutions. Let’s take a look at the most popular and useful tools.
#1 Appium
Appium is a widely used tool for automating mobile app testing on both Android and iOS platforms. It’s a cross-platform framework that supports automation for native, hybrid, and mobile web apps. Using the WebDriver API, Appium lets you develop scripts in languages like Java, Python, Ruby, and JavaScript. Its key advantage is the ability to write a single set of tests that work for both Android and iOS, streamlining the process and cutting down on costs.
#2 Espresso
Developed by Google, Espresso is designed to simplify Android app testing services, especially for user interfaces (UIs). It provides fast and stable test execution and integrates smoothly with Android Studio as part of the Android Testing Support Library. Espresso is easy to use and great for validating UI elements.
#3 Firebase Test Lab
This cloud-based service from Google lets you run tests on real Android devices and emulators. It supports native, hybrid, and web apps, and works well with CI/CD pipelines to automate testing. With a wide selection of Android models and versions, Firebase Test Lab helps make sure apps perform well across various devices.
#4 XCTest
This is a native framework for iOS testing, built into Xcode. It enables developers to write unit and UI tests for apps running on iOS devices. XCTest also integrates easily into CI/CD workflows, allowing tests to be run automatically on real devices.
#5 Xcode TestFlight
This is Apple’s official service for distributing and beta testing iOS apps. It allows testers to invite up to 10,000 users via email, helping them gather feedback and crash reports before the app’s official release. This makes it an essential tool for improving app quality during the beta phase.
To Sum Up
Mobile users do not forgive any inconvenience. If an app has defects, crashes, poor navigation, unnecessary features, slow load times, or security breaches, most will simply delete it. Comprehensive testing of mobile applications is an important stage in the development lifecycle, allowing for the creation of quality products that meet the needs of the target audience.
Using the right tools for iOS and Android mobile app testing greatly simplifies the development process and improves the quality of the final product. Each tool has its unique features and advantages, so it’s up to you to select the best option according to your project’s unique needs. Automation and the use of cloud services can speed up the testing process and reduce the probability of errors.
FAQs
Q1: Why Is iOS and Android App Testing Essential in 2025?
Mobile app testing is crucial as it ensures a seamless user experience, reducing the risk of crashes and performance issues. With millions of apps available, thorough testing helps maintain a competitive edge, fostering user retention and satisfaction.
Q2: What Are the Key Differences Between Manual and Automated Testing?
Manual testing involves human testers executing test cases to identify defects and evaluate user experience, ideal for exploratory testing. In contrast, automated testing employs scripts and tools to perform repetitive tasks, enhancing efficiency and consistency, especially for regression tests.