How to Succeed on iOS vs. Android — Matt Rouif, Photoroom

24 snips

Mar 10, 2025

Matt Rouif, Co-founder and CEO of Photoroom, dives into the stark revenue disparities between iOS and Android apps. He reveals that iOS users can generate up to 30 times more revenue per user, thanks to Apple's brand strength. However, Android excels in global reach, especially in emerging markets. Rouif discusses the unique challenges of cross-platform development, like device fragmentation on Android, and emphasizes the financial advantages of lower commission rates. He also highlights the importance of localization and tailored monetization strategies for each platform.

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INSIGHT

Platform Focus

iOS has strong US market penetration, ideal for initial launches.
Android is crucial for global expansion, especially in emerging markets.

ANECDOTE

Android Demand

PhotoRoom felt Android demand after gaining traction on iOS and other platforms.
Influencers and user comments highlighted the need for an Android app.

ADVICE

Launch Strategy

Launch on iOS first to validate product-market fit.
Develop for Android later, especially if targeting early adopters.

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This episode is shorter than usual and will be featured in RevenueCat’s State of Subscription Apps report.

On the podcast: why some apps see 30 times higher revenue on iOS versus Android, the challenges of running a business on multiple platforms, and why you should consider offering a free Android device to employees.

📱 Android expands global reach, but iOS drives early traction

iOS dominates in U.S. and premium markets, making it the best platform for an initial launch. Android, however, is essential for expanding globally, especially in emerging markets where adoption is higher. Apps that target international scale should prioritize localization and pricing strategies for Android users.

💸 User behavior and revenue potential vary by platform

Monetization differs significantly - photo apps see up to 30x higher revenue per user on iOS due to Apple's stronger photography brand and higher user spending. However, on Android, business-oriented users spend more when an app directly impacts their income, making B2B and productivity apps strong contenders for success.

💡 Android's lower fees and customization offer strategic advantages

Google Play charges 15% on all subscriptions, compared to Apple’s 30% initially (dropping to 15% after the first year). This means Android revenue can have higher margins despite lower ARPU. Additionally, Android offers more flexibility in tracking, design, and experimentation - giving developers greater control over app performance and user experience.

About Matt Rouif:

📸 Co-Founder and CEO of Photoroom, leading innovation in AI-powered photo editing and automation for businesses and creators.

📊 Matt specializes in scaling mobile apps across iOS and Android, optimizing monetization strategies, and overcoming platform-specific challenges to drive sustainable subscription growth.

💡 "As a business owner, it doesn’t matter. There’s no filter on if you’re an iOS or Android person. There's actually no bias. And so that's why at the end of the day everyone is working."

👋 Connect with Matt on LinkedIn!

Resources:

Photoroom website

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